Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog
For three generations, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Social-emotional learning is a critical piece to positive early childhood development, and we know that music can accelerate this growth.
But how can educators use music to boost social-emotional skills in physically-distanced or virtual classrooms?
And what does it look like by age? Pair our free, colorful infographic with the quick tips below to keep track of SEL milestones and consider how music can elevate this critical piece of early development!
When the pandemic forced families to social distance and quarantine, the negative effects of social isolation hit young children perhaps the hardest. The need for connection is pressing and real. And that’s where Kindermusik’s outdoor music classes come in.
Many Kindermusik families love our virtual class opportunities (they’re a huge hit!) and they’re here to stay. However, some of our educators found that children responded better to a physically distanced, outdoor environment.
Continue reading “Outdoor Music Classes Bridge COVID Socialization Gaps”
It’s finally here…the Kindermusik x Disney Junior® Mira, Royal Detective Experience is coming soon to a screen or studio near you!
Our 45-minute music and movement class will transport you to a magical Indian-inspired world where you’ll sing, dance, learn, and solve mysteries just like the lead character of the new series, Mira!
This limited-time opportunity is already filling up. Find a virtual or in-person experience that matches your schedule!
Continue reading “Kindermusik x Disney Junior Music Class: Mira, Royal Detective!”
The past few months have brought lots of uncertainty and requirements for change in how we educate children. Change—especially for children in any capacity—is hard, but one thing always helps…music! Here are 3 quick tips on how music-based rituals can help alleviate transitions (like drop-off times and mask-wearing) and enhance child and family engagement.
Continue reading “3 Ways Music-Based Rituals Help Alleviate Back-to-School Change”
Usually, family summer themes include vacation, festivals, summer camps, and more. This year is very different, with overtones of catch-up and preventing severe boredom in the midst of lingering closures. However, one thing hasn’t changed…the looming threat of “summer slide” which extends from babies to early elementary students. So, how do families combat learning loss while recovering from a pandemic?
Continue reading “6 Ways to Prevent Summer Slide”
To Our Kindermusik Community,
The birth of a child comes with such great promise, excitement, and joy. However, we know that the promise for every child is not equal. Inexcusable hardships begin at birth for some children, and for many, simply because of the color of their skin.
The events of the past week have unnerved and outraged our communities globally. And though the murder of George Floyd brought issues of Black social injustice and blatant racism to light, they have been an ongoing theme that can no longer be ignored. While inclusivity is at the center of what we do at Kindermusik—whether in a studio or through a school system, library, or outreach programs such as Head Start—it is not enough. Kindermusik will not be silent. We can do better and we will.
Like many companies, Kindermusik is reflecting internally on what we can do to show our solidarity and how we can make lasting change within our organization and communities. We pledge to do the following as a company:
As an early childhood company, we are especially focused on the healthy development of each and every child in an environment where they feel seen, heard, and treasured. For the best future of all children, we raise our voices to stand now and forever against racism. We will work hard to continue to promote positive connections and to sing loud and clear that Black Lives Matter.
Sincerely,
The Kindermusik Team
The world is slowly reopening, but there may be some long summer days at home ahead. Don’t worry…there’s a silver lining! You can boost development, lower stress, and have fun with these easy-to-create, beneficial musical moments.
Here are 7 simple ways to keep little ones busy, in a good way:
Continue reading “7 Simple Ways to Make Musical Moments at Home”
Music has been part of the human experience for millenia. This is not speculation, but fact supported by archaeological evidence. Artifacts such as a flute carved some 35,000 years ago, and ancient art, like Cyclades’ depictions of flute and harp players (2,700 BCE), suggest that that music has been around for as long as we have.
Parents who seek information about what is best to do for their child—parents like you!—are relieved when an idea can be described as definitively true. It’s even better when that idea involves something that is easy and fun for children and caregivers to do together.
Music is often thought of simply as entertainment, but its power as a conjurer of emotions is undeniable. You probably have that song that transports you right back to your first big breakup, or to a special moment from childhood. Certain music makes you want to get up and dance, while other tunes can make you weepy for no obvious reason. Music’s unique ability to influence our emotions makes it a powerful tool to manage feelings and behavior.
For children, especially, music can help instill calm, promote self-regulation and impart joy. This is great news for parents, who are so intimately familiar with how quickly and unpredictably kids can “lose it.” Finding effective strategies to calm and comfort can be a challenge, and music is a good one to have in your arsenal.