Summer camp expo, Kidsfest, and Mom's market

The Cherubs Clubhouse and the Imaginations Music Studio was represented today at the Birmingham Parent magazine summer camp expo at Brookwood mall. We will also be represented soon at the Mom's Market in Pelham, and at the Birmingham Kids Directory Kidsfest in Hoover. We have a lot of classes going on at the Cherubs Clubhouse and some great summer programs and camps coming up! Contact me for more information at imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net

We also just finished up our "Share the Love" fundraiser at the Cherubs Clubhouse. The event was a sucess and fun for all. Our piano studio will be doing a fundraiser to help raise money for Haiti very soon as well.

Kindermusik Challenge of the Week

This week in our Family Time class, I am going to focus a little more on relaxation time in class. One thing I have noticed lately in my own home is the need to have quiet time. Whether it is reading time, listening to soft music, cuddling or even watching a movie all bundled up in blankets with the lights down low; we all need some down time. This is particularly important for older preschoolers who may have dropped their nap time.

When I notice that my children are restless and irritable, its usually time for a break from the stimulation either in the form of a nap or quiet time. The busier we are, the more we need this time but unfortunately, when we are busy we devote less time to it. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes of singing, snuggling, or reading with your child to totally change their (and your) behavior. Think of it like a "pre-time-out." Sometimes all that is needed to prevent the need of a time out is a little special quiet time spent with your child.

I have been very busy lately with all the new classes that have just started at the Cherubs Clubhouse but I am going to challenge myself to spend at least 10 minutes a day in relaxation with my children at times other than bedtime or nap time. In our class tomorrow we are going to practice implementing relaxation time and work on some techniques to promote bonding and peace in the home. Would you take the challenge too? Turn to tracks 6, 8,11 and 24 of your Family Time CD for relaxing music. Gather up a pile of books, a blanket and your puppets to cuddle and follow your child's lead as to how he needs to relax. Try to plan relaxation time for 5 to 10 minutes each day. It is not only good for you, but it is also good for your children.

We will be working on some intentional touch techniques in our class this week during our relaxation time. Check out the huggies website for more information about the strokes we will be using. Huggies Website You don't have to have any kind of training or supplies to learn these new ways to touch your baby or toddler. Check it out!

Yesterday, my 5 year old was still feeling sick from a cold. She received a lot of comfort from the intentional touch activities from the Huggies website as well as rocking to relaxing music. Even at 5 she benefited from these techniques and was asking for more! If you child learns to slow down and relax at a young age, it is something they can carry with them as they grow older and mature.

Here, There and Everywhere

We had a great Kindermusik class this morning! We will begin and end each class the same way every week to get the children accustomed to the routine of our class. The more they use the home materials, the more they will become familiar with all the activities from class. I can really tell when a family has listened to their CD at home and when they read their books at home as well. The home materials are what makes Kindermusik unique. They allow you to continue learning at home and get the most out of class.

Our theme today was visiting a friend. In your family guide, you can read about more activities for the home that go along with our theme. Today we worked on developing gross motor skills with our free movement activities. We flew like butterflies and kites with our scarves. Our props from today like the scarves and balls provide a visual and tactile representation of sound and steady beat. We worked on fine motor skills as the kids experimented with different instruments and participated in our finger play. The simple songs that we sang unaccompanied allowed the children to focus on the melody so that they can learn to sing. The children seemed to enjoy story time and relaxation time at the end of class. As we rocked our puppets, I enjoyed rocking with 2 of the kids from our class. Rocking is not only relaxing, but provides stimulation for the vestibular system to help with their sense of balance. Everyone had a great time on the play gym afterwards and did not want to leave. We are looking forward to next week!