|
|
at the of |
|
|
|
|
What the Experts Are Saying Current
research on brain development confirms that early learning and stimulation
such as activities performed in Kindermusik class greatly enhance a child's
overall development. With the creation
of Kindermusik Village™, Kindermusik
International's newest curriculum for newborns to 1 ˝ years, Kindermusik
Foundations of Learning™ were introduced. Kindermusik
Foundations of Learning insights are based on the most
current early childhood development research, communicated in class by the
educator and printed on materials that go home to extend the learning
process. These "foundations" provide information about how Baby
learns, why certain activities are included in each lesson and how to extend
these activities at home. Kindermusik Foundations of
Learning insights have always been implied in Kindermusik
curricula, but have never been as strongly integrated as they are now.
Following are perspectives of early child development experts on the many
benefits of Kindermusik. Language Development "Playing
with objects such as the scarf play in Dan
DeJoy, Ph.D., Speech-Language Pathologist Attention and Inhibitory Control "Kindermusik
addresses a child's development in many various and powerful ways. Repeated
exposure to musical activities develops important cognitive and behavioral
skills. Some musical activities can help develop inhibitory control - the
ability to control or stop one's movements. Also, changing volume, rate and
pitch in songs and activities teaches a child discrimination, a crucial factor
to listening and language processing." Ed
Dougherty, Ph.D., Neuropsychologist Movement and Physical
Development "Children
learn through movement and music is movement. Repetition of movements, demonstrated
in the Kindermusik Movement Chart, is important for brain and motor
development. Movement requiring both horizontal and vertical tracking of the
eye facilitates language development for reading readiness." Anne
Green Gilbert, Movement Specialist, Author, Creative Dance for All Ages, and
Director, Special Needs Children "Music
as a curriculum in its own right is a valuable one. There are no winners or
losers in Kindermusik class - the only competition is with one's self, which
is a crucial part of educating children with special needs. Kindermusik
incorporates not only the joy of music but also movement, touch, listening
and socialization that are so important for children with varying abilities." Stuart
J. Schleien, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head, Department of Recreation,
Parks and Tourism, University of North Carolina at Literacy "When
introduced appropriately, music and literature play an amazing role in the
development of infants and toddlers. I'm happy that Kindermusik has extended
its programs to include this time of life when brain development is most
vulnerable and parents are most in need of support and direction." Claudia
Quigg M.Ed., Founder and Executive Director of Baby TALK Baby TALK is an
organization headquartered in Decatur, Illinois dedicated to helping parents
become better parents to their children. The program is affiliated with Dr.
T. Berry Brazelton's "Touchpoints" project. In existence since
1986, Baby TALK programs have been replicated in more than 150 communities
across 20 states and Canada. Development of the Whole Child "Development
is not a straight line, but rather a zigzag pattern. Kindermusik is
developmentally appropriate and allows children to grow at their own pace. A
child's development is a natural and enjoyable process, and Kindermusik's
idea of "a good beginning never ends" suggests just this - it gives
parents permission to be themselves and allows them to have fun with their children." Dan DeJoy, Ph.D., Speech-Language Pathologist What Parents and Teachers are Saying “Ryan
has learned so much these past two years! We are amazed at her wealth of
knowledge. Her confidence and self-esteem have also grown. I wish all learning
experiences could be so joyous.” R.
Miller, mother of a Kindermusik student “Thank
you for overseeing such an outstanding children’s music and movement program
that is literally changing and enhancing thousands of lives and bringing joy
and meaning into hundreds of families in my community. To me Kindermusik has
become an extension of who I am. My play is my work and my work is my play
and yes, I do have a very fulfilling other life. But not many people on earth
can say that about their work.” Michele
Geerdes, Kindermusik educator We
do the summer camps every year. It’s great to be able to keep the kids in
Kindermusik in the summer so they don’t lose it between spring and fall.
Christopher just started piano lessons and his teacher asked, ‘Has he had
Kindermusik?’ She could tell immediately.” Rich
Bresette, father of a Kindermusik student “My
enthusiasm regarding Kindermusik goes hand-in-hand with my devotion to the
field of music therapy: both are
founded on the importance of music’s effect on our lives as whole
individuals. I have found the Kindermusik environment to be a safe and
encouraging place for my young clients with special needs to grow socially,
emotionally and developmentally, while allowing their parents to play an
active role in the process.” Robin
Gentile, Registered Music Therapist “Our
daughter, Kayla, loves her Kindermusik Our Time class!
I just can’t say enough about this class and the whole idea behind
Kindermusik. The At Home materials are wonderful — Kayla especially loves the
Fiddle Sticks book, This Little Piggy Played the
Fiddle, and all of the animal songs! After doing the “roll
over” activity in class and then playing the music at home, Kayla knew
exactly what to do! I tell everyone I know about Kindermusik. Keep up the
good work!” Lorena Finnerty, mother of a Kindermusik student |
|
|
