During the class

It is essential that a parent or person caring for the child/children (grandparent/nanny) stays at the class and encourages and aids the child to participate fully in the Jo Jingles experience. Also this way the songs learnt in class can be reinforced during the week at home. Parents/carers are asked to join in as much as possible, the more you involve yourself the more your child will become involved. Please do not sit and chat with other mums, it is very distracting for both the children and me - thank you for your co-operation.

If your child finds it hard to concentrate for the full 45 minutes and takes a wander, that's OK, but what we do request is that children are seated before playing instruments, this is for safety reasons for the children, and so the instruments don't get broken. If your child decides that during an instrument playing session they would like to stand up, let them, but you stay seated and continue playing the instrument and they soon learn that they can't play unless they are seated too.

It may take your child a few weeks to settle into Jo Jingles routine, please don't give up too soon, It is our experience that many children will take a while to adapt to new environments, people and routines, but even while adapting they are absorbing and learning. So if your child refused to play an instrument or take part in the movement, be assured they are not the first child to do so and most do open up and openly participate and enjoy after a few sessions, so it really is worth persevering. Also please remember that our programmes are geared to the children, not the adults!!!! Repetition at this age is fundamental for acquiring skills.

What Do The Classes Involve?

The main aim of the 45 minute session 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, i.e. colours, shapes, numbers, animals and favourites. The children have "hands on" experience with two percussion instruments per week including drums, tambourines, bells, shakers, cymbals, woodblocks, claves, triangles, castanets. With the help of visuals aids and Jo himself, a bright and "Happy little fellow, all dress in red and yellow", 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 we 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?

All Age Groups Jo Jingles offer structured classes that require children to sit still at certain times, move around at other times, return instruments and props after playing, and all of this whilst having fun to music.  Children who attend on a regular basis make remarkable progress with all that is asked of them to the delight of their parents/ carer's! It really is amazing what a young child can achieve in a very short time.

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

You will find it easier to bring both your children to one class rather than to two different classes. We advise that you attend the older child's session and your younger child will follow the older children.  I offer a discount for your second child, please ask for more information. Please note that the classes are mostly designed for one-to-one interaction with parents/carers. For this reason, where possible, it is advisable to bring a friend with you to help with one of the children.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Jacqui on 01925 269136 or email -  jacquelinelamb_1@hotmail.com