Kathy's Kindermusik

Kathy’s Kindermusik

Written by Heather Stitt, Macaroni Kid of Washington-Canonsburg
We all know the value of music education at an early age but what benefits do the parents see? You may have read that one of the benefits is a significant increase in IQ. That is totally awesome but it’s not going to get you through the terrible 2’s. Dealing with 2-year-olds, sometimes you just need to survive the day. How does Kindermusik help? Here are some things I’ve noticed already that can be applied to life at home to help make parenting a little easier:
 
Routine– Kindermusik starts off the same way each class. Toddlers thrive with a set schedule and knowing what to expect next. This is a great reminder after a summer of “freedom” to get back into a normal routine.
 
Transition – Miss Julie prepares the children for what is going to happen in class. It can be a simple as telling them what is coming next. At home it can be a 2 minute warning so they know what they are doing is coming to an end.
 
Social – Our teacher explained that even just the act of the kids all going to the basket for their shakers is a great social interaction. They have to figure out how they are going to navigate themselves to and from the basket with all their new friends. 
Following along –  When they try and follow along to hit the drum on a pause that takes a lot of listening and following directions for a two year old. 
 
Listening –  This applies in every aspect of the class. But it is the way the teacher gets them to listen that’s magical. You have to go to see it!
 
Quiet – You don’t always have to yell to get your child’s attention. Sometimes whispering is way more effective.
 
These are a lot of benefits and we haven’t even gotten into the actual music yet. These are a few things I’ve noticed after just two classes. I have been using these ideas to make things go smoother at home. My favorite is whispering two more minutes of playtime before we go up to nap to read a book! Just being prepared is better than just saying okay it’s naptime. Doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but it makes all the difference.