In our classes we aim to provide a fun and creative introduction to music for pre-school children. Each week there will be a variety of musical activities ranging from action songs, music and movement, playing percussion instruments, dance and sometimes a story. Some weeks we follow simple themes (e.g. animals, transport, colours etc.)and make use of toys, pictures and books to illustrate the songs. At Jo Jingles, parents and carers are actively encouraged to join in and have fun with the children - the more enthusiastic you are, the more likely it is that your child will enjoy the classes. For the younger children music and movement are some of the best ways of promoting early language and co-ordination development whilst older children will have an introduction to musical notes, pitch, rhythm and musical appreciation.

Obviously not every child will be able to concentrate for the full 45 minutes of the class; this would be an unreasonable expectation to set. The programmes for our classes are carefully planned and are fast-moving. Children are not expected to sit down for any length of time and we are constantly aware of children's developmental capabilities. Children in the 1-2 year classes may well go for a wander and this is fine. All we would say is please bring them back into the circle for the next song so that eventually they begin to learn what is expected of them. In the 2-5 year classes we are very much trying to provide a more structured learning environment and therefore children are actively discouraged from running around and being disruptive.

Jo Jingles Classes

Class numbers are normally restricted to a maximum of 15 children. This means that the children should have plenty of room for their music and movement and for playing instruments. We always have two sets of instruments at each 45-minute session and may also use streamers and wings and beanbags.

Baby Classes We have recently introduced some classes for babies in response to many requests from parents who have been through classes with older children. It is never too soon to introduce your child to music and what's even better is you get to join in too. Obviously these classes are very different to the other classes for the older children because you have to do everything for your child but it's a great way to teach your child in an informal, fun environment and why not come along with your newly made post-natal friends?

Walking - 2 Years The first thing to say about this group is that the younger they are the more help they will need. It is vitally important that whoever brings the child is willing to join in since it is from you that they will learn the most. This age group needs constant help and encouragement. Even with this age group we start to introduce basic musical skills.

The children are encouraged to listen with their ears and stop playing their instruments when told. We use lots of circle songs in our movement sections with lots of familiar nursery rhymes too. We also have a bit of a bop and do old favourites like Ring o' Roses. This age group will do "songs on laps" where the children can have a bounce and a cuddle. We rarely have a weekly theme for this age group. The main thing to remember with this age group is that the music class if for both of you. It is meant to be a quality experience

2 - 3 Years With this age group we often have a weekly theme. We discuss the particular theme and incorporate songs that are relevant to that it. We encourage the children to use their imaginations. With the instruments we aim for the children to be able to play them without too much help and to be a little more dextrous. We will practice playing loud and soft and fast and slow and the children by now are becoming quite adept at playing and stopping at the right times.

The music and movement section can be more varied as the children are capable of much more and we introduce acting out songs such as "The Old Grey Cat" and "Little Miss Muffet".

Parents/carers still sit with the children as they still needs lots of support and parents are always encouraged to join in. In this age group we are also trying to teach the children not only more musical skills but social and language skills all of which they will be encountering at nursery or playgroup.

3 - 5 Years This group does a similar programme to the 2-3 year olds but we really start to concentrate on rhythm and playing our instruments very well. We encourage the children to participate at the front with the teacher thus promoting independence and confidence. We quite often play several kinds of percussion instruments so as to introduce the concept of playing in a group setting. We have a short section in this class where we look at different aspects of music. For example, notation, rhythm, pitch, dynamics and classical music.

If this sounds like rather a lot, let me reassure you that this is only a small section of the class and the children do take it all in. Children are also given 'homework' sheets, relating to the theory section for each week, which they are encouraged to do thereby reinforcing the learnings from the class