Kindermusik promotes Class & Family Rituals

Rituals and routines are the basis for every Kindermusik class.  They are important because children need the predictability of routines and the connection created from rituals to feel secure and learn.  Children transition into our classes after a few weeks because of these rituals and routines.  Many of these transfer to the home, too.  I can't tell you how many parents sing "Toys away.  Toys away. Time to put our toys away." in order to signal to their child that it's time to stop playing and put their toys away.  If you've been in Kindermusik for even a few classes, you know exactly what I'm talking about!

This semester our Village class for babies is celebrating the rituals and routines of Baby's day in our unit called, "The Rhythm of My Day."  However, rituals and routines are important in class and at home for children of all ages.

Special thanks to one of my parents for sharing a book about this subject called, "The Book of New Family Traditions" by Meg Cox.

In the introduction to the book Ms. Cox shares with us why rituals, in particular, are important for celebrating our families.  She goes on to share Ten Good Things Rituals Do For Children (found on page 10):

Impart a Sense of Identity

Provide Comfort and Security

Help to Navigate Change

Teach Values

Pass on Ethnic or Religious Heritage

Teach Practical Skills

Solve Problems

Keep Alive a Sense of Departed Family Members

Help Heal from Loss or Trauma

Generate Wonderful Memories

After reading this list, I can just hear Kindermusik teachers around the world saying "Here, Here!"

I encourage you to check out this book, especially for this time of year.  You'll find ideas for celebrating Passover, Easter, and Spring as well as ideas for creating rituals for everything from a specific family celebration to daily rituals to rites of passage.