What do the Classes involve?

The main aim of the 30/45 minute session (depending on age) is that the children have fun, lots of fun! (as do Mums/Dads/Grandparents who are encouraged to join in). The structured classes usually follow a theme each week, ie colours, shapes, numbers, animals. The children have "hands on" experience with at least two percussion instruments ie drums, tambourine, etc. With the help of visual aids and Jo himself, a bright red and yellow fellow, who is always ready to join in with the actions and knows over 900 songs, some familiar and others that are unique to Jo Jingles.

Why do music with young children?

Music has an enormous part to play in a child’s early development and there is growing evidence that music can also help at a later stage with subjects as diverse as mathematics, foreign languages and scientific problem solving.

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

What will my child get out of the classes?

6 months - 2 years: Playing percussion musical instruments enhances hand/eye coordination skills. As songs become familiar to the children, they will begin to sing along and join in with the actions, thereby developing their language and retention skills. Children will also learn to listen to follow instructions from the class teacher, which is a useful skill for classroom-based learning in the future. Movement to music helps develop physical coordination skills and the ability to stop and start to music is fundamental to learning to play an instrument later in life.

2 - 3 years: Within this age group, we often introduce basic pre-school learning themes such as numbers, colours and the weather, all of which are done in a fun way, and reinforced with the use of visuals. The children will become more adept at using the instruments and begin to learn to play in rhythm. Musical concepts such as loud and soft, fast and slow are introduced here. More movement is involved, which is designed to encourage children’s imagination and creativity.

3 - 5 years: Basic music theory is introduced at this level with topics such as notation, pitch, orchestral instruments, rhythm and some classical music appreciation. There is a greater degree of difficulty in the action songs, movement and instrument playing, with children learning to play as a band. We continue to encourage the children’s imagination and creativity through the themes used. We also provide fun “homework” in the form of a picture to colour-in or dot-to-dot etc.

All Age Groups: Jo Jingles offers structured classes that require children to sit still at certain times, move around at other times, return instruments and props after playing etc. Such skills do not come naturally to young children and are learnt over time. On average, it takes six weeks for children to become familiar with the routine and children who attend on a regular basis make remarkable progress on this front to the delight of the parents/carers.

I want to sign up more than one child but they fall into different age groups what do I do?

You may find it easier to bring all your children to one class rather than to two different classes. Your Class Teacher will be able to advise the most suitable class given the ages of the children. However, please note that the classes are mostly designed for one-to-one interaction with parents/carers.

Regrettably, older children cannot attend the 6 months - 1 year classes.

The full rate is paid for the first child while a reduced rate is paid for every additional sibling living at the same address. Non-siblings would each pay the full rate.

I work shifts and may not be able to attend the same class every week.

There is a degree of flexibility built into the classes; every effort will be made to accommodate you.

What do I need to bring?

Simply bring a drink for your child and ensure s/he is dressed comfortably. But please leave drinks for breaks as it is distracting for other children if some parents allow their children to drink all the way through class.

How do I join?

Click here to download a registration form. Simply fill it in and post it to the address at the bottom of the form. If you experience any problems just call 028 777 23816 and speak to Amanda, she will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.