Why do music with young children?

It has long been recognised that music plays an important role in young children’s development, singing enhances language skills and instrument playing encourages hand-eye co-ordination.   There is also growing evidence that music can help at a later stage with subjects as diverse as mathematics, foreign languages and scientific problem solving.

Most Parents know that music-making is “a good thing”: the combination of self-expression, discipline, fun and working with others in a positive way is a winning combination and at Jo Jingles we aim to give children an exciting and lively introduction to music in a structured, yet fun, environment. 

Here’s what some of the experts have to say about the benefits of teaching music to young children:

"Singing songs to your child widens their vocabulary and improves listening skills, both of which make learning to read easier". Professor John Sloboda, Keele University.

"A child is more confident, usually speaks early and gains an early grasp of the rules of communication if started early in clapping games, group activities and musical games" Dr Miriam Stoppard, Child Psychologist

"Children who learn to sing and play together are more likely to lead successful lives than those who receive a more disciplined education" Dr Kathy Silva, Educational Psychologist, Oxford University

"Music helps children to learn maths. When children learn rhythm, they are learning ratios, fractions and proportions" Professor Gordon Shaw, University of California, Irvine

What is Jo Jingles & what do we do?

Jo Jingles “on safari”

Jo Jingles Teaches children to play percussion instruments expressively, to sing songs, hold a tune and find the rhythm to move and dance to. Most importantly children have lots of fun and everybody joins in. Our classes are carefully structured and each week different educational themes are introduced using well-known nursery rhymes and actions songs.

When can we go to Jo Jingles Classes?

Jo Jingles classes are held weekly during term time.

Term dates:

• Autumn Term 2009 W/c 7^th September - Friday 18^th December
  (Half term W/c 19th & 26th October (Kate) or 26th Oct & 3rd Nov (Virginia))
• Spring Term 2010 W/c 11^th January - Friday 26^th March
  (Half term W/c 15^th Feb)
• Summer Term 2010 W/c 19^th April - Friday 16^th July
  (Half term W/c 31st May)

What will my child get out of the classes?

Classes are age specific (6months to walking, walking to 2 years, 2 – 3 years & 3 – 5 years) and the content of each class is varied accordingly.

Jo Jingles introduces the younger children to a mixture of familiar and new songs, many of which are exclusive to Jo Jingles classes. In addition to being lots of fun, tapping drums and claves helps develop the children's hand/eye co-ordination, nursery rhymes encourage speech, and being with peers help with social skills.

As the children progress through the age groups themes are introduced which cover many pre-school topics, e.g. colours, shapes, animals and days of the week. Movement activities become a little more difficult and we practise our listening skills.

In our classes for older ones Jo Jingles helps the children learn about the instruments of the orchestra and the way the instruments are used to great effect in our exciting stories. The 3 - 5 Year Classes are specially written to introduce different musical themes to children. For example we may learn about "noises in the night" - a song & story that looks at different noises in the night, where we imitate the noises with different instruments & props and learn to play along with the song - excellent at getting the children to listen to the music, encouraging them to sing along with the chorus and play "in time" with a range of instruments.

What if I want to sign up more than one child, but they fall into different age groups?

You may find it easier to bring all your children to one class rather than to two different classes.   Normally we would suggest that you sign up to the older child’s relevant age group however please e-mail me with your children’s ages and I will be able to advise you of the most suitable class. 

What do I need to bring?

Simply bring a drink for your child and ensure he or she is dressed comfortably.  We will provide all the instruments and props. Parents/carers please note that we sit on mats on the floor.

How do I join?

Classes are limited to around 15 children per class so if you would like to reserve a place on a Jo Jingles session (see class information for list of classes), please check whether there is availability on the class you would like to attend by e-mailing Virginia at jojingles22@aol.com Please state the town/village you are interested in, what age your child is and possible days you can make. Alternatively you can call Virginia on 01453 839464.