Why we do what we do

I thought I would share with you some of the reasons behind WHY we do what we do in class. I got some of this from another educator out there in Kindermusik cyberspace, whom I am most grateful to!

Why do we let kids choose how they want to participate? Kindermusik is a “child-centered” program. That means that in class we want to allow children to lead their own learning. So if Johnny wants to participate by simply observing 6 weeks in a row or if Mary likes to participate by jumping around the activity-it’s okay! Really, it is! I know it’s difficult when a child doesn’t appear to be participating, or isn’t participating as we would like them to! But here’s what we should ask ourselves-

1. Do I see my child watching or listening to the activity, even if he didn’t participate in the traditional way?
2. Does my child go home and mimic activities done in class?
3. Does my child look forward to Kindermusik?

If the answer to these questions is YES, then your child is getting the full advantage of the Kindermusik class experience! There is no wrong way to do Kindermusik!

When do I let her move around and when do I pull her in?

What a hard question. The answer lies in the questions above. Is your child watching or listening, even while she is moving? If so, as long as she isn’t being a distraction to the rest of the class, it’s fine to let her move around. Better yet, get up and engage her as she jumps/ bounces/ twirls! What is important in our class is that you, the parent, are engaging with your child. Your child needs to see that “Mommy/Daddy likes to do music with me and I get to choose how we do it!”

Do I really have to get up and jump hello?

Don’t we wish that the kids would choose simple moves! No doubt classes require a lot of energy from parents. The answer to the question is, yes, if you possibly can it’s always best to get up and participate no matter how silly! Your kids love to see you being silly with them, and they learn best through the play we do in class. The keyword is ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE! Make yourself the child’s focus rather than me, the “teacher”. Ideally, your child should look to you for ideas rather than me.

Isn’t coming to class enough?

No! The “Kindermusik experience” is one part class and nine parts home music time. Our class is meant to serve as a jumping off point for the rest of your week at home. In class each week we do different activities that can be expanded or repeated at home. In short, if your kids aren’t hearing the music and repeating the activities with you at home where they are most comfortable, they are missing out on the part of their KM experience that makes it complete-joyful reinforcement and interaction at home. You’re not getting your money’ worth if you only do music during class time. Make the most of the semester by using your Home Activity Guide each week. Your child will thank you for it!

I really like Sarah’s mom! Class time is our favorite time for a chat!

I realize it is fun to meet other parents with kids roughly the same age as my own. It is so tempting to talk through a dance activity with another parent or chat with another parent during “exploration” time. After all, we parents don’t get out a lot and KM classes DO provide us with a way to make new friends! That being said, class time should be ALL about your child. As hard as it is (even for me!) it’s always best for us to keep our focus solely on the children during class. Before and after class (especially during Gathering Time) is a great time for families to get to know one another.