What is Kindermusik?
Kindermusik
is a community of families and educators passionately committed to bringing music to children's lives. It is developed by Kindermusik International, the world's leading publisher of music and movement curricula
for parents and their children, ages newborn to seven years. Kindermusik International
has more than 25 years of experience creating curricula based on new and proven research in child development. The award-winning
books, CDs, games, and instruments nurture skills in the whole child: cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language. To date, more than 5,000 licensed educators use the Kindermusik curricula in more
than 35 countries, reaching one million families. For more details, go to www.kindermusik.com/parents/parent.asp
Who is Kindermusik with Donna & Friends [KDF]?
Kindermusik
with Donna & Friends is a studio and camp program using the award winning Kindermusik International curricula. We are owned and operated by licensed Kindermusik educator, Donna Strout. Classes are held at Community Church of Chesapeake, 253 St. Luke’s Church Road.
We primarily serve families in the Great Bridge, Deep Creek boroughs and Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, Virginia. While music majors teach most Kindermusik programs, our
program is taught from the perspective of child development through music. Emphasizing
the importance of parent education, we seek to connect parents to the natural rhythm in their children and, in turn, help
the children reach their optimal learning potential.
What is a Kindermusik class?
Kindermusik classes are carefully designed to lead a group of children and their caregivers through developmentally
appropriate, child-centered activities, using music and movement. The program
celebrates the child’s learning process rather than focuses on his performance. The parent is an essential part of the Kindermusik program. During
class, we’ll teach you about your child's unique developmental process and then help you continue the learning process
at home with At-Home materials created to complement the music and Kindermusik classroom experience.
How are the classes promoted?
As
a former public relations practitioner, Donna understands the value of publicity and makes use of the many free publicity
opportunities that exist in Hampton Roads. Including free demonstration classes
at local libraries and community centers, door-to-door flyer distribution, open house presentations, presentations at local
mother-child support groups such as MOMS Club and MOPS, booths at child-related fairs and expos, as well as periodic submissions
of informational articles to local newspapers and magazines. If you have or know
of an event or community organization that Kindermusik with Donna & Friends should consider attending,
please contact us.
Why is the program 15 weeks?
We see lots of
growth and change over the course of an entire semester. What we see the first
week in class and what we see the fourth week of class is often totally different. That’s
one important reason for our semester long program. Some children need
more time to feel comfortable in a new learning environment.
Can I enroll my child without purchasing the materials?
Your At Home
materials are required as they provide an essential element of your child’s learning.
Family involvement is a fundamental cornerstone of the Kindermusik philosophy because we believe the parent
is the child’s most important teacher and the home is the most important place for a child’s learning to take
root and grow. While we plant the seeds of learning through music in the classroom,
you will use the At Home materials to cultivate lifelong learning.
What does the cost of
the program include?
Kindermusik
with Donna & Friends is more than just a music class. Studies show that early
and ongoing musical training helps organize and develop children's brains. One
researcher stated, “Rhythm is one of the most important components underlying motor skill acquisition and performance." In class, children learn rhythm, steady beat, dance, visual arts, dramatic play, language skills and much more. Your children will learn skills essential for success in school and formal music or dance classes. Additionally, research shows that music is a key component in a child's well-rounded
education. Preschool children taught with games and songs had IQs of 10-20 points
higher than children taught without games and songs. For less than what you would
pay per month on extracurricular activities such as Karate, Dance or Gym you will receive monthly perspectives related to
the curriculum in which your child is enrolled, weekly summary of what we did in class and helpful information about ways
to use your at-home material for that week, Foundation of Learning statements that help you understand what your child is
thinking and doing and written process report of your child tracking milestones and new developments.
What if my child doesn’t have an interest in music?
Why should I re-enroll my child?
Children
are placed into each class by age: newborn to 1½, 1½ to 3, 3 to 5 and 5 to 7. Each
class provides a stepping-stone of learning to the next and every step on the path was thoughtfully created to nurture the growth of each child. Expert early childhood development research forms the basis of Kindermusik. While the class experience is a fun time, it also lays the foundation for the development of well-rounded
individuals. In addition to the benefit of forming and sustaining relationships with the children and families, re-enrollment
allows your child’s learning to follow its natural progression. His learning needs are understood both in the classroom and at home. And when his learning needs are understood, we can foster all aspects of his development while nurturing
a natural sense of musical appreciation and capability.
