Language Learning

"Kindermusik Foundations of Learning: For language acquisition to progress naturally, Baby needs varied and frequent language experiences, including opportunities to "converse" with you, hear you talk about events as they happen, hear conversation between others, and be exposed to books. The Dream Pillow book is organized around repeating rhythmic patterns and sentences, and is designed to bathe Baby in the sounds, rhythm, and syntax of our language."
This week start reading the book just before bedtime(if you haven't started doing this already). Slow down for a minute. Take your time. Enjoy reading with your child. Try using a soothing tone of voice. Repeat the text on each page as long as your child is listening. If your child does not respond well to this activity at bedtime, try it around nap time, or when they first wake up.
Just for fun, do you ever wonder what your child is dreaming about? Feel free to post your thoughts here. I would love to hear what you think.

Open Your Ears, Open Your Mind

"Kindermusik Foundation of Learning: Listening is a form of attending. As you Model Listening in this activity, and as you pateintly support Baby's sustained interest in an activity, you are helping him develop an important life skill - focused attention."
This week try to include listening in your daily play with your child. Use the song "Listen, Listen" and the rhyme "So High". Look around your house for items that make interesting sounds; plastic water bottles with some water to shake, wax paper to scrunch, glasses filled with different amounts of water can be gently tapped to make different pitches, plastic containers turned upside down make a nice clip clop sound. If you use your imagination the possibilities are endless.
Sing the song, or say the rhyme using one of your new found instruments. Continue free play with the new sound as long as your child is interested. Then move on to another new sound.
"As you encourage Baby to become more attuned to his sound environment, you will probably start noticing sounds you hadn't noticed before yourself."

Starting a Journal for Kindermusik

Some thoughts and activities from Kindermusik(R)
"The Importance of Ritual
Kindermusik Foundations of Learning
In the simple interaction of daily care routines, Baby is learning from you in many ways- through your language, touch, eye contact, tone of voice, pacing and more. She is also developing a sense of sequence of the days events. Most importantly, though, in these acts of care she is learning how much she is loved by you.
Home Activity
As we go about our daily lives we create, and recreate routines. This may be done intentionally or without really thinking about it. Consider the daily routines in your life that relate to caring for your baby. Choose one of your routines to focus special attention on this week. As you go through that routine whether it be diapering Baby, feeding her, or taking her to her daycare, focus on adding a special element to the experience. You can take extra time, sing and talk to Baby, pay attention to sensory input- light, sound (music!), smells, taste, and touch- a kiss, a hug, or intentional touch as we did in class."

First Day of Fall Classes

What a wild morning! I wish I had been able to get things organized a little better. Thanks to everyone for being so sweet, and patient with me. Next week should go much more smoothly. The mamas did such a great job. Everyone was on time, and energetic. I love it when everyone sings! The kids were amazing today, all so cute and sweet. Circle dances were a big hit. This week listen to your C.D's, and have fun with your at home materials. Remember to use your online codes. I am very excited for next week. Remember that September tuition is due next Monday(since I was a little out of sorts today). We will also take a few pictures, and maybe do some video next week. See you all soon!

Brand New Blog

Yes, this is a new blog, and it is all about music. I am getting my studio going right now, and I thought it would be nice to have a special blog just for the studio. Just another way to keep families up to date about the classes I am offering, and any other musical thoughts that might pop into my mind. This blog will also have some inspirational quote, as well as some of my favorite music.