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.
There are A LOT of music apps out there! A simple search in either the Google Play Store or the Apple Store returns a host of results. Don’t worry…we’ve sifted through the chaff to find the gems.
Remember, screen time can be beneficial when monitored, and it’s even more worthwhile when you spend time with your little ones as they explore these apps. After all, quality time with you is what they really want.
Kids with great imaginations and boundless creativity may test your patience at times, but they are the ones with the brightest futures – the ones most likely to invent something fantastic or solve one of the world’s biggest problems. And they are great problem solvers!
It’s in the early years that we adults have the greatest opportunity to support and foster imagination and creativity in a child. That’s one of the things we Kindermusik educators love about Kindermusik – it’s all about being creative, thinking outside the box, and using our imaginations as the children learn about music and explore making music in all kinds of ways.
Continue reading “5 Creative DIYs to Transform Playtime at Home”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some parts of the world are enjoying balmy temperatures right now. Others are digging out from snowstorms and wishing they could enjoy balmy temperatures sooner rather than later. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, we’re approaching a momentous day – the first day of Spring! And we’re here to help you celebrate in an easy, family-friendly, happy, memorable kind of way. (After all, that’s what we celebrate about kids and parents in our Kindermusik classes every week!)
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You probably read with your child nearly every day, sometimes multiple times a day. And we bet you can even recite, word for word, a few of your child’s most beloved books that you have read over and over again. But you can still make this day and the event of reading a book together by reading something new about Spring. Here are a few of our favorite Spring-themed titles:
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
The Listening Walk by Paul Showers and Aliki
Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, and James Endicott[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
This is a delightful activity that will become a fast favorite… and get you outside for a little healthy exercise and special together time.
These cork boats and walnut boats are just adorable – so fun to make and even more fun to “sail” in the sink, in a puddle, or in a creek.
If you don’t have a green thumb, or it’s been awhile since you tried planting anything, here’s a super short, super easy, video to inspire you. There’s nothing more fascinating than watching something grow![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL9aRtkSMZw”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
There’s nothing better than bonding together over learning and singing a new song together. Here’s a sweet little song that you can download and add to your repertoire – and your playlist.
Grandma will love this for her front door! Watch the 30-second video tutorial for this adorable little craft that’s perfect for even younger children to make.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SN5GJm-jIg”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
You can really turn this into an “event” by enjoying planning the picnic with your child as much as actually going on the picnic (you’ll find some really fantastic picnic ideas here). Turn it into a play date by inviting a few friends.
Celebrating the little moments is what childhood is all about. And a little simple celebration, sharing some special moments together, will go a long way towards helping your child blossom into a happy, confident, creative individual.
Shared by Theresa Case, owner of Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios in beautiful Greenville, South Carolina, where Springtime is always beautiful![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Stress. We all deal with it from time to time….and friends, so do our kids. Don’t forget – we have a lifetime of experience in managing stress – and even then we can have a hard time with it. Our kids deal with stress, too…and they are stress novices. It’s up to us to help them develop the skills and methods to cope with stress in their young lives. As it turns out, and this is in no way by accident, music and movement, the very things at which we are experts, are fantastic ways to alleviate stress. Science lights the way. Let’s check it out!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here at Kindermusik, we love sharing tips that help make parenting a little easier and also help bring out the best in your kids – including their creativity and self-expressiveness! After all, one of the gifts of learning music and participating in a weekly music class is the beautiful way in which self-expression and creativity are both fostered and encouraged.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought you’d be inspired to enjoy some of these simple Valentine’s themed, DIY crafts with your children. And by the way, we’d love for you to share pictures of your results on the Kindermusik Facebook page. #KindermusikCreativity[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Our friends over at The Artful Parent always have such great ideas. Check out this beautiful heart-shaped sun catcher and their great idea for a Do-it-Yourself light table!
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The Artful Parent does it again! Take a look at their fresh take on the homemade shirt. It’s cool, hip, and fashion forward!
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]From across the pond, Activity Village brings us the cutest heart-inspired idea – the handprint heart! It’s fast, easy, and fun. Check it out!
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Need some extra decorations around the house? How about a wreath made from Valentine’s Day colored tissue paper? The folks at Happy Hooligans provide the instructions – you provide the fun!
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Want to look at the world a little differently? Maybe with a little more heart? Then take a look at Happily Ever Mom’s heart-shaped binoculars. – yet another use for used toilet paper rolls!
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Toddler Approved brings us adorable little DIY love bugs. Remember, a bug with a heart-shaped face and a smile is cute…not creepy!
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[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is a favorite – also from Toddler Approved. The Bouquet of Love lets your little one have a blast making free designs with paint or any other medium, and in the end, produces a beautiful finished product, filled with the unique artistic expressions of your child. Take a peek!
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Have fun with your little love bug as you make a few Valentine’s crafts – and lots of special memories – together!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How often does this scene play out in your home? You get that toy your little one has been eyeing for the past two months – you know the one. Every time the commercial popped up on the TV everything stopped. “Mommy! Daddy! That’s it!! That’s it!!”
It seemed like a great choice. Well reviewed. Educational. It even had some research proving it did x and y, and it would help your child grow up to be Grace Hopper (if you don’t know who Grace Hopper is, check her out).
You buy it, wrap it, and gift it. Those little hands tear apart your carefully swathed package. She’s thrilled! Shrieks of “thank you!” and “you’re the best Mom and Dad ever!” fill the room.
Then it happens.
After tens of minutes, the toy is in the corner, your child has drawn buttons on the box in which it came, and is pretending the box is a space ship.
Let’s explore the “why” behind this oft repeated occurrence.
First – this is normal behavior – particularly for those younger kids. You’ve heard it before – they are sponges, taking it all in. When the opportunity arises to apply some of that newly acquired knowledge, particularly in imaginary play, they will normally grab that brass ring. Dr. Tim Jordan, a leading expert on parenting girls, puts it this way:
Kids of all ages LOVE big boxes; you know, the kind that comes from that new refrigerator or appliance. It allows their creativity to go wild. They can build whatever their hearts desire, using their own imaginations. They will make up games and scenarios that they play out; again, it’s about having the freedom and autonomy to pursue their own interests. It’s the same reason kids love a box of grandmas old clothes to play dress-up games.
– Dr. Tim Jordan
With infants exploring the world, it’s often about texture, sound, and sight. Crunching that wrapping paper, playing with a shiny bow, and banging on an empty box is just as rewarding as squeezing the new stuffed animal. In reality, the box, wrapping paper, and bow engage her developing senses in ways the stuffed animal just can’t. The infatuation with the packaging is a result of normal childhood development.
Check out these two cuties having a ball with their carrier boxes – basically ignoring the little stuffed animal.
With older kids, playing with the box can be an opportunity for scaffolded play time. Consider:
Don’t fight it. The box will always retain its allure. I have a hard time not wanting to make the refrigerator box in the basement into a time machine, and I’m 43. Remember this: the box may have contained a really awesome toy, but your child’s brain contains limitless imagination – and that box is a blank canvas for its application.
You can join in, too. It’s okay. If you need me, I’ll be in my time machine.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What’s on your gift list for the sweet kiddos under the age of 7 years old? (Besides Kindermusik classes, of course!) Maybe you’re actually feeling a little stumped or even overwhelmed. It happens to the best of us this time of year when it comes to gift giving, especially when choosing gifts for kids.
As Kindermusik educators, we happen to know a little something about what makes kids tick and best of all, what makes their faces light up! Here are a few of our favorite recommendations in the “Instruments and Props” categories that are sure to bring a huge smile to that special little someone’s face.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
We love the Remo Floor Tom for all ages. It’s colorful, durable, and not too hard on the ears.
Older kids will love exploring lots of sounds and rhythms on this unique Wood Tone/Slit Drum.
The Baby Band Instrument Set is a fun 4-piece set that will have your little one tapping and jingling away!
This Mini Orchestra set is so adorable, you’ll want to sit on the floor and play-along with your child’s favorite Kindermusik songs too!
For your older creative genius, how about this Saxo-Flute? They build it then play it… and then take it apart all over again!
Who wouldn’t be impressed with this kid-friendly, eco-friendly Musical Band sized just perfectly for your pint-sized drummer?![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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Any kid will go crazy over a Bilibo! (And yes, they can double as a sled in the winter and a beach toy in the summer.)
Kids of all ages love the sound and endless creative possibilities of a classic kids’ toy, pop beads.
Gertie Balls are great for happy, squishy indoor play too that usually doesn’t do too much damage if it gets hurled in the living room.
Sensory Balls are perfect for rolling, bouncing, exploring, and yes, slobbering on especially if you’re under the age of 1 and still working on cutting those teeth.
Kindermusik’s light and floaty scarves make great gift wrap and once unwrapped, also foster a delightful game of peek-a-boo or magical scarf dancing.
Fun for the whole family! This colorful, 6-foot parachute brings everyone in on the movement, play, circle dancing, oversized peek-a-boo, and more. (A smaller version of what your Kindermusik educator might use in her classes!)
Happy shopping, gifting, and enjoying the smiles![/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shared by Theresa Case who has an award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, South Carolina.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
There is no better gift than the gift of time, but with our busy lives and constant demands, it can also be one of the hardest gifts to give – especially during the holidays.
It’s during the holiday season that we long for the gift of time the most – time together, time to make memories, time to slow down a bit. Here are some ideas for making that holiday wish come true!
These crafts could even turn into Christmas gifts for grandparents and neighbors. Here are some simple hand craft ideas from Kindermusik – crafts using your kids own hands. Or enjoy letting your little drummer make his or her own Coffee Can Drum. We also highly recommend The Artful Parent website as another fabulous kid-friendly resource for crafts.
How about breakfast for dinner? Or a “make-your-own-pizza” night? Or a make-it, bake-it, gift-it night? Even young children can enjoy contributing as you prepare an easy meal together or make some brownies for an elderly neighbor down the street. Making and sharing a meal together is a relationship builder!
Pop some popcorn. Play charades. Tell jokes. Put a puzzle or two together. Talk and share some childhood memories. Listen to music as you create some holiday cards to mail out. Set aside time to engage with each other rather than screens. Those glowing wonders will still be there when your done!
Put it on the calendar, circle it in red, and make it non-negotiable. Teach your children your favorite game from when you were a kid (Uno or Candy Land, anyone?!), and then let them teach you one of their favorite games.
Nothing creates a memorable shared experience like attending a concert. This time of year especially there are often many free and kid-friendly concerts that the whole family can enjoy.
You know those neighborhoods where everyone goes all out. Make this extra fun by getting everyone in their pajamas, loading up in the car, and oohing and ahhing over all of the lights. And don’t forget to go through the drive-through for hot chocolate on the way home.
This display probably took a serious amount of time to produce!
Week in and week out, Kindermusik gives you the gift of time together with your child – singing, dancing, playing, learning, and making music. Consider giving the gift of time by enrolling your child in Kindermusik. You’ll savor the moments, the laughter, the memories, and the music you’ll share!
Shared by Theresa Case, whose award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios has been giving families in upstate South Carolina the gift of music and the gift of time together for over 20 years now.
The holidays are always a special time to enjoy special activities together. Here are a few simple kid-friendly, giggle-approved suggestions for spending some quality time together making memories with activities inspired by music and powered by imagination.
Pull out all of the dress-up clothes and props. And in the spirit of Halloween, maybe add a little face painting. Nothing inspires imagination and pretend play like playing dress up, especially if siblings or parents join in the fun too.
Instead of “Do You Know the Muffin Man,” how about “Do You Know the Pumpkin Man”? This works with so many favorites! Here’s another one…”Did you ever see a ghost, way up close, down by the bay…”
Download the free Kindermusik App to stream “Do You Know the Muffin Man,” “Down By the Bay,” and other adaptable tunes.
Check out this video playlist of craft activities, leading off with an adorably spooky pumpkin spider!
This super simple craft is sure to foster lots of fun creativity and delightful pretend play. Here’s how to make the masks, brought to us by the folks at Artful Parent. Consider making several different masks to add to the choices for dress-up play. Oh, and don’t forget to turn on some music during craft time.
Have fun with a little back-and-forth vocal play with all of your favorite Halloween words, either singing or speaking. Vocal play is great for developing a sense of rhythm and enhancing language development.
Reading literacy and musical literacy go hand-in-hand. Search “Halloween books for preschoolers” and you’ll find lots of book lists, including Halloween-themed books from some of your favorite literary characters like Peppa the Pig.
We want you to have fun this Halloween, but we also want you to be safe. Here’s a link to a list of great safety tips for the day found over at Safe Kids Worldwide. And these aren’t just for the kids! Adults should be extra careful driving around when your community is trick-or-treating. Keep your eyes peeled for little ones trying to fill their candy bags.
Have fun out there and be safe!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hello friends! The summer months roll onward and this Sunday is Father’s Day. We’re going to give you a list of fun activities for the day, but first, a story. I wear lots of hats – blog editor, professor, conductor – but the one I am most proud of is father. I remember being scared during my wife’s pregnancy; my mind filled with all kinds of scenarios – parenting tests that I would obviously fail. What if I fed the baby too much? What if I couldn’t calm the baby down? What if I DROPPED the baby? That last one haunted me. For a while, as silly as this sounds, it kept me up at night.
And then, our first son came into the world. Instant love for this tiny human filled me from bottom to top. After examining him, the doctor picked him up from the scale and headed my way – intent on placing him in my arms. I felt petrified. Was he serious? He couldn’t be serious…
I AM GOING TO DROP THAT KID.
That instant love had actually intensified the fear.
The doctor wasn’t stopping; he continued his approach with a wide smile on his face. Couldn’t he tell I was absolutely panicked? Why, oh why, wasn’t he stopping? It seemed as if this powerful love I was feeling brought high-def focus to the image of dropping that swaddled bundle on the faux-wood floor of the delivery room. I could feel myself shaking.
This was it. He was going to make the hand-off, and I was going to immediately drop my son. My brain was screaming, “GIVE HIM BACK TO HIS MOTHER! SHE’S ON A BED! SHE WON’T DROP HIM!”
I managed a little smirk, trying so hard to mask my terror. I imagined a newspaper floating through the air (like in cheesy movies) with this headline: LOCAL FATHER DROPS BRAND NEW SON IN FRONT OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.
But…that didn’t happen. In one of the most magical moments of my life, the instant my son was in my arms, a switch flipped in my brain – or maybe it was my heart. I distinctly recall hearing my own voice say these words in my head:
“I will never let anything happen to this child.”
The fear was no longer front and center, instantly replaced with a protective instinct ten times as powerful – and that’s when I truly felt like a dad.
Our first son is 13 and ready to start high school this fall. I know I can’t be with him at all times – even though that protective instinct tells me I need to be. I love seeing him laugh with his friends and play trombone in the school band. I love watching him at track meets and hear him still goof around with his 10 year old brother (even though he’s sometimes “too cool” for that). I have found my balance of letting him find his own failure and success. He learns from both.
Sometimes, I look at this nearly six-feet-tall young adult and, in a flash, I am back in that delivery room, holding him for the first time, instantly confident in my new role. For the first two weeks of his life, I couldn’t look into his eyes without weeping tears of complete joy. I wrote him a lullaby, which I would sing to him when he woke up in the middle of those first nights back home. My wife has always insisted I wrote it to stem my own blissful crying. I’ve never told her this – but she was right.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]
Kindermusik Educator Cathy Portele provides a list of fun-filled Father’s Day ideas. Check our her blog post here.
Reader’s Digest gives us a great collection of activities for just about every type of dad – Amusement Park Dad, Golf Dad, Camping Dad – the list goes on!
This is one of the most special crafts I’ve ever seen. I have done this for my mother and my wife – and when it was done for me, I got that big lump in my throat when you have “all the feels.” It’s simple and highly personal.
You’ll need:
1. A small, wooden box – like this one, found at Michaels:
2. A sheet of paper
On the sheet of paper, write (or print out using a computer) a list of special memories or thoughts…”Remember I love you, Dad!…”Remember that day at the park with the puppies”…”Remember our trip to the zoo when the giraffe ate your hat!”…anything that has meaning for Dad.
Cut the memories into individual slips, roll them around a pencil to curl them up, and place them in the box.
You can paint the box if you like – maybe even label it “Memory Box.” As time passes, you can add new memories. Sometimes if I’ve had a stressful day, I open up my Memory Box – instant smiles!
The classic gift in customizable paper form! The folks over at Kid’s Craft Room provide instructions to create a special, one-of-a-kind tie for Dad. Check it out here.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]To all those dad’s out there – Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Kindermusik! We hope to see you and your kids at one of our classes soon. Enjoy your day![/vc_column_text][class_finder_form css=”.vc_custom_1466044991172{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]