Jumpin’ Jiminy, Jasmine, and Jasper, I think we’ve got it.
Family Time is now being offered in the Winter Haven area. This fabulous program opens up a whole new world of opportunities for the families in the Winter Haven and surrounding areas. Catch the Free Preview on Mon. Aug. 21 at 6 pm, or Tues, Aug. 22 at 10 am. The semester is 1 hr. classes for 10 weeks and starts Sept. 11 – 12th.
The summer offering of Family Time really opened our eyes to the possibilities and benefits of having children of multiple ages in the same class. (Please read my previous post on the Family Time fun we had this summer.) And as Bernadette and I considered the Fall semester, we realized there are many limitation that are facing the families in this area , children getting a bit older, new babies added to families, the limitations of arranging for childcare, and the age limitations on the Our Time program. And I am increasingly seeing the desire of parents to continue these activities together with their children, even as they grow older.
Through much discussion, and getting advice from some of the loyal parent/customers, we chose an option that would overcome these limitation by offering Family Time, in which families may bring chidren from infancy up to 5 years old (or so), and can bring one, or even bring them all to share in the magic that is Kindermusik. (Class size is still limited to 12 students.)
The focus of Family Time is different from Our Time. The Our Time program is specifically designed to meet the musical and developmental needs of children from 18 months up to 3 years old, based on a great deal of research into what is best for this age group. Family Time steps back to look at the whole family picture, and realizes that music and movement are the best ways for all these children to learn, and if they learn to do it together, they will gain respect for each other, and find new and fun ways to interact with each other throughout the daily routines at home.
We even include sign language to help families communicate in new ways. There are great – highly catchy, singable songs that you will find your children singing and signing together at spontaneous moments, esp. the Skinamarink song, and signing “I Love You”.
Class Times: Mon. nights at 6 pm.; Tues. at 9:45 or 11:00 am. Check out the website for availability, and enroll online, or call me.
Reports are coming in from all over the country, Family Time is a big hit everywhere Kindermusik offers it. And the home materials are sooooo much fun. We each have our favorites on the CDs.Cora loves the books, instruments, and puppets. We can’t wait for the rest of the Jelly Bean Band puppets to show up with subsequent semesters. I know you’ll love it too.