You are all invited to a Holiday Kindermusik Open House in my studio....
Friday December 10th & Friday December 17th
10:00am til noon both days
Come play, read, sing, have fun with your kiddos and meet other great families! All free! Come for 10 minutes or 2 hours, whatever fits your schedule. I look forward to seeing you there! HOHOHO
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Power of Music: London University
I LOVED this article and learned so much, once again, about the power of music. It is rather long but very informative. I had so many similar experiences with my youngest son who was very delayed, and ill for a long time. Looking back on it now I see even more what an impact Kindermusik had on him. Enjoy!
The power of music: its impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people
Susan Hallam, Institute of Education, University of London
Recent advances in the study of the brain have enhanced our understanding of the way that active engagement with music may influence other activities. The cerebral cortex self-organises as we engage with different musical activities, skills in these areas may then transfer to other activities if the processes involved are similar. Some skills transfer automatically without our conscious awareness, others require reflection on how they might be utilised in a new situation.
Perceptual, language and literacy skills
Speech and music have a number of shared processing systems. Musical experiences which enhance processing can therefore impact on the perception of language which in turn impacts on learning to read. Active engagement with music sharpens the brain’s early encoding of linguistic sound. Eight year old children with just 8 weeks of musical training showed improvement in perceptual cognition compared with controls.
Speech makes extensive use of structural auditory patterns based on timbre differences between phonemes. Musical training develops skills which enhance perception of these patterns. This is critical in developing phonological awareness which in turn contributes to learning to read successfully.
Speech processing requires similar processing to melodic contour. Eight year old children with musical training outperformed controls on tests of music and language.
Learning to discriminate differences between tonal and rhythmic patterns and to associate these with visual symbols seems to transfer to improved phonemic awareness.
Learning to play an instrument enhances the ability to remember words through enlargement of the left cranial temporal regions. Musically trained participants remembered 17% more verbal information that those without musical training.
Children experiencing difficulties with reading comprehension have benefitted from training in rhythmical performance.
Numeracy
Research exploring the relationships between mathematics and active musical engagement has had mixed results, in part, because not all mathematics’ tasks share underlying processes with those involved in music. Transfer is dependent on the extent of the match, for instance, children receiving instruction on rhythm instruments scored higher on part-whole maths problems than those receiving piano and singing instruction.
Intellectual development
Learning an instrument has an impact on intellectual development, particularly spatial reasoning. A review of 15 studies found a ‘strong and reliable’ relationship, the author likening the differences to one inch in height or about 84 points on standardised school tests. A study contrasting the impact of music lessons (standard keyboard, Kodaly voice) with drama or no lessons found that the music groups had reliably larger increases in IQ. Children in the control groups had average increases of 4.3 points while the music groups had increases of 7 points. On all but 2 of the 12 subtests the music group had larger increases than control groups.
General attainment and creativity
There is a consistent relationship between active engagement in music and general attainment but much research has been unable to partial out confounding factors. A recent study, adopting more sensitive statistical modelling overcame these difficulties. Two nationally representative data sources in the USA with data from over 45,000 children found that associations between music and achievement persisted even when prior attainment was taken into account.
Music participation enhances measured creativity, particularly when the musical activity itself is creative, for instance, improvisation.
Personal and social development
General attainment may be influenced by the impact that music has on personal and social development. Playing an instrument can lead to a sense of achievement; an increase in self-esteem; increased confidence; persistence in overcoming frustrations when learning is difficult; self-discipline; and provide a means of self-expression. These may increase motivation for learning in general thus supporting enhanced attainment.
Participating in musical groups promotes friendships with like-minded people; self-confidence; social skills; social networking; a sense of belonging; team work; self-discipline; a sense of accomplishment; co-operation; responsibility; commitment; mutual support; bonding to meet group goals; increased concentration and provides an outlet for relaxation.
Research in the USA on the benefits of band participation found that 95% of parents believed that participation in band provided educational benefits not found in other classrooms.
Working in small musical groups requires the development of trust and respect and skills of negotiation and compromise.
In adolescence music makes a major contribution to the development of self-identity and is seen as a source of support when young people are feeling troubled or lonely.
2
Music has been linked to the capacity to increase emotional sensitivity. The recognition of emotions in music is related to emotional intelligence.
Increasing the amount of classroom music within the curriculum can increase social cohesion within class, greater self-reliance, better social adjustment and more positive attitudes, particularly in low ability, disaffected pupils.
The positive effects of engagement with music on personal and social development will only occur if, overall, it is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The quality of the teaching, the extent to which individuals perceive that they are successful, and whether in the long term it is a positive experience will all contribute to the nature of any personal or social benefits.
Physical development, health and wellbeing
Rhythmic accompaniment to physical education enhances the development of physical skills.
Learning to play an instrument enhances fine motor co-ordination.
There may be particular health benefits for singing in relation to the immune system, breathing, adopting good posture, improved mood, and stress reduction.
The power of music: its impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people
Susan Hallam, Institute of Education, University of London
Recent advances in the study of the brain have enhanced our understanding of the way that active engagement with music may influence other activities. The cerebral cortex self-organises as we engage with different musical activities, skills in these areas may then transfer to other activities if the processes involved are similar. Some skills transfer automatically without our conscious awareness, others require reflection on how they might be utilised in a new situation.
Perceptual, language and literacy skills
Speech and music have a number of shared processing systems. Musical experiences which enhance processing can therefore impact on the perception of language which in turn impacts on learning to read. Active engagement with music sharpens the brain’s early encoding of linguistic sound. Eight year old children with just 8 weeks of musical training showed improvement in perceptual cognition compared with controls.
Speech makes extensive use of structural auditory patterns based on timbre differences between phonemes. Musical training develops skills which enhance perception of these patterns. This is critical in developing phonological awareness which in turn contributes to learning to read successfully.
Speech processing requires similar processing to melodic contour. Eight year old children with musical training outperformed controls on tests of music and language.
Learning to discriminate differences between tonal and rhythmic patterns and to associate these with visual symbols seems to transfer to improved phonemic awareness.
Learning to play an instrument enhances the ability to remember words through enlargement of the left cranial temporal regions. Musically trained participants remembered 17% more verbal information that those without musical training.
Children experiencing difficulties with reading comprehension have benefitted from training in rhythmical performance.
Numeracy
Research exploring the relationships between mathematics and active musical engagement has had mixed results, in part, because not all mathematics’ tasks share underlying processes with those involved in music. Transfer is dependent on the extent of the match, for instance, children receiving instruction on rhythm instruments scored higher on part-whole maths problems than those receiving piano and singing instruction.
Intellectual development
Learning an instrument has an impact on intellectual development, particularly spatial reasoning. A review of 15 studies found a ‘strong and reliable’ relationship, the author likening the differences to one inch in height or about 84 points on standardised school tests. A study contrasting the impact of music lessons (standard keyboard, Kodaly voice) with drama or no lessons found that the music groups had reliably larger increases in IQ. Children in the control groups had average increases of 4.3 points while the music groups had increases of 7 points. On all but 2 of the 12 subtests the music group had larger increases than control groups.
General attainment and creativity
There is a consistent relationship between active engagement in music and general attainment but much research has been unable to partial out confounding factors. A recent study, adopting more sensitive statistical modelling overcame these difficulties. Two nationally representative data sources in the USA with data from over 45,000 children found that associations between music and achievement persisted even when prior attainment was taken into account.
Music participation enhances measured creativity, particularly when the musical activity itself is creative, for instance, improvisation.
Personal and social development
General attainment may be influenced by the impact that music has on personal and social development. Playing an instrument can lead to a sense of achievement; an increase in self-esteem; increased confidence; persistence in overcoming frustrations when learning is difficult; self-discipline; and provide a means of self-expression. These may increase motivation for learning in general thus supporting enhanced attainment.
Participating in musical groups promotes friendships with like-minded people; self-confidence; social skills; social networking; a sense of belonging; team work; self-discipline; a sense of accomplishment; co-operation; responsibility; commitment; mutual support; bonding to meet group goals; increased concentration and provides an outlet for relaxation.
Research in the USA on the benefits of band participation found that 95% of parents believed that participation in band provided educational benefits not found in other classrooms.
Working in small musical groups requires the development of trust and respect and skills of negotiation and compromise.
In adolescence music makes a major contribution to the development of self-identity and is seen as a source of support when young people are feeling troubled or lonely.
2
Music has been linked to the capacity to increase emotional sensitivity. The recognition of emotions in music is related to emotional intelligence.
Increasing the amount of classroom music within the curriculum can increase social cohesion within class, greater self-reliance, better social adjustment and more positive attitudes, particularly in low ability, disaffected pupils.
The positive effects of engagement with music on personal and social development will only occur if, overall, it is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The quality of the teaching, the extent to which individuals perceive that they are successful, and whether in the long term it is a positive experience will all contribute to the nature of any personal or social benefits.
Physical development, health and wellbeing
Rhythmic accompaniment to physical education enhances the development of physical skills.
Learning to play an instrument enhances fine motor co-ordination.
There may be particular health benefits for singing in relation to the immune system, breathing, adopting good posture, improved mood, and stress reduction.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Kids Say and Do the Darndest things
So we want to know! What has your child said or done in the past few weeks that has made you laugh, cry, or want to sing outloud!
Drawing to be held December 10th.
Drawing to be held December 10th.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Kindermusik Christmas
About this time of year I'll admit I start getting a little stressed. It seems I can not go into any store, even the grocery store without a battle ensuing with one of my kids over a toy, a cool game, the newest movie. My kids get a really bad case of the I WANTS from now til Christmas! And then we get home and I trip over the toys, books, games, and stuffed animals left out in every room. If we get one more toy in this house my head may explode! We do not need any more 'stuff.' Just because it's Christmas does not mean we need something new.
So last year I had had enough. So my husband and I were talking and we decided to start giving experiences and memories to our kids for Christmas. We talked to them about it and at first they weren't totally on board. Then we explained that instead of getting one toy that would probably break, or we'd lose a part, or run out of batteries (insert numerous examples of this happening in the past) they would get months of a fun activity. So my oldest son decided on Tia Kwon Do lessons. We wrapped up his uniform and put it under the tree and he loved it!! He has worked hard every week for almost a year now and has advanced to a Sr White belt. My second son chose TBall so he got a new glove and hat under the tree and loved his Tball season. This was a hit!
With Black Friday around the corner I'm sure we'll all be checking the ads and trying to find the best deals for things we think our kids need or want. But wouldn't it be great to give them a gift that's not only fun for a few days or weeks, but will last months and even their whole life! Giving your child the experience of Kindermusik will lay a foundation for years to come of musical education, increased learning potential, and great fun for you as a family.
Let's say you have a large extended family and draw names like we do in my family. When aunt and uncle so and so come asking what your kiddos would like, wouldn't it be great to tell them you'd love to give them the gift of music and fun educational learning instead of another game or movie or toy. I have gift certificates available in any denomination.
My schedule for January is up and it's as easy as registering online. If you enroll before December 10th I'll hand deliver your At Home Materials for the class all wrapped up and ready to be put under the tree.
I would love to help relieve some of the stress of Christmas shopping for you, so make it a Kindermusik Christmas!
So last year I had had enough. So my husband and I were talking and we decided to start giving experiences and memories to our kids for Christmas. We talked to them about it and at first they weren't totally on board. Then we explained that instead of getting one toy that would probably break, or we'd lose a part, or run out of batteries (insert numerous examples of this happening in the past) they would get months of a fun activity. So my oldest son decided on Tia Kwon Do lessons. We wrapped up his uniform and put it under the tree and he loved it!! He has worked hard every week for almost a year now and has advanced to a Sr White belt. My second son chose TBall so he got a new glove and hat under the tree and loved his Tball season. This was a hit!
With Black Friday around the corner I'm sure we'll all be checking the ads and trying to find the best deals for things we think our kids need or want. But wouldn't it be great to give them a gift that's not only fun for a few days or weeks, but will last months and even their whole life! Giving your child the experience of Kindermusik will lay a foundation for years to come of musical education, increased learning potential, and great fun for you as a family.
Let's say you have a large extended family and draw names like we do in my family. When aunt and uncle so and so come asking what your kiddos would like, wouldn't it be great to tell them you'd love to give them the gift of music and fun educational learning instead of another game or movie or toy. I have gift certificates available in any denomination.
My schedule for January is up and it's as easy as registering online. If you enroll before December 10th I'll hand deliver your At Home Materials for the class all wrapped up and ready to be put under the tree.
I would love to help relieve some of the stress of Christmas shopping for you, so make it a Kindermusik Christmas!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Musical Variety is the Spice of Life
You've probably heard the old proverb: "Variety is the spice of life." When it comes to music, musical variety is definitely the spice of life! When you expose young children to music from around the world, you expose them to different cultures, countries, ideas and and experiences, along with these developmental benefits:
Greater Language Proficiency-Just as you read a variety of books to expand your child's vocabulary, exposure to a wide variety of music and sounds expands your child's 'ear vocabulary.'
Spacial Awareness-When a child listens to music, her mind perceives the sound in multi-dimensional ways. The sound is loud or soft, fast or slow, high or low, left to right. Eventually they will use that 'awareness of space' to work their body when they walk around the room or play sports.
Temporal Reasoning-You see this skill in action when a preschooler tells a story. He starts with his own experience and then moves to some imagines place with a princess or a superhero then goes back to something real again. Music does the same thing. It goes back and forth between established places (the chorus) and to new places that take you somewhere else (the verse).
Emotional Intelligence-With exposure to a greater variety of musical styles like jazz, folk, or classical, this increased exposure to music increases a child's awareness, and understanding of different moods and emotions.
Cognitive Skills- Research shows that music contributes to the development of a child's ability to reason, his sense of patterning, and his memory skills.
As always you are invited to attend any of my classes for free to check it out! Just let me know you are coming!
Greater Language Proficiency-Just as you read a variety of books to expand your child's vocabulary, exposure to a wide variety of music and sounds expands your child's 'ear vocabulary.'
Spacial Awareness-When a child listens to music, her mind perceives the sound in multi-dimensional ways. The sound is loud or soft, fast or slow, high or low, left to right. Eventually they will use that 'awareness of space' to work their body when they walk around the room or play sports.
Temporal Reasoning-You see this skill in action when a preschooler tells a story. He starts with his own experience and then moves to some imagines place with a princess or a superhero then goes back to something real again. Music does the same thing. It goes back and forth between established places (the chorus) and to new places that take you somewhere else (the verse).
Emotional Intelligence-With exposure to a greater variety of musical styles like jazz, folk, or classical, this increased exposure to music increases a child's awareness, and understanding of different moods and emotions.
Cognitive Skills- Research shows that music contributes to the development of a child's ability to reason, his sense of patterning, and his memory skills.
As always you are invited to attend any of my classes for free to check it out! Just let me know you are coming!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Children's Work is to Play
All children play. Whether it's a child playing alone with an imaginary friend or groups of children playing favorite games such as 'hide and seek,' all children engage in some type of play every day. But play isn't purely for fun and entertainment-it serves numerous roles in the development of children.
Play involved diverse activity where a broad range of learning can thrive and flourish. Children use play to test ideas, discover relationships, extract information, express their feelings and ideas, define themselves and develop peer relationships.
Children are actively involved in play. A child internalizes his or her discoveries, which belongs to that child for the rest of their life. Therefore, it is essential that play be an important component of the educational process. For young children, curriculum should be child-centered with open-ended learning experiences with a broad range of developmental goals. This type of program puts more emphasis on motivation, learning by discovery, cognitive process, and the well being of the child from a whole child perspective. Kindermusik classes provide these important ingredients of play.
This is very evident in our Hello Weather Let's Play Together class on Tuesday mornings. We love to splash in pretend mud puddles, put on our goulashes and dance in the rain, and tip toes with the rain all around the town! There is never a shortage of giggles and fun, all while we are learning!
Play involved diverse activity where a broad range of learning can thrive and flourish. Children use play to test ideas, discover relationships, extract information, express their feelings and ideas, define themselves and develop peer relationships.
Children are actively involved in play. A child internalizes his or her discoveries, which belongs to that child for the rest of their life. Therefore, it is essential that play be an important component of the educational process. For young children, curriculum should be child-centered with open-ended learning experiences with a broad range of developmental goals. This type of program puts more emphasis on motivation, learning by discovery, cognitive process, and the well being of the child from a whole child perspective. Kindermusik classes provide these important ingredients of play.
This is very evident in our Hello Weather Let's Play Together class on Tuesday mornings. We love to splash in pretend mud puddles, put on our goulashes and dance in the rain, and tip toes with the rain all around the town! There is never a shortage of giggles and fun, all while we are learning!
Music and movement are magical ingredients to learning for both parent and child. A baby's first communication is through movement. A toddler will respond immediately to lively music with what seems to be humorous, uncoordinated movements but to him are quite serious attempts to coordinate movement with rhythmic patterns. The young child seems to be moving constantly-leaping off couches, rolling down hills, and spinning around and around until she falls down in a giggling flop on the floor.
Our brains fully develop through movement activities such as crawling, rolling, turning, walking,s kipping, reaching, swinging and much more. The brain has a plan for development that involves specific and intensive motor activities to make full use of our complicate nervous system. The nervous system of each human being must go through a series of developmental stages before the brain can operate at its full potential. All children 'program' their motor and perceptual equipment, nerves and brain cells by using their whole body and all their senses.
Movement is fundamental for the development of the central nervous system but movement and rhythm are also essential for the development of the soul. When a parent moves with her infant, a special bonding takes place that is extremely important for social and emotional growth. When a parent sings to her child, not only are language skills being developed, but also a sense of love, comfort and harmony. The special touching, laughing and rhythmic moving that takes place in a music and movement class lays a very strong and much needed foundation for a happy, healthy and joyful life!
The Kindermusik curricula are specially designed to provide opportunities are for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and young children to learn through interactive music and movement activities. Kindermusik class provides parents and children a variety of stimulating experiences that will be beneficial for everyone.
http://play.kindermusik.com Is a great site offering free music for you to download and enjoy in our home, in the car, or on your MP3. Take a few minutes with your kids and find some music you like, turn it up and get moving together! Enjoy
Our brains fully develop through movement activities such as crawling, rolling, turning, walking,s kipping, reaching, swinging and much more. The brain has a plan for development that involves specific and intensive motor activities to make full use of our complicate nervous system. The nervous system of each human being must go through a series of developmental stages before the brain can operate at its full potential. All children 'program' their motor and perceptual equipment, nerves and brain cells by using their whole body and all their senses.
Movement is fundamental for the development of the central nervous system but movement and rhythm are also essential for the development of the soul. When a parent moves with her infant, a special bonding takes place that is extremely important for social and emotional growth. When a parent sings to her child, not only are language skills being developed, but also a sense of love, comfort and harmony. The special touching, laughing and rhythmic moving that takes place in a music and movement class lays a very strong and much needed foundation for a happy, healthy and joyful life!
The Kindermusik curricula are specially designed to provide opportunities are for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and young children to learn through interactive music and movement activities. Kindermusik class provides parents and children a variety of stimulating experiences that will be beneficial for everyone.
http://play.kindermusik.com Is a great site offering free music for you to download and enjoy in our home, in the car, or on your MP3. Take a few minutes with your kids and find some music you like, turn it up and get moving together! Enjoy
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