Music, movement focus of interactive Kindermusik classes
In every Kindermusik class, children are welcomed into a playful and nurturing environment where they have fun singing, moving, playing instruments, and hearing stories—while simultaneously developing social skills, problem-solving skills, pre-math skills, and a foundation for reading. (Submitted photo)
Kindermusik is a researched, whole child, music and movement program that started in 1978. It provides the beginning of important learning skills that will last a child their lifetime. It is being offered locally, starting in January at Hoffman Hall.
By Correne Martin
When music and movement are combined, it inspires a delightful learning environment for young children. A unique opportunity for parents and their little ones, called Kindermusik, is being offered via a series of interactive classes in Prairie du Chien, Jan. 4 through March 28. Classes will take place at Hoffman Hall at various weekly times for children birth to 18 months, 18 months to 3 years old, and 4 to 5 years old.
Kindermusik, which will be taught locally by licensed instructor Debbie Johnson, has been a nationally-researched curriculum since 1978 that uses music and movement to promote whole child development.
Each class follows a routine, including a greeting and a goodbye, that is important in the learning process and eases the child’s anxiety. Activities are comprised of movements such as lap bounces, circle dances, pretend play, stories, rhyming, finger plays, instrument exploration and, basically, lots of moving. These motions are tailored to each age group and, as the children grow, build upon previously learned, repetitive curriculum.
“It’s not just some activity. It’s good for the children,” Johnson said. “The nice thing about Kindermusik is it teaches children the music concept as well. They feel it, hear it and see it, so as they grow older, they can recognize things like staccato in music and move their body to it. They’re also introduced to a number of instruments like the dulcimer, recorder, glockenspiel, maracas, etc.”
Materials such as scarves and balls are used for sensory learning. The patterns integrated and counting of a steady beat employ math skills. Emotions are explored and, thus, empathy becomes familiar. Rocking and bouncing helps with balance and coordination. Plus, singing releases endorphins, so it makes participants happy.
“When you’re singing and moving, you’re working your motor skills,” Johnson added. “There are also stop-and-go games, which are the number one way to teach a child self-control and listening, which are good life skills to have.
Kindermusik was formerly offered in the Prairie du Chien community through the Family Resource Center about 10-15 years ago. Johnson, who comes from a musical family and loves working with kids, has known about the program and wanted to apply for licensure for years. However, in recent years, Kindermusik changed the way it certifies teachers and there was a period of time, when Johnson was interested, that she couldn’t even apply.
But, in May, she got her chance to do so. After applying, she sent Kindermusik a video essay sharing why she wanted to teach the program. She was then chosen as one of only 30 people from across the United States and Canada to audition via Skype. From that pool, a smaller group was selected to train for the certification for 12 weeks—mostly online but including a face-to-face course in Florida. She also had to coordinate a practicum class of eight infants and caregivers and teach them for four weeks, videoing them and receiving critiques from the company before she graduated last month.
“The practicum families really enjoyed it and thought it was a good experience,” Johnson said. “I was nervous but it turned out to be a lot of fun.”
Now, she’s ready to share her excitement about Kindermusik with local families. Three sessions: Cuddle and Bounce (birth to 18 months), Wiggle and Grow (18 months to 3 years), and Laugh and Learn (4 and 5 years) will begin Jan. 4 in the basement of Hoffman Hall. There are three classes of each session for which participants can choose to sign up: Cuddle and Bounce—Tuesday at 4 p.m., Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. or Saturday at 10 a.m.; Wiggle and Grow—Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., Friday at 8:30 a.m. or Saturday at 9 a.m.; Laugh and Learn—Thursday at 4 p.m., Friday at 4:30 p.m., Saturday at 8 a.m. Each class lasts about 45 minutes. Parents are only allowed to join in the fun with the first two age groups.
There is a fee per month for children to enroll, and it includes the cost of the lessons plus take-home materials. Payment is due when classes begin. Discounts will be offered if two or more from the same family enroll.
“I think parents are a child’s best teacher and one of the great things about Kindermusik is that, not only are the children learning and growing during class, but also parents are educated and encouraged to continue the learning process at home,” Johnson noted. “The Kindermusik at home digital materials are given to each family enrolled. It has a downloadable album with all the music from the month, an eBook to read with their children and articles with helpful musical parenting tips and games to do.”
For more information or to enroll, call Debbie Johnson at (608) 379-4918 or visit makingmusicalmoments.kindermusik.com.
