Another reason I love Kindermusik

We finished up our 4-6 year class this week. This a super fun age because the kids learn so quick and are able to then play/clap a rhythm or rhyme and echo music. They are so proud of themselves when they are able to participate in a group setting. As I've thought about this age group I've thought of so many positive things Kindermusik offers our kids:

* Great social interaction. Sure they get that at school, soccer, dance and other activities. BUT Kindermusik is such a positive group activity. We make music together, we don't compete against anyone or perform or are judged according to performance. There are no regulations that say our music has to even sound good! Every child is able to participate on their level and be proud of what they can do! They are able to build friendships and simply enjoy playing instruments and making music, just for the benefit of music!
* Kindermusik meets a child where they are at. We had a super shy little boy in class, then a few super social kids. The shy boy just sat back and watched and was hesitant to participate the first few classes. By the last class (week 4) he was right along visiting, telling jokes, moving and playing instruments with the other kids. He needed some time to observe and figure things out. And that was just fine. He never had to participate until he was ready. Kindermusik is a safe, happy environment for children to become comfortable and grow into the experience as they need to.
* We get to move! This month we worked on Presto (fast) and Largo (slow). Most children like to move fast, jump high, yell loud. Most of the time we need to point out the opposite of that slow, quiet, low etc. We had a boy this month that could only move fast, literally. During one activity we were listening to a song that switched tempos between presto and largo and we needed to move our bodies to match the tempo. He was running and running and running so I went over and held his hands and asked him to move low with me. He said 'This is as slow as I go.' and started running in place! It made me laugh but also made me realize he is probably right and that's okay.