“Gee, but it’s great to meet a friend, here today…”
What fun we had today meeting new friends! Family Time is a wonderful place for your family to meet people and develop friendships. The class theme, “A Visit with a Friend,” provided a great introduction to the rich tradition of making music with others. And isn’t it great watching the older and younger children playing together, having fun with music.
“Jing Jang, Jing Jang, let’s make a circle”
The circle dance, Jing Jang, gave everyone a chance to be an individual, part of a family, and part of a larger group. This is a great dance to share with your family, and with others who might visit. Although it is a “new” song, there are a lot more creative movement options than just “falling down” (as in the most often used “Ring Around the Rosie”). Some students were so eager to share their ideas, and I loved hearing them SING their idea through the Jing Jang song.
“Let everyone clap hands with me – Clap, Clap…”
You may have noticed that the older students quickly found new ways to make a sound “two times” while your toddler enjoyed imitating others. It was fun exploring ways to make our bodies instruments, as well as exploring the instrument of our mouth and voice, and then sounds with the drum.
Even the infants had fun observing and listening to the children in class. Enjoy these different stages of social development, and watch to see when they start exploring new ways to make noise with their own instrument – themselves. By watching others, they learn new ways to use their body to learn about life, and this in turn helps them to problem solve creatively..
Each child’s participation will be different due to age and personality!
During the first class, your child might have participated differently than you expected or wanted. Some are more shy, some are more active, but ALL children are active learners, whether watching or moving. As well as enjoying the musical activities yourself (setting a good example for your child), your only responsibility is to “be with” your child(ren) and find out the method they learn best, then support them through active observation and encouragement.
Verbally describe in detail what your child is doing when they choose to participate (even in their own way). If your child is just watching, then verbally describe in detail what your child is watching, and let them know it is OK to “_____” when they are ready. By listening to the music at home, and through the parents’ relaxed encouragement, your child will become more confident with each class. And you will start to see more spontaneous music making at home. And it will warm your heart.
I know your family will have a great time making music this week with your new jambourines, home CDs, and Wags puppets.
Looking forward to seeing my new friends next week, Merry Melodies, Debbie Mondale