Category: new mommy
Newborn Sensory Play: Exploring Scarf Play with Music
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
Enter to win $100 of KINDERMUSIK CLASSES and an INSTRUMENT/PROP GIFT PACK!
Dear Families,
It’s time for Kindermusik International’s annual “We Love Kindermusik” week ALL around the world. Kindermusik is enjoyed by so many, and once again we can all share our experiences and love for this amazing enrichment program together.
“WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK” week is truly intended to be a week of happy reminders of why we all love Kindermusik and most importantly, of all the special people – educators, families, and children – who come together every week to change the world through music…. one child and one song at a time.
Read below for details on how to share the love, and enter to one of our exciting prizes! We are giving away $100 of CLASSES AT GROW AND SING STUDIOS and also an INSTRUMENT AND PROP GIFT PACK.
We hope you enjoy sharing the love, and good luck! — The Grow and Sing Team
Here are all the different ways to get an entry into our SHARE THE LOVE GIVEAWAY. (entries are unlimited, so have fun!)
- Color a “We Love Kindermusik” coloring sheet complete including a testimonial of WHY your family loves Kindermusik classes. Not in Kindermusik yet? That’s okay, tell us how you incorporate music at home with your kids. (THIS PART IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY). Take a photo of your coloring sheet and post to one of our socials (IG, FB, or TIKTOK) or you can even email it to . Be sure it’s set to public so we can see it. Use #growandsing Click here to print coloring sheet.
- Comment on any of our posts, reels or tiktoks and be sure to tag us so we see (each comment is an entry)
- Tag us in a REEL, POST, or STORY. Be sure to use tag @growandsingstudios or we may not see it (each tag is an entry)
FOLLOW US:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
We will be keeping close track of entries, and submit your name accordingly. However, you are welcome to email us your entry count. If you choose to do so, please be sure you let us know exactly how many and WHERE your entries are, so we can verify and get your amount right! Do not send us several emails to verify, just wait until you are done and then send us one complete email listing all the ways you entered (and how your name appears on social media!). Thank you! The contest begins Monday, February 12, 2024 and will close at 11:59pm Sunday, February 18, 2024. Prizes may be gifted to someone else if you are not able to use it. $100 credit prize can be redeemed for ANY service offered by Grow and Sing Studios including lessons or birthday party. Winners for our giveaway will be chosen by random draw. Winners will be announced sometime during February on our socials once we tally up all the votes, so be sure to like our social media accounts and select get notifications so you don’t miss the announcement of winners.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH KINDERMUSIK INTERNATIONAL, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLET.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
What exactly is sensory integration?
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
Join us for $1 Baby Days here at Kindermusik with Grow and Sing Studios
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
Celebrate and Create Lasting Memories with Kindermusik Birthday Parties by Grow and Sing Studios in Central Florida
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!
Unplugging with Your Little One: Why Kindermusik Music and Movement Classes are a Must-Try for Central Florida Parents of Babies and Toddlers
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
Why is Barefoot Best for Baby?
👣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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#barefoot #noshoesforbaby #babyshoes #babies #Kindermusik #parenteducation #parenteducator #parenttips #parentinginfo #motherhood #fatherhood
Enter to win $100 of KINDERMUSIK CLASSES!
Dear Families,
It’s time for Kindermusik International’s annual “We Love Kindermusik” week ALL around the world. Kindermusik is enjoyed by so many, and once again we can all share our experiences and love for this amazing enrichment program together.
“WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK” week is truly intended to be a week of happy reminders of why we all love Kindermusik and most importantly, of all the special people – educators, families, and children – who come together every week to change the world through music…. one child and one song at a time.
Read below for details on how to share the love, and enter to win $100 of IN-PERSON OR ONLINE CLASSES AT GROW AND SING STUDIOS! Two lucky winners will be announced. One for our We Love Kindermusik giveaway, and another for our REEL/STORIES/TIKTOK giveaway. You can enter both, entries are unlimited. Hashtags are KEY for your entry!
We hope you enjoy sharing the love, and good luck! — The Grow and Sing Team
GIVEAWAY #1 – WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK
Here are all the different ways to get an entry into our SHARE THE LOVE GIVEAWAY. (entries are unlimited, so have fun!)
- Color a “We Love Kindermusik” coloring sheet complete including a testimonial of WHY your family loves Kindermusik classes. Not in Kindermusik yet? That’s okay, tell us how you incorporate music at home with your kids. (THIS PART IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY). Take a photo of your coloring sheet and post to any of our socials (IG, FB, or TIKTOK) or you can even email it to . Be sure it’s set to public so we can see it. Use #growandsing Click here to print coloring sheet.
- Comment on any of our posts, reels or tiktoks including the hashtag #growandsing. (each comment is an entry)
- Tag us in a REEL, POST, or STORY. Be sure to use the hashtag #growandsing (each tag is an entry)
GIVEAWAY #2 – REELS/STORIES/TIKTOK GIVEAWAY – Share videos or photos of your child(ren) or family telling us or showing us why you love Kindermusik, music making, our team at Grow and Sing Studios, you get the idea! You will automatically receive an entry into our main contest, PLUS the Grow and Sing Studios staff will be voting for their favorite REEL, STORY or TIKTOK and that winner will automatically win $100 of classes (you can choose in-person or virtual). Be sure to include the hashtag #growandsing. Creativity counts! Good luck!
FOLLOW US:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
We will be keeping close track of entries, and submit your name accordingly. However, you are welcome to email us your entry count. If you choose to do so, please be sure you let us know exactly how many and WHERE your entries are, so we can verify and get your amount right! Do not send us several emails to verify, just wait until you are done and then send us one complete email listing all the ways you entered (and how your name appears on social!). Thank you! The contest begins Monday, February 13, 2023 and will close at 11:59pm Sunday, February 19, 2023. Prize may be gifted to someone else if you are not able to use it and can be redeemed for ANY service offered by Grow and Sing Studios including lessons or birthday party. Each prize value is $100 and can be used for any of our services throughout 2023. Winners for our giveaway will be chosen by random draw with the exception of the reels/stories/tiktok entry (photo/video) contest which will be chosen by our staff. Winners will be announced sometime during February on our socials once we tally up all the votes, so be sure to like our social media accounts and select get notifications so you don’t miss the announcement of winners.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH KINDERMUSIK INTERNATIONAL, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLET.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
October Kindermusik $1 Demo Days are here!
October is here and that means KINDERMUSIK $1 DEMO DAYS at Grow and Sing Studios are coming! Have you been meaning to come try out a class, or are you just finding out about our program for the first time? We invite you to come check out one of these classes FOR ONLY $1, have some fun, make some music and hopefully fall in love with the magic of Kindermusik! Reservations are required and space is limited.
We are “traveling minstrels” so our classes are offered at different locations around town throughout the week (including virtual!).
First, choose the class you would like to preview based on the calendar above. If you do not see a class that works, you can also view all currently running classes at growandsing.com/registration (if your chosen class is full, you can always sign up to be on the waitlist). $1 October Demo Days are available in Oviedo/UCF, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Winter Garden, Lake Nona and Port Orange. PLEASE NOTE – This is not a guarantee of availability. Once you register you’ll receive an auto generated email. Following that, we will send you a confirmation email which will let you know if your preview spot(s) are available in the class you signed up for. If that class has filled with paid members, you’ll be offered another class. If no other classes work for you, you will not be charged and your preview class will be canceled. We reserve the right to cancel your preview class should the class you signed up for reach maximum capacity with paid members. In this situation you can either choose another class or be refunded. Currently due to Covid, there are no more than 12 children enrolled per class at a time (8 in Winter Park). Spaces only count for children, all parents are included free, always.
Read about our covid adaptations and classroom tips here: https://www.growandsing.com/covid/
TO SIGN UP FOR AN IN-PERSON OCTOBER $1 DEMO DAY CLICK HERE.
TO SIGN UP FOR A VIRTUAL OCTOBER $1 DEMO WEEK CLICK HERE.
We will confirm your reservation as soon as possible!
Click here to contact us with any questions. We are here to help!
October Kindermusik $1 Demo Days are here!
October is here and that means KINDERMUSIK $1 DEMO DAYS at Grow and Sing Studios are coming!! Have you been meaning to come try out a class, or are you just finding out about our program for the first time? We invite you to come check out one of these classes FOR ONLY $1, have some fun, make some music and hopefully fall in love with the magic of Kindermusik! Reservations are required and space is limited.
We are “traveling minstrels” so our classes are offered at different locations around town throughout the week.
First, choose the class you would like to preview. You can view all currently running classes at growandsing.com/registration. $1 October Demo Days are available in Oviedo/UCF, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Lake Nona and Port Orange. PLEASE NOTE – This is not a guarantee of availability. Once you register you’ll receive an auto generated email. Following that, we will send you a confirmation email which will let you know if your preview spot(s) are available in the class you signed up for. If that class has filled with paid members, you’ll be offered another class. If no other classes work for you, you will not be charged and your preview class will be canceled. We reserve the right to cancel your demo class should the class you signed up for reach maximum capacity with paid members. In this situation you can either choose another class or be refunded. Currently due to Covid, there are no more than 10 children enrolled per class at a time. Spaces only count for children, all parents are included free, always.
Please Note: One $1 demo class per family. If you want to bring a second child, or sign up for a second demo day, the charge will be $5 for each additional child or class. To sign up your second child or for a second class, click on the $5 preview class option.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ADULTS. MASKS ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR CHILDREN. Read about our covid adaptations and classroom tips here: https://www.growandsing.com/covid/
We will confirm your reservation as soon as possible!
Click here to contact us with any questions. We are here to help!