Hi, I'm Niamh, Mum to Rosie and Stevie Gribbon, we attend the YMCA in Ashton in Makerfield every Wednesday morning. The class is taken by Fran, who my little girl adores! I just wanted to make a comment about the Children in Need week we recently had in which all the children were asked to dress up as bugs. It was such a lovely experience for the children to have their class taken by a bumble bee and of course my little 2 year old daughter insisted on having her picture taken with her. Her photo is pride of place in our house now and it's the first thing Rosie shows our visitors.....

We think the classes are fantastic and Fran is 'the bee's knees'!!

I feel I have to write to tell you about how Jo Jingles has made an impact on my daughter Evie's world! Not just Jo Jingles but Jo herself too!

I'll tell you a bit about Evie if I may. Evie was born 10 weeks early and around 6 months of age she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Not only that, she had a severe visual impairment which at that point we were told she might be blind. We found Jo Jingles on the internet but because of her physical and visual problems i was concerned that Evie would stick out like a sore thumb. I rang Jo. She was so friendly and welcoming and really encouraged us to come along and try it.

From the outset Evie LOVED the sessions and Evie has really astounded us all with her development. Although she still cannot walk, she participates fully in the session. Her vision has also improved greatly. Jo Jingles became a very looked forward to event and is a special outing each week for her and my Mum. When Mum cannot manage her, Jo will help Evie do the actions.

I truly believe that these sessions have undoubtedly improved her rhythm and musicality but most importantly her confidence and being part of a group. Jo is so caring when we miss a session for one reason or another and is always attentive to Evie's needs (and Mum's!)

Evie is now 3 and a half years old. She has been going to Jo Jingles now for 3 years and I know how sad she'll be when she starts school this year. However, her little sister Lily is enjoying it too, so Jo won't be rid of us for another couple of years.

Lots of Jingling,

Kath

I've been coming to Jo Jingles since my eldest daughter was small and we love it! Both our girls (now 3 and 18 months) get so much out of each session and they have grown very fond of Melissa who is fantastic with all the children. The girls enjoy all aspects of the session and there is no doubt in my mind that the Jo Jingles 'experience' is a wonderful aid to their development. It builds their overall confidence, their social skills, their co-ordination and sense of rhythm to name but a few. Lets not forget me - I get a great deal out of the classes too! I've made some great friends and love having this special time with our girls. Hopefully when they are older they will remember Jo fondly. I know I will!

 

For the past 4 years Whitehead Nursery Unit has had a monthly visit from Jo Jingles. facilitated by Kate Madden, class teacher for Lisa Humphreys. As a teacher I am aware of the immense benefits of music and movement and its impact on children's cognitive development and overall well-being.

Through the exciting and energetic delivery of a range of action songs, rhymes and movement activities, that we ensure link closely with our monthly topics, the children develop in all areas of the nursery curriculum.

• Personal, Social & Emotional Development - confidence, self-esteem and a sense of enjoyment through active participation (even the shy children are drawn out of themselves)
• Language Development - an increased awareness of the rhythm of language and steady beat
• The Arts - creativity in the areas of role play and music
• Physical Development & Movement - spatial awareness, co-ordination and competency handling a range of percussion instruments
• Early Mathematical Experiences - counting, sequencing, prepositional and directional language
• The World Around Us - exploring songs which develop further understanding of living things and people's occupations

Overall, visits from Jo Jingles have enriched the learning experiences already taking place daily in Nursery. I know I speak for all staff and children alike when I say that the visits are greatly anticipated each month and particular favourites include "Sleeping Bunnies" and "The Butterfly Song"!

 

Just wanted to say thank you so much for a great Jo Jingles session on Friday. Bethany absolutely loved it and has been talking about you and Jo ever since! She keeps saying we will see Jo next week. I'm so pleased that she has somewhere to go now where she can have fun, socialise and learn. It's a bonus i can stay with her!

 

It is very rare to find an activity that all children with special needs can join in together...However, that is exactly what I found when I discovered Jo Jingles. Being founder of a special needs toddler group and a parent of a Downs Syndrome little boy, I understand the importance of music, singing and movement for babies and young children.

Jo Jingles is fun....it enables each child in our group to join in, in their own way. It is a sociable activity and stimulated the desire to join in with others providing instant rewards. It can develop and generate memories for each child. We don't think of it as therapy, but it can be. It is quality time not just for the child but for the parent/carer and child together.

The children who come to the group adore Alison and the music activity she provides...it is structured at child's level, whilst still being exciting, challenging and great fun.

If you saw the children's faces and their responses to Alison you would understand the importance of this activity.

 

Jack and i loved going to Jo Jingles. There were lots of great visual associations which helped my baby to remember where he was, like the Jo Jingles doll who welcomes them and the suprise boxes with instruments inside.
We preferred these classes to other music and movement classes as they have a CD musical accompaniment that everybody can sing along to. Jo Jingles covers some classic favourites, but they also have lots of their own songs, which we'd not heard before which was great! We particularly liked; the tractor and train songs as it was fun moving around the room! We also liked the songs we were able to play along to and do actions to, like 'Everybody do this', 'Sleeping Bunnies' and 'Until the music stops'. Jo Jingles has many 'baby appropriate' and safe musical instruments, with enough for mums and babies to have 2 each!! We also used other props like colourful scarves; the babies enjoyed seeing them move and looking through them! The hello, goodbye and thank you songs are always played. I think this routine helps babies to feel happy and secure, which promotes enjoyment and learning. We also learnt how to formulate vocal sounds to stimulate our babies speech. We were delighted to receive a certificate at the end of our course! Thank you Jo Jingles we will be coming back again. See you next year! With shakes, jingles and smiles!

 

My 3 year old son Ben and i have been attending the local Jo Jingles session every week, led by the fantastic Ollie Quinn.

Ben loves attending the class and it has developed him in so many ways. His listening and communication skills, his physical coordination and his sense of rhythm have improved and it is so lovely to hear him sing lots of the songs and rhymes. Perhaps not such a joy to have the CD on repeat play in the car!! It has been amazing to watch how his imagination and creativity has developed and how he has transferred his learning at Jo Jingles to his imaginative play at home. We frequently have music and movement sessions in the house, and our baby daughter loves to join in as well. The only present Ben really wanted for his 3rd birthday was a bean bag. (He did get other things too!)

Most of all, Ben has had fun and his self-esteem and confidence have really developed and i know that as he moves on to pre-school playgroup, he will love participating in the music and movement activities.

Through my work in curriculum and assessment at primary school stage, i can clearly see a huge range of benefits of Jo Jingles in early year's education and will be encouraging practitioners to use this approach in their teaching and assessment.

A sincere thank you to Ollie and Jo Jingles, i am so glad to have had the opportunity to take Ben to the class and look forward to our daughter starting the 1-2 year class in September.

 

..... I have to say that we really enjoyed it. It was the highlight of my week! I come from quite a musical family, and i found it great to spend time singing to Austin. I know he enjoyed it too, particularly as he got older and is more able to recognise the songs, interact with the toys and watch me and the other babies. The class was really comfortable, and i never felt embarrassed or awkward if i was late (which seems to be inevitable with a baby!) or if Austin needed a nappy change or feed. We enjoyed the variety of music and i learnt some new songs. It gave me new ideas about ways to play with my baby such as using toys, bubbles and feathers.

So we'd like to say a BIG thank you for such fun Tuesdays, and hope that we may be able to take up Jo Jingles classes again in the future.

Dear Stella,

I am writing to thank you for Jo Jingles contribution to the success of Rainbow Little Waltham Montessori Nursery School.

As you know, since we opened in February 2004, we have had a Jo Jingles session every Wednesday afternoon. We have received nothing but positive feedback from parents, which of course is based on what the children tell them! The children love the music, singing, playing instruments and dancing about and it adds a great deal to our programme of activities. It is great that your sessions are related to our topics of the week, which reinforces the key learning messages.

I think that the fact Wednesday afternoons is our most popular afternoon session is a testament to the Jo Jingles team and the positive contribution they make to our school. We would certainly recommend Jo Jingles to any schools or other organisations and we are happy for you to give this testimonial to any prospective clients. We are also happy for other organisations to contact us regarding Jo Jingles and the contribution they have made to the success of our school.

Dear Jo Jingles,

We have had such a fantastic time with you and Jo and you have made Monday's something we really look forward to. I am so glad i've had the opportunity to share such a lovely experience with my little girl.

As you know, Isla is a HUGE fan of Jo and i am sure she will miss Monday's terribly. Although, i have been on-line and bought her a Jo doll and a CD. I can't wait for it to arrive!!

Well thank you again for providing a fantastic Jo Jingles class for us to enjoy. We'll remember it forever!!!

Just wanted to pass on our thanks and appreciation for all that Jo Jingles has offered to my daughter and myself over the last couple of years. Abbie and i attended our last Jo Jingles session yesterday and it was quite emotional to see such a great time come to an end.

It is fair to say Abbie was not a complete natural during her first sessions at Jo Jingles. In fact for the first few weeks she would repeatedly find her coat, get in her pushchair and demand "home please"! However, it didnt take long for Jo and Nikki to win Abbie over. Nikki has such a positive, motivated effect on all the children in her class, she makes every week so much fun and with such enthusiasm they can't help but join in! Each session is well thought out with all the catchy music/brilliant props and because the topics are different each week the children never get bored. They do like the regular favourites though - the bunnies are always the highlight at the end of the session!

Abbie arrived at her first sessions uninterested, shy and clingy and sucking her fingers for comfort. Yesterday, she left her last session with the confidence to join in, knowing all the words to sing along to the songs and dancing holding hands with all her new friends.

It is a credit to Nikki that she has such a huge following within the local area for her classes, she has a very well thought of reputation which is much deserved.

Thank you so much for offering Abbie and myself the opportunity to share such quality fun time together, we will miss our Tuesday mornings with you!

I suppose in some ways i may be seen as a bit of a 'rare breed' as a dad whose privelage it has been to go along to Jo Jingles each week with my son Ben. Thankfully i have never felt like that or been made to feel like that as Ben has progressed through from the Baby, 1-2 and now the 2-3 class. Ben just loves going along each week and it is great to see the benefits of the structure, talking and listening, participating as part of a group and of course the musical activities and the positive impact they have on him.

Now as he plays he 'makes' his own instruments and has his own band called 'Bandy Band' - watch this space!

The foundations laid through Jo Jingles and especially the fantastic work and input of Debbie will always be of benefit to Ben and i can only sing (no pun intended) the praises of Jo Jingles.

We are planning on our daughter Katie starting in September so that she can have the same benefits that her brother has had through the provisions of Jo Jingles.

Sharon brought Jo Jingles into our nursery once every month for the full school year. Her visits soon became a highlight for the 53 children. Before long Jo Jingles was permeating every aspect of the nursery curriculum. It encouraged the children in the development of their physical skills, listening and language skills and self confidence. Further, the use of Jo Jingles raised the self esteem of even the quietest most withdrawn children. Most of all such a positive impact on our nursery was achieved in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment for every child and, of course, the staff! Sharon thank you for your hard work and for making such a difference.

Dear Jo Jingles,

I have 3 children, aged 5, 3 amd 1 and started going to Jo Jingles when Lauren, my eldest, was 15 months. Debbie who led the class was full of infectious enthusiasm.

Having attended all age groups, i have been impressed by the organised approach to Jo Jingles with stepwise progression in learning, continual addition of new resources whilst not forgetting favourites and always lots of fun. It has definately helped concentration, listening, confidence and speech. Debbie is fun, enthusiastic, reliable, well organised and respects each individual child without favouritism and conducts every class in such a professional manner and i am delighted that all of my children have experienced Jo Jingles. My only concern is what comes after 3-5 year classes?!

To Whom it May Concern,

I have a young son, Tom, who has been going to Jo Jingles classes from when he was 4 months.He has progressed through Babies, 1-2's and is currently in 2-4's. The primary reason that Tom is still attending these classes is because it is FUN!!! and ENJOYABLE!!!

Tom and i both love the format of the classes. They are well structured and as we all know young children thrive on structure, routines and boundaries.

Tom loves the weekly classes and he sees Jo and Debbie as his personal friends. He has his own Baby Jo, who is part of our family (and even goes on holiday with us). The DVD was the best invention ever!!! I have had to purchase two - one for home and one for Nannies house!! Tom will stand in front of the TV, oblivious to everyone and follow all the actions. It is superb to watch.

Another reason that i have continued with the classes is the social aspect of the classes. The classes are great for his self confidence and self esteem.

I also have the experience of having Jo Jingles in my work place. I can therefore see the strong developmental structure of the classes and will be delighted when Tom comesto school next year and is able to continue the classes with the final stage.

I am so glad that i took up this wonderful opportunity for my son to gain so much confidence, independence and a genuine love for music, rhythm, beat and songs

Hello,

My name is Sue Pamp and I live in Stockport in Cheshire. The Sure Start Children's Centre started offering your program with Laura at a local Children's Centre (Lady Bridge in Cheadle Hulme) in March of this year.

My daughter, Marianne, who is 2 and a half, is an extremely introverted child. Each time I would take her to a new activity, she would cling to me for the first hour and a half and then let go. This ritual would continue for about 5 or 6 sessions and then she would eventually wander to settle into the group. If I didn't continue to go, this clinging ritual would start all over again after a week or two of missing the group. I took her to a puppet show once, and she was totally frightened of all the puppets but then settled down and eventually touched a puppet at the end of the show - the very one that had frightened her the most!

Jo Jingles is a really good program for just SUCH a child. She can sit on my lap and it doesn't matter at all, in fact, it's part of the program! The first class she sat with her face buried in my chest. The second class we got there before everyone else, and she sat beside me on the floor. The third class we were a bit late, but she sat on my lap and faced the class. Then there was a break of a few weeks for end of term break and as the three sessions were a trial session to see how the program would go over.

We went back after the end of the term break, and she sat beside me on the floor. She was talking and participating in the group and laughing at Laura's surprise reaction to what was in Jo's bag. Laura was amazed at how Marianne had come along, especially considering there was a break of at least 4 weeks from when she last saw Laura.

Classes started back up again April 21st, and we have had three sessions, this last session, she actually walked to within 2 feet of Laura to hand her the blanket - THIS from the child who wouldn't move 1 foot away from ME!

She also loves the songs and in between the two terms she would ask me to sing songs from Jo Jingles or other songs. Eventually she would sing the song after I sang it through a couple of times, at her request. She doesn't sing at the group, but that is fine she is now starting to lay down by herself for 'sleeping bunnies' and she actually HELD an instrument and played it this last session. First time ever! Usually I have to play the instrument, what an amazing feat! Even though she isn't actually singing at the Children's Centre, she is still benefiting greatly from this program. This program has really helped her to come out of her shell, and I am thrilled that I am able to take her to it. We both enjoy it a lot.

So if you have a child who is shy and withdrawn, this could be the best program for them. There is no pressure for them to go away from Mum, and in time they will develop the confidence to move that little distance away into the group. Another mother at the group commented on Marianne's progress from shy and face buried in Mummy's chest to moving away from Mummy and dancing with the other kids.

Wonderful program and I am thankful to the Sure Start Children's Centre for putting it on for us.

Sincerely,

Sue Pamp

Jo Jingles continues to run weekly here at the Staffordshire Moorlands Children’s Centre.
Alison & Kate are enthusiastic, active, committed, friendly & fun individuals and as ever Jo Jingles is a great success with our families.

The Jo Jingles session forms part of the Family Services provision here at the Children’s Centre and is supported by the Family Activity Team.

We hold two sessions a week, for families with children both under & over 18 months.
Jo Jingles supports the communication, expression & imagination of music & dance with our families. They are able to explore sounds, move to the music and march singing simple songs.
Both of the sessions are always really well run and enjoyed immensely
by children, staff and parents/cares too.

Kate & Jo Jingles have also proved very popular at our Christmas Parties.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Family Activities Team and Children/Families here at the Staffordshire Moorlands Children’s Centre to thank Jo Jingles, Alison & Kate for their continued fun, friendly and interactive music sessions.

I thought I must just send you an email to tell you how much Charlie, my grandson enjoyed his first day at JO JINGLES, my daughter (Ashlea) said he enjoyed it so much that it is all he keeps talking about.

Thank you to you and your staff for making it so enjoyable for him.

I just wanted to contact you to say how much we all enjoyed Jo Jingles at Ben’s Birthday Party on 11th October. Ben loved it and was very happy that Trish was there to make his party complete, and all his friends had a great time and joined in really well. My parents thought it was really good and were amazed how Trish very capably not only kept the attention of 12 children, mostly pre-schoolers, but gave them such a fun time. Trish is such a good Jo Jingles teacher, we enjoy every weeks session and it’s been great to see Ben gaining in confidence and enjoying music. He sings a lot of the time and although it’s partly because his Dad and I are both musicians, I know it’s also due to Jo Jingles. Thank you again, and please pass on our sincere thanks to Trish.

Luke & I had our first session of Jo Jingles yesterday (08/09/08) with Sue at Mynydd Isa - it was absolutely fantastic!!!
We both really enjoyed it - it was amazing how the music & activities managed to grasp the children's attention especially for Luke who is only nearly 2. It was great fun & we can't wait to go back next week.

My son Thomas has been going to Jo Jingles classes in Ivybridge since he was seven months old and thoroughly enjoys the sessions. He is rapidly approaching his third birthday and still as enthusiastic.
Claire makes the sessions fun for the children and they love Jo's box - can they guess what is making the noise?
We bought my son a 'little Jo' and he goes everywhere with us. If we ask what he'd like to do for the day he invariably says 'Jo Jingles'.
Thanks must go to Claire and Jo Jingles for providing such a stimulating activity.

Hi, my name is Lindsie and I have been taking my son Noah to the Bexleyheath class on Thursdays with Paula for nearly a year now. Noah was 8 months when he started and has loved it ever since. We bought the Jo Jingles CD and a Jo and they were the best purchases ever! Noah knows all the songs and the smile on his face when he first hears the 'Good Morning' track is a picture - he runs to get Jo to join in! Even when we are not at Jo Jingles or the CD isn't on Noah is humming away to 'Good Morning' he will also do 'Sleeping Bunnies' on demand to anyone who asks!

So I definitley recommend this class to any mother....best thing we ever did!

Kunbi
I just wanted to say thanks so much for all your hard work on Saturday to make Soraya's birthday party such an enjoyable and memorable time.

She really enjoyed herself and was talking over the weekend how 'Jo' came and sang her favourite songs with her, along with now listening to her new CDs (time and time again)!

I really appreciated your infectious enthusiasm and sense of fun which contributed to a lovely birthday celebration!

Many thanks again and best wishes.

Last week I attended my last Jo Jingles session with my daughter Ali, who will be going to school next term. We have attended at Holland since Ali was a baby and I just wanted to say thank you.

It was quite emotional saying goodbye to the group of friends we have made there. I am sure you already know that Trish is a great asset to your team. She brings humour and vibrancy to the whole thing which is appreciated by both the children and the parents. My daughter adores her and is always wanting to do pictures for Trish. I am sure that Ali has acquired an interest in music, dance and learning through Jingles. I have been told that she is often found singing in nursery while painting, drawing or doing a jigsaw.
So thanks again and best wishes for the future.

Hi, I have been going to Jo Jingles for 3 years now, I started going when my first child was about 5 months and now I have been taking my second child from 5 months old. I attend Elaine's class in Romford and it is fantastic. Elaine takes a great class and the kids love her, it has been great for both my girls to enjoy music, which they both love. So a big thanks to Jo, Jo's (as the girls call it)!!

I run the pre-school at the above address and recently invited in Alison Wright, who runs the Jo Jingles sessions in Sandbach. All the staff and parents were amazed at her outstanding abilities to involve and direct the children through a series of musical themes. The group of 22 youngsters thoroughly enjoyed participating in the fun activity and loved the experience.

It is very encouraging to observe high quality teaching of music and rhythm to the early years sector and the provision of Jo Jingles is extremely beneficial in developing their creativity, listening skills and physical mobility. As the pace of the activity is fast and stimulating children were continually enthralled and capable of following instruction.

We will certainly be asking Alison back to our pre-school and look forward to sharing further opportunities to enhance our curriculum in the future.

Just a note to say how much my daughter and I enjoy Jo Jingles.

As a full time working father from Monday to Friday, time at the weekends with my three year old daughter is very precious to me. The Saturday classes allow my daughter and I to have quality time together.

Well done Jingles keep up the weekend classes!

My daughter Sophia (now eleven months old) and I have been going to Jo Jingles for the past four months in Redruth, Cornwall run by Emma.  She is absolutely fantastic and all the children love her; we cannot speak of her highly enough.  Her classes are well structured, great fun and very educational.  We play Jo Jingles music regularly at home and Sophia already knows to get her Jo doll and musical toys! 

huge thank you to Emma.

I would just like to thank Jo Jingles for making mine and Ellie's Fridays that extra special.

Ellie loves going to Jo Jingles. She's only 18 months old and in the beginning Ellie would get up-set and not want to sit down, but now she's always the first in and the last out.

I'd especially like to thank Cara the leader for all the effort she makes as well, as it wouldn't be the same with out her. Cara's always got a smile on her face and even though it's freezing outside it always seems like summer with her bubbly personality.

Thank you Cara.

CLICK HERE to read how Alison Wright, Jo Jingles Franchisee for East Cheshire contributes towards helping children learn songs, actions, motor skills – such as jumping hopping etc at the Staffordshire Moorlands Children’s Centre. .

I just wanted to pass on our appreciation for the sessions that Fran provides at our Children's Centre. It is our best attended and most talked about activity. There is a real buzz about the place when Fran is here. She is energetic, committed and inspirational to parents, children and centre staff. She always takes time to welcome new parents and explain to them how the session works and how the children learn and develop through the activity. She has also been very flexible with us and puts up with room changes etc without complaint-a true professional She is consistently upbeat and positive and parents and children leave the session much happier than when they arrived.

Please thank Fran on our behalf -she really is a wonderful person to have around and feels like part of the team.

I had heard a lot about Jo Jingles through friends and I decided to join the Stroud Class with Virginia. I can't tell you how much fun my little toddler (and I) have when she is there. Virginia is simply fantastic and makes the class very exciting. I really like the different themes, the range of equipment and material used to help develop motor/sensory skills. More of the same please!

I just wanted to say thank you to Fran. She is fab. Every week she is consistent you would never know she was having a bad day; she is always chatty and friendly. My daughter Maddison really loves going to Jo Jingles. We have noticed a change in her, particularly rooting through my saucepan drawer for the metal lids. She is 19 months old and just starting to change into being a little girl now. She knows when I say shall we go and see Fran she nods and goes to get our coats. So thanks for being fab Fran.

I began attending Jo Jingles classes with my daughter in September 2005 and have just finished my last term with my son. I would just like to thank Diane for all the hard work she has put in as I know both my children thoroughly enjoyed attending their Jo Jingles classes.

My son Ben who is now three has been coming to Jo Jingles for three terms. I read about Jo Jingles in a magazine and thought I would give it a go as Ben really did not enjoy singing. I have always been musically minded and felt it would be lovely to sing with him and play instruments but he DID not agree with me to say the least! I was quite nervous to take him at first as I thought that he would not join in, however I was amazed when I saw how much he absolutely loves it. He sings and dances like a little star! He sings the Jo Jingles songs all the time wherever we are.....in the bath, in the car. He even sleeps better at night time as he takes his little Jo Jingles cuddly toy to bed with him! What a result!

We go to the Wollaton group in Nottingham and Caroline is the group leader, she has been so good with Ben and encourages ALL the children ALL the time to develop with their singing, dancing and playing of instruments. It is also apparent how well Ben socialises with other children and now conforms to group work since attending the group.

I will let you into a little secret..... I love coming too! What a fantastic opportunity to be able to take time out with your child and have a lovely sing a long with them! Its a great" one to one" time that has no distractions.

Thank you so much for allowing me and Ben to have such great fun together.