What do we offer at Jo Jingles and why have different age groups?

Jo Jingles classes combine structured learning with having fun in a happy, safe and informal environment. Babies are able to start at the age of 6mths and children can continue up to the age of five.
The age groups available are:

• 6mths -walking,
• 9mths -2yrs,
• 2 - 3yrs
• and 3 - 5yrs.

Children can start at any stage of the term and they will learn different skills in each age group, whilst having lots of fun with their parent/carer. There is usually a maximum of 15 per class.

Every session in every age group includes playing two different percussion instruments, two lots of music and movement and lots of visuals and hands on props, such as streamers, wings, bean bags and the ever popular parachute. The different age groups allow us to make sure that what we are doing is relevant to the age of the children attending and helps to develop language, listening and social skills. It also helps to improve their hand and eye co-ordination and concentration.

The class teacher works with her Jo Jingles doll, who is everybody's friend and is much loved.

How do the age groups differ?

6mths to walking - This is particularly good for babies who are not yet walking, as the class teacher works very closely with the parents/carers using Jo Jingles as her baby. The parents and carers can see exactly how they can have fun with their babies using music and movement and we show how stimulating it can be for them. If there should be twins in the class, the teacher will work with one of the babies where possible. Children are never too young to be introduced to music, which becomes very apparent in this age group!

9mths to 2yrs - Babies from 9mths are welcome into this age group if they are quite active and need a little more than the baby group. There is of course a big difference within the age group, but as the parents/carers work with their children throughout the class, it is not a problem. It is important to remember that, the more enthusiasm shown by the grown - ups, the better the response from the children, who also enjoy watching each other!

2yrs - 3yrs - This age group can suit all ages, and is ideal for parents/carers who have two children of different ages and who only want to, or are only able to, attend once a week. In this age group, the grown - ups are still very actively involved in everything we do, but there is scope for the children to participate on their own, which encourages independence and confidence building. Most weeks we have a theme and the children are encouraged to look at Jo's props, cuddly toys and "Picture Board" during the session to see if they can guess what we will be singing about and whether their favourite songs are going to be included.

3yrs - 5yrs - Children can remain in this age group right up to starting school and although parents/carers are not required to participate in general, they remain with their children and are expected to support them and show appreciation of what their children can do on their own. The children respond even more to the class props and "Picture Board" and this encourages them to discuss it with their parents/carers and the teacher. In this age group, they have "colouring sheets" to take home to remind them of what they have learnt in the class with regards to music theory i.e. notation and pitch, music appreciation and other areas of music such as dynamics. The feedback from parents whose children have attended this age group is that they have a really good understanding of basic music, especially if they learn to play an instrument later on.

Parties for Children

A Jo Jingles party provides an hour's entertainment and during this time there will be two instruments, music and movement, streamers and other props such as the parachute (very popular), Lycra, bean bags and bubbles. You may also like to have a story or sounds game to allow the children a few minutes to sit down and rest. If you wish to have a game of Pass-the-Parcel, this can be part of the programme and for children of 5 years, some simple prize games can be included. Favourite songs will be included where possible.

At the end of the entertainment, the Hokey Cokey is the last song and everyone, including grown-ups, is encouraged to join in.

For details of cost and availability, call 01296 625599 or e-mail: debbiebird@hotmail.co.uk