Take Note Studio Blog

  "Is it my turn yet?" A question going through the mind of every child that is learning the importance of sharing and turn taking. Waiting for our turn can seem to take an eternity but for the child holding the object of the other child's desire; it seems like time passed a little too quickly. How can we help our little ones navigate this crucial part of social development?  The first step is to keep our expectations age appropriate.  We can't expect more than they are developmentally ready for.  With our infants and younger toddlers/early preschoolers we are still engaged in parallel play so turn taking/sharing does not always happen naturally. You can encourage children of this age to work on those skills with activities such as rolling a ball to each other or completing a puzzle together. From 0-3 we are introducing and modeling but not expecting them to master the skill. Our older preschoolers move out of parallel play and into interacting with their peers, so t...

Softly, softly …If you are or have been part of a Kindermusik class, these words are burned into your brain like a core memory.  They signal that it is that time in class when we rest and reset; but is that all it is? Just another “activity” in the lesson? Why is it so important that we add it to every class? Resting is a crucial part of development. It is a key component in our brain development, emotional regulation, physical health, concentration and focus, and immune system function. It brings calm and composure and the ability to self-regulate. When we are deprived of rest it negatively effects us and causes behavioral issues, learning difficulties, mood swings, and reduced physical performance.  Yet, it isn’t something that comes easily for many. The ability to rest is not a skill we are born with, just like walking and talking, it has to be learned and then practiced. You can help your child practice in a few simple steps. Create a space that is just for this quiet...

  Savoring Each Level of Kindermusik From Foundations all the way up to Level 5, your Kindermusik experience is packed full of unforgettable adventures and exciting activities that foster your child’s development and musical understanding. Every level of Kindermusik brings with it a whole new array of instruments, stories, songs, activities, growth, concepts, and learning, but we’re still very much all about settling in and enjoying each level. No rushing through childhood when it comes to Kindermusik! We all lead busy lives, but you wouldn’t be in Kindermusik if you didn’t want to slow down, make some memories, and really enjoy these precious early years with your child. And so, here are a few of our favorite ways to savor each stage of Kindermusik. One of the main ways you can enjoy and linger in each stage of Kindermusik is to  be completely present and actively engaged  - in class and at home. Whether it’s by dancing and playing with your child in class, or by enjoyin...

  5 Ways Kindermusik Teaches Empathy and Kindness Over the years, countless friendships have been forged inside the walls of our Kindermusik classroom - amongst the children and amongst the grown-ups! The warm, supportive environment in your weekly Kindermusik classes presents many gentle, loving opportunities for your child to learn to get along and show empathy -- all while creating meaningful relationships with others. Sharing From Level 1 of Kindermusik all the way up to Level 5, sharing is an important part of demonstrating cooperation and selflessness. As new instruments are passed out or two kids share a scarf for a partner activity, your child gets to practice the valuable skills of sharing and working together. Taking turns Whether it’s waiting for the teacher to pass out scarves or waiting to pass the ball in a circle activity, taking turns helps your child learn patience. Your child also practices being empathetic because their friends in class are also waiting for their...

  Vestibular Stimulation Essentially our  vestibular sense helps us to ‘keep tabs’ on the position and motion of our heads .  Think of it as an internal GPS! ‌ However, our vestibular system is t he most connected sensory system in our body.  It works alongside our other sensory systems (including  the proprioceptive sense ), enabling us to use our eyes effectively and process sounds in our environment. Our vestibular system  has a HUGE impact on our physical, emotional and indeed learning skills.  It is the first sensory system to develop in the womb. After birth, our vestibular system is often  likened to the ‘brain’s traffic controller’ for all the sensory information it receives.  It sorts and relays incoming sensory information from other sensory organs and passes it onto to the various sensory regions of our brain. The Vestibular Sense is  crucial for a child’s development – helping them work rest and play.  A typically ...

  How Reading Literacy and Music Literacy Go Hand in Hand When a child starts recognizing pictures in a book, it's a big deal because it shows they are beginning to understand that symbols—like words and pictures—stand for real things and ideas. This is the start of something really important.  As they learn more, their excitement grows because they realize that this is how they can express their thoughts and needs to the people around them.  When we talk about "literacy," it's not just about reading and writing. It's about being able to understand and use language in all its forms—whether that's speaking, reading, writing, or even listening.  Literate kids understand that sounds, letters, pictures, and ideas are all connected and meaningful. But what does all of this have to do with music? There's actually a very strong connection between learning to read and learning music.  When a child understands that letters and sounds work together to create ...

  It can take a little time... and that's okay! In Kindermusik, we intentionally build familiar routines and rituals into the class to help your child become comfortable and anticipate what comes next. For example, from the very first day, we will always begin and end class with the same two songs - the Hello Song and the Goodbye Song. This signals to your child that class is starting or ending. On average, children need four to six weeks to transition into a new class - even children who have been in Kindermusik before. For some children, it can take a little longer. We're all about the process and not performance here at Kindermusik, and so we just give them all the love, space, and understanding that they need! As time goes on, your child will learn the routine, become familiar with the songs, and look forward to seeing friends from class (and so will you!). Plus, once they become secure in the routines and rituals, the learning and enjoyment really take off! What you can do...