Preschoolers Move at Their Own TEMPO

Parenting Tip: Go fast & slow with your preschooler!

 

Why?

Fostering self-expression and inclusion (as we do, when giving all a turn to choose 'fast' or 'slow' tempi, as we sing in our preschool classes called "Laugh & learn") assures fairness for children, and enhances meaningful participation in their own learning. 

When children are free to express their intentions and act creatively within a form of learning, their development of basic motivation or will is strengthened.  Where this willfulness can be strengthened, a positive relationship to self-directed learning can emerge. 

This leads to the development of expertise (much like the professional musician who, through countless hours of disciplined rehearsal, becomes a expert player).  - adapted from Rhiannon Venables, Fostering Artistic and Creative Expression in Children, Learning Links - Helping Kids Learn

 

How?

look at 'I Can Do That!' As your child enjoys moving like each animal, encourage her to notice whether the animal moves fast or slow - then match that tempo!

Then, listen to some Garden Sounds.  If you like, extend this into a family game of 'Who's Making All That Noise' from our new home CD. 

Play the Creatures of the Garden track (from Kindermusik's In My Garden CD), and enjoy moving together like snails, mice, turtles, and rabbits.

 

Want to Learn More?

On our blog - See how  tempo can help you at home, and help your child in future musical endeavors!

 

Kindermusik 7-year continuum:

As a Kindermusik baby, your child experienced fast & slow tempo when you moved her fast or slow to the music.  In toddler classes, he discovered ways to move his own body fast or slow.  Now, in preschool Kindermusik class, your child gets to make creative decisions for the group, choosing either fast or slow tempi for our class songs (is the woodpecker pecking fast or slow today?).  In Young Child classes, big kids use these years of experience to decide how fast or slow they need to play in order to stay with the group, as well as to make creative decisions about how fast that thunderclap sound should go, when creating their own musical compositions.