Grow and Sing Studios staff including educators and assistants have been invited to share their thoughts about anything Grow and Sing, or Kindermusik! A big thank you to Ms. Kristen, Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Kindermusik Educator,  for her contribution and amazing insight into the many kinds of relationships formed in Kindermusik.
**
Hi everyone! Ms. Kristen here.  It has been my pleasure to teach Kindermusik classes for Grow and Sing Studios over the past year. I have sincerely enjoyed making music with all of my families and helping each and every child learn and grow! One of my favorite parts of being a Kindermusik educator is watching various relationships form and continue to strengthen through the magic of music.

Many families enroll in Kindermusik classes in order to make music and have fun with their children. But did you know that making music with your child can actually help you bond with them? Take your child bouncing on your lap to the song “Little Red Wagon,” for example. This activity not only focuses on gross motor skills, but also promotes physical touch, trust and teamwork between parent and child. Singing your child’s name during “You Are My Sunshine” along with giving hugs, kisses and eye contact gives your child a sense of love, protection and security.

One of the best benefits of participating in Kindermusik activities is the opportunity for social interaction between the children in class. Watching a group of kids play on a gathering drum is not only adorable and fun, you are also seeing non-verbal communication and cooperation. Participating in a partner dance in our Village class promotes eye contact, physical touch and body part recognition. (of him/herself AND his/her partner!) As a parent myself, I know that watching my children positively interact with other children gives me the biggest sense of pride and joy!

This past spring and summer, I have also really enjoyed watching the parents in my classes become true friends, inside and outside of class! Your relationships may begin with a conversation about breastfeeding or teething in the first class, and by the last class, you’re discussing your children’s successes in Kindermusik and promising to enroll together the next semester. One of my favorite Kindermusik activities is great for creating and nurturing friendship naturally; you create a hammock for your baby out of a blanket and gently swing him/her side to side to the music with another parent. This activity promotes trust and familiarity between both parents, while also sharing the pleasure of watching the baby’s enjoyment.

And last but not least, my very favorite part of Kindermusik is creating my own relationships with both the parents and children! I love learning about the children and their favorite things in life; it is the best feeling in the world when a child in my class runs into the room and gives me a great big hug! I am so proud of their successes within the Kindermusik classroom, such as learning to share instruments, and also at home, such as learning to walk for the very first time! I get the biggest kick out of watching the children work together to help me clean up while and return instruments to the table while singing the “Teamwork” song. Some of my parents report that their child will only clean up at home when they sing “Let’s put the _____ away…” These little anecdotes make me so happy to see that our Kindermusik songs are just as beneficial at home as they are during class.

I hope to see that your relationships continue to bloom in and out of our Kindermusik classes as you either join or continue as a part of our Grow and Sing Studios family. Have a musical day!

Every stage, or “season,” of early childhood has its triumphs and its challenges.  At Kindermusik, we believe that music and movement should be a huge part of both the celebrations and the everyday moments of each stage of childhood.

That’s why Kindermusik classes are not just filled with happy music and delightful activities for kids, but are also full of practical tips and musical helps for parents.  And it all comes packaged in such a way as to also give you invaluable insights into the way your child will grow and develop into the special individual he/she is meant to be.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES AT GROW AND SING STUDIOS!

Look what’s coming in January!

Kindermusik Village for Babies Newborns up to 18 months Babies under 5 months are free! Click here for info.

Weeks 1 – 8: Cock-a-doodle-Moo! – Hop on the hayride-it’s time to head for the farm!Weeks 9 – 15: DewDrops – In this class, parents and babies will play and move together to songs about flowers.You’ll also hear traditional Irish music, dance a jig and move to the “Irish Trot.”

---

Kindermusik Our Time for Toddlers 18 months – 3 1/2 years old

Hop on the train, get in the car, board the plane, and Away We Go! This class focuses on transportation, a favorite topic for toddlers who are on the go, go, go! Sing and play along with favorite songs, such as “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” and “Wheels on the Bus”. to name a few!

---

Kindermusik Imagine That for Preschoolers 3 – 5 years old

Think of it like taking a course inside a child’s imagination. We’ll use the theme of a toy shop to make our pretend-creations, using rhythm and songs with every imaginary saw, hammer, and nail. The result is building the preschooler’s sense of a sequence of events, which is good for storytelling, as well as making his ideas a reality.

---

Kindermusik for the Young Child – Semester 1 5 – 7 years old

Using a small-group approach to music education, Kindermusik for the Young Child provides a pressure-free class where your child can develop a strong musical foundation by learning the concepts, language, notation, and vocabulary of music and its greatest composers. Everything your child learns later in semesters 2, 3, and 4 begins with this early introduction to singing, reading, and writing music and rhythm. Through dances and games that focus on rhythmic development, we’ll learn a keyboard instrument-the glockenspiel!

---

Kindermusik Family Time for families, siblings and multi-ages Babies through 7 years old

Session A (1st 5 weeks) – Animals-a-dancing Session B (2nd 5 weeks) – Family and Friends Session C (3rd 5 weeks) – How do you feel? Dancing, hopping, rolling, and stomping. In session A, we’ll move like all of our animal friends and develop muscle coordination and spatial awareness along the way.

Music for Aardvarks with Mr. Richard for families, siblings and multi-ages Babies through 7 years old

Get ready for more fun with Mr. Richard! These informal, spirited classes incorporate sing-a-longs, free-form dance breaks, and instrumental jam sessions. It’s an interactive musical party that the whole family can genuinely get excited about!!

---

Grow and Sing Studios Art & Book Time 2 – 7 years old

Each class you and your child will explore a different theme through stories, song and art! During each class your child, along with your gentle guidance, will create TWO unique art projects which are immediately available to bring home. Ms. Holly’s monthly art and book time class will enjoy many spring themes including Valentines, Rainbows, Butterflies, and even BUGS!

---

Kindermusik Playdates – one time events for multi-ages Babies – 7 years old

Our playdate schedule is ever changing and playdates are constantly added. Each month of playdates offers a different theme and focus.Coming in January – THE DRUM CIRCLE!Kindermusik Playdates are a one time 45 minute class for parents and kids on the go!

---

Piano Lessons with Mr. Will

Winter Recital 2013

The Simply Music Method that we offer is designed to maximize the likelihood of students acquiring and retaining music as a lifelong companion. Mr. Will has spots available though they are filling fast. He is happy to offer a free trial lesson. All lessons are in East Orlando.

---

See you soon, and happy new year!