Scarf play with music for a newborn?  OH YES! Discover the magic of scarf play with music for your newborn and how it can engage their senses and promote development.

Multi-Sensory Stimulation:

As your baby feels, touches and sees the scarf moving, and hears the music match the movements, so many of their senses are sending messages to the brain all at the same time. In turn, your baby’s brain is absorbing and integrating this sensory information, building neural connections that can become automated awareness, leaves their brain energy for new things to learn.

Interactive Play for Development:

Because infants rely on interactive play with a loving family member to stimulate them,  calm them,  and enable them feel joy… all which are key to optimal infant development, scarves offer a gentle way to accent your play and spark creativity.

Incorporating Scarf Play in Family Time:

Mommy and me music playtime with a scarf can provide all of that…  moving the scarf along with vocal play, describing words, upbeat tunes or sweet lullabies.   Daddy and me activities can be a bit more robust, holding baby up to their chest facing out, and marching through the room with a scarf hanging over their legs… swishing on their skin with the movement.   Siblings can lay down in front of Baby, facing them for some delightful infant tummy time playing peek-a-boo, or bouncing the scarf to the beat of rhymes they chant.  Scarves are actually a wonderful prop for infant play with your whole family seated in a circle around them tossing the scarf to each other and peeking out at baby in turn.

Understanding Your Baby’s Sensory Sensitivity:

Be aware, each baby has their own sensory sensitivity.  Now is a good time to carefully watch to see what your baby is communication to you and adjust accordingly.  When your baby seems to avoid or whimper during scarf play, you may need to slow down, start with just visual play or only gently touch extremities.  Often young babies can become averse to scarf play when it is immediately used on their face and it may freak them out since they don’t understand it.   Any peekaboo play should start with your own face, and they will love it.  Once your baby knows what to expect, and enjoys this multi-sensory play, they may be eager for more close to the face movement and robust movements.

Enhancing Scarf Playtime:

Try this:  Start with vocalizing on “aah” or “ooh” going higher or lower in pitch MATCHING the movements of the scarf above them as they are laying on the floor.  (They love your voice, even if you don’t.)   You may include describing words to add the benefit of language development.  Use directional words such as up-down, around, over-under, in-out, or action words like swoop, swish, swirl, hop,  jump, etc.

Add a personal touch by singing your baby’s name.  As you slowly move the scarf upward, focus on the first vowel in their name as the pitch in your voice slowly climbs higher before finishing their name in a playful way.  Enjoy the same going lower until the scarf rests on their belly.  If they reach for it, let them bat it around and maybe even grab it and pull it in toward the center of their body.

Enhance your play by playing some instrumental music and move the scarf along with the flow of pitch, with small movements for quiet music and bigger movements for louder music.

Benefits of Scarf Play:

As a tiny infant, your baby may not be moving their head side to side yet, so seeing the bright blurry scarf flow above them, and hearing the pitch of your voice sync with the scarf movement is an incredible learning experience.  As your baby starts to move their head side to side, they are eager to practice and develop their independent eye tracking to watch the scarf glide across their vision.

As your baby reaches for the scarf, they are practicing their ability to extend their extremities, and as they grab at it and pull it in, they are practicing their ability to flex and hold, critical gross motor skills for infants.  Stephanie Johnson, in her book “Baby Bare” calls the first three months of a baby’s life the “Squishies” stage, and these specific visual and motor skills are the first most important aspects of their critical  early development.

Before babies can try to imitate anything, their brain is programmed to learn quite complex concepts from their experiences.  Babies’ brains are primed to create neural pathways for intervals and math through the more rich classical and jazz music.  Simply listening is a delightful background for their daily experiences, but interactive play while listening is when the real learning occurs. Once a child begins to try to imitate, we adapt it for their singing range  and capabilities.

Choosing the Right Music:

The barbershop quartet version of “Home Sweet Home” on the free Kindermusik APP (available for any mobile device) is found in the Theme: Relaxation, and has a wonderful high and low flow, perfect for scarf play.  For a delightful song with verbal directions, enjoy “Up, Up in the Sky” with your little bird.  Download the APP today for music YOU will love to listen to repeatedly as well.

Next Step….Kindermusik!

For an ongoing supply of new ideas and music you can use together with your baby, join us anytime during your infant’s first three months with our special Newborn Offer.  If your baby is older, sign up today to Preview a Class and see the musical magic in action with other families with newborn infants, and babies up to walking.

 

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We hope this inspires you to embrace scarf play with music as a valuable tool for newborn sensory development, fostering a strong bond and providing enriching experiences for your baby.

With Music and Magic,
Team Grow and Sing Studios

By Debbie Mondale, Accredited Kindermusik Educator

Do you wonder why it is so important for our babies to rock and roll – move freely… and why toddlers love repeatedly falling over on purpose or preschool-age children spin themselves silly?

Balancing is not a skill we are born with, it must be trained in coordination with our body and brain.  The good news, training for this cognitive development is natural and FUN, and this is a skill that impacts us every day of our entire lives, even essential for our survival.  Encouraging children to move creatively is a good start, AND there are many mommy and me type activities that enhance this process.

The movements of our little one’s bodies train their brain to know how their body is positioned in the space around them, where UP is, and how to balance.   The video below shows a pretty cool way to demonstrate this vestibular system as it occurs in the inner ear and sends messages to train the brain for balance and so much more.

 

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Usborne – How Your Body Works – 1975

The inner ear is a curled up tube with three extra loops which are filled with a liquid, somewhat like the balloon in the video.  These loops are also filled with nerves, that go with the flow as we move around and send messages to the brain.  As the head and body moves, the liquid stays level with the ground, and the nerve endings tilt from their secured end as the liquid moves.  Messages about HOW these nerve endings move are sent to the brain to create neural connections that allow us to subconsciously balance and move through space effectively.

When rolling and spinning round and round, the liquid in the ear whirls around too, even for a little while after stopping, which leaves a bit of a dizzying feeling which children LOVE (adults?… not so much).   Spinning sends totally unique messages about balance to the brain and improves focus since coordinating both sides of the body and brain are required.

The more your child’s body moves, in every which way, the more they will be able to coordinate their actions to dance, ride a bike, play sports, and problem solve situations in which they become off balance, stuck, or disoriented.

Usborne – How Your Body Works – 1975

Think about the last time your body instinctively recovered after you stumbled on uneven ground.  Have you ever been disoriented under water after a wave knocked you over?   These are the moments when all this vestibular training kicks in to save the day.

Movements you do with them, such as  rocking, dancing with mom, wrestling with dad, and even fun pillow fights with the family are training the brain.  I remember when my son was young, he loved being carried upside down.  He insisted for almost a year that THAT is how he wanted to be taken to the bathroom to brush his teeth!

Sensory integration for babies is the process by which their nervous system organizes and makes sense of information received through various senses. Exposing babies to diverse sensory experiences is crucial for their overall development.

 

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Sensory integration, essential for cognitive, motor, and social-emotional skills, lays the foundation for understanding the world. Kindermusik classes here at Grow and Sing Studios offer a structured and enjoyable way to achieve this. Incorporating music, movement, and social interaction, these classes stimulate auditory, visual, and tactile senses simultaneously. The rhythmic nature of music aids language development, while activities like touching textures and interacting with colorful props contribute to sensory exploration. Kindermusik provides age-appropriate, carefully crafted experiences that promote holistic sensory development, making it a delightful and effective avenue for caregivers to nurture their baby’s growth.

Explore Kindermusik Classes Today! Try a class for $5 Visit growandsing.com for more information.

#SensoryDevelopment #KindermusikClasses #ParentingInsights #oviedoflorida #orlandodads #parentingorlando #orlandolocal #MusicalExploration #EarlyMusicEducation #PlayfulLearning #SensoryDiscovery #MusicForKids #EducationalPlay #ExploreWithMusic #CognitiveDevelopment ##Kindermusik #BabyMusic #ToddlerActivities #ParentingJoy #OviedoKids #OrlandoFamily #BaldwinParkParents #AvalonParkLife #StoneybrookEast #WinterParkBabies #WinterGardenMoms #lakenonamoms #MusicalBabies #GrowAndSing

This goes out to all the new parents and grandparents out there!
If you have a friend or family member with a new baby, please forward this invitation to them. Thank you!
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! As fellow parents, we understand the joy, challenges, and occasional isolation that come with the beautiful journey of parenthood. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone, especially in those early days.

At Grow and Sing Studios, we’ve created a warm and welcoming musical community through our Kindermusik classes. We recognize that large group activities can be intimidating, which is why our classes are intentionally small, ensuring a cozy and supportive environment for you and your little one.

Join us for our Special Baby Days offer from November 27 to December 1, 2023!

For just $1, you and your baby (newborn to walking) can experience the magic of our Kindermusik Foundations class. This exclusive offer is our way of reaching out to parents like you, providing a space where you can connect with others who are navigating the same exciting, yet challenging, parenthood journey.

Why Choose Kindermusik at Grow and Sing Studios?
Intimate Community: Our small class sizes foster genuine connections, allowing you to build a supportive network of fellow parents.
Expert Guidance: Led by accredited instructors, our Kindermusik Foundations class introduces your baby to the joy of music while offering valuable insights on early childhood development.
Multiple Locations: With classes in Oviedo/UCF, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, and Winter Garden, we’re conveniently located to serve families across Central Florida.
How to Sign Up:

Click here and follow the instructions.
Select the Foundations class in your preferred location.

Use code BABYDAYS23 in the additional information section to unlock this special $1 offer.

Don’t let the isolation of early parenthood overshadow the joy it brings. Join us at Grow and Sing Studios, where every note is a step towards building a supportive community for you and your baby.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Kindermusik family!

P.S If you have a toddler, we invite you to come preview anytime! : )
All the very best,
Holly and Will Lesnick, Owners
Grow and Sing Studios

Birthdays are special occasions that fill our hearts with joy and create lasting memories. When it comes to celebrating your little one’s big day, why settle for ordinary when you can make it extraordinary with Kindermusik Birthday Parties? Grow and Sing Studios offers an interactive and musical party experience that is guaranteed to bring laughter, smiles, and unforgettable moments for babies through age 7.

There are so many amazing benefits of having a Kindermusik Birthday Party:

• Engaging Activities and Age-Appropriate Instruments: During a Kindermusik party by Grow and Sing Studios, children and their guests are invited to sing, dance, and participate in a variety of engaging activities. Led by one of our amazing accredited Kindermusik Educators who are also musicians, these parties provide a unique opportunity for children to explore music in a fun and interactive way. From instrument play and dancing to bubbles, parachute play, scarf play, and puppet play, the activities are carefully designed to captivate and entertain young minds. Moreover, the instruments used during the parties are age-appropriate, ensuring that each child can fully participate and enjoy the experience.
• Involvement of Parents and Guests: Our Kindermusik Birthday Parties actively involve parents and guests, creating an inclusive and memorable celebration for everyone. The parties are designed with the guests’ ages in mind, ensuring that all attendees, regardless of their age, can join in on the fun. Whether it’s singing along, playing instruments, or dancing together, the interactive nature of these parties fosters a sense of togetherness and creates a joyful atmosphere. Parents can bond with their children through music, creating beautiful memories that will be cherished for years to come.
• Multi-Age Entertainment Expertise: Grow and Sing Studios understands that birthdays often bring together children of different ages. Our expertise lies in providing multi-age entertainment, ensuring that all guests, regardless of their age, can have a great time. Our Kindermusik Educators have the skills and knowledge to engage and entertain children of varying developmental stages, creating a harmonious and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
• Flexible Locations and Travel Services: To make your child’s birthday celebration as convenient as possible, Grow and Sing Studios offers flexible location options. They can come to your home or a venue of your choosing within the Central Florida area. This traveling minstrel-style service allows you to create a personalized party atmosphere wherever you desire. If you need assistance in finding a suitable venue, they may also be able to provide suggestions. Additionally, the studio strives to match you with an educator closest to your location, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Please note that travel fees may apply, depending on the distance.

In addition to the birthday party services, Grow and Sing Studios also offers Kindermusik classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers near UCF, Oviedo, Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Winter Garden, Lake Nona and Port Orange. These classes provide a nurturing environment for children to explore music, movement, and early literacy skills. Led by accredited Kindermusik Educators, the classes follow a research-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development. By enrolling your child in Kindermusik classes, you can extend the joy of music beyond the birthday party and provide them with an enriching musical experience.

To learn more about our Kindermusik Parties and Kindermusik classes, visit our website or contact us to book your party date. Let the music and celebration begin!

Dear parents of babies and toddlers in Central Florida,

As a parent, you know that raising a little one can be both incredibly rewarding and downright challenging at times. From sleepless nights to feeding difficulties, you’ve likely experienced a variety of stressors that come with the territory of new parenthood. But did you know that there’s a fun and effective way to help your little one’s development and provide some much-needed unplugged quality time together? Enter Kindermusik music and movement classes.

Kindermusik is a research-based program that uses music and movement to stimulate your child’s brain and promote development in a variety of areas. From language and social skills to gross and fine motor coordination, Kindermusik classes offer a well-rounded approach to early childhood education that is both enjoyable and effective.

But Kindermusik isn’t just beneficial for your child’s development. It also offers a valuable opportunity for parents to unplug from the distractions of daily life and connect with their little one in a meaningful way. In today’s world of screens and constant stimulation, taking a break from technology and focusing on your child’s growth can be a much-needed breath of fresh air.

At Grow and Sing Studios, we offer Kindermusik classes for babies and toddlers in various locations around Central Florida, including Winter Park, Oviedo – UCF, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park – Orlando and Volusia County. Our program has been recognized as a top Kindermusik program 16 times, so you can trust that you and your child will be in good hands.

Enrolling for a $5 preview class, or even for our 6 week summer Kindermusik session is a fantastic way to try out this program and see firsthand the benefits it can provide. Not only will you and your little one get to enjoy the fun and engaging activities that Kindermusik has to offer, but you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other parents in your community and form lasting friendships.

If you’re looking for a way to help your child’s development and spend some quality time together, we highly recommend trying out a one of our Kindermusik classes led by an Accredited Kindermusik Educator. Enroll now and watch your child thrive. We can’t wait to make music with you and your little one!

Learn more by visiting our website. There are quick links at the top once you click, and deeper menu options as well.

Holly Lesnick
Founder / Owner / Director
Grow and Sing Studios

As a parent, you may be tempted to keep your baby cocooned in the safety of your own home, away from the germ-ridden playgrounds and other children. However, research shows that socializing with other babies and children can provide numerous benefits for your little one. Lets explore the benefits of babies socializing with each other.

1.    Boosts Cognitive Development

Interacting with other babies and children can help your baby develop their cognitive skills. When babies engage with other children, they learn how to communicate nonverbally, make eye contact, and use their own voice to communicate. This helps them develop their language skills and improve their social and emotional intelligence.

2.    Enhances Motor Skills

Playing with other babies can help enhance your baby’s motor skills. When babies are around each other, they learn how to crawl, walk, and move around in different ways. They also learn to grasp objects, throw things, and manipulate toys. These physical interactions help build their fine and gross motor skills.

3.    Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

When your baby socializes with other babies, they learn how to interact with different personalities and temperaments. They learn how to share, take turns, and cooperate. This helps build their confidence and self-esteem, and they feel more comfortable around others.

4.    Encourages Empathy and Compassion

As babies grow and learn to socialize with others, they begin to develop empathy and compassion. They learn to recognize and respond to the emotions of others. This can help them develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion that will serve them well throughout their lives.

5.    Builds a Strong Social Foundation

Socializing with other babies and children helps your baby build a strong social foundation that will benefit them throughout their lives. As they learn to interact with others, they develop communication skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence. These skills will help them build healthy relationships with others and navigate the complexities of social situations.

 

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So, don’t hesitate to take your baby out to meet other babies and children, and let them develop their social skills from an early age. Of course, Kindermusik is such a great option for this socialization.

Try a Kindermusik class for your baby or toddler at Grow and Sing Studios for only $5.
CLICK HERE FOR A $5 IN-PERSON PREVIEW
CLICK HERE FOR A $5 VIRTUAL PREVIEW

We can’t wait to meet you!

Joyful experiences stick with us—including educational ones! Build confidence, strengthen family connection, and help your child meet developmental milestones through the power of music.

Summer 2023 Kindermusik registration is open for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
UCF/Oviedo – Winter Park – Baldwin Park – Lake Nona – Winter Garden – Port Orange

We are proud to announce our Summer 2023 program offerings. This summer we are offering ONE 6 week session for babies through age 5 in various locations around Central Florida, as well as virtual. Registration is open for both in-person in Central FL and virtual for everyone everywhere (or both). Spaces in Summer typically fill very fast because many people enroll multiple children. As always, we limit class size based on the size of the space to ensure you have a safe, beautiful experience. This is our 19th Summer and we can’t wait to see you for another amazing Summer of Music!

Kindermusik Foundations – For babies newborn to walking

Kindermusik Mixed Ages – For babies to 5 years old

Kindermusik Virtual program – For children newborn – 7 years old

CLICK HERE TO
Enroll now for Summer 2023

Our mission:
Grow and Sing Studios is dedicated
to connecting families through the magic of music.

👣Barefoot is often considered best for babies for a few reasons:

1.    Helps with sensory development: The soles of the feet have numerous nerve endings that help your baby understand their surroundings. By being barefoot, baby can feel different textures and surfaces, which can help with their sensory development.
2.    Promotes proper foot development: When babies are barefoot, they can move their feet and toes freely, which allows for the natural development of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in their feet. This can help with their balance and coordination as they learn to walk.

3.    Allows for better grip: Bare feet can provide a better grip on smooth surfaces, which can help with walking and prevent slipping.

4.    Allows for natural cooling: A baby’s foot can be a natural to regulate their body temperature. Being barefoot allows the baby’s feet to breathe and cool down if they become too warm.

However, it’s important to note that in certain situations, such as when a baby is outside in cold weather or on rough surfaces, it may be necessary to provide them with protection for their feet. It’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician for advice on what is best for your baby’s specific needs.

 

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Let’s talk PRESENCE. Life is busy, especially during the holidays. While we are in the same space as our children, you might find your mind is in a million other places. Taking some time to be mindful with our children, allows us to focus on the present moment only and not on things that have happened or things that are going to happen. When we are fully present with our children, they learn from us. When we are fully present, our children feel seen, heard, important and special.

How do we do this?
1. Slow down and just take in the present moment through all of your senses.
2. Observe your child without agenda. Simply watching and observing all the amazingness that is your child, will slow your mind down from expectation and future planning.
3. Sing a song. Music is a magical tool that naturally brings presence. It’s very hard to sing a song and think of much else in that moment!
4. Dance together. Moving with baby reduces stress and calms baby down. It also will calm your mind.
5. Come to Kindermusik! Well of course we are going to say that. Hee hee. But seriously, it’s very hard to come to Kindermusik and NOT be present because we do all of the above in class. We slow down, observe, sing and dance. Amazing! That 45 minutes each week is worth SO MUCH for learning, bonding, presence and mindfulness. Give it a try.

Happy Holidays!
Try a class for $5 (in-person & virtual)
growandsing.com

School Year 2022 – 2023 in-person and virtual classes registration is ongoing until May. We know you’ll find an option that will be the perfect learning experience for your child (or YOU, hint hint, private lessons…). Have questions? Just contact us.

We are currently offering in-person $5 preview class opportunities for our baby, young toddler and toddler music classes as well as a full preview week for $5 for virtual classes. Give Kindermusik a try! In-Person Central Florida Kindermusik classes held in Orlando and Volusia at UCF/Oviedo, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, Winter Garden and Port Orange.

Holly Lesnick is owner/director of Grow and Sing Studios, an award winning Kindermusik accredited program. She is a proud mother of two amazing kids, music therapist and Kindermusik University Coach for Kindermusik Internation Corporate.