The role of music can mean more than a boogie thing, a good time
or a party. Music is said to be the representation of the highest
thoughts, achievements and aspirations of humankind. Scientific
research on the neurological and developmental effects of music
proves that early integration of music into your child’s daily
routine means improving their ability to think, reason, create and
express, according to the methodology called Kindermusik.
The role of music can mean more than a boogie thing, a good time or a party. Music is said to be the representation of the highest thoughts, achievements and aspirations of humankind.
Scientific research on the neurological and developmental effects of music proves that early integration of music into your child’s daily routine means improving their ability to think, reason, create and express, according to the methodology called Kindermusik.
For parents living in Morgan Hill, enriching the lives of children with music at an early age can be easily and pleasantly accomplished with the Kindermusik curriculum taught at Renaissance Tots located at Advent Lutheran Church on Murphy Avenue.
Kindermusik’s curriculum requires parent involvement. This allows parents to be aware of their child’s learning styles, strengths and interests. Kindermusik engages children and encourages thinking and creative skills using singing, dancing and a variety of different instruments and rhythms for children newborn to 8 years old.
“My daughter loves to listen to music and I wanted to expose her to different types of music,” said Ginger Cross, whose 2-year-old daughter Alison enjoys waving her hands to mimic wipers swooshing to the song, “The People on the Bus.”
Bells, shakers, drums, sticks, clackers and triangles are favorites to the children in the Our Time class where Melissa Gunter leads a group of parents and children through fun activities using music and movement. The Our Time class is designed to build self-esteem and emotional development in children eighteen months to 3 years old.
“Kindermusik’s curriculum focuses on the child,” said Gunter, a certified Kindermusik instructor with more than six years experience.
Gunter has also taught piano at the Music Tree in Morgan Hill for the past 15 years.
At Renaissance Tots, children meet in small groups, in their own age category, once a week for an hour, accompanied by a parent, grandparent or caregiver who participates in the program.
Gunter leads the class using Kindermusik’s curriculum created by music psychologists. She gets the children to sing along, move and sit quietly for story time.
“The curriculum is based on the latest brain research and how children learn. Kindermusik addresses different styles of learning for children,” said Gunter.
The Kindermusik curriculum covers material designed to develop learning abilities appropriate to the age of the children in the program. The curriculum for each level is carefully geared and paced to the abilities and learning styles for that particular age. The classes last for fifteen weeks, depending on the age of the child.
The Village class for newborn to eighteen months stimulates babies to observe, imitate and learn. The Imagine That class for 3-5-year-olds focuses on activities that encourage expressive language and imaginative play for pre-schoolers. The Young Child class for 5- to 7-year-olds builds on critical vocal development skills.
David Wang, who brought Kindermusik to Morgan Hill, believes that Morgan Hill is a good place for this program. His goal is to bring music and art back into the focus of young children.
“I really believe this program is making a positive difference,” said Wang.
Wang’s visit to a Kindermusik class in San Francisco was the impetus for bringing the program to Morgan Hill.
“I think that music is a crucial part of life and can enrich everyone from newborn to the very old. Music soothes, stimulates and its fun. I think that music helps with math and creative thinking skills,” said Wang.
Details: Renaissance Tots: www.rtots.com or 427-2833.
