When Kindermusik International first introduced the Family Time / Multi Age class concept, I had a mixed reaction. The idea of effectively teaching children with a 7 year age span seemed like quite the challenge. How can a 7-year-old learn the same thing as a 6-month-old? Won't the babies be over-stimulated? Won't the first graders be bored? However, many families had found that attending Kindermusik two or three times a week was difficult. Therefore, some were signing up only one child when they really wanted all of their children to be able to attend. The Family Time option enabled those families to enroll all of their children simultaneously.
The first few years we offered Family Time, I did not teach the class. But eventually, at a family's request, I dove in. My first few weeks were very carefully planned, but tentative: full of observations, readjusting, adapting, and living the experience. More and more, it made sense to me that this seven year age span is actually wonderful! And now I love teaching the Multi-age classes. Here's why:
The Babies: This is the age where the brain is the most receptive and adaptive to the environment. The babies observe the older children (mostly by hearing, also seeing, touching, and of course TASTING!) and simply learn, “This is what I'm supposed to do.” When a baby has seemed over-stimulated, for example, at noisy instrument exploration time, we have moved him further from the activity of the sound and given him his own space in which to explore an age-appropriate version of the instrument.
The Toddlers: Moving and moving and moving! Not only does the thrill of large motor abilities keep the toddler happy, but simultaneously, they hit “Language Explosion!” In the course of a semester, many toddlers go from bouncing their knees to actually jumping off of the floor, and from speaking just a few words, to sharing long, involved sentences. Their observations of the other children around them expand both their singing and their movement abilities. The toddlers are intrigued by the babies, because they, themselves, are not babies anymore! And they adore the older children, and strive to be a “big kid” just like them.
The Preschoolers: Three and Four year olds love (and can't help!) to make connections. As soon as we sing about a word or theme that is familiar to them, they blurt out, “I have a ___ at home!” The younger children understand the concept of “home” and thus learn a foundation for making connections. The older children enjoy watching the preschoolers' freedom within the structure (preschoolers THRIVE on this!); and after a full day of school, the school-age children understand that they can relax, take ownership of the connections and activity, and that NO ONE will get in trouble at Kindermusik.
The Five- to Seven-Year Olds: These early elementary age children appreciate and enjoy the opportunity to be the teacher, the helper, the assistant. The responsibility of helping carry the instrument basket, or reading the literature book, or modeling actions, is a self-esteem boost. They directly and indirectly teach the younger children how to follow directions, how to use words to express questions and logical answers, and how to watch their spacing – through careful body control – so they won't hurt the little ones. They also have the chance to be the leaders, in song, in creative instrument play, pretend play, and verbal interactions.
The Grown-ups: Ultimately, each grown up has the chance to make sure the activity works for his or her child, no matter what age. At the beginning of certain activities, the teacher will give some guidance about how this can work successfully for both the oldest and the youngest, and then each grown-up takes it from there. For example, when it is time for scarf exploration, the grown-ups will: let the babies hold, chew, watch the scarf; let the toddlers cover their heads and play peek-a-boo; let the preschoolers pretend to be a super-hero or a princess by helping them dress up, and then watching them get into character; let the older children create movements, mirror them, and then challenge them (“Can you do that on one foot?”). This is such a fun time for me to observe; not only do I learn more about each child, but I love watching one-on-one time which means so much to the family!
Music is for everybody, all the time. It is meant to be shared by everybody, all the time. The Family Time / Multi-age class has given more children (with or without siblings) and more families the opportunity to attend, and we are here to serve everybody, all the time! While I still enjoy the classes where the children are close in age, I have come to appreciate the value, interactiveness, and FUN of the Multi-age classes.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Siblings: To Bring Or Not To Bring
This past week I experienced a teaching "first." Not exactly life-changing but interesting to me was the fact that as I looked around my class, I had more siblings than actual registered children. On one hand, I was grateful for the boost because we would have otherwise had a private KM class on our hands and certainly having the other children that day enhanced the social and emotional impact of the morning. I'm fairly confident that one of the Mothers was somewhat less grateful as she had to spend most of the morning disciplining her children which left little time to actually enjoy the experience. I, too, was a little less grateful when I saw a wood block being thrown across the room. I've seen flying balls, flying eggs and even flying sticks but this was my first flying woodblock. I guess that means I had two "firsts" this week!
Parents often ask me how I feel about siblings coming to class and I always answer with, "Bring them!" As a mom of two I know that it's difficult to juggle schedules and almost impossible to find a time when you are alone with only one child (unless of course you currently are the mom of one!) At any rate, I never want schedules or babysitting costs to keep a child from experiencing the joy of Kindermusik so my philosphy is to welcome them. Over the course of many, many classes I've welcomed babies sleeping in car seats, playing on blankets or nursing in the corner. I've had toddlers and pre-schoolers color, play games, watch movies or sit with their caregiver. I've had school-age children who adopt the role of partner and fully engage in the family experience of Kindermusik. I've also had, as previously mentioned, flying woodblocks, children who run over the little ones, children (actually it was Coulter) who though it was o.k. to turn cartwheels in a room full of babies and I've had caregivers who are so weary from disciplining that they don't in anyway enjoy or benefit from the class.
When Emma Claire was a baby, I wanted desparately to have that one-on-one experience that I treasured with Coulter. The only village class that I could take her to, however, were Mondays and Mondays were the only day I had with Coulter; the only day without a babysitter. So, not wanting to leave him with a sitter, I brought him to class and I spent all of my time asking him to "be quiet and sit still." Do you know how ridiculous that is? Telling a 3 year old in a room full of balls and scarves and instruments; a room full of dancing moms and babies; a room where your own Mother is oogling and googling over your new and somewhat unwelcome baby sister is not only expecting too much, it is for sure, setting you all up for failure. Coulter is a mover; a dancer; a singer. Similiary, I was never able to bring Coutler with me when I was teaching, but Emma Claire comes all the time. She is at a stage and age where being close to Mom is all she really needs.
(Side note: I've obviously also had siblings in class that were close enough in age to register for the same class. I've had twins and even triplets. My suggestions are intended for consideration of bringing non-registered siblings.)
So, because it's a somewhat complicated and child by child issue, here are 5 things to consider when deciding about siblings:
1. What is the age of the sibling?
2. What is the temparament of the sibling?
3. What is your own temperament when it comes to multi-tasking and having your attention divided.
4. What is your teacher's philosophy on siblings?
5. How big and/or how active is your child compared to the age and activity level of the class? (Think Coulter and his cartwheeling over babies!)
One more thing to consider is that if you would prefer to have all of your children participate and you don't have time for individual classes, you would most certiainly enjoy a family time class or what we call a multi-age class. Teachers of these classes are experienced and equipped with lessons that will engage and stimulate all ages.
But if you prefer, as I do, to have that one-on-one time with your child, please know that in Ms. Myra's class, siblings are always welcome (so long as we keep wood block throwing to a minimum!) The truth is, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have any or all of you!
Parents often ask me how I feel about siblings coming to class and I always answer with, "Bring them!" As a mom of two I know that it's difficult to juggle schedules and almost impossible to find a time when you are alone with only one child (unless of course you currently are the mom of one!) At any rate, I never want schedules or babysitting costs to keep a child from experiencing the joy of Kindermusik so my philosphy is to welcome them. Over the course of many, many classes I've welcomed babies sleeping in car seats, playing on blankets or nursing in the corner. I've had toddlers and pre-schoolers color, play games, watch movies or sit with their caregiver. I've had school-age children who adopt the role of partner and fully engage in the family experience of Kindermusik. I've also had, as previously mentioned, flying woodblocks, children who run over the little ones, children (actually it was Coulter) who though it was o.k. to turn cartwheels in a room full of babies and I've had caregivers who are so weary from disciplining that they don't in anyway enjoy or benefit from the class.
When Emma Claire was a baby, I wanted desparately to have that one-on-one experience that I treasured with Coulter. The only village class that I could take her to, however, were Mondays and Mondays were the only day I had with Coulter; the only day without a babysitter. So, not wanting to leave him with a sitter, I brought him to class and I spent all of my time asking him to "be quiet and sit still." Do you know how ridiculous that is? Telling a 3 year old in a room full of balls and scarves and instruments; a room full of dancing moms and babies; a room where your own Mother is oogling and googling over your new and somewhat unwelcome baby sister is not only expecting too much, it is for sure, setting you all up for failure. Coulter is a mover; a dancer; a singer. Similiary, I was never able to bring Coutler with me when I was teaching, but Emma Claire comes all the time. She is at a stage and age where being close to Mom is all she really needs.
(Side note: I've obviously also had siblings in class that were close enough in age to register for the same class. I've had twins and even triplets. My suggestions are intended for consideration of bringing non-registered siblings.)
So, because it's a somewhat complicated and child by child issue, here are 5 things to consider when deciding about siblings:
1. What is the age of the sibling?
2. What is the temparament of the sibling?
3. What is your own temperament when it comes to multi-tasking and having your attention divided.
4. What is your teacher's philosophy on siblings?
5. How big and/or how active is your child compared to the age and activity level of the class? (Think Coulter and his cartwheeling over babies!)
One more thing to consider is that if you would prefer to have all of your children participate and you don't have time for individual classes, you would most certiainly enjoy a family time class or what we call a multi-age class. Teachers of these classes are experienced and equipped with lessons that will engage and stimulate all ages.
But if you prefer, as I do, to have that one-on-one time with your child, please know that in Ms. Myra's class, siblings are always welcome (so long as we keep wood block throwing to a minimum!) The truth is, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have any or all of you!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Let Me Learn How I Want to Learn!
I walk into the Kindermusik room, excited to share with my daughter all that Kindermusik has to offer. I know how much fun we will have, and how much she will learn and grow from the experience. But my 17-month-old daughter Elyse just wants to stay out in the hall with all of the shoes. (Yes, she is a shoe girl already!) When I get her through the door, her main focus for the 45 minute class is playing with the door stop, and trying to get around the cart to where all of the instruments are stored. It sometimes feels to me like she has no interest in what is going on the class. (Although I know that is not true because she gets excited every time we pull up to the building before class!)
I think that this is a pretty typical scenario for many Kindermusik families. I have had conversations with quite a few moms and dads who tell me that their child acts so much different in class than they do at home. Elyse is such a happy and active child. She loves music…dancing, playing with her instruments, and even singing. She talks, smiles, and laughs non-stop at home. But when we get to Kindermusik, it’s like she turns into a different kid. She watches the other children, and doesn’t talk or smile much. And like I said earlier, she’d often rather play with the door stop than with the instruments!
But I think that one of the things that I love most about Kindermusik is that whatever a child chooses to do in class, it is completely normal and acceptable. The child who runs circles around the room the entire class time, or the child who won’t leave mom’s lap is learning just as much as the child who is actively participating. So I sometimes have to remind myself that Elyse is getting so much out of the class, and is actually enjoying it, in her own way. She has surprised me many times at home by showing me what she remembers from class. She immediately starts patting her legs when I sing the ‘Our Time Hello Song,’ she does the actions to ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ and she pretends to stamp our hands with random items she finds around the house.
Each Kindermusik class is designed to accommodate all children, and to let them grow in their own unique way. Even when that way seems different than it does at home!
• Kindermusik Village provides many musical and bonding opportunities between caregiver and baby.
• Kindermusik Our Time gives toddlers a chance to explore on their own, but to also have the security of a loved one near by.
• Kindermusik Imagine That! taps into the wonderful imagination and creativity of preschool-age children.
• Kindermusik for the Young Child uses a small-group approach to music education, where the children begin to learn the fundamentals of reading and notating music.
• Kindermusik Family Time provides a fun atmosphere where families can learn and explore together.
• Keyboard Adventures is a class designed to prepare older students for private piano lessons.
With all of these options to choose from, there is a perfect place for every child to begin to develop a life-long love of music. I know that I have made the single best choice for my own children by enrolling them in Kindermusik classes. They are loved and appreciated just the way they are, and are able to learn how they want to learn!
I think that this is a pretty typical scenario for many Kindermusik families. I have had conversations with quite a few moms and dads who tell me that their child acts so much different in class than they do at home. Elyse is such a happy and active child. She loves music…dancing, playing with her instruments, and even singing. She talks, smiles, and laughs non-stop at home. But when we get to Kindermusik, it’s like she turns into a different kid. She watches the other children, and doesn’t talk or smile much. And like I said earlier, she’d often rather play with the door stop than with the instruments!
But I think that one of the things that I love most about Kindermusik is that whatever a child chooses to do in class, it is completely normal and acceptable. The child who runs circles around the room the entire class time, or the child who won’t leave mom’s lap is learning just as much as the child who is actively participating. So I sometimes have to remind myself that Elyse is getting so much out of the class, and is actually enjoying it, in her own way. She has surprised me many times at home by showing me what she remembers from class. She immediately starts patting her legs when I sing the ‘Our Time Hello Song,’ she does the actions to ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ and she pretends to stamp our hands with random items she finds around the house.
Each Kindermusik class is designed to accommodate all children, and to let them grow in their own unique way. Even when that way seems different than it does at home!
• Kindermusik Village provides many musical and bonding opportunities between caregiver and baby.
• Kindermusik Our Time gives toddlers a chance to explore on their own, but to also have the security of a loved one near by.
• Kindermusik Imagine That! taps into the wonderful imagination and creativity of preschool-age children.
• Kindermusik for the Young Child uses a small-group approach to music education, where the children begin to learn the fundamentals of reading and notating music.
• Kindermusik Family Time provides a fun atmosphere where families can learn and explore together.
• Keyboard Adventures is a class designed to prepare older students for private piano lessons.
With all of these options to choose from, there is a perfect place for every child to begin to develop a life-long love of music. I know that I have made the single best choice for my own children by enrolling them in Kindermusik classes. They are loved and appreciated just the way they are, and are able to learn how they want to learn!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Living our Kindermusik FOLs
Living out Kindermusik FOLs
What is an FOL in Kindermusik? An FOL stands for 'Foundation of Learning' and is one of my favorite components to what we do and teach in Kindermusik. I admit that I get much joy in the study of early childhood brain development. Each Kindermusik includes a main FOL that is the focus for that class. In addition to the main FOL, each class also contains several others FOLs.
As a mommy and teacher, I have enjoyed incorporating these FOLs into our every day lives. FOLs can be divided into six categories:
•Physical
•Social
•Cognitive
•Language
•Musical
•Emotional
There are several benefits to the parents of kindermuisk kids including bonding with your child, your child's social interaction with others, sand your child's stimulated creativity. By singing a simple song like 'If you're happy and you know it', you are labeling physical parts, identifying movements, and using fine motor skills. Who knew a simple song had so many benefits?!?
I have wonderful memories of dancing on my mom and dad's feet to my own special song I often talk about the need to dance and spin with your child each day to help their vestibular system, which gives the child a greater sense of balance. Activities such as this aren't just child's play either; in fact, in nurisng home residents who have a difficult sense of balance do therapetuic activities such as bouncing on large balls or spinning in office chairs. If you have ever taken a class with me, you know that I get dizzy easily! While my mom says she spun me as a child, I too am still working on my vestibular system!
A fun idea I learned from Miss Myra's class was an idea shared from other families. A great way to bring kindermusik to you and your children in a physical, emotional, and musical way is to make music and movement part of your home. Consider some music and movement time when your children are about to go crazy and you have already turned off the TV! Put in one of our fun Home Materials CDs and make music and dancing together. When the body and all of the senses work together as a whole, the brain has an easier and more efficient time with learning and adaptation of new material.
What is an FOL in Kindermusik? An FOL stands for 'Foundation of Learning' and is one of my favorite components to what we do and teach in Kindermusik. I admit that I get much joy in the study of early childhood brain development. Each Kindermusik includes a main FOL that is the focus for that class. In addition to the main FOL, each class also contains several others FOLs.
As a mommy and teacher, I have enjoyed incorporating these FOLs into our every day lives. FOLs can be divided into six categories:
•Physical
•Social
•Cognitive
•Language
•Musical
•Emotional
There are several benefits to the parents of kindermuisk kids including bonding with your child, your child's social interaction with others, sand your child's stimulated creativity. By singing a simple song like 'If you're happy and you know it', you are labeling physical parts, identifying movements, and using fine motor skills. Who knew a simple song had so many benefits?!?
I have wonderful memories of dancing on my mom and dad's feet to my own special song I often talk about the need to dance and spin with your child each day to help their vestibular system, which gives the child a greater sense of balance. Activities such as this aren't just child's play either; in fact, in nurisng home residents who have a difficult sense of balance do therapetuic activities such as bouncing on large balls or spinning in office chairs. If you have ever taken a class with me, you know that I get dizzy easily! While my mom says she spun me as a child, I too am still working on my vestibular system!
A fun idea I learned from Miss Myra's class was an idea shared from other families. A great way to bring kindermusik to you and your children in a physical, emotional, and musical way is to make music and movement part of your home. Consider some music and movement time when your children are about to go crazy and you have already turned off the TV! Put in one of our fun Home Materials CDs and make music and dancing together. When the body and all of the senses work together as a whole, the brain has an easier and more efficient time with learning and adaptation of new material.
Monday, May 17, 2010
"A Few of My Favorite Things" by Becky Schaefer
“I teach Kindermusik.” This is often met with one of two responses. Either “What’s that?” OR “That sounds like fun.” Assuming that all of our blog readers know the answer to the first response, I will elaborate on the second. Truth be told, my job really is fun. Here are a few of my favorite things about being a Kindermusik teacher.
• MY SCHEDULE: I have a young family (Grant-7, Claire-4, Max-1), and they are my priority. Grant is in school full-time, and so I teach the two mornings a week while Claire is in Preschool. Little Max gets to play at Miss Kristi’s house and loves her. I also teach one evening a week…and my children actually look forward to it, because it is special Daddy time. I work just enough to keep myself sane and am away just enough to miss my children…a little bit. It works beautifully!
• MY PASSIONS: Music and children have always been two of my passions in life. You hear the saying, “Well, it’s a job…” with not much enthusiasm. Honestly, I’ve never felt that way about teaching Kindermusik. Maybe it’s because there is never a dull moment. No matter how detailed my lesson plans may be, the children often have plans of their own. Maybe it’s because of the exciting musical discoveries that take place. Maybe it’s because of all the contagious giggles, the tender hugs and sloppy wet kisses, and all the times I hear “I love you, Miss Becky.”
• MY FAMILIES: Sharing music (in a classroom environment) with a child for the first time is a privilege. Thank goodness for the families – who may be a little hesitant at first – willing to try something new. I’ve also been blessed to have some families semester after semester. Some have shared their children from infancy right up through the time they begin school. I’ve seen them grow musically, socially, emotionally, and physically. I have witnessed and celebrated children’s milestones and am so honored to be a part of this.
• MY CHILDREN: I am a Kindermusik mommy. Grant is all boy and craves movement. This has been accepted and supported as our Kindermusik teachers patiently shape his love of music and foster his zest for life. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Claire is more reserved. She has blossomed from always needing me to being a quiet leader in her classes. Again, her personality has always been respected and encouraged by her gentle teacher. My little Max will experience Kindermusik this summer, and I can hardly wait! Three very different personalities, yet three perfect fits for Kindermusik.
I have been teaching for six years and cannot imagine doing anything else. I have the best job ever – and I pray that I never take that for granted. From an educator standpoint and a mommy standpoint, I believe in Kindermusik. It goes without saying, but my job is fulfilling and rewarding. I get the chance to make a difference in the lives of children through music. In turn, each child has made a difference in my life.
• MY SCHEDULE: I have a young family (Grant-7, Claire-4, Max-1), and they are my priority. Grant is in school full-time, and so I teach the two mornings a week while Claire is in Preschool. Little Max gets to play at Miss Kristi’s house and loves her. I also teach one evening a week…and my children actually look forward to it, because it is special Daddy time. I work just enough to keep myself sane and am away just enough to miss my children…a little bit. It works beautifully!
• MY PASSIONS: Music and children have always been two of my passions in life. You hear the saying, “Well, it’s a job…” with not much enthusiasm. Honestly, I’ve never felt that way about teaching Kindermusik. Maybe it’s because there is never a dull moment. No matter how detailed my lesson plans may be, the children often have plans of their own. Maybe it’s because of the exciting musical discoveries that take place. Maybe it’s because of all the contagious giggles, the tender hugs and sloppy wet kisses, and all the times I hear “I love you, Miss Becky.”
• MY FAMILIES: Sharing music (in a classroom environment) with a child for the first time is a privilege. Thank goodness for the families – who may be a little hesitant at first – willing to try something new. I’ve also been blessed to have some families semester after semester. Some have shared their children from infancy right up through the time they begin school. I’ve seen them grow musically, socially, emotionally, and physically. I have witnessed and celebrated children’s milestones and am so honored to be a part of this.
• MY CHILDREN: I am a Kindermusik mommy. Grant is all boy and craves movement. This has been accepted and supported as our Kindermusik teachers patiently shape his love of music and foster his zest for life. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Claire is more reserved. She has blossomed from always needing me to being a quiet leader in her classes. Again, her personality has always been respected and encouraged by her gentle teacher. My little Max will experience Kindermusik this summer, and I can hardly wait! Three very different personalities, yet three perfect fits for Kindermusik.
I have been teaching for six years and cannot imagine doing anything else. I have the best job ever – and I pray that I never take that for granted. From an educator standpoint and a mommy standpoint, I believe in Kindermusik. It goes without saying, but my job is fulfilling and rewarding. I get the chance to make a difference in the lives of children through music. In turn, each child has made a difference in my life.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
"Happy Mother's Day!" by Sue Winters
I hope all the moms out there are enjoying a great day! As I reflect on what makes
“Mother’s Day” special, I immediately think of my children and grandchildren. I’m sure, just as I do, you also enjoy spending time with your children, showering them with hugs and kisses, praising them, sharing projects together, and even exchanging gifts.
With any of these love languages, we show how much we care for each other.
One of my favorite “mom” gifts to share is the gift of music. Both of my children are now grown and are out on their own. When they were younger, they were involved in school musical productions, flute, percussion, guitar, and piano lessons and recitals, various festivals and competitions. Music was a big part of their lives. As a mom, I felt so proud to be part of their accomplishments. I was one of those moms who had butterflies on the inside but was beaming on the outside! No one could bring more joy to me than my children when it came to musical activities.
As the years have passed, I am now blessed with grandchildren and love to see them involved in music as well as many other activities. Kindermusik is a must for me, and my grandsons, to my knowledge, really enjoy it. In our weekly classes, parents and grandparents are encouraged to participate with the children to some degree – more involvement with the younger ages and less as they get older. We are always involved in some way whether it be active participation with them or just sitting back to observe. I have to chuckle every time I see the children looking at their partners to make sure they are paying attention to them. My grandson Noah is always making sure I’m watching!
As a result of this time together, my grandsons really enjoy the music and love to share it with everyone. I caught Noah (my oldest grandson) teaching his younger brother the other day how to join him in an ensemble. He was telling him to play the bell for the segment “hear the bell a ringin” in the train song. Now never mind that Noah’s brother Otto is only 10 months old! Structure does not matter at this age but it does matter
how much enjoyment they have in the learning process!
How can something like this not bring joy to a mother or grandmother’s heart? This joy is genuine and will last far beyond any material gifts. I know you all cherish
similar things about each of your children. I know you all have a story or a blog that you could write. I hope you have a chance to reflect on that today as you celebrate this special day to honor mothers.
“Mother’s Day” special, I immediately think of my children and grandchildren. I’m sure, just as I do, you also enjoy spending time with your children, showering them with hugs and kisses, praising them, sharing projects together, and even exchanging gifts.
With any of these love languages, we show how much we care for each other.
One of my favorite “mom” gifts to share is the gift of music. Both of my children are now grown and are out on their own. When they were younger, they were involved in school musical productions, flute, percussion, guitar, and piano lessons and recitals, various festivals and competitions. Music was a big part of their lives. As a mom, I felt so proud to be part of their accomplishments. I was one of those moms who had butterflies on the inside but was beaming on the outside! No one could bring more joy to me than my children when it came to musical activities.
As the years have passed, I am now blessed with grandchildren and love to see them involved in music as well as many other activities. Kindermusik is a must for me, and my grandsons, to my knowledge, really enjoy it. In our weekly classes, parents and grandparents are encouraged to participate with the children to some degree – more involvement with the younger ages and less as they get older. We are always involved in some way whether it be active participation with them or just sitting back to observe. I have to chuckle every time I see the children looking at their partners to make sure they are paying attention to them. My grandson Noah is always making sure I’m watching!
As a result of this time together, my grandsons really enjoy the music and love to share it with everyone. I caught Noah (my oldest grandson) teaching his younger brother the other day how to join him in an ensemble. He was telling him to play the bell for the segment “hear the bell a ringin” in the train song. Now never mind that Noah’s brother Otto is only 10 months old! Structure does not matter at this age but it does matter
how much enjoyment they have in the learning process!
How can something like this not bring joy to a mother or grandmother’s heart? This joy is genuine and will last far beyond any material gifts. I know you all cherish
similar things about each of your children. I know you all have a story or a blog that you could write. I hope you have a chance to reflect on that today as you celebrate this special day to honor mothers.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2010 by Wendy Ensz
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats
Time flies. The first children I taught who graduated from Kindermusik (Kindermusik Class of 1999) are now graduating from High School. Over the years, many Kindermusik alumni, and their parents, have kept in touch. All are still involved in music in some way, shape of form. YES – that is what the journey is all about – learning to love music, learning to love learning, learning to love making music as part of a group, and keeping all of these things in our hearts forever.
Since then, eleven other graduating classes have brought joy and special dynamics to our program. This year, of course, we have our own Kindermusik class of 2010. While the general curriculum and Kindermusik philosophy {“follow the child”}has remained in tact for all these years, every single graduating class has had its own special set of: requests, favorite activities, different directions they've taken the music, and different relationships that have evolved. But all learning to love music, learning to love learning, learning to love making music as part of a group, and keeping all of these things in their hearts forever.
Some of the children in this year's graduating class started in Kindermusik as babies; we have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow up, in so many ways, over the course of their lifetimes. Some of the children joined us as toddlers; we got to witness that first official jump, share in the language explosion, and laugh together. Some of the children joined us a preschoolers; we got to watch them learn to take turns, feel comfortable in the freedom of the structure, tie their shoes, and start writing their names. Some of the children joined as recently as this past Fall, and it has been awesome watching the love and understanding of music unfold in such a short amount of time. But no matter how long each of these children were with us, we have been so thankful to bring music into their hearts, and we cherish the music and love they have brought into ours.
You blink... That's exactly how I feel. I've blinked and now my first Kindermusik graduates are High School graduates. I'll blink again, and this year's Kindermusik graduates will be the Senior Class (2021? - oh my!). Every smile, every note, every ounce of effort, every musical moment, every goodbye hug or hi-five from every Kindermusik child has been a treasure. May whatever aspect of the music that lights their fire keep burning bright, always. Congratulations to the High School Class of 2010, and to Keyra, Riley, Ellie, Crosby, Augustan, and Hannah - THE KINDERMUSIK CLASS OF 2010!
Time flies. The first children I taught who graduated from Kindermusik (Kindermusik Class of 1999) are now graduating from High School. Over the years, many Kindermusik alumni, and their parents, have kept in touch. All are still involved in music in some way, shape of form. YES – that is what the journey is all about – learning to love music, learning to love learning, learning to love making music as part of a group, and keeping all of these things in our hearts forever.
Since then, eleven other graduating classes have brought joy and special dynamics to our program. This year, of course, we have our own Kindermusik class of 2010. While the general curriculum and Kindermusik philosophy {“follow the child”}has remained in tact for all these years, every single graduating class has had its own special set of: requests, favorite activities, different directions they've taken the music, and different relationships that have evolved. But all learning to love music, learning to love learning, learning to love making music as part of a group, and keeping all of these things in their hearts forever.
Some of the children in this year's graduating class started in Kindermusik as babies; we have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow up, in so many ways, over the course of their lifetimes. Some of the children joined us as toddlers; we got to witness that first official jump, share in the language explosion, and laugh together. Some of the children joined us a preschoolers; we got to watch them learn to take turns, feel comfortable in the freedom of the structure, tie their shoes, and start writing their names. Some of the children joined as recently as this past Fall, and it has been awesome watching the love and understanding of music unfold in such a short amount of time. But no matter how long each of these children were with us, we have been so thankful to bring music into their hearts, and we cherish the music and love they have brought into ours.
You blink... That's exactly how I feel. I've blinked and now my first Kindermusik graduates are High School graduates. I'll blink again, and this year's Kindermusik graduates will be the Senior Class (2021? - oh my!). Every smile, every note, every ounce of effort, every musical moment, every goodbye hug or hi-five from every Kindermusik child has been a treasure. May whatever aspect of the music that lights their fire keep burning bright, always. Congratulations to the High School Class of 2010, and to Keyra, Riley, Ellie, Crosby, Augustan, and Hannah - THE KINDERMUSIK CLASS OF 2010!
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