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One way to show how thankful you are

Yesterday was the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. As an international company, we know that many of our parents and educators are outside the U.S. and don’t celebrate this day. But the holiday’s theme is universal—setting aside a time to stop and give thanks for everything that we have. It doesn’t matter what date the calendar shows, any day is a good day to do this.

One of the most common ways we show thankfulness is by helping others. This could be a friend in need, a special group of individuals, a stranger—anyone. And if there’s one thing we at Kindermusik International have learned after 30 years, it’s that our Kindermusik community of educators and parents is one of the most giving, caring, and generous communities you’ll ever find. Bar none.

This led us to develop the Kindermusik Good Beginnings Grant Program. If you haven’t heard us talking about it yet, the program allows anyone (individuals, small organizations, schools, foundations, Kindermusik educators, etc.) to apply for a $1000 grant for any project that will help children. We will be awarding five Good Beginnings grants, as chosen by the general public. Voting on project ideas will open in early January and run through February. We are currently accepting project applications through December 16, 2010.

So, in this time of thanks, consider demonstrating how thankful you are by applying for a Good Beginnings grant. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, all you need to do is come up with a project idea that will help children. It can be anything! Need help thinking of an idea? Visit the application site for some examples to get the juices flowing. When you’re ready, simply fill out the online application at www.kindermusik.com/grants. (Consider including photos and/or a short video to give your application some pop!) When voting opens in January, spread the word to family and friends to vote for your idea. Simple, right?

To our friends beyond the U.S. and Canadian borders, we wish we could have extended this program worldwide. Though we tried, strict international rules and regulations prevented it. However, you can still be part of the process! When voting opens on January 5, 2011, we invite you to visit the grants site and vote for the projects you like best. Anyone can vote (up to ten times a day, each and every day through February 9, 2011).

Now it’s our turn to give thanks: thank you for being part of our Kindermusik community, and thanks for everything you do to get children off to a great start!

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Children are ready to learn long before schools are ready to teach

Music is a magic little key to your child’s heart and mind. It’s a dynamic sensory experience that evokes a powerful response in children. Early exposure to music is a vehicle for profound learning.

We’ve found that music and movement that involves interaction, demonstration, and exploration is the perfect way to introduce a child to the learning environment.  That’s why Kindermusik provides a unique opportunity to begin your child’s preparation for school – and, for that matter, for life.

Our program is carefully structured and developmentally appropriate. That means the music and activities reflect the age of your child. The Kindermusik classroom is set up in a manner that is most similar to what your child will experience in preschool and/or kindergarten.

This can give your child a great head start.

That said, don’t confuse Kindermusik with the potentially stressful environment you might find in a “toddler prep school”. Our program is not design to push children. In fact, quite the opposite. Instead you’ll find that our curricula nurtures and mirrors your child’s development with a fun, engaging, and stimulating environment. We encourage all children to learn and participate at their own pace. You’ll hear our Kindermusik educators say this all the time.

We know that these days parents have dozens of activities to choose for their children. Our goal is to stand out above the rest as the best option for you and your child. We feel that our research-based, research-proven program will not only prepare your child for school and the future, but you’ll get to have a lot of fun along the way!

Want to preview a Kindermusik class for free? Fill out this online form and an educator near you will contact you with more information. We hope to see you in Kindermusik soon!