Hello, Everybody! Meet Magnus, 1+ yrs old, tuning into all the sounds around him! Magnus takes classes with his mom, Savannah. This spring is his family's very first semester experiencing Music Together!
Glenda: Here we are now at three weeks into Magnus's first semester of Music Together. What do you see happening so far?
Savannah: We listen a lot to music, especially in the mornings when we're around the table or cleaning up afterwards. Magnus is more engaged than ever. I see more movements like "hands on your head" when Jumpin' Josie plays. And I notice that the soothing songs that we have in a special playlist in the app are very effective in bringing down his energy level for naps. (This makes me jump up and down, Savannah! What wonderful ways to utilize the app and the music!)
Glenda: Does Magnus seem to have a favorite Music Together song, and if so, how does he communicate that to you?
Savannah: All I have to do now to get him to come for his bath, is start chanting Jack Be Nimble. I sit on the floor and do it, and he comes right away. Oh, and he loves the Hello Everybody song!
Glenda: Is there a favorite musical moment from class you'd like to share?
Savannah: I love to see him excited, and he gets very excited when all the instruments come out each week. When he starts waving his arms in Jack Be Nimble, or babbling at the ends of songs, it makes me beem and think, "What a brilliant child!"
Glenda: What would you tell a friend about the Music Together program?
Savannah: To do it! I have to say that initially I wasn't sure he'd get much from it or even if it would be helpful given his young age. I really want him to love music so I thought I should at least give it a try. Honestly, I'm astounded: He is clearly learning a lot including musically, cognitively, socially. linguistically... The many ways he engages in class are so delightful. From waving his arms to babbling to interacting with other children and adults are just what I want for him. And I wouldn't have ever thought to do things like the tonal and rhythm patterns. We need engaging things like this to do together, and this program is so wonderful. We really love it!
Glenda: Thank you so much, Savannah, for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us! We're so glad you've joined our community!
ICYMI: If you're on the fence about taking the plunge into Music Together, don't miss this unsolicited shout-out describing the wonders of Music Together! It's a quick read at Momtastic that chimes right in with Savannah's observations.
Before you go: A funny thing happened on Thursday afternoon when no kids were in the circle to sing the Goodbye song! So don't be surprised when you notice a few more "deletions" in furniture or frills this week, haha! I doubt I'll ever get a step ahead of these little fast-moving learners, but we'll keep trying!
If you're starting to think about summer, we'd love to know your thoughts. Check out the Summer & New Class Interest Survey and let us know what you might be interested in doing. If a class is offered, it will run for a shorter session of six weeks.
As always, reach out with any questions. We love hearing from you, especially what you hear and see your little geniuses come up with on their own at home!
Musically yours,
Glenda Cloutier, Center Director and Teacher
Gina Godoy, Certified Level 1 Teacher |
