by Kathy Morrison, Director

Kindermusik Classes PittsburghYou enrolled in Kindermusik because you want the best for your child. Whether you are new to Kindermusik or returning, we look forward to partnering together to ensure your family experiences the joy of music, along with a big dose of learning and togetherness time!

Returning families: What can you expect in these first few classes after a break?
If you are returning for more Kindermusik this school year, then please look for another period of transition.  This break in routine often requires time to re-establish the rituals and routines of class.  We know what to expect during this adjustment time.  We want to make sure you do, too.  Your outgoing child may exhibit shyness, overwhelm, tears, or cling to you.  Your usually shy child may exhibit new behaviors like an abundance of energy, a strong desire for independence, short attention span, etc.
Even though Kindermusik is not new, the class itself is new: new music, new teacher, new time, new friends, and a new routine in their young lives. It takes 6 weeks to transition into a new class! We are ready to help.
If you are new to our program,  here’s what you can expect:
Well, lots of singing, dancing, giggling, jumping, instrument playing, storytelling—and that’s just from your Kindermusik educator! At Kindermusik, we specialize in understanding how young children learn best. Our trained and licensed educators treat every child uniquely because we know, well, every child IS unique. So in these first
few weeks, your child may sing or not. Your child may dance or not. Your little one may share an idea or not. Your child may be on the move or not. Your child may even sit in your lap the whole time or not.
Whatever happens, happens. It’s okay. We’re ready. Not much surprises us. So, relax and enjoy!
What to look for: Routines and Rituals
In Kindermusik, we build familiar routines and rituals into the class to help your child become comfortable and anticipate what comes next. For example, from the very first
day, we will always begin and end class with the same two songs.  This signals to your child that class is starting or ending. On average, children need six weeks to transition into a new class or return to a class after break. Sometimes it takes longer. As time goes on, your child will learn the routine, become familiar with the songs, and look forward to seeing friends from class (and so will you!). Plus, once they become secure in the routines and rituals, the learning really takes off!
What to look for: Repetition
We also know just how important repetition is to a young child. As a necessary building block of development, repetition strengthens the learning or growth of neural
connections in your child’s brain. A one-time experience is not enough for a neural connection to form and stabilize. (How many times did you try riding a bike before you got the hang of it?) So, from week to week, we intentionally repeat certain songs, activities, stories, or dances. In fact, repetition is one of the main reasons we operate a school year program, because we know that’s how the learning happens: repetition over time.
Thank you for choosing Kindermusik
We’re looking forward to the weeks ahead! We can’t wait to see the wonder on your child’s face as they discover a new favorite song, learn a new word, play a new instrument, master a new skill. That’s our goal: Joyful music making that invites connection…and learning.