Support Children

Music and Play Based Programs

Poems about Children and Childhood

I tried to teach my child with books

He gave me only puzzled looks

I tried to teach my child with words

They passed by, often unheard.

Despairingly I turned aside,

“How shall I teach this child?” I cried,

Into my hands he put the key,

“Come,” he said, “Play with me.”

If I Had My Child to Raise Over Again

If I had my child to raise over again,

I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I’d finger paint more and point the finger less

I would do less correcting and more connecting

I’d take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes.

I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play,

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.

I’d see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I’d model less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

Diane Loomans

A Second Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

Music and play - based programs for Preschoolers

Children respond to music from the moment they are born. This is why lullabies and other types of children’s songs are universal. We are hardwired to be musical. The most crictical time in a child’s development is from birth through age 5. Developing musical skills is no less fundamental than learning to move and speak and analyze the world around us. Yes, the development of musical skills correlates with higher performance in a number of academic areas, but it should come as no surprise that such a fundamental human activity seems to have a powerful impact on nourishing other areas of development.

Here is an article that highlights the importance of play -based musical learning. It comes from the “ECMMA” Early Childhood Music and Movement Association fall issue of their journal called “Perspectives”

Children often retain an inaccurate sense of their capabilities due to labeling at an early age. Early childhood is the ideal time for a child to benefit fully from the power of play.

The article also highlights the views by Dr. Michael Meyerhoff which suggests that play – based programs allow children to develop their natural inclinations to explore, investigate, and experiment.

Another quote from this article says, "When parents and their children participate in activities rich in flexibility, freedom and fun( such as music and movement) the child will reap many benefits and will have a better chance at happiness and success in life." (Taken from ECMMA Early Childhood music and movement Association Notable Notes) For more information about Music and Movement research, activities and conferences see www.ecmma.org

Teacher Donna will be offering play - based music and movement classes for small groups of children birth through 4 years accompanied by parents or primary care giver. Our program is called Lifesong Family Music Making. Come to classes and have some fun in an educational, interactive environment (download brochure here).

In our class we do movement, dances and lots of rhythmic chanting as well as stories and listening activities. Why?

Every step you take helps that little mind develop strong neural connections for rhythm and language. That's one reason a baby's first word has a rhythm to it, like 'ma ma,' and 'da da.' So in our classes we do lots of movement and dances and rhythmic chants.

Listening activities and stories help toddlers make a huge leap in language. In the next year or so, your child will go from 200 words to 1,000 words. So we'll give your special little one lots of different experiences and sounds so they can hear, repeat, and develop their rapidly growing vocabulary.

Classes will start in February 2008. These music classes will be offered in partnership with KidsNGym in their new location, 1449 Green Bay Rd. Westbank, B.C. For more information about programs offered for children and their families see www.kidsngym.com .


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