Your Child's Music Kids Experience - by Miss Tweetie (Margaret Dahlberg)
Your Child's Music Kids Experience - by Miss Tweetie (Margaret Dahlberg)
EDUCATE – Act as the guide as your child experiences the class. You are your child's greatest teacher as you lead them through the activities. Do as you wish your child to do.
ENJOY - This is a great opportunity to to get to know your child in this setting as there is no 'right or wrong'! You will gain insight into your child's unique learning style. Some learn by sitting in stillness, others learn by moving and exploring. Be curious & observe them as they learn their own way.
Sometimes you will find yourself with a child who likes to ‘wander’ and explore during class. What to do when you have a wanderer:
A wandering toddler is not an uncommon sight in the Music Kids classroom. There are a number of factors which may draw your child away from the circle. New walkers/movers may have been sitting immobile in the class for a long time. Here are some ideas on how to gently respond to your movers.
Let them go. Give them at least a minute or so before you go to them. Then escort them back to the circle. If they leave again, repeat the process or move to number 2.
Sit with your back to them. Some children think it’s a game to have their caregiver watch them standing at the other end of the classroom. Be out of their line of vision and ignore them. “Leave them alone and they will come home.”
Be sure to set a precedent that although they are wandering, they do belong in the circle. Caregivers please do not accompany them when they move out of the circle. This will encourage the behaviour.
Even though they are not in the circle, the music is still heard throughout the classroom. Be assured that they are still benefitting. Most children settle down after a few weeks.
Most of all, bring your curiosity, an open mind and a sense of humor to class!