MUSIC WITH MUMMY, established in 1992, is a structured programme of pre-school music education. It is designed specifically for children age four and under and is a series of weekly, friendly music classes. Its main aim is to teach basic aspects of music to young children, all through fun.
Each half term, there is a new theme (e.g. Colours) and in that 6 week block children would learn a different colour each session, with all songs and props linking to that particular colour for that week. One of the main new songs learned that session would get carried over the following week, to reinforce the learning, so although each week is fresh and new repetition of the theme helps children to learn. At the end of the “block” the children will have learned or become more familiar with their colours. Visual aids are also used, as are lots of different instruments; dancing, puppets, parachute, and lots more. During some songs children all have the same type of instrument (example claves or drums), to collectively play as a group, but then with other songs they get to choose from a vast range of different instruments and the opportunity to experience lots of different sounds.
Sessions last 30 minutes and fees are payable prior to term. Parents can join half way through a block if there is a space available and pay for the remainder of the half term.
The Objectives of the classes are:
- To foster the idea that music is for pleasure and a social activity.
- To encourage early listening skills, so vital in development for not only music but all learning.
- To help develop a sense of rhythm through percussion, movement, and various props.
- To encourage social skills, sharing, taking turns, listening to each other, eye contact.
- To promote and develop language skills
- To enhance bonding between parent and child and create lasting happy memories.
- To promote early training in singing and in gaining confidence.
- Learn to count and alphabet sounds through singing and music, and rhymes
- Stimulate brain development through pitch and tone of voice through singing
- Increase confidence through repetition of various actions, hello song, instruments, good bye song.
- Help develop imagination through props and puppets.
- Learning about the world around them through the various structured themes.
- Most of all to have fun!!
Other things you might like to know about the classes:
- Both Health Visitors and Speech Therapists have been very impressed with the effects of these classes.
- Mums, dads, grandparents, child minders are all very welcome and you are not left singing on your own. Twins too are very welcome too and I will help where possible a parent if they are on their own if they need an extra pair of hands.
- Older siblings can bring baby along at no extra charge to older class (baby sits at the side in their car seat watching listening and learning too!!)
- It’s fun for you too and we go for social nights out and talk about adult things for a change.