Literary Leftovers (Turkey tidbits to read and savor)

LITTLE PEA by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. A sweet story about a pea...a sweet pea. It's minimal, pea size, both the story and the pictures, which match perfectly, as suited as...two peas in a pod. Parents will enjoy peas and quiet while little pea-pie flip the pages, again and again.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS by Judi Barrett, Surrealism! This is a famous book in which meteorological and culinary matters are improbably mixed. The title says it all. In the town of Chewandswallow, foodstuff fall from the sky. The pleasure in this book is how far the author and illustrator can take this conceit. They take it pretty far, and with plenty of style.
COOKIES by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This book has definitions of words like "cooperate," "fair," and "unfair," with retro-cute illustrations and little vignettes all having to do with cookies.
THE SEVEN SILLY EATERS by Mary Ann Hoberman. A family in a funky old house on the shore of a lake grows to seven children, all of whom have various oddities and preferences when it comes to food. What makes it work are the remarkable and involved art and the bouncy rhymes. The reader gets to know this eccentric family, who may or may not be like anyone you know.
BRAVE POTATOES by Toby Speed. This book is a masterpiece of world literature. It is a rip-roaring poem about potatoes who break out of the vegetable display at the county fair, are abducted by fiendish chef Hackermup, rescue themselves yet again, this time from a fate worse than fair, and parade, banners waving, singing their stirring anthem, "We will never be potpie. We will never be potluck. We will never be frittata, We will always be potatoes." This book cries out to be a musical spectacular on the New York stage.

Let's Rock! Raising a music lover is easy. If you start early and keep it fun, your child won't miss a beat.

Ever notice how your baby's eyes brighten when you play a familiar CD or sing a lullaby? That's because music is much more than just a diversion for a child. A hefty stack of research shows that rhythm and melody help spark memory, imagination, language skills, and reasoning ability. Songs can also calm young kids by reducing their stress-hormone levels. But enough about science. Best of all, music is a great way to bond with Mommy and Daddy.
BABIES: First Notes: Music helps you communicate with your baby, build his sense of security, and soothe him. 1. Just Sing! Don't worry if it's off-key; Your baby loves the sound of you voice-especially when you make eye contact. 2. Match his pitch. When your baby coos, echo his voice in a slightly exaggerated, musical way. Older babies may start to mimic your melodic "ahhhs" and "babas." 3. Mark time with music. Make up fun little songs to let him know it's bathtime, naptime, or time for a feeding. This will give a comforting structure to your baby's day. 4. Make some noise. Hand him an egg shaker or a rattle so he can create his own sounds. 5. Get him moving. Bounding your child on your lap as you recite nursery rhymes will help improve his balance. Also try tapping his legs to the beat of a tune to develop his sense of timing. 6. Gotta Dance. Play salsa, rock, hip-hop-or whatever type of music you like-as you sway, spin, and step in time with your baby.
TODDLERS: Tune Time: Active songs and musical games (such as "The Hokey-Pokey" and "Open, Shut Them") expand a toddler's vocabulary, teach her to cooperate (try singing "It's Time to Clean Up"), and help her use her body and mind in perfect harmony. 1. Get classy. Sign your child up for a music playgroup such as Kindermusik. This playgroup uses tunes as a way to dance, jump, and be active. 2. Beat it. Give her sturdy toy instruments and toddler-friendly objects to play with (such as wooden spoons and light pots). Have her clang, strum, and scrape them to make sounds of varying pitch volume, and length. 3. Update your playlist. Kids this age go for songs with a surprise ending (such as "Pop Goes the Weasel"). They also love memory-building songs like "Old MacDonald", "Dust, Dust, Dust, "Muffin Man" and "Bingo" - and may even start joining in by age 2, (or earlier as we've seen in Kindermusik) 4. Mix it up. Once your child knows a tune, slip in an incorrect word or phrase (such as finishing "Row, Row, Row your boat" with "life is but ice cream"). She'll get a thrill (and a giggle) from correcting you. 5. Hear it live. Take your child to see a kids' performer in concert, where no one will mind that she toddles around as she listens. (This is why Kindermusik is so important. No analog or digital just Ms. Susan!)
PRESCHOOLERS: Start Making Music! Give your kid lots of opportunities to move and groove, and ask him how different types of music make him feel. 1. Have him repeat a beat. Slap your thighs or tummy to create a rhythmic sequence, then let your preschooler try to mimic it. You can also tap on a table or hit plastic plates together like cymbals. 2. Make a scene. Play classical music, and have your child act out a scene to match the mood. He might pretend he's a horse galloping (during a fast stanza) and then mimic falling asleep (as it winds down). 3. Get hands-on. Let your child touch and experiment with different instruments-whether real or kid-size-to pique his interest. See how many ways he can "play" a guitar (tapping, plucking, strumming), and ask how he would use it to make a jumping or tiptoeing sound. 4. Play "whisper and shout. Invite your preschooler to sing a song two ways-first as if he's small and shy, then as if he's huge and full of energy. The contrast will help him gain confidence in his singing ability. 5. Hear the colors. Have your child paint or draw a picture, then use toy instruments of noisemakers to translate its theme to music. 6. Check out the classics. Attend a young people's concert so your child can discover how orchestral sounds come together. If the setting is kid-friendly (and the musicians give their permission), let him go on stage afterward and see the instruments up close.
GRADE-SCHOOLERS: My tunes: By the time your child starts elementary school she has distinct musical tastes-and is ready to start learning to play an instrument. 1. Change the station. Expose your child to varied styles of music (reggae, New age, classical) to expand her horizons and help her develop her own taste. 2. Find her voice. Ask your child to sing to you-or if she's hesitant, with you. Find things to compliment ("I like how clear you sound") so she doesn't feel self-conscience about her voice. 3. Get involved. When your child starts playing an instrument, put away your cell phone and pay attention when she's practicing. Encourage her to stay focused, and be specific with your praise ("I see you're holding your bow firmly-nice job!) 4. Give her some freedom. Establish a regular playing schedule, but let her know what she wants to work on first (such as fingering and scale exercises. 5. Think improvement, not perfection Give your child modest goals so she can see progress. Ask, "Can you hold that note one second longer?" or "Can you play another bar next time without stopping?" 6. Let her make her own music. Have your child compose a short piece as you write down or record the notes. Collect the songs in a binder or on you PC so your child has a record of her work.

PARKING!

Please do not park in the street when attending music classes. My parents live in the house to the south of my studio, and they would love to have you park in their driveway, if mine is full. The city gets a little testy if cars are parked on the street. Thanks for your cooperation. Susan

"HOP TO IT"!

In "Imagine That" we have been hoping and jumping to a song called "Hop to it"! I have been helping the children think of different ways in which to hop and jump throughout the song. Did you know jumping might not seem like a remarkable feat, but clearing a puddle requires balance, strength, and the precise coordination of arms, knees and hips. Throughout the elementary school years, a child jump increases an awe-inspiring average of 3-5 inches in distance and 2 inches in height per year. Kids learn to jump soon after they learn to run, usually starting at about 24 months. First a child tries taking a single step down a stair, next they'll explore other kinds of objects that are jump-offable then overable, then aroundable. At about 30 months, once kids have the leg strength to defy gravity and the balance they need for landing, jumps become more sophisticated-bunny hops, grasshopper jumps for instance,, that move the jumper not just up but forward. By 4 or 5, a child enters the golden era of jumping mastery, coordinating arms with the extension of legs and torso, resulting in a long jump with serious distance. It's a skill she'll need to launch herself over a puddle instead of into it. Unless, of course, she doesn't want to!

KINDERMUSIK FALL SEMESTER 2008

Are you ready? Are you set? Then remember to GO to KINDERMUSIK next week. Classes begin the week of September 2nd. I am excited that there are so many people that realize the importance of Kindermusik in their child's life. I can't wait to see all my kindermusik friends again and to make new friends. I know your sacrifice of time and money will be well spent. 100% guaranteed! See you soon.

FYI: Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Typical Kindermusik Setting

Have you ever wondered if your child is different, and has special needs. Below is a list of things to watch for in our Kindermusik classes that help diagnose Autism.
Village 0-18mos: Slower motor development, Lack of engagement, Difficulty with visual tracking, Delayed language development, (no babbling, screaching) HFA: Faster language development than typical, Older HFA: Elevated ability in a specific area, Autistic traits may not become apparent until 18-21 months and sometimes as early as 15 months.
Our Time 18mos-3yrs: Delayed fine and/or gross motor development (not holding instruments), Delays in expressive and receptive communication (inability to follow directions), Difficulty with transition into the classroom and from one activity to the next, Inconsistencies with behavior (behavior may correlate with activity), Aggression toward parent or other children, Aloof or lack of spatial and social awareness, Undeveloped imaginative play, Odd and/or repetitive patterns of behavior, Physical disability apparent.
Imagine That 3 1/2-5 yrs: Delays in fine and gross motor development, Delays in expressive and receptive language, Lack of imaginative play, Difficulty with transition, Inconsistencies in behavior, Aggressive behavior to self or others when distressed, Aloof/lack of spatial and social awareness, Odd speech patterns and/or intonation, Self stimulatory behaviors (possible masturbation), Perseveration of conversation topic (resurrects same thought over and over again), Odd interests, May look different.
Young Child 5-7yrs: Growing social awkwardness with peers, Limited interests, Literal thinking, Odd social interaction with peers and educator, Rigidity with schedule.

If your chid displays these basic signs there are many ways in which to get help. The University of Utah has a child development clinic to contact for diagnosis. Their number is 1-800-829-8200. Another help is The Pingree School for Autism. Their phone number is 801-581-0194. There are many ways to implement and reinforce musical learning with each autistic child through Kindermusik. My kindermusik program is 100% guaranteed to help all children no matter what their need.

Kindermusik Fall Semester begins September 2nd!

I can feel the excitement, I can hear the musik, I can see the smiles, I can taste the energy and I can smell the season and know it is time to start Kindermusik once again. I'm so excited to be teaching another year and to have the opportunity to make a difference in your child's life. See you soon for a wonderfully fun Kindermusik year!