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Tag: growandsing

The Bountiful Benefits of Basket Rides

Wheeee!  Bet your toddler loves going for rides in your laundry basket.  What you may not know are all the developmental benefits you are giving your child in these moments, and some of the ways you can make this an even more beneficial experience for you and your little one.

First, notice how these parents work smarter, not harder, by having a scarf or rope attached to the basket enabling them to stand up and protect their back muscles. (These are the kind of parenting tips our experienced Kindermusik educators share to set you up for success.)

Second, each parent is respecting their baby’s needs during this activity.  Some little ones are enchanted by being pulled in the basket, others want to be close and cuddle as they are parading around the room. Toddlers who are totally focused on walking may want to put their favorite stuffed animal in the basket and push it around themselves!

So let’s highlight some of the benefits of this traveling laundry basket experience.

Balance and Coordination

Sitting upright in a laundry basket as it is moving forward and side to side activates and strengthens your child’s core muscles, and is a delightful exercise for developing balance and coordination.  So if they are old enough to sit up by themselves, place them in the center so they are less inclined to lean back.  Don’t worry too much if they do.

Spatial Awareness

As your child sees and feels themselves traveling through the room, they are becoming more aware of where they are in relation to the space around them.  Your child is developing the spatial awareness they need to navigate the world around them.

Sensory Stimulation

Whether your child is sitting directly on the grooves in the bottom of the laundry basket, or a soft towel or blanket on the bottom, they  are getting sensory input from the density and textures on their skin as their body moves around on top.  Try it with a load of warm laundry for additional sensory input.  Both the warmth of the clothes and the scent of the fabric softener strengthens the building of strong neural connections.

As your toddler’s eyes see objects move past them, they are becoming more observant of their environment and how things look from different perspectives.  To activate the same effect with their hearing, have music playing in one room, and move past the door to that room so your child’s ears hear the changing location of the sound.

Imaginative Play

Does your child love trains?  Create chugging sounds and train whistles, and maybe even listen to songs about trains on your laundry basket adventure.  Pretend to make scheduled stops and announce the location loudly.  There are so many ways to stimulate their ability for imaginative play on a topic they love.  If your child loves their stuffed animals, set them up around the house and pretend to be a train traveling around the zoo and talking about each animal.  Maybe they can be the zoo expert after your many repetitions.  Start by becoming acutely aware of what your child is most fascinated by in this moment, and initiate pretend play accordingly.  Then watch as your child starts to initiate it in their own.

ADD Social Interaction

Photo-Kindermusik-Baby-mom-son-basket-ride-activity-playSome of these suggestions are extras you can add that we can’t include in our Kindermusik classes.  But your mommy and me time (or daddy and me, grandma and me, nanny and me…) during class provides you with a continual supply activities, music, and information to level up your daily play at home.  You will both meet new friends with your classmates, adding the benefit of socialization and interpersonal connection.

It is so easy to sign up and preview one of our classes full of music and movement with your child.  Our unique programs for each age (infancy, early toddlerhood and early preschool ages) ensures you are both  gaining what you need for each stage of their development.

Let’s nurture these young minds together.  Wheee!

Debbie Mondale byline

Testomonial from a Kindermusik Mom – Grow and Sing Studios, Orlando, FL

What a wonderful testimonial and peak into our Kindermusik classroom!
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“Thank you to Grow and Sing Studios for inviting us to experience Kindermusik in Lake Nona, connecting through the magic of music! {Hosted}

As a mama, I’m always nervous with how my toddlers will react in new spaces. Seriously, you never know what you’ll get! Today, Ms. Grace welcomed us with open arms and an open heart. She quickly recognized that MJ had strong emotions, and met her where she was. Through music and movement, it was beautiful to see the curiosity and wonder light up in MJs eyes as she engaged a safe distance away. 🥰

🎶 Kindermusik takes musical learning to the next level. In every Kindermusik class, babies and toddlers are welcomed into a playful and nurturing environment where they will sing, move, play instruments, and hear stories—all while developing social skills, problem-solving skills, pre-math skills, and a foundation for reading.
Their research-based curriculum focuses on whole-child development and helps caregivers understand how their child is developing musically, cognitively, and socially.

Classes are available for babies and toddlers.

Summer 2024 Kindermusik Registration is OPEN! Check out the link in stories.
If you’re looking for a safe and educational indoor activity this summer for your babies and toddlers, we recommend checking them out.

Things to do Orlando, baby activities, toddler activities

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.

Young children playing with instrumentsKindermusik 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.

xo Holly

Holly Lesnick
Founder / Owner / Director
Grow and Sing Studios

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.
Kindermusik October $1 Demo Days

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!

Hot of the press! Grow and Sing Studios awarded Kindermusik Top Program Award for 2022

Grow and Sing Studios honored with 16th consecutive Top Program award

Hello to our musical community!

Will and I own and operate Grow and Sing Studios, a small family business which was established in 2005. Since then it’s been a roller coaster but one thing has always been at the core of our motivation, and that’s passion for children’s education, passion for music and passion for independent small business. We never anticipated what would happen in 2020, and as we all know it affected EVERYONE professionally and personally.

This award is based on how many children we reach through Kindermusik. Over the last 2 years, not only did we make class sizes smaller to keep safe (therefore reducing our potential numbers), but we’ve had a complete changeover in our team. Our previous team members that were with us for years moved onto new endeavors. Will and I have spent the near part of a year interviewing and interviewing, training and training, and finally we have reached a moment in time where we have a working team again. We just finished training this team a couple months ago. So, to be honest Will and I weren’t sure if we would make the Top Program list this year. We had no idea and we were at peace with whatever happened.

I’m excited and proud to report that even through all of that, we made the list and are once again a Kindermusik Top Program. Maybe not as high on the list as we were in 2020, but still on the list! This one might be the sweetest because even through everything, we kept our heads above water (sometimes treading very very fast) and made it through. Grow and Sing Studios is pushing forward and ready to reach as many children as it can!

I would like to acknowledge all team members old and new because we ALL had a part in this award this year!

Thank you to:

Lisa Petko
Kristen Bozard
Angelyn Rhode
Marisol LaBoy
Grace Warren
Jadyn Johnson
Stefany Rodriguez

Thank you to all who have supported our mission to connect families through the magic of music over the last 17 years.

xo HollyLove, Ms. Holly (and Mr. Will)

Connecting Families through the Magic of Music.
Stay Connected (and perhaps comment on our announcement on our social pages. Thank you!) facebook.com/growandsingstudios instagram.com/growandsingstudios
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LINKS:
Enroll for Summer (we’ll pro-rate if you want to join us now!)
Try an in-person class for $5
Try a FULL week of virtual for $5
Visit our website

It’s happening! Summer Kindermusik 2022 is here!

Kindermusik Summer 2022 starts this weekMany classes are close to capacity but there is still room. Join us for a 5 week session filled with fun, learning, great LIVE music, talented musicians, instruments, amazing curriculum and brain igniting activities. Let’s do this!

How? Head to growandsing.com/classes/in-person/ and read about our classes, then keep scrolling and you can click on the class that works for you! Classes held this Summer in UCF/Oviedo, Winter Park, Winter Garden and Port Orange.

Looking for unlimited virtual classes (1 fee, access to ALL classes) head to https://www.growandsing.com/online-classes-menu/. You can try out an entire week for $5.

We can’t WAIT to meet you and your amazing kiddos!
Kindermusik Accredited Program
Kindermusik TOP program (15 years consecutively)
All educators background checked
EVERYONE WELCOME HERE

Kindermusik Costume Week 2021

COSTUME WEEK IS COMING!
Kindermusik Costume Week

All of the costume fun starts this Monday in all our classes and runs through the week – October 25th -29th, 2021.
We welcome those who haven’t attended one of our classes yet, to attend in-person to demo a class for $1. This offer is part of our OCTOBER DEMO DAYS.
Click here to sign up for in-person ($1)
Those who would like to attend our virtual program can attend an ENTIRE week of Halloween fun for $5. Click here to sign up for virtual ($5)

In person demo days are based upon available spaces remaining. We are very careful not to overfill.
Virtual classes are always available to enjoy!

Classes will include musical songs and activities with a Halloween flair. Costumes encouraged!
Join the fun!

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.
Attend a class for $1 during October and see what we are so excited about

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/

CLICK ON THE $1 CLASS LISTING HERE. VARIOUS DAYS/TIMES/LOCATIONS ARE AVAILABLE BESIDES 10AM ONCE YOU CLICK! Classes held T-W-Th at various times between 9am-12pm. 

We will confirm your reservation as soon as possible!
Click here to contact us with any questions. We are here to help!

Thank a {music} teacher!

National teacher appreciation week🎵This year has been anything but typical. Teaching isn’t always the easiest job in the world but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding. We, the teachers here at Grow and Sing Studios are so incredibly passionate about educating not only young children but their entire families. Sharing how music affects minds and bodies is what we love to do! We have always known that bringing families together through music is a gift like none other, but this year we learned it can be taught in MANY different ways, through many different mediums.

🎵Our team isn’t the only one that pivoted, and adapted to make the learning happen. Each and every teacher in the world has done that! But we couldn’t let this Teacher Appreciation Week go by without a HUGE shout out to team Grow and Sing for not only making it through this challenging year, but STAYING COMPLETELY TOGETHER AS A TEAM! Our team that we had in 2020 is our same team we have here in 2021. That took passion and teamwork from each and every teacher here at our studio. Now THAT is the definition of perseverance, dedication, teamwork and accomplishment.

🙌PLEASE GIVE A “WOOHOOOO” TO:
Lisa Petko
Angelyn Rhode
Marisol LaBoy
Kristen Bozard
Holly Lesnick
Will Lesnick
Aiden Amato
and a big thank you to Jasmin Vilca for volunteering her time!

🎵As we head into our 16th Summer of Music, we want to send our endless appreciation and gratitude to our Grow and Sing Studios families. Thank you for believing in us! Oh and thank you for your flexibility with our pivots!

~Team Grow and Sing Studios

#ThankATeacher #musicteachers #kindermusik #teacherappreciationday #teacherappreciationday2021 #teacherappreciation

A heartfelt COVID-19 update from Holly & Will

October 5, 2020

Hello Families,

We want to check in with you, our community, to update and assure you that we are continuing to take the health and well-being of our community, customers, and teachers very seriously.

We miss seeing you in the classroom, we really do. We feel it’s important to take a moment in an open and honest way, to discuss as a studio where we are coming from as of today. There are 2 strong aspects that have us continuing on in a virtual setting.

  1. As you most likely know, our classes are group interactive classes with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Typically these classes are held in a room, with various props and instruments. When, for example, 6 children are enrolled, it means that at the very least 13 people are in the room because of course our classes include loving caregivers. We know that you, the adults, can remain socially distanced with masks on. However, it’s virtually impossible to require these things of your children. Babies and toddlers naturally explore by putting objects in their mouths. They want hugs and they want to explore with all their senses including touch. When we do return back, we’ll have to consider this aspect so everyone is safe.
  2. The other aspect is our reality as a small Kindermusik business. Without of course getting into all of the ins and outs of running a studio, we hope we can help you, our community, understand our challenges. Typically for a class to run we have to pay our rental fee and our teacher fee. In addition to those, there are administrative fees, insurance, and operating costs. If we were to hold a class at half capacity which is 6 children, we are actually losing money to hold the class. We typically do that because we have faith the class will grow over time. But in this scenario, there is no room safety wise for class growth. As a very small local family owned business, we just don’t have that money to spend in this covid climate. To hold a class past break even would essentially put a large group of people together in too small of a space which compromises safety. For example, 8 children, would be 17 people in the classroom… you get the idea.

As of right now, due to those main reasons, we must continue virtually. As the weather becomes a bit more dependable, and not quite so hot and rainy, we are considering offering some programming outdoors which could eliminate rental fees. We are currently brainstorming that idea.

Here’s the thing though. We’re having a BLAST with our families via our online classes! Our Kindermusik Virtual+ program is NOT a lesser program, but simply a different one. Consider this. For now, instead of enrolling and paying for 1 class per week, you are enrolling and paying for 12 classes you can come in and out of at your leisure throughout the week. We know it’s not the same. We totally do. BUT, we do know (because parents are telling us) that children are learning from our program. Laughter, smiles, bonding… all the things that Kindermusik typically provides is still happening. In fact, there are children meeting other children, and at the end of class they tell each other “I love you!”. Also, we want you to remember that in the end, the goal of Kindermusik is for YOU the adults to lovingly engage with your children. Whether in person or virtual, THAT is the goal. So if you need to put your device up high out of sight and let it guide YOU as you interact with your child, that is great. If you want to interact visually with us too that’s great, but not required.

We do ask that you strongly consider us. We are a small local business who needs you so we can keep this amazing program going. Our focus right now is to keep all our teachers in work so that when it’s safe, they can return back to doing what they love in person. Your registration means SO much, and contributes so much to keeping us in business so we can provide loving classes for years to come.

We invivote for us 2020 family favorite awardste you to try an unlimited week for $15 to see what you think. In addition, a new online Bilingual Birdies unit (Jungle Animals) begins this week if you are interested in Spanish music classes. The Bilingual Birdies route also includes the 12 Kindermusik Virtual+ classes. You may know that we have our private online piano and voice lessons but did you also know that we have adult self care Yoga and Tap classes? New 5 week sessions begin this week!

We are all in this together. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and make adjustments and changes along the way.

One more thing, we are nominated for Best Music Lessons in the Playground Family Favorite Awards. Could you take a moment to vote here, and click on Grow and Sing Studios on page 4? Let us know when you vote so we can give you a big “thank you!”.

All the very best,

Holly and Will Lesnick
Owners, Grow and Sing Studios

Ms. Holly giving thumbs upMr. Will playing piano

 

Kindermusik Virtual+ | Bilingual Birdies+ | Online Birthday Parties | Online Voice Lessons | Online Piano Lessons | Online adult beginner tap classes | Online adult yoga | Online Store

 
 
 
Paid Links:

SCHOOL YEAR CALENDARS


CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

Our School Years include 35 active weeks of classes with some scheduled weeks off which are noted below.

SCHOOL YEAR 2024 – 2025
School Year begins – August 12th, 2024
OFF – Thanksgiving week – Nov. 25 – 29, 2024
OFF – Holiday/Winter break – Dec. 16, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
School Year Resumes after Winter Break – Jan 6, 2025
OFF – Spring Break – March 17 – 21, 2025
School Year ends – May 16, 2025

Click here to view school year information.

 

SUMMER CALENDAR


CLICK HERE FOR CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

Summer 2024 has now come to an end.
Join us for the school year!
Summer 2025 calendar will be posted in coming months.

Click here to view Summer options.