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What to Expect in a Sound Beginnings Preview Class
We will sit on the floor and move up and down during class, so please dress accordingly. If sitting on the floor is a problem, I have stools available so you can still participate comfortably. Please do not bring toys or food to class, as those are major distractions for the other children. Please put your phone away so you can focus on your child. Please be on time so we will have time for questions at the end. In every class, we will sing, dance, play simple rhythm instruments, listen and move to music, and have lots of fun! You are invited to participate however your child would like to. If something isn't working for you and your child, please feel free to try something else. I am merely offering suggestions for ways to participate. Aside from some positive social interaction (for both you and your child), the main purpose of this class is to give you the knowledge and tools to be able to repeat the class activities at home anytime you like. Classes are 30 minutes long, but you can take home what you learn for never-ending fun! All grown ups (but those bringing babies especially!!) need to use lots of purposeful touch and eye contact. Drum or pat on their bodies so they can feel the beat. Change location for the patting (i.e. pat high to indicate a high sound, or low to indicate low sounds, etc.) If we are dancing, parents of babies can scoop them up and dance with them! If we are jumping or bouncing, bounce them on your lap. Don't feel beholden to a particular movement or gesture - use whatever movement or touch you need to engage your child's attention. Don't force participation, but model it yourself. And don't be fooled by what you can't see! Even the young child who is just watching (and not wanting to participate) is experiencing incredible amounts of brain function simply listening to the music and observing. But engaging with the music rhythmically, with someone they love, will make even more connections happen! It can sometimes be difficult in a Sound Beginnings preview class to have time to answer questions after the class, but I'll try my best. The kids can be wily! I will send you an email after the class explaining class elements, pricing, and how to enroll. If you don't have a chance to chat with me afterwards, please feel free to text, email, or call with any questions. By attending a preview class, you will have the opportunity to waive the $20 registration fee!* All classes will include these 7 Foundational Elements:
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to participate in a Sound Beginnings class! So just come and have fun with your child and see how much fun you can have with musical learning! If you want to learn a little more about how important music is for infant brain development, check out my infants page: https://musikandme.com/Music-for-Infants *If you register for Sound Beginnings within 48 hours of attending a preview class, you won't have to pay the $20 registration fee! |
Sound Beginnings is ideal for kids from newborn to age 4 - but that includes a wide range of ages and abilities. Your participation as a caregiver is key to making this an engaging experience for your child! Be a full participant in everything we do (and don't worry - I'll be the silliest adult in the room!)
