My nephew, Alex, 21 years young, died tragically early Sat. morning in Scandia, KS near his home in a car accident. It is breaking his father and mother's heart. No one should have to bury their child, but today was that day for them. Here is a song that reminds us how precious life is. Live life to the fullest and without regret.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
We Live - Superchick
Children learn by doing. Who knew?
Hands-on parents strike better chord with children, by Faye Burstin, February 5, 2008
PLONKING kids in front of music videos such as the Wiggles or Hi-5 doesn't enhance their musical talent and may even hinder it.
New Australian research shows parents rely heavily on commercially produced CDs and DVDs for children's musical stimulation, claiming they don't have the time or musical talent for anything more creative. But mass-market music products, especially those with a visual component such as videos, DVDs and TV, are no substitute for musical interaction between adults and children, and may even be detrimental, according to a Monash University education study.
"Singing with a young child allows for spontaneous vocal play, movement and drama that are not always possible with music CDs and DVDs," said study author Peter de Vries. "Some products with a visual component are non-interactive . . . and detract from musical events. "These products can constrain spontaneous musical play . . . and parents need to be aware of their detrimental effects on young children's musical development."
Dr de Vries' survey of 63 parents of preschool pupils under five, published recently in the Australian Journal of Early Childhood, found 65 per cent of parents played music to children at least once a week and 18 per cent did so daily. But only 29 per cent regularly sang to their kids and a meagre 8 per cent played with them using bought or made instruments.
Children often sang and danced to CDs but DVDs tended to "quieten children down", with some parents noting their children "just sat there and blanked out", the study found. "Someone will be singing and dancing and talking to the camera, asking children to join in, and all I see is my child staring at the screen," one parent reported.
Research shows music helps develop children's co-ordination, listening, language, communication and social skills. Many parents assumed Wiggles and Hi-5 music "must be good" because they were often played in preschools and childcare centres, but the key was to be present rather than use them to babysit.
"Watching together enables adults to respond to opportunities the program offers and listen to their child's comments and observe responses, which can lay the foundation for further exploration," Dr de Vries said.
Australian Institute of Music and Childhood Development director Jenny Wilkinson said CDs often helped give self-conscious parents the confidence to sing with kids. But just putting music on doesn't have the same effect. Children learn by doing, especially with adults, and there are so many opportunities for spontaneous singing," she said.
Carnegie mum Simone Waterman sings daily to her three children, making up silly rhymes and playing with a basket of musical instruments. "I sing really badly and have no rhythm but until the kids beg me to stop I'll keep going." The ex-childcare worker attends a weekly parent-and-child music session and rarely resorts to TV. "I like Play School but I'm not fond of The Wiggles or Hi-5."
PLONKING kids in front of music videos such as the Wiggles or Hi-5 doesn't enhance their musical talent and may even hinder it.
New Australian research shows parents rely heavily on commercially produced CDs and DVDs for children's musical stimulation, claiming they don't have the time or musical talent for anything more creative. But mass-market music products, especially those with a visual component such as videos, DVDs and TV, are no substitute for musical interaction between adults and children, and may even be detrimental, according to a Monash University education study.
"Singing with a young child allows for spontaneous vocal play, movement and drama that are not always possible with music CDs and DVDs," said study author Peter de Vries. "Some products with a visual component are non-interactive . . . and detract from musical events. "These products can constrain spontaneous musical play . . . and parents need to be aware of their detrimental effects on young children's musical development."
Dr de Vries' survey of 63 parents of preschool pupils under five, published recently in the Australian Journal of Early Childhood, found 65 per cent of parents played music to children at least once a week and 18 per cent did so daily. But only 29 per cent regularly sang to their kids and a meagre 8 per cent played with them using bought or made instruments.
Children often sang and danced to CDs but DVDs tended to "quieten children down", with some parents noting their children "just sat there and blanked out", the study found. "Someone will be singing and dancing and talking to the camera, asking children to join in, and all I see is my child staring at the screen," one parent reported.
Research shows music helps develop children's co-ordination, listening, language, communication and social skills. Many parents assumed Wiggles and Hi-5 music "must be good" because they were often played in preschools and childcare centres, but the key was to be present rather than use them to babysit.
"Watching together enables adults to respond to opportunities the program offers and listen to their child's comments and observe responses, which can lay the foundation for further exploration," Dr de Vries said.
Australian Institute of Music and Childhood Development director Jenny Wilkinson said CDs often helped give self-conscious parents the confidence to sing with kids. But just putting music on doesn't have the same effect. Children learn by doing, especially with adults, and there are so many opportunities for spontaneous singing," she said.
Carnegie mum Simone Waterman sings daily to her three children, making up silly rhymes and playing with a basket of musical instruments. "I sing really badly and have no rhythm but until the kids beg me to stop I'll keep going." The ex-childcare worker attends a weekly parent-and-child music session and rarely resorts to TV. "I like Play School but I'm not fond of The Wiggles or Hi-5."
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Old-fashioned play builds skills
I learned about a fascinating article on play. Please take the time to look at this. It describes the importance of "self-regulation", how child's play has changed over the years, and how these changes affect our children today.
"Self-regulation is a critical skill for kids. Unfortunately, most kids today spend a lot of time doing three things: watching television, playing video games and taking lessons. None of these activities promote self-regulation". It goes on to provide an analysis of self-regulation and suggestions for promoting it.
Very good stuff!
"Self-regulation is a critical skill for kids. Unfortunately, most kids today spend a lot of time doing three things: watching television, playing video games and taking lessons. None of these activities promote self-regulation". It goes on to provide an analysis of self-regulation and suggestions for promoting it.
Very good stuff!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Here's to your health
There has been a wave of illness in the studio...it can be tough with a sick little one to look after (not to mention being a sick parent - there should be a law that says that should never happen!). I thought you would enjoy some comic relief. Click on image to enlarge.
Did you know?
Music training causes longterm enhancement of preschool children's spatial-temporal reasoning.—Neurological Research, Vol. 19, February 1997.
A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science.—Shaw, Rauscher, Levine, Wright, Dennis and Newcomb.
61% of all students entering medical school play a musical instrument.
Students in two Rhode Island elementary schools who were given an enriched, sequential, skill-building music program showed marked improvement in reading and math skills. Students in the enriched program who had started out behind the control group caught up to statistical equality in reading, and pulled ahead in math.—Gardiner, Fox, Jeffrey and Knowles, as reported in Nature, May 23, 1996.
Arts students score an average of 80 points higher on the SAT College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers. Princeton, NJ: The College Entrance Examination Board, 2001.
Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs).—Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report. Reported in Houston Chronicle, January 1998.
A research team exploring the link between music and intelligence reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science.—Shaw, Rauscher, Levine, Wright, Dennis and Newcomb.
61% of all students entering medical school play a musical instrument.
Students in two Rhode Island elementary schools who were given an enriched, sequential, skill-building music program showed marked improvement in reading and math skills. Students in the enriched program who had started out behind the control group caught up to statistical equality in reading, and pulled ahead in math.—Gardiner, Fox, Jeffrey and Knowles, as reported in Nature, May 23, 1996.
Arts students score an average of 80 points higher on the SAT College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers. Princeton, NJ: The College Entrance Examination Board, 2001.
Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs).—Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report. Reported in Houston Chronicle, January 1998.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Helping your baby learn to talk
Babies learn an amazing number of things in their first two years and one of them is learning to talk. Those "first words" stay in a parent's memory for a lifetime.
3 months: Baby listens to your voice. He or she coos and gurgles and tries to make the same sounds you make. Help your baby learn how nice voices can be. Sing to them, talk to them, talk to others when baby is near. Baby won't understand the words, but will like your voice and your smile. Plan for quiet time, Baby needs time to babble and play quietly without TV or radio or other noises.
9/10 months: Baby understands simple words. She stops to look at you if you say "No-no". If someone askes "Where's Mommy" Baby will look for you. Baby will point, cry, or do other things to "tell" you to pick her up, or bring a toy.
18 months: Most children can say "thank you" and at least 30 other words, and can follow simple directions like "jump!". Ask your child to help you. For example, ask her to put her cup on the table. Teach your child simple songs and nursery rhymes. Encourage your child to talk to friends and family. Let your child "play telephone", and have a pretend conversation.
These are just a few excerpts and you can see more by clicking this wonderful resource for what to look for in a growing, healthy baby and when to talk with a professional if your baby does not seem to be talking like other babies. It also gives a few ideas for helping your child learn to talk, from birth to 2 years.
3 months: Baby listens to your voice. He or she coos and gurgles and tries to make the same sounds you make. Help your baby learn how nice voices can be. Sing to them, talk to them, talk to others when baby is near. Baby won't understand the words, but will like your voice and your smile. Plan for quiet time, Baby needs time to babble and play quietly without TV or radio or other noises.
9/10 months: Baby understands simple words. She stops to look at you if you say "No-no". If someone askes "Where's Mommy" Baby will look for you. Baby will point, cry, or do other things to "tell" you to pick her up, or bring a toy.
18 months: Most children can say "thank you" and at least 30 other words, and can follow simple directions like "jump!". Ask your child to help you. For example, ask her to put her cup on the table. Teach your child simple songs and nursery rhymes. Encourage your child to talk to friends and family. Let your child "play telephone", and have a pretend conversation.
These are just a few excerpts and you can see more by clicking this wonderful resource for what to look for in a growing, healthy baby and when to talk with a professional if your baby does not seem to be talking like other babies. It also gives a few ideas for helping your child learn to talk, from birth to 2 years.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Let's do nothing
In our busy lives, it's vital to find time to simply do nothing. This down time is physically necessary for your child's brain to process the learning that occurs during structured activities and interactions. Plus, helping your baby learn to relax will serve him well as he encounters the inevitable stresses of the world.
What do you do? For BABIES, bring your baby into your lap and simply enjoy the time together. If they are fussy, rub their belly in a heart-shaped motion, or gently squeeze their arms and legs in a 'milking' motion, like we do in Village class.
For TODDLERS, turn down the lights and play soft music. Allow your toddler to simply wander if he's not ready to sit still. He'll learn to relax by watching you. (What have you seen in Our Time class in a few weeks' time, but a roomful of restful adults and toddlers cuddling in their adult's laps or lying still on the floor during "Special Time"?). It's a learned behavior, so keep trying!
For PRESCHOOLERS, the urge to stay awake and learn is strong in preschoolers, and they often need help calming down. Play quiet games: Who can whisper the softest? Can you float like a feather? Or a cloud? Listen to soft, soothing music and then lay on the floor and do....blissfully, quietly, absolutely nothing.
What do you do? For BABIES, bring your baby into your lap and simply enjoy the time together. If they are fussy, rub their belly in a heart-shaped motion, or gently squeeze their arms and legs in a 'milking' motion, like we do in Village class.
For TODDLERS, turn down the lights and play soft music. Allow your toddler to simply wander if he's not ready to sit still. He'll learn to relax by watching you. (What have you seen in Our Time class in a few weeks' time, but a roomful of restful adults and toddlers cuddling in their adult's laps or lying still on the floor during "Special Time"?). It's a learned behavior, so keep trying!
For PRESCHOOLERS, the urge to stay awake and learn is strong in preschoolers, and they often need help calming down. Play quiet games: Who can whisper the softest? Can you float like a feather? Or a cloud? Listen to soft, soothing music and then lay on the floor and do....blissfully, quietly, absolutely nothing.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Buddy Green at Carnegie Hall
The Our Time parents and children have been having fun with their harmonica's! Watch this video and see if you can add these songs to your repertoire, he he!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Body and Mind
The area of the brain that deals with cognitive thought is activated through movement and can literally turn your child's mind on. For example, when you whirl in one direction, followed by whirling in the opposite direcion, your baby's neural pathways actually develop due to the experience, stimulation, and interaction.
Your baby: Put on a favorite piece of music and pick up your baby. While holding him or her, place one foot in front of the other and rock from front to back, balancing most of your weight on one leg at a time. Swoop and swirl and swing your baby high and low in response to the music.
Your toddler: The world of a toddler is a very physical place, and your child will learn a new word more easily when you say the word and perform the action, such as saying the word jump when you jump, swoop, slide, glide, hop, or run.
Your preschooler: Encourage your preschooler's creativity with music, when you play a song and ask him to dance a different way to each verse and chorus.
Your baby: Put on a favorite piece of music and pick up your baby. While holding him or her, place one foot in front of the other and rock from front to back, balancing most of your weight on one leg at a time. Swoop and swirl and swing your baby high and low in response to the music.
Your toddler: The world of a toddler is a very physical place, and your child will learn a new word more easily when you say the word and perform the action, such as saying the word jump when you jump, swoop, slide, glide, hop, or run.
Your preschooler: Encourage your preschooler's creativity with music, when you play a song and ask him to dance a different way to each verse and chorus.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Can you hear me?
From the time your child wakes up in the morning to the time she goes to bed at night, sounds surround her: music, children at play, traffic, birds, TV, ticking clocks, and more. The ability to focus on one sound and distringuish it from background noise is different then simply hearing--that's why listening is truly a learned skill. You can help your child develop the awareness needed for active listening when you stop and listen to the nuances of sound. Developing good listening skills is vital to helping your little one learn to follow directions, to read, even to play an instrument.
Your baby: Sit comfortably and hold your baby on your knees so that you're facing each other. Imitate her facial expressions and sounds. Allow long pauses, letting her notice that you're really listening.
Your toddler: When you hear an interesting, easily repeatable sound, such as a doorbell, a knock, or footsteps, ask your toddler, "What's that sound?". Imitate the sound yourself and then ask if she can make the sound, too.
Your preschooler: Play "I Hear,", the audio version of the well-loved children's game, "I Spy." Start by saying, "I hear with my little ear something in the kitchen." Your child then has to ask questions about the sound and try to identify it. Then switch roles. Or try playing the "If you can hear me" game. Say, "If you can hear me, hop on one foot." Let your voice get softer and softer, while the actions get sillier and sillier. The crazier the actions, the more fun the game will be for your preschooler.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Tired of the same old loud and silly?
I have been playing Elizabeth Mitchell this week for opening time, and I just love her sweet, folksy voice. For a refreshing addition to your collection of children's music, check it out on Amazon.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Moms living well on less
I found a wonderful website called mommy savers which explores frugal tips for groceries, baby care, bargain shopping, activities for kids, holidays, decorating and lots more! There are forums for discussion and a newsletter. Being drawn to all things frugal, I will be spending some time on this website too!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Helping you to make the most of at-home materials
Just like a Kindermusik class, At Home Materials provide stepping stones for growth, building on the learning from one class to the next. Everything in Kindermusik's At Home Materials helps the parent and child receive the full developmental benefits of music and movement. But it's not about developing little Mozarts. It's about developing life-enhancing skills in the whole child - cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language, and musical. And it's also about giving you the time, the tools, and the inspiration to create the treasured, musical moments you can linger in for a lifetime. Scroll down to find your child's level......
Kindermusik Village: Cock-a-doodle-MOO! and DewDrops(newborn to 1.5 yrs) Village At Home Materials use the power of music to guide your understanding of how your little one develops and nurtures the intimate bond between you and your baby.* Home CDs - a rich musical environment allows brain cells and neuropathways in the mind to strengthen, helping to develop memory skills* Literature Books - images and sounds encourage your baby's ability to distinguish a wide range of speech contrasts* Art Banners - two banners feature four panels of artwork from the literature book and help baby's distance vision* Instruments - even the littlest musicians need a creative, musical outlet, and Kindermusik's appealing, baby-safe instruments provide just that.
Kindermusik Our Time: Away We Go! (1.5 to 3 or 3.5 yrs) Your toddler is learning to cope with and control his world, his body, and his actions. Our Time At Home Materials help your busy toddler musically explore this intense period, and provide you both with treasured together time.* Two Home CDs - at home, music can help your often emotional toddler refocus and regulate his emotions.* Two Literature Books - reading together helps your child internalize language and literacy skills.* Home Activity Book - lots of playful, musical fun for home: taking turns, family circle dances, field trips, and songs to use throughout the day.* Harmonicas - playing with a steady beat helps your child develop a sense of rhythm as well as the ability to organize and coordinate movements within time. One harmonica for you and one for your child provide you with endless opportunities for music-making together.* Shiny Dinah Carry Box - the carry box is both practical storage and a prop for creative play.
Kindermusik Imagine That!: Toys I Make, Trips I Take (ages 3 to 5 yrs) Your child is running, jumping, bounding, and astounding you with an increased vocabulary and a growing love of music. Imagine That! At Home Materials help you challenge your child's active learning, sense of humor, imagination, and increasing capacity to grasp more specific musical concepts.* Two Home CDs - singing songs develops your child's voice while also helping your preschooler develop a sense of inner hearing, a skill similar to thinking a story or making a plan without speaking out loud.* Literature Books - engaging her sense of adventure can help your child establish sequence of events and predict what happens next.* Family Activity Book - preschool-aged children thrive on expressive learning and parental involvement, and they love sharing the musical concepts they discover each week in class.* Toy Shop Play Set - pretend play inspires creative thinking strategies that develop language, sensory, motor, and cognitive skills.* Kindermusik Drum - an instrument of their very own inspires creative, musical application of the concepts and skills being presented in class. It's also true that developing a sense of rhythm can help children better understand patterns, a necessary skill for mathematics.
Kindermusik for the Young Child: Semesters 2 and 4 (ages 5 to 7 yrs) Young Child At Home Materials gently introduce your child to musical terms, specific musical concepts like reading, writing, and composing music of their home, and the habit of setting a little time aside each day to improve a skill.* Home CD and Family Songbook - feature all the songs and activities introduced in class.* Folder - includes attendance and name stickers, and helps organize Activity Pages and Picture Pages for at home as well as in the classroom.* Music At Home cards - summarize the weekly lesson highlights, providing opportunity for review and enjoyment at home throughout the week.* Games Bag - holds various manipulatives and cards that correlate with the weekly Music At Home cards and Activity Pages.* Instrument - throughout Young Child, your child is exposed to three basic instruments, so he can decide what he likes best: keyboard (glockenspiel - Sem. 1-4), strings (dulcimer - Sem. 3), or wind (recorder - Sem. 4)
Everything in Kindermusik's At Home Materials has a learning purpose for your child. That's because more than 25 years of early childhood development research applies to every instrument, CD, book, activity, song, and game.Kindermusik believes that you are your child's first and most important teacher. We also know that children learn best through repetition, and that often they learn best where they're most comfortable - at home. Your At Home Materials empower you to take Kindermusik from class to home where the games, songs, dances, books, and quiet times make it easy for you to infuse music, joy, learning, and togetherness into your daily routine.
Thank you to Kindermusik educator Theresa Case for sharing.
Kindermusik Village: Cock-a-doodle-MOO! and DewDrops(newborn to 1.5 yrs) Village At Home Materials use the power of music to guide your understanding of how your little one develops and nurtures the intimate bond between you and your baby.* Home CDs - a rich musical environment allows brain cells and neuropathways in the mind to strengthen, helping to develop memory skills* Literature Books - images and sounds encourage your baby's ability to distinguish a wide range of speech contrasts* Art Banners - two banners feature four panels of artwork from the literature book and help baby's distance vision* Instruments - even the littlest musicians need a creative, musical outlet, and Kindermusik's appealing, baby-safe instruments provide just that.
Kindermusik Our Time: Away We Go! (1.5 to 3 or 3.5 yrs) Your toddler is learning to cope with and control his world, his body, and his actions. Our Time At Home Materials help your busy toddler musically explore this intense period, and provide you both with treasured together time.* Two Home CDs - at home, music can help your often emotional toddler refocus and regulate his emotions.* Two Literature Books - reading together helps your child internalize language and literacy skills.* Home Activity Book - lots of playful, musical fun for home: taking turns, family circle dances, field trips, and songs to use throughout the day.* Harmonicas - playing with a steady beat helps your child develop a sense of rhythm as well as the ability to organize and coordinate movements within time. One harmonica for you and one for your child provide you with endless opportunities for music-making together.* Shiny Dinah Carry Box - the carry box is both practical storage and a prop for creative play.
Kindermusik Imagine That!: Toys I Make, Trips I Take (ages 3 to 5 yrs) Your child is running, jumping, bounding, and astounding you with an increased vocabulary and a growing love of music. Imagine That! At Home Materials help you challenge your child's active learning, sense of humor, imagination, and increasing capacity to grasp more specific musical concepts.* Two Home CDs - singing songs develops your child's voice while also helping your preschooler develop a sense of inner hearing, a skill similar to thinking a story or making a plan without speaking out loud.* Literature Books - engaging her sense of adventure can help your child establish sequence of events and predict what happens next.* Family Activity Book - preschool-aged children thrive on expressive learning and parental involvement, and they love sharing the musical concepts they discover each week in class.* Toy Shop Play Set - pretend play inspires creative thinking strategies that develop language, sensory, motor, and cognitive skills.* Kindermusik Drum - an instrument of their very own inspires creative, musical application of the concepts and skills being presented in class. It's also true that developing a sense of rhythm can help children better understand patterns, a necessary skill for mathematics.
Kindermusik for the Young Child: Semesters 2 and 4 (ages 5 to 7 yrs) Young Child At Home Materials gently introduce your child to musical terms, specific musical concepts like reading, writing, and composing music of their home, and the habit of setting a little time aside each day to improve a skill.* Home CD and Family Songbook - feature all the songs and activities introduced in class.* Folder - includes attendance and name stickers, and helps organize Activity Pages and Picture Pages for at home as well as in the classroom.* Music At Home cards - summarize the weekly lesson highlights, providing opportunity for review and enjoyment at home throughout the week.* Games Bag - holds various manipulatives and cards that correlate with the weekly Music At Home cards and Activity Pages.* Instrument - throughout Young Child, your child is exposed to three basic instruments, so he can decide what he likes best: keyboard (glockenspiel - Sem. 1-4), strings (dulcimer - Sem. 3), or wind (recorder - Sem. 4)
Everything in Kindermusik's At Home Materials has a learning purpose for your child. That's because more than 25 years of early childhood development research applies to every instrument, CD, book, activity, song, and game.Kindermusik believes that you are your child's first and most important teacher. We also know that children learn best through repetition, and that often they learn best where they're most comfortable - at home. Your At Home Materials empower you to take Kindermusik from class to home where the games, songs, dances, books, and quiet times make it easy for you to infuse music, joy, learning, and togetherness into your daily routine.
Thank you to Kindermusik educator Theresa Case for sharing.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Laptops for children
All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop. Moms, dads, grannies and grandpas, aunts, uncles - someone to hold them, read to them, teach them. Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals, and knowledge of a hundred previous generations. Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams.
--General Colin L. Powell - founder of America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth
(Thanks to Kindermusik of Holland for this reference)
--General Colin L. Powell - founder of America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth
(Thanks to Kindermusik of Holland for this reference)
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