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Music Makes Your Day

boy asleep with musicOne of Kindermusik’s core promises is to help make great parenting a little bit easier.  Without a doubt, music is one vital tool that parents can use not just for fun and bonding, but as way to make the daily routines go more smoothly with less tears and more joy.

Wake up with music

Singing your child’s favorite song can chase away the morning grumpies and coax that first smile of cooperation.  Try this free “Get up and Move” activity from Kindermusik @Home to get your morning off to a great start together.
Play some recorded music as you are getting your child ready for the day – quiet and soothing or happy and energetic – whatever your child responds best to.  With your Kindermusik music downloads and ever-expanding library, it’s easy to create playlists of favorite music to suit any mood.

Go places with music

Sing together in the car.  No one else will hear, and your child will love having the chance to make music together with you.
Utilize Kindermusik’s radio app or stream your class music so that you can have fun music with you wherever you go.

Take naps with music

There’s nothing more soothing than a playlist or CD of gentle lullaby sleepy-time music.  Or even just cuddling and singing a sweet quiet song before tucking your child in for a nap will make naptime that much easier.  Making music a part of the naptime routine will send your child off into the land of nod quicker than almost anything else.

Transition with music

Many children have difficulty transitioning from one thing to the next – they want to keep playing when it’s time to leave to pick up big sister from school.  Or they’re not quite ready to sit in the high chair for lunch.  You name it – there’s probably a way to turn that difficulty into something fun.  It’s easy to “piggyback” a song, replacing the words with words you make up.
Or how about that time in the day when everyone is hungry and supper isn’t ready yet?  Turn on a favorite recording and make an impromptu band using wooden spoons and plastic bowls (keeping safety and age-appropriateness in mind, of course!).

Splish splash with music

Yes, even tub time is more fun with some lively music playing in the background.  Your child may not be singing in the shower just yet, but the two of you can have lots of fun making bathtime a highlight of the day singing and listening to music in between all of the bubbles.

Music is one of the very best activities for kids at home and on the go!  And we promise, music can make the moments of your day easier and happier.

Need some musical inspiration and resources?  Try a Kindermusik class – free previews available!
– Written by Theresa Case who has an award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC

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Behind the music on Kindermusik recordings: Howard Levy

Howard Levy is a featured musician on one of Kindermusik's recordings.

Musician Howard Levy has played with some of the world’s best musicians – from the innovative, future-forward stylings of banjoist Béla Fleck to Dolly Parton, Bobby McFerrin, as well as symphony orchestra musicians around the world with his Concerto for Diatonic Harmonica and Orchestra.
Howard is also a featured musician on two Kindermusik recordings: “Riding the Rails” and “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”
Composer and arranger Jon Negus worked with Howard on the Away We Go! session. Here’s what Jon had to say about it:

When I was describing to Howard and the violinist (Peter La Bella) that “Riding the Rails” was going to be a duel between harmonica and violin, Peter said “Gee… I wonder who’s going to win that one….!”.
Howard was “off the charts” amazing even back then. A kind and gentle man who always educated while he played.

Musician, composer and arranger David Huff added this about the session:

Jon and I were completely awestruck by this man’s virtuosity. Though Howard got it in one take, Jon asked him to do it again just so we could repeat the experience of watching/hearing him play.

Howard is a world-touring musician, playing piano and harmonica. He’s also a dedicated educator teaching harmonica at the online school Artist Works. In this video, Howard talks about his musical beginnings.

Kindermusik's age-appropriate Hohner harmonicas

Want to play?
Harmonica is a featured instrument in Kindermusik’s Away We Go! music and movement program for toddlers.
Join the worldwide community of educators and musicians around the world — sharing the gift of musical learning with children and their loving caregivers.
If you’re ready to become a Kindermusik educator, our online training program provides a flexible, supportive learning environment.

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Thanksgiving song and activities: Over the River and Through the Woods

Do you remember this song?

Over the river and through the woods
To Grandmother’s house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.

It’s hard to say when this famous American poem became so synonymous with the Christmas holiday, but the tune truly belongs to Thanksgiving.

Written by journalist, poet, and human rights advocate Lydia Maria Child, the poem first appeared in Child’s Flowers for Children, Volume 2, in 1844.

It was originally titled “A Boy’s Thanksgiving Day,” and celebrates Child’s childhood memories of visiting her Grandfather’s house.

As an advocate for Native American rights, anti-slavery laws, and women’s voting rights, Child raised her voice on many issues flaring in the in the 1840s, but refused to raise a fist. Her writings urged people to find a peaceful, non-violent way to progress.

The song can be a great holiday tradition for your family, too. We’ve put together a few simple ways to adapt the song to your child’s learning ability.

Learn more about helping families create musical traditions together in online Kindermusik Educator training. Click here to receive FREE information on becoming a Kindermusik Educator.

Baby (newborn to 2)

Hold your baby close and bounce in rhythm to the music, or pat the steady beat of the song on her back as you sing the song. Studies show a baby prefers the sound of her mother’s voice, and the sound of your voice paired with rhythm of the words – as you gently rock baby, or pat her on the back – helps your baby begin to identify the patterns of language.

Toddler (2 to 3 years)

The “giddy-up” tempo of this song makes it a great lap bounce for toddlers. Exaggerate the movement words, and make the weather and animal sounds mentioned in the lyrics to help your toddler better connect the vocabulary word to the physical movement.

Preschool (3 to 5 years)

Sing the song together and ask your preschooler to draw a picture of the story, and act it out: Pretend to ride a sled, ride through the wind, and ring bells!

Big Kids (5 to 7)

Engage your big kid’s active imagination and write your own lyrics about your family’s Thanksgiving tradition. Use the “Over the River” melody with lyrics about your own journey to Grandma’s house. What do you see? What does the weather do? Do you go over a river? Write your own lyrics.

Click here to see the long and short form of the lyrics.

play.kindermusik.com

Play Kindermusik @Home

Talk with your family about the meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday. You’ll find several folk and Americana songs in this collection of Kindermusik songs, “America the Musical Vol. 1 and 2.” Lydia Maria Child would have loved the song, “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” a song used to help people find the Underground Railroad.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

The Andrews Sisters and Danny Kaye

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Kindermusik at the Mom 2.0 Summit!

Kindermusik @ the Mom 2.0 Summit

Any Kindermusik moms heading to the Mom 2.0 Summit in Key Biscayne, FL?

Kindermusik @ the Mom 2.0 Summit

We are on our way – and excited to network with other moms during many of the great events over the weekend!

Today is the official first day of the conference and so much to look forward to!

1. Networking with other Moms and Marketers

Tonight before the Welcome Party, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Kindermusik is hosting a little get together at Rumbar – at the hotel. We look forward to meeting some of the amazing working mothers that make this whole thing spin.

After all, that’s what this conference is about – initiating conversations between moms and marketers – and utilizing this feedback to make us better.

2. Many Great Speakers

Friday and Saturday are filled with top-notch speakers such as:

  • Stacey Ferguson, discussing the Keys to Aligning Your Passions Into One Business Strategy. (At Kindermusik, we bring our passion to work every day – so this will be an exciting session for us!)
  • Missy Maher talking about marketing to the modern family (very relevant as you can imagine).
  • Sam Bee is even going to be on the keynote panel on Saturday! Many of you may recognize Sam from her funny reports on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

3. Measuring Social Media

As an online marketer for about 10 years now, this is a hot topic for me and one I’m personally very interested in. Knowing how the Kindermusik family utilizes social media, we know this is an important aspect of marketing moving forward. We are looking forward to learning new

trends in social media measurement.

4. Key Biscayne | The Ritz-Carlton | the Versace Mansion

Ok, so all of these are going to be awesome and hopefully the weather is too!

We look forward to connecting with other moms at the summit. If you’re not able to attend, stay tuned! I’m sure we’ll have lots to share after this great weekend.

— Shellie Foriska

Manager, Online Marketing

Kindermusik International

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Give Your Child the Gift of Music this Holiday!

Give Your Child The Gift of Music - Enroll Today in Kindermusik!
Looking for great kids gifts this holiday season?
Not sure what to get your child this year?
Does your niece or nephew have everything?
Does your mother in-law need a gift idea?
We have a perfect (and easy) solution for gifts for children ages newborn to seven…Kindermusik Gift Certificates!!!
The gift of a Kindermusik Music Class will be far more memorable than the latest toy or gadget. It is a gift that keeps on giving and memories last a lifetime! Certificates can be written by your local Kindermusik educator for any amount and never expire. They can be used towards any future class or materials cost.
To find a class near you, visit Kindermusik.com!
Or, if you’re just curious, try a free preview class with your little one today!
Happy Holidays!

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FOL Fridays are Back!

We educators have a favorite acronym for the Foundations of Learning that are the fundamental underpinnings of the Kindermusik curriculum – we call them FOLs. These Foundations of Learning statements, or FOLs, help us communicate the “why” and the “so what” behind many of the activities we do in class. But our FOLs are also rich and nuggets of information for educators and parents alike! They give a coveted window into your child’s growing mind and body. With that in mind, we celebrate the return of FOL Fridays when we will highlight an interesting FOL along with correlating tips, ideas, and/or resources for parents.

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

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Peter’s Story

He was in our Village class for such a short time….I’ll call him Peter.   Just a few weeks to enjoy the waning days of Rhythm of Our Day and a little Busy Days, but in that short time we saw a flower open.

I remember his first visit to our class.  Peter brought Mommy, Daddy, and Auntie with him and all were intently focused on Peter; his every move mattered.  Any indication of pleasure or displeasure a one year old could convey was noted and evaluated.   There were tears as he clung to Mommy, not knowing what to make of the wiggling bunch of bouncers and shakers surrounding him.   “Peter doesn’t usually hear English spoken in his home.”   But there were many hands to console….six to be exact!  “I think we’d like to join this class…at least for a little while.   They are only here for a short time,” said Auntie.

Only Mommy & Daddy came along next week to shore up little Peter.   Fewer tears, but still well sheltered by slightly anxious parents, Peter’s fearful gaze seldom came my way.   Mommy and Daddy quietly tapped his tiny hand keeping the steady beat he was not ready to feel.

Week 4:  Peter brought only Mommy this week.    Timid hands reached outside the cozy confines of Mommy’s legs to pick up a bright red shaker.    Mommy and Peter stayed around after class to enjoy the chatter of their cohorts.

Today:  Peter sat happily in his white plastic carriage…which looked remarkably like a Target laundry basket.   Even a ride to the “Doctors office” wasn’t so bad if all your friends were going, too!   The sudden stops for red lights created a palpable tension in the circle and even Peter’s gaze turned towards me in anticipation.  Snug in his green towel, he peered out at those around him as if he had been doing this forever….well, for at least 3 weeks.   Time to dance!   I stood opposite Peter and Mommy.   We swayed happily to Mama Paquita, do-si-doed a sly peek-a-boo, and as we met in the middle to say “hello”, Peter giggled and gave me the biggest smile ever!

It’s a friendly and chatty class who linger long, but Mommy and Peter were the last to leave today.   Mommy quietly and shyly said, “This is our last class, Miss Colleen.   We will be moving far away next week.   I just want you to know Peter is much different child now.   He loves class.   He loves you.   Thank you for my child happy now.”

~ Special thanks to Miss Colleen at Studio 3 Music for such a beautiful post, shared with permission from the Studio 3 Music blog

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The teacher makes the difference

When you have a Google alert set for “Kindermusik,” you end up with a whole variety of posts on the subject.  One recent alert contained some comments from a mom who made the insightful observation that the TEACHER makes all the difference in the quality of your Kindermusik experience.  She couldn’t be more right.  Here’s a little of what she had to say:

“I recently enrolled my 18mth old in an Our Time class.  She LOVED it.  I loved that the teacher wasn’t busy corralling kids, everyone was left to enjoy and experience the class however they wanted/needed to.  The teacher was energetic and informative on WHY activities were chosen and made transitions from one activity to the next very smooth.  I would recommend the class to anyone IF the teacher has good reviews.”

As a whole, Kindermusik educators are a group of loving, nurturing, musically inclined individuals who have two things in common – a love for children and a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and their families through music.  Personally, I am very blessed to have a wonderful staff of eight Kindermusik teachers teaching with me here at Piano Central Studios.  You know what?  We’re all different.  We have different personalities and different teaching styles even though we follow the same lesson plans.  The beauty of it all is that parents and children have different personalities and learning styles too!

Just like the Kindermusik teachers on my staff, not all Kindermusik programs are the same.  Often it is “love at first sight.” Sometimes it’s just a matter of allowing time to adjust to a new environment and a new experience.  But sometimes it’s necessary to try out another teacher or another program offering Kindermusik.  As independent educators and programs, we all bring different goals, gifts, abilities, and experience to the table.  Don’t be afraid to seek out the Kindermusik program – and the Kindermusik educator – that’s just right for you!  That’s one of the reasons why KI’s Class Finder is set up like it is – to help parents find a class that’s conveniently located with scheduling and educators that meet their needs.  I think this mom said it best, “I’d try again with another instructor before writing it off completely.  [Our teacher] Ms Amy really loves her job and it shows in how she teaches the class.”

To read this mommy’s comments in their entirety, click HERE.  To try a FREE Preview Class, click HERE.

Shared by Theresa Case, M.Ed., whose Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Upstate South Carolina is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.

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Introducing… FOL Fridays!

At the heart of the Kindermusik curriculum are Foundation of Learning statements, or “FOLs” as we Kindermusik educators fondly call them.  These FOLs are the “how comes” and “so whats” behind every music and movement learning activity we do in class.  You see, we want you to not only have FUN in our Kindermusik classes; we also want you to understand WHY the activities are so musically and developmentally beneficial for your child and HOW you can use these same activities ideas to make your every day parenting routines just a little bit easier.

With that in mind, we thought it would be interesting to introduce a short series we’re calling FOL FRIDAYS that will highlight some of our favorite, tried-and-true Foundation of Learning statements and parents tips.  Check back with us each Friday to see our latest featured FOL.  You’ll love the musical and developmental insights into that precious little person in your life!

– Compiled by Theresa Case, M.Ed.  Theresa’s Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, South Carolina, is proudly among the top 1% of programs worldwide.