Name:
Erika Ellis
Location:
Burbank, CA
Studio name and link:
Music and Friends Studio
www.musicandfriendsstudio.com
Number of years you’ve taught Kindermusik:
Less than one
Describe yourself in five words or less:
Caring, Fun-loving, Enthusiastic, Creative, Silly
Favorite Kindermusik song:
Wishy Washy Wee
Favorite Kindermusik activity, and why:
I love “Clever Cows” from Village Cock-a-doodle-MOO!, where we physically show a child what going up and down the musical scale FEELS like – early musical learning at its best! Babies love going way up in the air and hearing the sound of their caretaker singing high and low.
A proud moment in a Kindermusik classroom:
When I was playing some of our instrumental pieces for Gathering Time, the song I had once used for rocking came on. A little boy immediately lay down and pretended to sleep! A few of the other toddlers joined him and I knew they had been practicing relaxation at home!
Something your Kindermusik children or families have taught you (could be inspirational, humorous, practical, etc.):
Seeing parents and children in class has really reinforced the importance of special bonding time. There is something so magical about mothers and fathers singing lovingly to their babies or playing music enthusiastically with their toddlers. Kindermusik reminds me to treasure these moments with my own family.
Something funny a child has said or done in your classroom:
One walker in Village has a routine of coming to stand next to me when I am sharing information about the next activity. He puts his hand on my shoulder, like he’s supporting me while I sing and talk to the moms. It cracks me up every time!
The reason you teach:
I fell in love with the Kindermusik experience as a parent with my infant son. I was able to enrich our home life with what we learned in class. Since it was such a positive influence on our lives, I wanted to share it with others.