What to expect from other classes
Classes for 1 - 2s, 2 - 3s and 3 - 4s
 These classes last 45 minutes and are carefully structured to keep the children’s attention with age specific songs and activities. There are no more than 15 children per class which allows for a community feel whilst giving each child plenty of attention. Sibling babies can attend at the same time for free until they are 18 months old (when they are probably fully participating and therefore taking a ‘place’ and then can attend at a discount). Twins are buy one/get one free!
Classes feature lots of finger and action songs, stories, movement and dance, instruments and play with themed toys and props therefore ensuring that there is something for every child to enjoy. We have a fabulous collection of songs and music and a huge selection of instruments, visuals, puppets and toys to allow your child to learn both aurally, visually and through handling and movement.
From encouraging hand/eye co-ordination with child sized, high quality instruments, to squealing with delight under one of our beautiful parachutes your child will be having great fun whilst you can be secure in the knowledge that they are also learning through play.
We usually run half termly broad themes based on seasonal themes and educational topics. Sometimes we run a series based on one or more stories or perhaps have a special week to match an event such as ‘Mothers Day’. Each week is fresh and different although we will have featured songs each half term which are usually sung each week (to allow for learning through repetition). You will find that you soon learn lots of new children’s songs, many exclusively recorded for us, as well as refreshing yourself with nursery rhymes and traditional songs.
 We teach basic fundamental musical principles both through singing, playing and movement and also allow children to express themselves creatively. Using music ‘control songs’ and instrumental music we establish the basic primary musical stepping stones of starting and stopping, fast and slow, loud and quiet. Older and more established classes also learn to appreciate more complex principles such as timbre (sound quality) as well as playing more multiple instrument songs.
We have a selection of original Jo Jingles CDs, (please look at our merchandise section) that allow you to continue some of these activities at home.
We certainly keep your child active in classes and we hope that this physical activity is also carried on at home. Children learn by moving and ‘doing’ so we offer plenty of activities that help their physical co-ordination, spatial awareness, balance and general fitness. We also make sure the children learn the ‘language’ of movement so we name and practice actions and moves first, allowing the brain to connect the two before the song itself. This approach will really help to build your child’s confidence as they can say ‘I did it!’
Great attention is made to language development and we model good diction and re-capping of key words and actions so each child understands what is required. If something is learned well the first time then it makes a better impression on the brain and is therefore a ‘better’ memory. With judicious repetition your child will soon learn our songs…..and the grown ups will too!
We encourage the children to become an important individual in the group and delight in the antics of each others children – with singers and wigglers, kissers and hoarders of bunnies – there’s always something to make us smile!
We love having mums, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles, carers and childminders/nannies bringing children to classes – it’s not all mums!
In fact, the person who brings the child is REALLY IMPORTANT – we encourage the grown ups to offer plenty of praise to their child and good modelling of participation and manners. |
Our baby classes are suitable primarily for 6-12 months. On occasion some parents have attended classes with babies just under 6 months of age. In such cases we will advise on any minor adaptations in actions/use of instruments and props.
We only take a maximum of 12 babies and each baby gets their own mat and bag of objects/instruments to explore. You will learn some fantastic songs including exclusive Jo Jingles songs, nursery rhymes, lap songs and dances. There is usually a visual or sensory aspect to each class.