We took Gracie to a Kindermusik class a couple of Saturday's ago. My neighbor told me about this class. It was sooo much fun. As a family, we all went together. On the surface, the class appeared like total chaos with two year olds running all around as they please. But, it was the most child friendly environment I've ever experienced. I really love the philosophy behind the curriculum. It focuses on valuing the process of learning and development rather than assessing the performance. Families participate together (mom, DAD and children). We sang silly songs, danced, played, interacted, had story time. It truly was a great time. Children are allowed to basically run free and partcipate in class activities as they choose. If they would rather play with everyone's shoes lined along the wall than listen to storytime, then they are allowed to do that. Each activity is structured to stimulate certain parts of the brain for social, emotional, physical, etc. development.
There are times my daughter sees strangers and often tries to say Hello or talk to them and is ignored because her small voice and small stature are easy to miss. In Kindermusik class, we sing the "Hello" song and ask each child how they would like to sing the song (clapping, hopping, dancing). Each child gets their moment in the spotlight and everyone--parents, teacher and other tots mimic the child. She participates as she pleases and plays as she pleases. It's a time solely focused on valuing what's important to a tot. How great is that?!
When discipline is necessary, the other children choose the discipline (usually time out) rather than the adults. This helps the little ones build community and respect for one another.
On the surface, it may seem like an awkward class where children run free and parents look silly dancing and singing and playing, but the purpose is to value what's important to a child and to learn what's important to a child. It may be planned to help the children develop their skills, but I think I learned much more than my daughter. It helps me meet her where she's at and value her for the place she's at, and I can use all the help I can get!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Kudos to you for getting your license! What a great opportunity for you and your family and community! We did enroll Gracie for the summer "Creatures at the Ocean" class. I really can't wait until it starts. Even though it's been a couple of weeks since our introductory class, she still talks about it! We live in the same town as our extended families and we hope to include them on some of the classes as well!
Post a Comment