At Kindermusik, we love finding and sharing ways to help make great parenting a little easier and a whole lot more musical! And we’re not shy about our claim to be creative musical experts when it comes to knowing just which activities are classroom favorites as well as at-home favorites for kids and parents. You don’t have to use all of these all of the time, but it’s great to keep a few of these ideas tucked into your back pocket to pull out throughout the day as needed.
Sing a Good Morning song
This could be your Kindermusik hello song from class, or simply a song that you piggy-back (add your own words to a familiar tune), or a song that’s completely original. Sing this song often enough, and your child will come to adore their Good Morning song routine almost as much as you crave your morning coffee routine.
Music for Play Time
Inspire your child’s play or just keep their heart humming along. Simply stream your favorite Kindermusik songs from your phone, play your Music CD, or put that “favorites” playlist on a loop. The kind of music you choose can brighten the energy for the day or provide a little calm as needed.
A Lullaby (or two!) at Nap Time
Establish a little routine of a lullaby or two before nap time, and nap time will go much more smoothly. We highly recommend gently rocking together as you sing and then giving a sweet little hug and kiss as you put your child down. If they want more music, turn on your Kindermusik lullaby playlist or even some light Classical music as they fall asleep.
Music for Imagining and Playing
The type of music a child sings or hears can truly capture the imagination. Maybe there’s an art project on the agenda, or maybe the music can inspire the art project. For example, older children can be challenged to “draw what they hear in the music.” Or there can just be the nice happy background music for playing dress up or creating all kinds of things with homemade playdough, for example.
A Dance before Supper
It’s been a long day for everyone, and supper time often becomes fussy time. As the pasta is boiling, take a minute to whisk your child around the kitchen for a quick little dance. Or make it a welcome home routine to do a happy little family dance with Dad when he walks in the door from work.
Read, read, read!
Music literacy and reading literacy go hand-in-hand, and we’re huge advocates of reading to your child any – and every! – chance you get. Keep that basket of favorite books handy. (Here’s a list of some of our favorite titles.) Reading a story together only takes a few minutes, but it’s amazing what a little cuddly lap time and one-on-one attention can do for you and your child.
A Beloved Bedtime Routine
The bedtime routine can be quite musical too! A silly song as you scrub together and wash up in the tub, a sweet song as you get them in their pj’s, a calming bedtime story, and of course, the best end to a musical day – another lullaby.
That’s a lot of music and musical activities for a day! But not to worry. You’ll find inspiration, new songs, parenting tips, and even more ideas in your weekly Kindermusik classes and Home Materials. And your child will absolutely blossom and thrive because of the music and the routines. You’ll love the memories you create as a result, and how these simple musical activities will help you linger together in the precious moments of childhood just a little bit longer.
Shared by Kindermusik educator Theresa Case, who has been sharing the wonders of Kindermusik with kids and families at Piano Central Studios for almost 25 years now.