What do the classes involve? We start each class sitting in a circle on the floor. As children like routine, we tend to follow the same structure each week and as they get older, the children are challenged to be more independent and use greater levels of skill when doing the activities. Classes are usually a maximum of 15 children/12 babies, thereby making them more personal and comfortable. Most weeks we follow simple themes such as animals, colour or transport and Jo Jingles (a very cute soft toy!) joins in too. We always have 2 sets of percussion instruments at each class and may use streamers, scarves and beanbags as props. We also do songs with a parachute (ages 2-5 years) and all age groups love our bubble machine! Obviously not every child will be able to concentrate for the full 45 minutes of the class and we wouldn't expect them to. The programmes are carefully planned and are fast moving but some children may well go for a little wander and this is fine. All we would ask is that you bring them back into the circle for the next song so that eventually they learn what is expected of them. In the 2-5 year classes we aim to provide a more structured learning environment and the children are actively encouraged to focus on that week's theme. Adult participation is very important, the more enthusiastic you are, the more confidence your child will have and the more they will get out of the classes. So, turn off the mobile, forget the jobs at home and have fun with your child at Jo Jingles each week! Age Guideline Baby classes (6 - 12 months): It is never too soon to introduce your child to music and what's even better is that you get to join in too. Baby classes are for half an hour. We use two sets of instruments, action and lap songs each week and always end the class with a dance where baby is carried by Mum/carer. In our baby classes you are very involved in all the activities with your child and it is a great way to introduce them to music in an informal, fun environment. Babies quickly progress from passive enjoyment of the class to being actively involved, clapping, cooing and wriggling to the music. So why not come along with your newly made postnatal friends? 1 - 2 years: In this group, the children still need lots of help from Mum/carer and they need to be encouraged and see your enthusiasm to get the most out of classes. They will play all the instruments during the term and will gradually become more adept with them. We also have circle songs, fun songs where mum can 'whoosh' their child and we do some stopping and starting with the music - good for listening skills. We also have a bit of a bop and sing old favourites and nursery rhymes like Ring O' Roses. This age group particularly enjoys 'Songs On Laps' where the children can have a bounce and a cuddle. 2 - 3 years: With this age group we have a theme most weeks such as transport, colours, numbers, shopping, animals etc. We talk about the theme and incorporate relevant songs. With the instruments we aim for the children to be able to play them without too much help and to be a little more dextrous. We often practice playing softly/loudly/fast/slow and the children become quite adept at playing and stopping at the right times. The music and movement section can be more varied as the children are capable of much more and we introduce acting out songs such as 'The Old Grey Cat' and 'Little Miss Muffet'. In this age group the children also practice their social and language skills, which they will use at nursery or playgroup. Parents/carers are always encouraged to join in with the children as they still need lots of support. 3 - 5 years: This group does a similar programme to the 2-3 year olds but now we really start to concentrate on tempo and rhythm and playing our instruments in time to the music. We like to encourage children to do as much by themselves as their confidence will allow, although there will be times when we all join in and certainly if your child is not confident, for you to help them. In this class we introduce the children to some music theory including learning about the four basic notes, simple dynamics and classical music. If this sounds like rather a lot, let me reassure you that it is only a small section of the programme, it is presented in a fun way and the children do take it all in. The children have 'homework' in the form of a picture to colour, which mirrors either the theme or the theory topic and is rewarded by a stamp or sticker when returned to class the next week.