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The Gift of Time: Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

time together

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!

Make a simple craft together

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.

Hand Crafts
Check out our craft activities!

Get in the kitchen together

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!

Commit to a “device free” evening together

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!

Schedule a family game night

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.

Attend a carol sing or concert together

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.

Drive around and look at holiday lights

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.

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Educator Spotlight: Kathy Morrison

Kathy Morrison

Kathy first caught the “Kindermusik bug” when she brought her oldest daughter to Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios a little over 20 years ago now. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with Theresa Case, Owner of Piano Central Studios, but it was also where Kathy fell in love with all that Kindermusik is and can do for a child. Kathy became a Kindermusik educator in the summer of 2000, teaching for Theresa at Piano Central Studios. When her family moved to Pittsburgh in 2004, Kathy established her own Kindermusik studio and has been making an incredible impact in her local community and within the Kindermusik educator community ever since.

TC: What do your Kindermusik kids call you?

KM: Miss Kathy

TC: What are some of your favorite Kindermusik activities?

My favorite Kindermusik chant is also a favorite Kindermusik memory. I love Here’s the Bee Hive because my oldest daughter LOVED LOVED this chant and walked around saying it all the time at 2 years old. We still talk about it!

My favorite Kindermusik song is When I was one (I ate a bun…). My girls used to sing that together at age 1 and 6, and it had my husband and I rolling on the floor! There’s even this adorable video of them singing it…I will have to find that video one day soon.

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance to lead in class?

KM: That’s tough! But I would have to say that these are my 3 favorites: Tants Tants Yidelekh, Kerry’s Ten-Penny Wash from Do-Si-Do, and Mama Paquita – because it is the all-time favorite Kindermusik line dance.

TC: What’s your favorite part of teaching Kindermusik?

KM: My favorite part of teaching Kindermusik is the time on the floor with children and parents where we are creating bonds through music. I am passionate about encouraging parents and helping them learn new things about their child while developing self-confidence in children while developing a passion for music

Kathy Morrison from Mark A. Boyle on Vimeo.

TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?

I spend a lot of time analyzing the lesson to understand how to create a seamless experience that highlights the music. I look at the melody lines and rhythms to see how we might incorporate those into transitions. I’m committed to bringing out the music education component (as well as the child development focus) and speak to it in value statements multiple times. That’s what makes Kindermusik unique and differentiates our program from the competition. I’m also looking for ways to connect parents and children together, keeping in mind that I’m the facilitator not the main attraction.

TC: What’s the most touching thing that’s ever happened to you as a Kindermusik teacher?

KM: There’s really no one thing that stands out. Instead, multiple special moments have turned into a slide reel of precious moments over the years. There’s no “MOST touching” thing – it’s just a story that’s woven together of moments that affirm that this is my life’s best work. I am a Kindermusik teacher because I believe that I can make a difference doing that very thing and mentoring/coaching others to do the same.

TC: Describe a teaching experience or favorite Kindermusik family that has impacted you as a teacher.

KM: I have a hard time coming up with just one experience, but I do know this. When I finally figured out how to let go of trying to control what was happening in class and started focusing on engaging the children in a way that helped them begin to take responsibility for their own learning, then amazing things started happening. Children started engaging in new ways and I started really listening and facilitating differently. The whole experience went to a new level because I let go…It’s not about my plan, it’s about understanding where children are IN THAT MOMENT and creating the experience they need. That means being super prepared so you can flex and create and turn on a dime. It’s the very best kind of teaching we can possibly do. It’s something that we have to practice every time we walk in the room.

Miss Kathy of Kathy’s Music in Pittsburgh
Miss Kathy of Kathy’s Music in Pittsburgh

TC: What do you feel has made your studio business a success?

KM: A commitment to providing a great experience in the classroom with customer service that feels personal. We work hard to stay organized and consistent and we measure, measure, measure.

TC: If you could share some tips with a new Kindermusik educator, what would those be?

KM: Preparation is the key. Be prepared – know the songs and the intent of each activity. Arrive early for class and take time to breathe. When families start walking in the door, stay in the moment. Focus on the music and enjoy the families. The rest will come. Remember it’s a journey that lasts years, not a weekend road trip. J You’ll get there, just take time to enjoy the sights and sounds along the way.

TC: What are some of your hobbies?

KM: I love to read, eat amazing food, and shop with my best friend!

TC: What is your favorite inspirational quote?

KM: “The goal is not to perform or to conform, but to engage.“ That’s true for everything we do, whether it’s teaching a class, working with parents, or creating a culture for our business. Engagement is the key. When we engage with our students, with our parents, with our customers, with our staff, with our community, then real dialogue and change is possible. The result? We learn from each other!

TC: What makes Kathy’s Music such a special place?

KM: We LOVE making music with children and parents! It shows…and we nurture that love of music making with creativity and caring for each and every child/parent. We follow the progress of each child, plan for their progression and transition, and partner with parents along the way. I think when you show people you really care about their child and you take time to get to know them that it makes all the difference. In return families are loyal, translating into enjoying the experience and listening when we share information/value.

Are you interested in learning more? Check out a class with Miss Kathy in Pittsburgh…or find one of our other outstanding Educators across the globe! We’ll partner with you to help you child grow in countless ways!

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How Kindermusik Prepares Your Child for School

Why Kindermusik

Early childhood education is important, and at Kindermusik, we believe that you – the parent – are your child’s first and best teacher. But what to do with your child until he is 7 years old? Our classes are the answer!

Parent involvement

Music classes in the early years that include parental involvement and focus on learning in a fun, developmentally appropriate way inspire a lifelong love for learning.

Music classes give your child a place to practice those all-important social skills, like cooperatively play, sharing, and following directions. The best music classes will encourage your child to think creatively, developing critical thinking skills and the ability to problem-solve.

In an environment where process, not performance, is stressed, music classes build self-confidence and a willingness to try new things.

Group Play

Practice with steady beat, enjoying movement activities, and playing instruments help develop coordination and motor skills necessary for cutting with scissors, holding a pencil, or kicking a ball, for example.

Music classes that are teaching children rhymes and then later, the basics of beginning to read music pave the way to literacy.

Music classes that gradually increase a child’s independence at the class help the child more successfully transition to the school classroom.

In these classes, children have the opportunity to bond and interact with their teacher, learning to listen and respond to someone other than the special adults who surround them at home. Science and research have proven time and time again that music positively impacts a child in all areas of development – social/emotional, language, cognitive, physical, and literacy.

Check out this TEDTalk by John Iversen on how music impacts our brains – particularly young brains.

From music skills to life skills, it’s all there in Kindermusik, where music and learning play! Try a class today!

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Musical Activities for Halloween!

Halloween Activities

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.

Play Dress-Up

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.

Sing New Words to Familiar Favorites

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.

Make Pumpkin Spiders, Egg Carton Caterpillars, and More!

Check out this video playlist of craft activities, leading off with an adorably spooky pumpkin spider!

Make a Paper Plate MaskPaper plate masks

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.

Enjoy a Little Vocal Play 

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.

Read, Read, Read

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.

Be Safe

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!

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Educator Spotlight: Cathy Huser, Owner and Director of Kindermusik of Cleveland

Educator Spotlight

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] For Cathy, the magic of teaching Kindermusik is about bringing music into the hearts of children and helping educate parents about the incredible, rich, developmental and musical benefits of music. Her Kindermusik kids lovingly call her Miss Cathy or Aunt Cathy, and one time she was “Miss Poffy.”

With over 20 years experience and an award-winning Maestro program, Cathy has helped make a difference in the lives of thousands of Cleveland-area families, and she has even bigger plans to expand her reach by establishing an Arts Center this coming year.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: How long have you been teaching Kindermusik and operating Kindermusik of Cleveland?

CH: Since 1996. Heading into my 21st year!

TC: What are some of your hobbies?

CH: I love to read, but lament that I don’t read enough. My husband and I like to garden – I point and he plants. It’s a good combination.  My dream is to take photography classes and French lessons. Some day…

TC: What is your favorite inspirational quote?

CH: I read so many that come through on Social Media and they touch me depending on my day. Too many to pick just one. Of course after reading the Art of Possibility, being able to say “How Fascinating” in response to a problem has really helped me get through some negative energy days. Not sure that’s truly an inspirational quote but it’s been a big help!

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik song to sing?

CH: With each new unit, I have a new favorite. Of course I love singing the lullabies.

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance to lead?

CH: Probably Tants Tants Yidelekh from Dream Pillow, but really any dance where we can come into the center and back out, because those giggling, smiling faces are the best.

.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/186258165″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What’s your favorite part of teaching Kindermusik?

CH: Several weeks into a new session you hit a point where the magic happens. All of a sudden you see those “aha” moments on the adult’s and many times the child’s faces. They get what you’ve been saying from the beginning and realize that what we’re doing is making a difference. My favorite “feeling” of teaching Kindermusik is what I call being “in the zone” – all are present and engaged, and learning, and singing, and exploring, and soaking it all in, and of course loving it.

TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?

CH: Be prepared enough with your lesson and music, so you can focus on NOTICING without judging. Who is not engaged? Who might not be comfortable enough to make new friends? Why might a child be crying? The more you can notice without judging, the better you can understand how to help.

TC: How do your Kindermusik kids (or families) describe you?

CH: The words I hear most from parents are patient, helpful, understanding, fun.  I hear that some of the kids talk about me at home all week long. I’m not able to decipher their lingo just yet.

TC: What’s the most touching thing that’s ever happened to you as a Kindermusik teacher?

CH: Back in the early years, I had a special needs student, Alex, with Downs Syndrome. She had been with us for over a year and was still not walking at 31/2 yrs. We were doing a circle dance in Our Time, walking around to the right. She let go of Dad’s hand and started walking with us. The entire class had tears in their eyes, watching how proud she was of her big accomplishment. I will always remember that.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What do you feel has made your studio business a success?

CH: I have a business background which helped me from the beginning. I also am able to separate head-making decisions from heart-making decisions. I’ve learned not to take anything personally. I’m also able to see the big picture, rather than allow something little to affect my decision making. The two biggest positive impacts on my business have been 1) taking a week-long course with Dr. Becky Bailey, author of Conscious Discipline, and 2) joining Studio Expansion Program and then becoming a private client of Chantelle Bruinsma Duffield.

TC: What are some of the new and exciting things ahead for your business?

CH: My husband and I are now business partners and we’re opening up a full Arts Center in January. My ultimate goal is to keep the Kindermusik kids longer and have them age into our offerings: music lessons, dance, theatre, visual arts. Hoping this builds our older KM programs as an added benefit!

TC: What makes your studio such a special place?

CH: I think families love being there. I hear from parents that their child’s face lights up when they pull in to the parking lot. It’s the totality of everything you do, from having an amazing staff that are treated well and trained well, to the experience you give your families from the moment they walk in to when they leave and how you communicate with them during the week.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Cathy Huser is the owner and director of Kindermusik of Cleveland, a Maestro program serving the Cleveland, Ohio area. 

Are you interested in Kindermusik? Find a class near you![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][class_finder_form css=”.vc_custom_1476103011117{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Educator Spotlight: Helen Peterson – Kindermusik of the Valley

Educator Spotlight

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Regular Blogger Theresa Case brings us our monthly feature, the Educator Spotlight. This month, we introduce Helen Peterson, director of Kindermusik of the Valley in Burnsville, Minnesota. Helen lives near the area of the state known as the Land of 1000 Lakes, but from what we hear of Miss Helen’s Kindermusik kids, it should be called Land of 1000 Smiles!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: How long have you been teaching Kindermusik?

HP: 25 years

TC: What do your Kindermusik kids call you?

HP: Miss Helen

TC: How do your Kindermusik kids (or families) describe you?

HP: I think as loving, welcoming, cheerful, understanding, and knowledgeable.

TC: What year did you first open your business?

1991

TC: What do you feel has made your studio business a success?

HP: As most businesses that have been around this long, we have had ups and downs – no matter where we are, it is excellent teaching, a great understanding and acceptance of children, loving the community, and really just a lot of hard work!

TC: What are some of the goals you have for your business?

HP: I am looking at a 3 year plan right now to take Kindermusik on a growth trajectory back to 300 students. I am also stepping into the Kindermusik@Schools market with increased energy. Too many kids at daycare are missing out – we want to serve them![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/182839856″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Helen Peterson
Helen Peterson

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]TC: What makes Kindermusik of the Valley such a special place?

HP: Our teachers! I am so blessed to partner with such a special, committed, brilliant and loving educators. They do amazing work and love, love, LOVE our families every day! Much gratitude to our wonderful Kindermusik of the Valley educators – Robin Lamoreaux, Tina Egli, Merry Sawdey, and Summer Jothen!

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik song to sing?

HP: Parrot Talk

TC: What’s your favorite Kindermusik dance to lead?

HP: Oh so many! Tants Tants, Pirates Treasure Dance (formerly Sailors Hornpipe), Dance Little Baby, Up Up in the Sky, Bingo – any dance that goes into the middle and comes back out.

TC: Describe a teaching experience or favorite Kindermusik family that has impacted you as a teacher.

HP: There are so many beautiful families who have come to Kindermusik of the Valley studio over the years but have to say the experience that has been the most impactful for me as a teacher was the work Sherry Grimsby and I shared for 20 years teaching Kindermusik to the underserved and economically challenged families in North Minneapolis. We started there before Kindermusik school programs had been created so we adapted Beginnings and Growing with Kindermusik for the students. It was here where I first understood the power of Kindermusik as a therapy. The incredible value of giving children in crisis the ability to calm themselves using music, that playing musical stop and go games with children who had not developed any inhibitory control because of their circumstances would be something that could save them one day. Even though the teaching was incredibly hard, loving the children, singing with them, rocking with them, playing and giving them so many choices and chances taught us so much and really made me the teacher I am today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: If you could share one tip with a new Kindermusik educator, what would it be?

HP: Focus on knowing and loving the parents of your students. Be knocked out by how much they love their children and what they are providing for them. Not every parent does it, those that come to Kindermusik are something special.

TC: If you had to name just one secret to success in the Kindermusik classroom, what would it be?

HP: Falling in love with every parent and student in the room.

TC: What’s the most touching thing that’s ever happened to you as a Kindermusik teacher?

HP: It is when a parent who had missed class earlier in the day because of an emergency that was very upsetting, came by later in the afternoon saying that she knew if she could just be in the Kindermusik room with me for a few minutes she would feel better.

TC: What’s your favorite part of teaching Kindermusik?

HP: Oh! It is definitely when I catch glimpses of pride from parents for their children, when they are surprised by how much their child has understood and been creative with the activities. AND – when I see children feeling proud of themselves as they concentrate, listen, create, and make beautiful music.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Helen Peterson holds a BS degree in Music Education from the University of Minnesota. Helen taught elementary and high school band before starting a family and her Kindermusik business. Helen has served on the Kindermusik Educators Association national board from 1999 to 2003 and has continued to serve on the international conference committee.

 

– Photo credits: Aaron Sawdey[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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Kindermusik by the Numbers

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Theresa Case provides research based reasons why early childhood, group musical activity is beneficial for each age – from birth to age 7. Get out there and get those little ones making music and moving![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/181921295″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”search-inline”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Find a Class Near You!” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left”][vc_column_text]Select your country and enter your address or postal code to find a Kindermusik class.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bgcolor=”ki_secondary_orange” el_class=”search-inline form-inline”][vc_column][class_finder_form layout=”inline” button_label=”Search” hide_radius=”true” css=”” country_label=”Country” radius_label=”Search Radius”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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What Does It Take? Becoming a Kindermusik Educator

Theresa Case

It’s been over 20 years since I started my Kindermusik journey with my first Kindermusik training.  But I still remind myself often of what it takes to become – and to be! – a Kindermusik educator.  Here are a few of my favorite characteristics of a Kindermusik teacher:

A song in your heart. You can’t inspire others to love music unless a love of music is bubbling out of you!

A love of kids… and parents! Kindermusik is as much for the parents as it is for the kids, and Kindermusik educators get to love and nurture them both.

A beautiful smile. The most beautiful smiles come straight from a loving heart that sees the good and loves the child – and parent! – just as they are.

A child-like sense of wonder. The best teachers see the world through the child’s eyes and hear the music through their ears.

A sense of humor. You have to have a gift to laugh at yourself and delight in others – especially the kids who will never cease to surprise you.

A streak of creativity. The lesson plans can only come to life in the hands of a vibrant, creative teacher.

A commitment to excellence. It may look like fun and games, but it takes dedication and work to be the kind of Kindermusik teacher who makes the biggest difference in the lives of her Kindermusik families.

Becoming a Kindermusik Educator
Theresa Case teaches her Kindermusik classes with love and a boundless energy

A big imagination. The kids will have one – you have to have a big imagination to in order to enter their world and connect with them at their level.

A boundless joy. Kindermusik does something special for each one – the child, the parent, and the teacher.  And each new class only increases the joy of teaching and making music.

And that’s what it takes to be a Kindermusik teacher – heart, love, smiles, wonder, humor, creativity, excellence, imagination, and joy. It’s also what Kindermusik teachers get back every time a child’s eyes light up in class.

So, I guess I have to say that teaching Kindermusik isn’t really about what it takes, but what it gives.

Shared by Theresa Case whose award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in upstate South Carolina has been inspiring children and families to learn and make music together for over 20 years now.

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No Surprise: With Music Involvement, You Do Better at Learning

We know this, but it’s always nice when we find folks who spread the word: kids involved with music are better learners.  Geoff Johnson’s fascinating article also cites Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, a renowned expert on music, neuroimaging and brain plasticity at Harvard Medical School.  “Listening to and making music,” he says, “is not only an auditory experience, but it is a multisensory and motor experience. Making music over a long period of time can change brain function and brain structure.”

Music and Learning
Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, MD, PhD

Because of the way music and music-making engage different parts of the brain, music activities actually help children learn how to learn, in addition to stimulating all kinds of brain function and development. Johnson also highlights a study done by Finnish researchers in 2011.  The findings are impressive.  “…Finnish scientists discovered that listening to music activates a wider series of networks in the brain, and their method of brain mapping revealed complex dynamics of large-scale neural networks.”

Our brains – and our hearts – are hard-wired to respond to music.  Technology allows scientists to see inside our brains, but all the confirmation a parent needs of the power of music even for a very youngest child is to watch her child’s eyes light up in a Kindermusik class at the sound of a favorite dance or lullaby, to feel her child instantly calm at the first sounds of a lullaby, or to see her child kick his legs or start bouncing when the music comes on.  And now we know with every certainty that the more intentional and sustained exposure to music, moving to music, and music-making, the more powerful and long-lasting its effects.

The scientific evidence continues to pile up – it truly is long-term exposure to music that has the greatest effect on learning.  So start early… and keep it up!

Contributed by Theresa Case whose award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in upstate South Carolina has been inspiring children and families to learn and make music together for over 20 years now.