CLASS STRUCTURE.
In each class we sit in a circle type formation on the floor. Mats
are provided.
Each class is carefully structured. Children like routine so we tend
to follow the same structure in each class with levels of difficulty
and more expectations increasing as we progress through the age ranges.
 In
our older classes every week we cover a different theme, these cover
a variety of educational topics. We have lots of fun whilst learning
at the same time. We also sing a welcome and goodbye song. Jo is featured
in all classes! The classes are age specific and I have given a brief
guideline as to what is expected in each age range below.
Some children will take to classes straight away for others it will
take time. Perseverance is good as over a period of time children
will get use to the structure of classes and what is expected of them.
Please talk to me if you have any worries. As a general guideline
by week 3 most children are joining in nicely, for others however,
it does take longer.
Adult participation is very important, the more enthusiastic you are,
the better for your child's confidence. It does mean that parents/carers
are actively involved and this can get quite energetic. It is great
fun though and we do laugh a lot... |
AGE GUIDELINE
6 months - walking; These are a fantastic way to encourage
your child's early enjoyment of music. Babies are often advanced in
many areas of their development if they have been introduced to music
at a young age. Of course parents are doing all the work in this class,
however most parents would agree it is a way of educating themselves
as well.
1 - 2 years: Very much parent and child participation.
Children of this age need to be encouraged and see your enthusiasm.
Forty five minutes is a long time for little ones to sit down, so
our programmes are very fast moving, hopefully keeping their attention.
Little ones do wander and provided they are not distracting others
and carers are keeping an eye on them, this is not a problem. It is
good to encourage them back into the circle for the next song though.
2 - 3 years: Children are encouraged to do
a little bit more on their own but generally parents need to help
and guide them. WE follow themes and concentrate on rhythms, pitch
and dynamics all in a very fun and easy way. We encourage use of Physical,
intellectual, language, educational and social skills. We don't encourage
children to run around in this class it is good for their concentration
skills to be able to listen and join in, with parents help of course.
3 - 4 years: I like to encourage children
to do as much of this by themselves as their confidence will allow,
although there will be times we all join in and certainly if your
child is not confident, for you to help them. Children in this age
range will be learning how to beat in time, rhythms, note values and
names etc. They each have a piece of homework set each week which
in return, when brought back to class is rewarded with a star to put
on their star charts. We cover a theory module most terms, to encourage
their learning skills, it is literally 5 minutes set aside during
the programme, but children benefit a great deal from the extra stimulation. |
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REQUESTS
 As
well as having loads of fun! We do try and implement discipline
and respect into our classes. This is through simple measures such
as taking care of instruments and learning how to handle them. We
don't encourage children to walk around with instruments for health
and safety reasons, therefore when instruments are out children
stay with their parents. If they do start to wander or run off,
it is usually your turn to play the instrument!!! They will soon
realise what they are missing!
- Safety is paramount in all our classes and we ask that parents
take responsibility for this too.
- We ask parents to join in as much as possible and encourage
your little ones to do the same. The more enthusiastic you are
the more your child will enjoy the sessions.
- We do ask that Parents don't chat all the way through the session,
it's really hard to get your child's attention if I haven't got
yours. Why not meet up with friends after to have a coffee!!
These few points help us all to have fun and get the most from
each 45 minute session.
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| BIRTHDAYS are celebrated in class with
a card and of course the happy birthday song Jo Jingles style! Please
remind me at the start of class nearest to your child's birthday. |
CERTIFICATES are awarded to mark special
events i.e. Becoming a big brother or sister, for walking unaided
and also for the first class they stay dry.
LET ME KNOW OF SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS. |
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