Ms.Myra: Kindermusik Mom and Teacher

At the beginning of the year I started writing a blog for Kindermusik by Bright Beginnings Studios (say that ten times!) I think some people might have considered the blog too personal for a team business; one voice speaking for many. It was the only way I knew how to write, though, because I have been teaching Kindermusik for the past 10 years and I've been a Kindermusik Mom for almost five. The line between my professional and personal life faded long ago. And, you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.


Now, to be honest, I’ve always felt that I handled both aspects of my Kindermusik life with grace and professionalism (you know, humbly speaking.) I’ve often thought how fortunate Coulter is to have a music teacher as a mom. I mean he’ll be so much more prepared than the others students, right? He’ll have someone who knows what it takes and can give him the support and encouragement that he needs. I realize that he might prefer something cooler like a fireman (woman?) for a mom, or perhaps some awesome sports oriented mom who would know you’re supposed to bring a glove and wear long pants to t-ball practice (a random example, obviously!) But he doesn’t; he has a music teacher for a mom and you’d think this would be helpful in at least one area of his life. As it turns out, not so much!


This year Coulter has been participating in Kindermusik for the Young Child. It is, for lack of a better description, a pre-piano course that encompasses everything from note reading and rhythms to instrument families and composers (or, as Coulter would say, “the guys who wore wigs and are already dead.”) Children, ages 4 ½ to 7, attend the first 45 minutes alone and grownups join for the last ten. Children are learning not only to read notes, but to sing and play short melodies on the glockenspiel. It is the only Kindermusik class that has weekly at-home lessons. Weekly at-home lessons that we continually forget to do. Some days I feel like everyone else gets the God-allotted seven days, but that I’m stuck with only six. I mean how else do I continually find us unprepared on Saturday mornings for Ms. Wendy’s class?


I teach my own Young Child class on Fridays. Again, you’d think this would be helpful. From this experience, however, I have come to realize that on Fridays I am (or try to be) an understanding, patient, loving teacher who knows that children thrive on schedule and routine and structure. I try to create a positive atmosphere for learning where no-one feels left behind and certainly where no child ever feels badly if they haven’t completed the “homework.”(Although sometimes I do joke with parents that perhaps more at-home time is needed.) On Friday I would never lose my patience with a child, knowing that each child is trying their best and that this class, if nothing else, is about process not performance. Well, that’s me on Fridays. Less than 24 hours later, I turn in to psycho Saturday Mom; an insecure, over-anxious stage-mom-to be. Structure and routine have gone out the window all week and suddenly I expect Coulter to know his lesson. I have no patience for mistakes, especially if I feel like he’s not trying. I am easily frustrated and I snap at him for not listening. A couple of weeks ago, I even went so far as to have Coulter practice in the car. He had just finished with a soccer game. He was tired and hungry and looking forward, I suspect, to a little break. Instead, I took out the glockenspiel, held the music up behind me (fortunately I wasn’t driving) and made Coulter practice “Mouse Mousie” for the 15 minute drive to Kindermusik. He had played it so much that by the time we got there, Emma Claire had started singing it (just a few more minutes and she probably could have played it, too!)So, what does this say about me?


Well, if the training course I recently completed for my job at Children's Home is to be trusted, it means I’m afraid. The course is founded on the principle that all behavior is communication and communication is either love based or fear based. When my students come to me on Friday, I have nothing to fear. But with Coulter, I have plenty to fear. Will Ms. Wendy know if we haven’t practiced?(duh!)What will the other parents think if Coulter, Ms. Myra’s son, isn’t prepared? Will they think he’s not smart? Not talented? I can just hear the therapist at our school, “Perhaps you are fearful of what his “performance” says about you and maybe you’re thinking if you can’t be a good Kindermusik Mom (whatever that is!), how can you be a good Kindermusik teacher?” Well, I wasn’t exactly thinking that, you know, but whatever!


The truth is, I haven’t really had my “aha” moment with this. I do know that I am a better teacher to children other than my own and I know that home schooling will not be an option for us. I mean seriously, if I can’t get through “Mouse Mousie” without nearly losing it, how would we possibly take on Calculus? Who am I kidding, I didn’t even take Calculus. If it weren’t for spell check, I wouldn’t even know how to spell Calculus. And speaking with both my teacher and mom voice, I think perhaps, we all need to relax and give our children (and ourselves!) a break. They will find their talents, their gifts and their joys. They will excel; they will shine; they will find their way. And at the end of the day, I know that the experience he is having is, as Kindermusik promises, “a good beginning that will not end.” I know that Ms. Wendy is laying a foundation for future learning and we’ll get there together, even if we did fail Mouse Mousie week!

The Special Heart of a Two-Year Old by Tarina Stroh

I recently completed a ten week Our Time class. I’ve taught many classes, but this one brings a special smile to my face. There is just something timeless about two year olds! They transition from baby toddlers to two year old toddlers. They discover what makes them tick and also what ticks them off! They begin to play with things that interest them though it may not be a "real" toy.

Our Time is a kindermusik class designed for 1 1/2 to 3 year olds. It is filled with story time, a listening center and lots of instrument exploration. Each activity centers on the child, and that can mean children running in circles, hiding under tables and climbing up and down from their partners lap, all while feeling and experiencing the music. Often times, I find myself reassuring parents that this completely age appropriate for two year olds!

A really special part of an Our Time class is the bonding that occurs between parent and child and even teacher and child. We begin our evening with a hello song and allow each child to pick their movement. Some typical greetings include swinging, running, and bouncing, but no, not with this class! Our greetings included bowling, rolling and flying, just to name a few. In the five years that I have been teaching, I’ve never “bowled hello.” It’s so precious to see their little imaginations at work and to see them, literally, bowl in the air to a beat!

Another beautiful quality of two year olds is their loving spirit. They are just getting over their ‘stranger danger’ fears and slowly beginning to find a rhythm of familiarity to their schedule, even if it is only 1 time a week. I have had many parents remark that they were going to take the night off only to find that their child would not let them! They love the security of a schedule and that same comfort can be felt in class when we begin and end the same way.

The final most precious moment of our timeless two year olds was the way they hugged and snuggled up with me and other partners in class as if I was their 32 year old grandma. And as our class ended we would hug and kiss George and get ready for a stamp. I would typically stamp both of their hands but oh no, not with this class. With parent permission, each little two year old would come ready for a stamp by showing me their two year old tummy. Yes, I would stamp all of their tummies each night! How it started? I don't even know, but maybe by the creative child who suggested bowling at the night’s opening!

My time to “Mother” my own two year olds has come to end as they are now energetic and joyful three year olds, but what a joy to share in the lives of my students and reflect on the “timeless times” of two year olds. I have so enjoyed them in Our Time this Spring!

It Takes All Kinds to Make the World Go ‘Round by Becky Schaefer

Each child is so unique and so special in his/her own way. I see this both in my classes I teach and at home with my own children. It is obvious why children in a classroom setting differ – they all come from their own set of experiences, situations, parenting styles, and values. In a home setting, we can provide each of our children with the same teachings, examples, experiences, and values. It stands to reason that children within the same family should be similar, right? Not necessarily.

My first “baby” will turn seven this month. The first several months of motherhood presented a huge learning curve. Around the time Grant celebrated his first birthday, I was pretty well settled in to being a mom and feeling pretty confident in my new role. Basically, I was sure I had it all figured out. Wrong.

My second baby, Claire, arrived shortly after Grant turned two. I am a creature of habit so I tried all the same routines, methods, and tricks that were fresh in my mind and had worked so well the first time around. Plus, I was a pro at this whole baby thing by now – I had done it once, how hard could it be to do it again? It became clear to me, in a hurry, that I didn’t have a clue – Claire was a completely different child. After a lot of unnecessary stress and pressure on myself, I had to let go of my expectations. I needed to take a few steps back and really get to know this beautiful baby girl. I had to accept and respect this new little personality.

Really, I could have almost predicted these two babies would be different. Not just because of the boy-girl factor; but also based on each pregnancy. It is amazing how early their little personalities shine through.

From the moment I first felt Grant move, I am certain he was running. Seven years later, he is still running. He may be our “wild man,” but he is also a very polite and compassionate little boy. He is a bundle of energy and excitement, always ready to pursue the next adventure – hoping that it’s bigger and better than the one before. Grant craves movement – he’s always in on the action. He runs full speed ahead (details are nonexistent in his world), will try almost anything, and is fearless. This has resulted in some trouble (and stitches) in the past, but it can also be a positive approach to life. Grant is definitely my spirited child – one who is destined to get the most out of his life.

In pregnancy, Claire was calm but strong. Four years later, not much has changed. She is a child who will sit back and observe a situation. Claire approaches a new situation with a great deal of caution, but is usually willing to give it a try. She does not need to move and do big things – she’s perfectly content to be at home. Details are a big part of all Claire does, and she enjoys the simple things in life. She loves to help around the house, because it is time spent together. She really craves that one on one attention and affection. Claire shows her strong side (attitude with some drama) only when she needs to.

So, after two very different personalities, I thought I had seen it all. Wrong again. My third little miracle, Max, is teaching me all over again. Back to pregnancy, Max seemed perfectly content and comfortable right where he was. At ten months old, Max is a very laid-back and content baby. He is in no hurry to crawl, to sit, or to grow for that matter. Max is not looking to break any records, but I can’t complain. He is my happiest baby, my snuggler, and a total sweetheart. He does have a temper, but we don’t see it too often. Max usually verges on being ridiculously happy and is pretty much in love with life.

Three very different babies/children and three very different personalities. There is never a dull moment at our house. As exhausting as it can be, I wouldn’t change any one of them. They all balance each other out, and the combination of personalities keeps me guessing. I learn from each of them every day.

From Grant, I learn to be excited about life and its possibilities. I am also reminded to always treat others with compassion. From Claire, I learn to discover more about a situation before making a judgment. She also reminds me that time and affection are among the greatest gifts. From Max, I am learning to “put on my happy face,” even when I don’t feel like it. He also teaches me to slow down, to be content, and to love the moment I’m in.

Raising my own children has helped me be a better Kindermusik teacher. In turn, teaching Kindermusik has helped me be a better mom. Both have been a life lessons for me. I am reminded that each child (and each adult) really is unique and special. It is so important to accept that and to respect it. Instead of viewing it as a challenge, we should embrace and celebrate these differences. It truly does “take all kinds to make the world go ‘round.” My little blessings are doing their part to help the world go ‘round and to make the ride a little more interesting.