Saturday, November 14, 2009

It's Not a Hula Hoop, It's a Puddle!

Below we've posted a portion of an article written by Aaron Carasco, a Kindermusik educator with Studio3Music in Washington State:

In Kindermusik, it’s rare to ever call hoops by their actual name; usually they’re mountains, meadows, or even puddles. In fact, last week my toddlers we’re ecstatic to “hop-a-doodle” around their “meadows.” With my early elementary kids, they loved playing the rhyming “Dr. Foster” game with their “puddles.” Even my preschoolers were looking forward every week to taking the “tricky trails” with their imaginary friends in our story “Josh and Katie.”

hula-hoopAt the end of the week, I realized that a bunch of plastic 2 dimensional circles managed to not only thoroughly entertain all the children, but more importantly helped them learnimportant skills like how to jump on one foot, how to communicate with each other to go through “the tunnel”, and even how to work on their special awareness. All these important learning concepts were addressed by using something that costs around $5. 

We see children assign multiple identities to an object all the time. One day, a scarf is a butterfly wing, but the next, it’s a leaf. When children can use an object in their play in many different ways, they will pick it up again and again. Children can play with legos for years because it can be so many different things! When children are autonomous and own their learning, they not only enjoy learning more, they retain it better. This comes from choosing how to learn a certain concept. In fact, manipulatives in Kindermusik such as hoops, scarves, and streamers all have one thing in common: they are open-ended. The more open-ended an object is, the more roles it can have in play.

-posted by Teacher Aaron, who still has his first set of legos!  

For the full article, please click HERE.

To see first hand how we use objects and instruments in Kindermusik class from babies to elementary aged children, contact us today to schedule a free preview class or give us a call (412) 344-0535.

We're so much more than just music!



Spring Priority Enrollment for Kindermusik Classes in Pittsburgh



To our current families -
We are delighted to invite you to re-enroll for our Spring Classes NOW! 

New families may enroll starting on December 1st.
Our ONLINE enrollment for Spring classes will also be available on December 1st.

For all the details on our Spring Schedule, Class Description, Enrollment Process, click here:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs005/1101966356524/archive/1102827077637.html


We are offering Winter classes at the JCC in Pittsburgh starting in January.  See their website at http://www.jccpgh.org or contact us for more details.


To learn more about the Kindermusik experience, we invite you to preview a class!

Contact us today to learn more.


www.KathysMusic.com

(412) 344-0535 


Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Kathy's Music Fall Semester Dates

As we approach the holiday season, we thought it might be helpful to have a reminder about our calendar dates for classes.

Kathy’s Music Fall Calendar:
September 14th-19th – First week of Fall classes
October 6th – Family Time Class Begins in Mt. Lebo and McMurray
November 2nd-3rd – No classes / Fall Break
November 4th - 10th - New Village Unit for babies begins, "Do Si Do"
November 9th - Mini Session for ages 3-5 begins, "Rhythms of the Land"
November 16th – Priority Re-Enrollment for Current Families Begins
November 25th-29th – Thanksgiving Break
December 1st - Spring Enrollment opens to new families
December 20th-January 2nd – Winter Break
January 4th – Classes resume in Mt. Lebanon and McMurray
January 4th & 7th - New Winter Session at the JCC for Families, 8 weeks
January 11th -16th– Last week of Fall Classes
January 11th at 9:30 AM in Squirrel Hill - Preview Class for Baby Class
January 18th - New Baby class begin at the Squirrel Hill JCC, 6 weeks
January 25th - Spring semester classes begins in Mt. Lebanon and McMurray

February 22nd & 25th - Winter Session ends at the JCC
March 1st - Spring Session begins at the JCC

We're looking forward to seeing you at your next class!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Kindermusik Fall Mini-Sessions at Kathy's Music, LLC


Announcing Mini-Sessions that fit your schedule and your budget. 

Now offering a 4 week class for preschoolers ages 3-5 called "Rhythms of the Land" starting next Monday, November 10th at 10:30 AM in Mt. Lebanon.   The cost is only $62 and includes home materials.  Register online today!



Plus, we are offering an 8 week class for babies, Kindermusik Village "Do-Si-Do" at a special price of $108 for 8 classes and home materials.


We just announced our Winter classes offerred at the JCC (Jewish Community Center) in Squirrel Hill starting in January.  There will be an 8 week class for families and a 6 week class for babies.  

To learn more about all of our mini-sessions, please click here for full descriptions, schedules, and pricing:

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Kathy's Music Fall Break


Dear Parents,

Kindermusik with Kathy's Music is on Fall Break during Monday, November 2nd, and Tuesday, November 3rd.  Classes resume on Wednesday, November 4th.

However, our Group Piano Class WILL meet on Monday at 4:30 as scheduled.

If you are looking for something "Kindermusik" to do - check out our "Kindermusik" channel on YouTube at http://www.YouTube.com/KindermusikRocks

To learn more about what's happening in the world of music for children:  Visit the Kindermusik International Blog at http://www.kindermusik.com/MindsOnMusic

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday and we'll see you soon!
Sincerely,
Kathy