Praise or Encouragement

Children need feedback on the work they do. But how can we provide feedback most effectively? Conventional wisdom would espouse that constant praise is necessary in our child-rearing… but is it really the most effective way to provide that much-needed feedback?

There is actually new research that would indicate that constantly praising our children is backfiring and even undermining their confidence! Praise, by definition, is an expression of worth, approval, or admiration. It is usually given to a child when a task or deed is well done or completed. In an article entitled “Encouragement or Praise for Children?” written by Elvin Klassen (written as a resource for parents teaching overseas), the author suggests that encouragement , rather than praise, should be our goal as parents and educators.

Encouragement in its best form should be specific, focused on the process rather than the finished product, sincere, focused on the effort made, non-comparative, and enabling the child to develop an appreciation for his own achievements. For example, instead of “Sally, you’re such a nice girl” – encouragement would say “Sally, I noticed you shared with Molly today.” Remember, praise gives a value judgment and focuses on the person, while encouragement makes an observation about a behavior. We need to convey through words and gestures that we appreciate our child’s efforts and improvement, not just their accomplishments

Sing and Sway your Summer Away

A child sings before it speaks, dances almost before it walks. Music is with us from the beginning.”-writer Pamela Brown

Summer is around the corner can you believe it! I always look forward to having my kids all to myself and a little lighter schedule and routine. But honestly I usually get a bit anxious too about how to entertain the troops for 3 months and still all be happy at the end of it :) Why not take a little break and add some music to your summer! I have many options for the family or for individual kids. Sibling discounts and referral discounts are available. Prices include all materials (books, CD's and instruments to keep at home) and classes. Sign up by May 15th and get $5 off the family class or ABC classes.

*Family Class: All kids under 7 and mom/dad: Zoo Train! For 6 fun filled weeks we will ride the Zoo Train and visit different animals each week. This class includes ASL, crafts and lots of giggles! Tuesdays at 10am June 12-July 17th $75.

*ABC Music and Me

Ages 3 and up-Drop off class (That's right moms you drop them off :)

Jumping Beans Tuesdays at 11-11:45am June 5-June 26th $50

Sounds Abound Tuesdays at 11-11:45am July 3-July 31st $50 (no class the 24th)

*Playdates

Ages 3 and up-Drop off class

Join the Parade Tues/Thurs 10-10:45am June 12 & June 14th $20

Picnic Day Thurs/Fri 10-10:45 am July 12 & 13th $20

Simply click on the purple ENROLL NOW button on the right :) To register for a playdate you can call or email me!

Benefits of Play

Play is a natural activity for children. The child a play is self-motivated and actively engaged. Whereas games are governed by rules, the value of play is that it provides freedom from evaluation and judgment. The freedom of a playful atmosphere fosters intellectual development as well as self-construction and the development of personality.

Tips for parents: There are many things we as parents can do to inspire play. Just making sure your child has lots of time for free play is an important first step. You might also want to look at the play areas – inside and outside – and ensure that they are safe and inviting. Finally, consider adding some very simple toys and props to the playroom – things like wooden blocks, cardboard boxes and tubes, blankets, dress-up clothes, etc. will all help your child make his imagination come alive through his play

What is your Reading Routine?

Reading to young children is such a valuable tool, not to mention a delightful activity with all kinds of benefits. Research shows that children who are read to do better in school, and that reading is also a calming, wonderful way for parents to bond with their children. Reading provides the experience of different types of language, rhythms, and sounds, as well as teaching about many topics that might not come up naturally in conversation.

Ideas for parents: Why not establish a “Reading Ritual” with your child? Make the ritual even more special by designating a reading chair, by setting aside a specific time each day to read, and by having a basket of favorite “read-aloud” books from which to choose. Even a few minutes a day spent reading to your child will have a lasting effect on your child’s emotional well-being and potential for academic success.

Not just for kids!!

Becoming a parent turns your world (and your social calendar) upside down and inside out. You move from lengthy conversations over dinner to brief chats scheduled around naptimes. Eventually, you progress to speaking in short sentences interrupted by wardrobe and diaper changes, boo-boo kissing, rocking, sharing interventions, and a few paparazzi moments. (Your child does do the cutest things after all!).



When enrolling in Kindermusik, many parents list "socialization" as one of the reasons. We do help your child develop social and emotional skills, but we also connect you with other parents and caregivers who understand the unique joys and challenges of parenting a child the same age. So, next week in class take advantage of Gathering Time and look around. Your newest BFF just might be sitting next to you or changing a diaper or kissing a boo-boo or experiencing a paparazzi moment, too.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding is an interactive means of learning that occurs between adult and child. In this process the adult gently guides and supports the child’s learning, responding to the child’s level of participation by asking questions, making observations, and issuing new challenges according to the child’s responses. Together, one layer at a time, the adult and child discover new ideas, experience new emotions, learn new language, and strengthen their trusting bond.

Steps to Scaffolding…As a parent, you have probably used the process of scaffolding without even realizing it while helping your child do something that he couldn’t have done on his own. You have used scaffolding when you have helped your child put a puzzle together by asking questions, making suggestions, and giving hints. You may have noticed that the next time your child put that puzzle together, he needed less help. Through scaffolding, skills are mastered.

Early Communication through music

Big idea: Kindermusik makes it easier to communicate with your baby or toddler

Traveling to another country can be exciting. New sights, sounds, customs, food, and time zones that wreck havoc on your sleep! If the locals speak a language you don't understand, your communication abilities quickly downgrade to that of a one-year-old: the use of full-body gestures and speaking louder and louder in YOUR language thinking that will increase comprehension. Yikes! Where is the loo?

At Kindermusik, we know parenting a young child can be a bit like visiting a foreign country. New sights, sounds, customs, food, and your sleep is definitely wrecked! Plus, your little one does not exactly speak your language. Most grown-ups are no longer fluent in baby or toddler. We understand, which is why we intentionally include activities that will increase your child's communication abilities. In class, when we use sign language, sing "Oh well, you walk, and you walk, and you walk and you stop" or when we listen to and imitate different sounds, your child is learning and practicing language. Eventually, this will lead to him speaking your language. (Well, until the teenage years, and then you'll need your passport again!)
Everyday connection: A match made in Kindermusik. Your child loves the sound of your voice. Feed his love and grow his use of language at the same time by singing, listening, moving, and dancing to the music from class. The repetition helps increase language acquisition and retention. Plus, music is a language you both understand.