What do we do at Jo Jingles?

The classes give children a fun and educational introduction to music and movement through the use of songs, musical instruments, movement, games, stories and nursery rhymes.

Classe run weekly during term time and last 45 minutes, the programmes are tailored to suit each of the age groups we run classes for.

We take up to a maximum of 15/16 children in each class which enables the classes to be that much more personal and ensures that the same faces are seen every week. Many of our children and mums/dads/carers have made long lasting friendships through meeting each week at Jo Jingles.

We introduce the children to a mixture of familiar and new songs, some are exclusive to Jo Jingles and others are familiar nursery rhymes. During each class the children usually play two different percussion instruments from a range including bells, claves, drums, maracas and tambourines. We also use streamers, wings, beanbags, bubbles, lycra, toys and pictures as additional props. Our most important visual aid however is Jo Jingles himself, a cuddly doll whom the children become very attached to.

Parents and carers are encouraged to participate in class by helping their children with the actions and movement and by joining in with the singing. The more enthusiastic you are the more your child will benefit from and enjoy the classes. If you would like to continue the experience at home there is a range of merchandise available to buy in class.

Attending music classes can help children in many aspects of their development such as language and numeracy skills, physical co-ordination, self confidence and social skills, all this whilst having lots of fun!

The Classes

6 - 15 months: Parent/Carers sit with the babies on their laps for a variety of songs, both familiar and new, helping them with the actions. The programme will include knee bouncers, finger and toe rhymes, traditional songs and percussion instrument playing to music. We also enjoy movement songs, where babies can be carried, danced with or rocked. Throughout the session the teacher uses the Jo Jingles doll to lead the class as her "baby".

9 months - 2 years: This age group needs constant help and encouragement from parent/carer. The children will play many different instruments during the term and gradually become more adept at using them. Music and movement consists mainly of walking, marching, running, jumping (with help) and stopping and starting with the music. We also have a bit of a bop and do old favourites like Ring O'Roses and Row Row Row Your Boat.

2 - 3 years: With this age group we often have a weekly theme such as colours, shapes, numbers, animals and transport. We aim for the children to be able to play the instruments without too much help and to be a little more dextrous. We encourage playing fast and slow and loud and quiet with the instruments. The music and movement becomes more varied as the children are capable of much more. Parents/carers still sit with the children, as they still need lots of support.

3 - 5 years: We aim for the children to play/clap in time to the music and become more aware of sounds and rhythms. Basic music theory is introduced in a fun way through topics such as pitch, rhythm, orchestral instruments and classical music. The children also take home a colouring sheet relevant to the theme or theory that week.