Why Kindermusik?

“When a child learns by experience that music forges direct links between self and world, self-expression becomes more fluent; the music helps interpret ‘who I am’.”-”Growing up Complete”, the report of the National Commission on Music Education

Spotlight on Learning: Pretend Play

Spotlight on Learning: Our Time Away We Go

Big Idea: Pretend Play

Did you ever have the Jennifer Anniston, Halle Berry, or "insert name of famous person"haircut? Pink hair anyone? While a haircut doesn't magically transport you into another person's life, it can be fun to imitate someone else's look.

Imitation starts young. For your child, imitation is the first stage of pretend play and begins as an infant when she mimics your facial expressions. As imitation evolves, it becomes more imaginative. A child uses pretend play to re-examine life experiences by adding or changing what actually happened. In Kindermusik, we encourage imitation and imagination by working on the railroad, galloping on horses, or even floating down the river. Along the way, your child develops vocabulary and social skills, learns the difference between reality and fantasy, and even experiences emotional support from you as you pretend along with him. So, "Let's Go Riding Together!"

Everyday connection: Make it a laundry day!  An empty laundry basket can transport you anywhere. Is it a car? A train? A pirate ship? A princess carriage? Hop in and let your child lead the way.

Spotlight on Parenting

Spotlight on Parenting: Village & Our Time (Cock-a-Doodle-Moo!/Away We Go)

Big Idea: Socialization

Becoming a parent turns your world (and your social calendar) upside down and inside out. You move from lengthy conversations over dinner to brief chats scheduled around naptimes. Eventually, you progress to speaking in short sentences interrupted by wardrobe and diaper changes, boo-boo kissing, rocking, sharing interventions, and a few paparazzi moments. (Your child does do the cutest things after all!). 

When enrolling in Kindermusik, many parents list "socialization" as one of the reasons. We do help your child develop social and emotional skills, but we also connect you with other parents and caregivers who understand the unique joys and challenges of parenting a child the same age. So, next week in class take advantage of Gathering Time and look around. Your newest BFF just might be sitting next to you or changing a diaper or kissing a boo-boo or experiencing a paparazzi moment, too.

Everyday connection: Come all you playmates! Connect with other parents from class on Facebook and invite them to join you and your child for a play date.  Through this unstructured playtime, your child will expand his intellectual, emotional, and social skills and you will get some social play of your own.

  

A Valentine Treat

Love somebody? Yes, we do! Love somebody and it’s you, you, YOU! As a token of our affection, we are giving away a free song download. To download “Love Somebody,” click the link and then select the orange download button.

http://play.kindermusik.com/en/tracks/3139-love-somebody/

Spotlight on Learning: Pretend Play

Pretend play is the ability to transform objects and actions symbolically. If you closely watch a young child’s pretend play, you will see that he is learning about the real world around him by exploring imaginary situations. Children use pretend play to “practice” and explore what is and isn’t possible. Pretend play also gives children the opportunity to try out their ideas and solve problems as they create the characters and “rules” in their world

Tips for parents: Encourage your child’s pretend play in two easy ways. First, set aside some time each day dedicated to just playing. This should be time that is free from distractions, like TV. Secondly, create a Pretend Play Box or cabinet that contains items that will inspire your child’s imagination. Items like dress-up clothes, props, empty boxes, cardboard tubes, and blankets can open up a whole world of fun, imaginary, pretend play – just the kind of play that will help your child learn to entertain themselves and to be creative thinkers and problem-solvers.

- Contributed by Theresa Case, whose Greenville, SC program, Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.