We are so excited to let you know that effective June 1, ALL InJoy Music Kindermusik classes will be held at Lenexa United Methodist Church, just around the corner from our current location! Our new location will offer TWO classrooms that are exclusively ours 24/7! HOORAY!
Stay tuned for pictures of our progress!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Learning through Play
Before my life as a Kindermusik teacher (and mom), I was a classroom teacher. While completing my education training in college, my favorite classes were child psychology classes. I love learning and thinking about how children learn, how their minds work, and ways we can support and influence their development.
So, imagine my delight when I found this article from the NY Times: Can the Right Kinds of Play Teach Self-Control? . The article discusses a new application of the work of a child psychologist named Lev Vygotsky who theorized that children learn through social interaction, culture, and interaction with others. He used the term "social cognition" to explain this learning through culture. In several schools, pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms are using his "Tools of the Mind" curriculum, classroom design, and classroom management to help "teach" children self-control.
Several things jumped out at me as I read the article:
* A child's "executive function" (ability to control their emotional and cognitive impulses) is "a remarkably strong indicator of both short-term and long-term success, academic and otherwise. In some studies, self-regulation skills have been shown to predict academic achievement more reliably than I.Q. tests." (Did you just say "Wow"? I sure did when I read it.)
* With basic practice, children (and adults) can be taught to better control their emotional and cognitive impulses, but the success of these methods is tricky. Researchers have spent years trying to find a reliable method to teach self-regulation and self-control that truly has a lasting impact on a child's executive function.
* One of the best methods found for practicing executive function? Prolonged sessions of imaginative play where children are imitating roles and expanding their play over a period of time.
As I read the article, I was so proud to be a Kindermusik teacher. Read the article. You'll find yourself thinking, "Oh. My child does THAT in Kindermusik." "My educator reminds me about this when we're doing start/stop activities." Here are just a few examples of ways that Kindermusik embraces this learning theory:
* Imagine That! is a 15-week extended imaginative play session revolving around a central theme. Each week, we revisit a play scheme, expand, practice, adapt, problem solve, and learn together. From Josh and Katie at Grasshopper Park waiting patiently to play on the playground, to pretending to see and hear different things from our imaginary tree house, imaginary play is carefully crafted and encouraged in class. Further practice and expansion of class play can be achieved through use of home materials, allowing parents to participate in the play.
* Another key in Vygotsky's theory is the idea of.....wait for it.......SCAFFOLDING. Yep. That instrument exploration you share in Our Time classes? It's all Vygotsky. He theorized that children have a "zone of proximal development". This is how he described the important connection between what a child can do independently (level of actual development) and what they can do with help from an adult or older child (proximal development). By scaffolding, parents and caregivers are expanding the number of "problems" a child can solve by supporting the new ideas. As a child has more experience in his or her proximal zone, his or her actual development will increase.
The article is very interesting not only for possible classroom outcomes as children enter preschool and Kindergarten, but for parents of young children. Enjoy and encourage their pretend play. You will help them develop far more than just their imaginations.
Posted by Miss Heather who wonders if you've pretended anything wonderful today?
So, imagine my delight when I found this article from the NY Times: Can the Right Kinds of Play Teach Self-Control? . The article discusses a new application of the work of a child psychologist named Lev Vygotsky who theorized that children learn through social interaction, culture, and interaction with others. He used the term "social cognition" to explain this learning through culture. In several schools, pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms are using his "Tools of the Mind" curriculum, classroom design, and classroom management to help "teach" children self-control.
Several things jumped out at me as I read the article:
* A child's "executive function" (ability to control their emotional and cognitive impulses) is "a remarkably strong indicator of both short-term and long-term success, academic and otherwise. In some studies, self-regulation skills have been shown to predict academic achievement more reliably than I.Q. tests." (Did you just say "Wow"? I sure did when I read it.)
* With basic practice, children (and adults) can be taught to better control their emotional and cognitive impulses, but the success of these methods is tricky. Researchers have spent years trying to find a reliable method to teach self-regulation and self-control that truly has a lasting impact on a child's executive function.
* One of the best methods found for practicing executive function? Prolonged sessions of imaginative play where children are imitating roles and expanding their play over a period of time.
As I read the article, I was so proud to be a Kindermusik teacher. Read the article. You'll find yourself thinking, "Oh. My child does THAT in Kindermusik." "My educator reminds me about this when we're doing start/stop activities." Here are just a few examples of ways that Kindermusik embraces this learning theory:
* Imagine That! is a 15-week extended imaginative play session revolving around a central theme. Each week, we revisit a play scheme, expand, practice, adapt, problem solve, and learn together. From Josh and Katie at Grasshopper Park waiting patiently to play on the playground, to pretending to see and hear different things from our imaginary tree house, imaginary play is carefully crafted and encouraged in class. Further practice and expansion of class play can be achieved through use of home materials, allowing parents to participate in the play.
* Another key in Vygotsky's theory is the idea of.....wait for it.......SCAFFOLDING. Yep. That instrument exploration you share in Our Time classes? It's all Vygotsky. He theorized that children have a "zone of proximal development". This is how he described the important connection between what a child can do independently (level of actual development) and what they can do with help from an adult or older child (proximal development). By scaffolding, parents and caregivers are expanding the number of "problems" a child can solve by supporting the new ideas. As a child has more experience in his or her proximal zone, his or her actual development will increase.
The article is very interesting not only for possible classroom outcomes as children enter preschool and Kindergarten, but for parents of young children. Enjoy and encourage their pretend play. You will help them develop far more than just their imaginations.
Posted by Miss Heather who wonders if you've pretended anything wonderful today?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Studio Closed: 4th of July Holiday
InJoy Music will be closed Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. We hope you have a great 4th of July weekend. Classes will resume Monday, July 6th.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Lee's Summit: Downtown Days
'Tis the season of summer festivals! If you're looking for something to do with the kids this weekend, why not venture to Lee's Summit for Downtown Days? With a carnival, a car show (for big and small boys!), and two concert stages, there will be fun for everyone.
From an educational standpoint, community festivals offer a rich learning environment for your child. The various musical styles expose your child to new sounds and melodies. Buying carnival tickets and deciding how to spend them offers a chance to practice counting and problem solving skills. After the event, your child can practice comprehension skills by recalling and telling stories about his/her favorite part of the day. Best of all, it's fun and inexpensive.
While you're there, visit the talented ladies of www.butterbuggs.com. They have a wonderful assortment of handmade items for moms and kids. They are also the creators of Miss Heather's favorite jewelry--- a photo necklace of her son, Ben.
Ready to go? Visit the Downtown Days Website for more details.
Lee's Summit Downtown Days
Friday (June 5): Noon-10pm
Saturday (June 6): 10am-10pm
Sunday (June 7): 10am-5pm
From an educational standpoint, community festivals offer a rich learning environment for your child. The various musical styles expose your child to new sounds and melodies. Buying carnival tickets and deciding how to spend them offers a chance to practice counting and problem solving skills. After the event, your child can practice comprehension skills by recalling and telling stories about his/her favorite part of the day. Best of all, it's fun and inexpensive.
While you're there, visit the talented ladies of www.butterbuggs.com. They have a wonderful assortment of handmade items for moms and kids. They are also the creators of Miss Heather's favorite jewelry--- a photo necklace of her son, Ben.
Ready to go? Visit the Downtown Days Website for more details.
Lee's Summit Downtown Days
Friday (June 5): Noon-10pm
Saturday (June 6): 10am-10pm
Sunday (June 7): 10am-5pm
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
True Love
I've often mentioned that the reason I teach piano and Kindermusik is to instill a lifetime love of music in each of my students. This video proves that it can be accomplished!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Summer Fun
Has it hit you yet? That "oh-my-goodness-all-our-spring-activities-are-over-what-are-we-going-to-do-now" feeling? As I wrap end of the year teacher gifts and days of preschool turn into special activities and programs, I'm feeling it. I find that my idea of doing nothing lasts about 2 days and then I am desperate to get Ben enrolled in something---anything--- again.
Here are few ideas to get you started. Some are multiple weeks, some are a one time experience. If you have others, please post as a comment!
* Kindermusik Summer Camps: Our 5-week summer session begins June 13th. Click here for the details: http://www.injoymusic.com/adventures.html. Enroll soon to ensure you'll have home materials on the first day of class.
* Jiggle Jam: Think of it as Lollapalooza for kids. This family fun fest attracts some of the hottest acts in kids' music (and, Kindermusik will be there, too!) including They Might Be Giants, Dan Zannes, Funky Mama, and Mr. Stinky Feet (plus many more). We hope to see you May 23rd and 24th! http://www.kcjigglejam.com/.
* Kidtivities at The Learning Tree: What a great idea! Visit the Corinth location of everyone's favorite toy store, The Learning Tree, for a summer of fun activities. For only $10 a session, this is the best bargain for summer fun. Create a garden stone, dig for dinosaur bones, create mosaics, and more! Call the Corinth store for details: (913) 385-1234.
* Public Library Programs: Check out the local library for summer programs. Don't forget to sign up for a summer reading program (or a "read to me" program). It's a fun way to add a little learning in your summer routine. http://www.jocolibrary.org/ (Johnson County Libraries) / http://www.kclibrary.org/ (Kansas City Public Libraries).
What else are you doing this summer?
Posted by: Miss Heather who can't wait for summer to start!
Here are few ideas to get you started. Some are multiple weeks, some are a one time experience. If you have others, please post as a comment!
* Kindermusik Summer Camps: Our 5-week summer session begins June 13th. Click here for the details: http://www.injoymusic.com/adventures.html. Enroll soon to ensure you'll have home materials on the first day of class.
* Jiggle Jam: Think of it as Lollapalooza for kids. This family fun fest attracts some of the hottest acts in kids' music (and, Kindermusik will be there, too!) including They Might Be Giants, Dan Zannes, Funky Mama, and Mr. Stinky Feet (plus many more). We hope to see you May 23rd and 24th! http://www.kcjigglejam.com/.
* Kidtivities at The Learning Tree: What a great idea! Visit the Corinth location of everyone's favorite toy store, The Learning Tree, for a summer of fun activities. For only $10 a session, this is the best bargain for summer fun. Create a garden stone, dig for dinosaur bones, create mosaics, and more! Call the Corinth store for details: (913) 385-1234.
* Public Library Programs: Check out the local library for summer programs. Don't forget to sign up for a summer reading program (or a "read to me" program). It's a fun way to add a little learning in your summer routine. http://www.jocolibrary.org/ (Johnson County Libraries) / http://www.kclibrary.org/ (Kansas City Public Libraries).
What else are you doing this summer?
Posted by: Miss Heather who can't wait for summer to start!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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