New to Baby, New to You!

We, as adults, have so fewer completely "new" experiences than our children do.  Every single day, they go through something new.  Thankfully we're there to guide them through it all, but it always serves as a reminder:  children are exceptional in their ability to adapt!  You may have found yourself asking, though, "My child is either afraid of new things and situations or is fearless.  How do I help them become better observers in these situations?"  I think that this is a great question, for which there is a great, educational answer. 

First, if the object you're introducing isn't dangerous, let them touch/try to touch it.  They'll probably want to put it in their mouths (that's okay too, as long as it isn't sharp, really small, or alive...) because that's the number one way they figure it out when they're so little.  Once they're completely exploring the object (this will only take a couple of seconds), start picking things about the object that they should take notice of.  These things are the: colors, shape, size, texture, if it moves, if it opens. 

Discuss the object with Baby, even if you think they're too young to understand it because within your description of Baby's new toy, game, puzzle, is a handful of unspoken lessons including voice inflections, social conversation, appropriate responses, eye contact, etc.

You never knew a new toy (game, or puzzle) could be so cool!


Musically,

Briana

Your Brain on Music

Even back in the year 2000 (a long time ago for some, and for the rest of us...well, not too terribly long ago!), technology seemed to just be getting it's feet on the ground.  Research methods and practices were just starting to show the benefits of music on brain development -or so we thought!

This article from the year 2000 exposes music's attachment to development back through the 1980's.  It also gives quite a few good "Lehman's terms" explanations for WHY music is so good! 

So while it may be technically, "outdated", this is some seriously good brain food!

Enjoy!
Briana

Time

As a parent, your time is greatly prioritized.  First is Baby (or babies), because they need you for everything.   Second is your husband because he needs things too (socks...t-shirts...food -Just kidding, husbands!!!) and lastly is you, because it's much easier sometimes to take care of everyone before yourself.  I've always wondered about this, and I'm beginning to realize that once a Mother's instinct kicks in, it is very hard pull the brakes and take a bubble bath, or have your hair done, or to even take a shower some days. 

So now you're thinking -"now that this lady has identified my life right now, what is her point?!"  I don't blame you for thinking this.  I was thinking it too as I was writing.  I remember how hard it was for my mom, who was "just a Mom."

My point is this: You've allowed Kindermusik into your lives, and that is special and wonderful, but maybe you're having a hard time fitting it in between all of the other hats you wear in your home?  The beauty of music (and not just Kindermusik, even though it's MY favorite) is that it is completely portable.  It can go where you (and Baby) goes.  In my classes, I try very hard to recommend uses for everything we do in class.  Lullaby's that can be used for baby at naptime, word raps and games that can be used to wake baby up, or even movement activities to music that give them a better understanding of their place in space that can be used for car rides or shipping trips.  By having these tools in your "Mom-belt" you can access a learning experience any time and any PLACE you need to. 

Stop worrying about fitting another thing into your already busy schedule.  Next time you're humming "Mary had a little lamb" just sing it, move to it, splash to it, or rock to it.  Music to your schedule!  I love it!


Have a musical day!
Briana

Rituals

Rituals~

Everyone has them whether you think you do or not.  The way you buckle your seatbelt, the things you say at Thanksgiving, or even things you do on your birthday -these are all rituals.  In the Kindermusik classroom we use rituals to create organization, comfort, security, and as attention grabbers for the little wandering minds (no, Moms and Dads -this is not you!).  We use a welcome song to get everyone situated and settled in class, and then we use a goodbye song to say our farewells until the next week.  These are just the two capstones of many rituals used in class.  I have been spending the past couple of days thinking about rituals, and how so many wonderful memories are birthed from the simple things we do!  One of my favorite memories involves lots of singing, dancing, and Wee Sing.  I can remember the first class of this Spring semester like it was yesterday!  Smiling faces, exciting new things and sounds -it is such a happy memory! 

So to my families~
Even though we won't be doing our hello and goodbye rituals for a little while, please know that I have enjoyed you all SO much!  Your children are wonderful, smart, cute little movers and shakers, and I hope to see you all soon!

Very musically yours~
Busy B!

Play that Funky Music!

No -seriously, play it!

We all know that children learn by experiencing new things.  That's why they touch it, squeeze and scratch it, and then stick it in their mouths.  Sometimes they're afraid, but most of the time, they'll surprise you by honing in and identifying what is new in their already understood situation.

Playing cultural and various types of music is important for the development of Baby's brain.  By exposing them to new sounds and activities surrounding those sounds, you are allowing them to think more in depth about what they are experiencing by expanding the processing skills, as well as encouraging all of those other great FOL's we KM educators LOVE to rave about!  I'll give you an example!

Polka -as adults, we don't necessarily appreciate Polka music, but lets face it; that oom-pah-pah really gives Baby something to dance to!  The importance of this: bodily control and development of motor skills (gross and fine).  I could go on and on with the various types of music and all of the amazing benefits, but I think you get the picture!

Every time you turn on the radio, Baby listens.  Every time you hum, Baby listens.  So I challenge you, parents!  Play some new and exciting music for your Babies.  I promise you, they'll listen!

Musically yours,

Briana

Bonding

One of the Foundations of Learning for this week was Bonding.  We associate bonding is something people do with one another, or by being particularly attached to an object (like a blanket, teddy bear, or toy).  Bonding, though, is so much more than just liking or being around an object.  For Baby, there is a whole additional level.

I can hear it in my head, right now -"Janie, DON'T put that in your mouth!"  This makes me grin; not because I enjoy hearing parents worry about their children, but because I know that once Baby approves of an object, the next step is to test it out.  The next step is, "Hands behind the back" when you walk through stores concentrated with breakable objects (that just BEG you to touch them...). We worry about germs, where the object has been, and what kind of stuff she/he is putting in their mouths.  I don't blame you -I'd probably freak out too!  I clean every instrument in my classroom because of this.  It is Clorox-wiped and super cleaned after every class.  What we don't realize, however, is that sticking objects in their mouth isn't just because it makes their teething mouths feel better, it orients them with the object.  Just as we adults reach out to touch something, or walk around an object to get a "better look", baby puts it in his or her mouth. 

As your child(ren) grow and explore their worlds, this will stop.  They won't be fifteen and chewing on napkins, but they will need to figure it out for a little while.  Bonding with their surroundings is important -it gives them perspective, and allows them to feel safe within their spaces.  Who doesn't love that!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick

Did you grow up on Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes?  I did, and to this very day I remember more of them than I do some of the more important things a grown up should think about!  I remember how they rhymed, how they sing-songed out of my mouth, and how much fun I had dancing to them.  What is even better is that they are good for Baby's brain! 

I was at the public library this week doing a class called "Music With Mother Goose."  When I picked the topic, I was excited to talk about all of the developmental benefits of a nursery rhyme.  When I arrived at the library to see 15 toddlers and their various grown ups, I was thrilled and excited to see what new educational spin I could create within the structure of a Nursery Rhyme.  So which ones did I pick?  Keep on reading!  These are two of my favorites, and are very good for children of all ages!

First is Jack be nimble, Jack be quick.
This little rhyme is one of my favorites because everyone can take an active role in participation.
Supplies: a stick like object.  I used a Kindermusik rhythm stick, which is appropriate for all ages.  You want to stay away from sharp objects, or ones that are falling apart. 
~Teach the children the rhyme.  This should be easy!  They'll like the sound and the rhythm of it which makes it easy and fun to learn. 

Jack be nimble

Jack be quick

Jack jump over the candle stick

                                                                                                         William Wallace for 1901 Mother Goose

~Have children imagine that the rhythm stick is their candle

~Do activity!  Have them jump, leap, hop, crawl, roll, etc. over the candle stick.

*Make sure you change your pitch and dynamics too -this makes it more fun!

So what does your little one learn from this?  Some of the concepts are...

*They learn about space and where they are

*They gain some language skills: acquisition, meter, style, etc.

*They are using their gross motor skills 

My second choice was Hickory Dickory Dock

~Supplies: None, unless you want to use a book.  That depends on you!

~Teach them the rhyme -again, this is fun and easy!                                        William Wallace for 1901 Mother Goose

Hickory Dickory Dock

The Mouse ran up the clock

The clock struck one

Down the Mouse ran

Hickor Dickory Dock

*You can read them the story first, if you'd like.  The pictures will help with association*

  

~Have children show you their "mouse fingers".  This is their first and second fingers wiggling back and forth.

~Have them mimic the mouse and what a mouse would do.

~After you've explored and played with the concept, have them use their mouse fingers to follow along with the rhyme.

So again -what does this do for your little ones? 

*If they're very small, it explores their small digits (you can use fingers and toes if you'd like!)

*If they're toddlers, you are encouraging the use of imagination!

*You are encouraging the development of fine motor skills

 You can find some really cute coloring pages for this Nursery Rhyme!

 Have I piqued your interest in Mother Goose?  I hope so!  You can find lots of great stuff on the internet as well as your local library.  I'd encourage you to search there and ask a librarian.  They're way up to speed on these things and will be able to point you in the right direction.  Want your own, though?  Try Mary Engelbreit's version found on Amazon.com.

Have a great weekend everyone!  Enjoy the sunshine and Nursery Rhymes!

Musically yours~

Baby's Place in Space

After Baby is born, every experience is new.  You smell new, their clothes and blankets smell new, their home smells new, even THEY smell new (well, different at least).  Every day, all day is full of new experiences.  How exhausting!  Sometimes to us grown-ups, one new experience a day is all we can take.  Thankfully, as we grow up and older, we find patterns and similarities that make our "new experiences" somewhat similar.

Baby, while in your belly, is wrapped up nice and tight knowing everything about your movements.  They are connected to you, and become used to your closeness and their position in your space.  After they are born, that position in your space is quickly disconnected and they are left with nothing but newness.  So -how do we give them an awareness of their space?  In their egocentric lives where they belong with us and around us is one of the most important things. 

In the Kindermusik curricula, there are exercises written specifically to expose your baby to their spaces.  The educational term for this is spatial awareness.  Up high, down low, in close to you, and away from you.  We forget that most of the time, Baby is looking at you or other people, or at your eye level, seeing things from your point of view (literally, not figuratively.  Give them some time, though, and they will!).  These exercises show them things above their eye level, and while they spend a lot of time looking at or nibbling on their adorable toes, by showing them the ground, you are showing them the carpet, your feet, shoes, etc. from a different and new perspective.

Kindermusik has created cute rhymes, games, and songs to encourage this type of awareness, and believe it or not, Baby LOVES them and learns at the same time.  One of my favorites is called "Clever Cows"

The clever cows in single file walk up the hill and stay a while.

Then black and brindle, red and brown the make a line and walk back down.

Now, you may be thinking, "how does this show my baby anything?"  I'm SO glad you asked!  You follow the directions in the rhyme, of course!  As the cows go up the hill, so does baby in a step-ladder motion.  At the top, they are extended above your head and away from your body.  As the cows climb back down the hill, they come down to the ground and back to you.  You have three new perspectives here!  You have the High, the Low, and the in between/movement view where baby can look around while in motion.  I LOOOOVE it!

While holding your baby way up high, way down low, in cuddled close, or away from your body during songs, games, bed time, car time, any time, you are creating new connections in their brain (something I talked about in this post), giving them a new perspective and yet another new experience. I encourage you to make the most of this brand new time because when they start to walk -all space is their space!



Musically yours~

Happy Springtime Celebration!

I would love to wish you all a Joyous Easter, but I also realize that some of you may not celebrate this "holiday."  So in turn, I am wishing you a Merry Springtime, in the hopes that you and your families have a marvelous weekend full of family, friends, and of course -Music!

I'd like to leave you with this happy bit of musical sunshine, for your sunshine filled Friday!

Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppin', Easter's on its way
Bringin' ev'ry girl and boy
Baskets full of Easter joy
Things to make your Easter bright and gay
He's got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There's an orchid for your mommy
And an Easter bonnet too
Oh, here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity, Happy Easter Day
(Instrumental Break)
Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppin', Easter's on its way
Try to do the things you should
Maybe if you're extra good
He'll roll lots of Easter eggs your way
You'll wake up on Easter mornin'
And you'll know that he was there
When you find those choc'late bunnies
That he's hiding ev'rywhere
Oh, here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail
Hippity hoppity, Happy Easter Day

Hippity hoppity, Happy Easter Day

And a sweet little musical bunny for you to color and enjoy!

Image from fun4thechildren.blogspot.com

Musically yours!

Talk the Talk. The Kindermusik Talk!

I'm sure that you all are SO sick of hearing me talk about talking to your children, but I promise that I do it because it is so very important.  Kindermusik International's blog Minds on Music, recently posted on how important your voice is to your baby!

My next post will be on something entirely different, I promise!


Happy reading!

Musically~

The Art of ... Repetition

Each time I post, I find myself thinking about your exceptional children, and how Kindermusik's FOL's (Foundations of Learning) come into play in our lessons.  This week, the families will hear about the importance of repetition.  This kind of seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes, it is helpful to talk about those because, well... we often don't!

It is easy to see the physical results of repetition.  We see them learn to walk, learn to talk, and learn to color and then write.  Repetition physically is one of the most rewarding things we can experience as parents because it is proof that your little bundle of love is making progress.  Who doesn't want that, right?  There is a flip side to this, though, that is harder to think about because it is always hidden!

Flip: what's happening in your music maker's little brain.  It's a lot -a lot is going on up there that we don't even notice.  Chemically, the brain is making connections between brain cells through the synapses.  These little guys help build and strengthen baby's brain.  The more connections the better; they help stabalize the brain cells.  Traditionally, this stops when the are about 13 years of age, depending, of course, on genetics.

Every week, when we do our Hello, Hello! song and our goodbye song, we're using repetition to signal the beginning and ending of class.  Each week when we give them an instrument, we are using repition to strengthen their muscles, motor skills, and their brains.

On the really bright side, this is an exciting, safe, and happy experience for your baby as well as being exciting, safe, and happy for you!  It is truly amazing what 45 minutes of moving and shaking can do for everyone.  I know that I spend the rest of the day smiling!




Musically,

Conversing With a Baby

"Eh!" "Really?  Is that so?"  "Breeehh!"  "Well I'm not sure about that...."  "Huuh buh buh buh"  "Yes, well I know you would like to!"

Do you ever feel like you and your baby have nothing to talk about?  They give you a sound that really just seems to be a sound and you think, "huh...well what do I say to that?"  I always chuckle when I hear babies practicing their talking.  Sometimes they seem so incredibly proud of a new sound or our response to their sound that the awe they experience can be contagious! 

In my classroom, I always encourage parents to be as expressive as possible.  I'm sure they think that I'm maybe a little loony sometimes (my farm animal sounds are pretty amazing...), but it really does make the difference.  Within our expressions, speech, and gestures we are showing them how we (rather you -the parent) interacts with others.  One of my favorite Foundations of Learning focuses on exposing baby to their environment through dancing, singing, etc.  We are teaching them how to react, how to behave (somewhat) with in the unspoken rules of the social environment in which you live.

So I encourage you to talk and sing back.  Give your little one (or ones!) the opportunity to tell you what is on their mind, even if it requires a, "no -that's not your belly button!" or, "what does a doggy say?" and to sing and dance your way into life long learning.

Musically,

Busy B

Luck o' the Musical

To those of you who celebrate this holiday, Happy St. Patrick's day!  May the luck o' the musical (or Irish!) be with you.  :)  For those of you who do not, I hope, at least, that you're wearing green to avoid the pinching fingers of those who do!

As a reminder: there will be no classes this weekend for "spring break."  I'll see you NEXT weekend!

Also, I'll be adding pictures this weekend (which was my plan last weekend...), so stay tuned!

Have a musically fabulous LUCKY day!

Updates, pictures, and friends!

I always like having fun things to share with you all!  It makes me quite happy, and gives me things to work toward to make classes more fun and exciting! 

I have a few updates for you, since the semester is halfway over.  I can't believe how time flies, but it has been such a wonderful two months that I'm looking forward to summer.  First, I'd like to announce that Busy B will be having a "mini-mester" starting in May.  This will include Sign and Sing, Village, and Our Time classes.  They will be 5 weeks in length, and will be the perfect thing to get your summer started!  I'm looking forward to them and I hope to see you there.
Secondly, I will be posting the summer session online before the month is over.  I'm still working on coordinating schedules, but I will have that for you soon.
 Third, May will be "bring a friend" month.  It's a month full of great deals and opportunities but -I'll not spoil the surprise yet.  I'll save it for April!


I LOVE using Facebook!  It's such a great way to meet new families, see pictures of the little ones, and to share stories and updates.  I'll be putting class pictures up on Facebook for your enjoyment!  Please feel free to download the ones of YOUR children for keepsakes.  I'll also be posting some of the cutest, and most musical here on the blog, so please make sure to check for updates.  Anyone may read about the musical, cute, funny, and educational explorations Kindermusik by Busy B, so please send your friends and relatives over this way!  I love having new friends, and spreading the word about how awesome Kindermusik is for the whole family!


Musically yours ~

Foundations of Learning, and Learning for Life!

I'm sure by now you know how FABULOUS I think Kindermusik is!  If you're not, that's alright -you will soon!  I think it's fabulous for a number of reasons, but one of the things that I appreciate the most is our Foundations of Learning or, most lovingly called "FOL's."  We use these to let you guys (parents!) know what you're helping your child(ren) learn, and surprisingly you will learn lots along the journey too.


In this last week's lesson, the FOL was: "Children learn at different rates.  If they don't catch on right away, it's okay!  They will learn through observing, practicing, and doing."  This, or course, piqued my interest.  Immediately, I had an example.  Kisses!  Babies LOVE to blow kisses (the understatement being, that they LOVE to receive them too).  But -they didn't just learn that on their own.  WE (or rather, YOU, as parents) taught them to do that.  This is the same for when you experience the "NO!" phase, or the "uh-oh!" phase.  They learned these things from us -cool!

The baby brain is such an amazing little tool.  It absorbs, it produces ideas, it implements ideas, and all of this while trying to figure out how to live in the human world.  So, if they don't catch on to the game/song/activity right away, it's okay!  Just enjoy the moment you have with your mover and shaker because before you know it...they'll be moving and shaking away faster than you think!


Musically yours~

Share and Share Alike

I have always wondered how children learn to share!  Do we teach them?  Do their friends teach them?  Who, what, when, where, and well...we're thankful for the why!  As I watched my class participate in "I roll the ball to you..." activity, I had my "Ahaaa!" moment.  It came in the form of a poem I grew up seeing, and even more importantly -reading.

Have you heard of the poem, "Children Learn What They Live" by Dr. Dorothy Law Nolte?  If not, here it is!

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

By now you may be thinking, "duh Briana!" and if you are, great!  I love it!  I think that this poem is a great example of what amazing things we can do for our children by just being us!  We are living, breathing examples to our children and I am reminded of that in simple ways (like sharing!) every single week.

Here's a HUGE thanks to all you parents!  

Musically yours! 

Rewards!

In my last post I talked a lot about rewards.  We all love them, right?  RIGHT?  I sure do!  Its a simple validation for the hard work we've done, and encouragement to continue on.  I'll take that for sure!

I received an e-mail earlier today from a KM educator in Brandon, FL.  I was a little surprised and thought, "Well surely I'm not anywhere near her class locator...."  I kept reading (perseverance, you know!)  and was VERY pleasently surprised.  She was working on a webinar (online seminar for continuing education) for Kindermusik Intermational and used MY BLOG! (holy moly!  MY BLOG!) as an example!  I know that it is a fairly new blog, and I'm not a large studio by any means but I will take my small rewards as they come to me!  You can find her blog here: Delightful Sounds  She's got a lot of really great entries and has re-inspired me to do 110% for you guys!

I hope you all have a great weekend!




Musically yours!

'Tis the Season for Love!

The month of February is the month for LOVE!  I love love!  No really -I do!  I know that Valentines day is over, but I can't help myself!  I MUST post this goodie for all of you.

I love Kindermusik, and I love my KM families!  Each weekend they reward me with smilies, voices, dancing, learning, and  giggles.  After classes, I'm sure that they reward their parents by taking naps, as well (at least I hope so!  I'm rootin' for you, Mommies and Daddies!).  This past weekend, I was rewarded with lots of kisses!  No...no...not real ones, but the ones that you blow to people when you really like them!  I got lip smack kisses, blown kisses, and "bye bye" kisses from my kiddos in addition to their joyous toothy smiles.

This is a pic of one of my little ones from my Village class!  She is Joy in a little package.  From her on Sunday, I received kisses, instruments, giggles, and smiles (the best rewards EVER!).  Her parents were kind enough to share this pic. with me, so I thought I'd share it with you!  It musically shouts, "JOY!" 

Very often we get to see raw emotions from these little music makers.  They have so much joy and love, and because of that we love them even more!  I hope that you enjoy your little music maker!






Musically yours!

Hot Air!

Just like the modern day lady, I am connected! I've got a twitter, a facebook (or two!), a blog, and LOVE to spend time looking around for crafts, educational, and fun ideas! So, now I imagine that you're asking yourself, "I care about this because?" Well you care about this because I was reading Kindermusik International's blog (Minds on Music), and came to an exciting entry!

I keep telling you that Kindermusik is good stuff for your little grower, right? By now you probably either believe me OR think that I'm full of hot air. I'm really, truly hoping that you chose the former! KM international knows that too, of course, so they've hooked up with other mommies that think it's just as awesome! Here is the link to the Kindermusik International blog's entry: blogs for Mom's who love KM!

Take some time and poke around -they've got a great blog and lots of really neat entries. I like to spend time on there when I need inspiration or motivation (it'd be very difficult to be unmotivated when you read some of these great stories!), or just some joy.

I hope you enjoy it! I sure have!

Musically

"The Role of Music...."

Here is this weeks brain food! I ALWAYS love posting articles that encourage using music to help build brain development. It's short and sweet, which I like, and it even uses some concepts from our recent Kindermusik class: sing to and with baby/child. They like it, even if they claim they don't.


Here's the article:
It's well written and easy to follow! I hope you enjoy it!
http://www.educationoasis.com/resources/Articles/building_babys_brain.htm

It uses the term "spatial reasoning." For those of you who aren't a brain geek like me, here's what it means: the type of reasoning used to identify and manipulate images and pieces of images. Architects are famous for having advanced spatial abilities! A puzzle is a perfect example of this, and for babies, the concept of "square to square, and circle to circle" is the first step to acquiring this.


Musically yours!



PS -I like the section that encourages you to start music lessons early! Score one for the KM team!

Hi! My name is....

I always get such great enjoyment out of meeting new people! This past Sunday was the perfect opportunity for me to be "in my element"! I was in the perfect position to meet mommies and babies, families, and others who care about the health, development, and overall well being of babies as much as I do. So -what did I do on Sunday? I was a vendor at the very first Baby Fair hosted by Bloomington Area Birth Services. BABS has given Bloomington such a great resource and I was so happy to be a part of it! Kindermusik by Busy B Music and Me was there and ready for action!

BABS said that there were about 500 people at the event (WAY exciting!), and I'm pretty sure that I spoke to all of them. It brought such joy to my heart to meet parents who already knew about Kindermusik, and even more to spread the joy to those who are new to such a great program. I saw all of my families there (in different variations) with smiles on their faces, and they came by to say hi to me, and to Julianna -the Cabbage Patch Doll that is quickly becoming the class mascot! As I talked with more wonderful parents, I started to get into my groove. What do you say about a program that builds baby brains and helps families learn and grow together. Hmm.... That's a hard one! Luckily for me, I found the words and managed to reach out to so many different types of people.

So -here's the deal!

What is Kindermusik? I like to think of it as "brain food music for your baby!" Hmm...well, that means that we use music, movement, instruments, and books to help your little one (or ones!) gain control over the motor skills, body control, language development, love of learning, and the joy of music! Cool! Even better, though, is the fact that baby LOVES it -it's a game, it's fun, it's joyful and it's almost as rewarding for you, as the parent (guardian, grandparent, nanny, aunt, uncle...etc!) as it is for them. Who doesn't LOVE a toothy (or gumby!) grin, a giggle-shriek, and the almost immediate realization of, "ohh...this makes noise!"
So, here's a thanks to you -those who enjoy these classes with your little ones. Thanks -thanks for making MY day a better, more joyful place!

A special THANKS! to BABS for a very awesome and successful event! Way to make positive waves for Bloomington families. I hope that next year I can join you again to make some joyful noise!

Here are some pic's from the event! More can be found at bloomingtononline.org and bloomingtonbirth.org.


Preparations MUST begin in the morning. Chipper and ready to go!



Welcome to Busy B!!! We'd love to have you as part of our family! :-)



And of course, having family there to lend a helping hand makes everything so much more enjoyable!


Musically yours!

Busy B :-)

Babies, babies, everywhere!

Stay posted! Busy B's experience at BABS' Baby Fair will be up tomorrow!

Musically,

Grown Up Steps.

This weekend marks a grown up step for Busy B Music and Me! It will be the first time we'll (I...) be a vendor at any type of informational gather. Yes -I may just be getting my feet on the ground, but this -this is a monument in time!

Here's the low down:

February 7th, 2010 1:oo p.m. to 5:oo p.m
Bloomington Area Birth Services Baby Fair
Bloomington Convention Center

Come see me! We'll make some music, and share the Joy!

Being a good parent means what?

It is so hard to make the right choices for us, as adults, so how do we make good choices as a parent? Where is the "owner's manual" for those decisions? I can't say -I'm not a parent, but I can say that it very rarely do the choices seem easy. I think one of those instances of an "easy choice" is when I see families in my Kindermusik class. Definitely a good choice, or at least, I think so!

I have a deep appreciaction for the parents who have asked me questions about the curriculum (I haven't met one yet who hasn't!). "What can it do for my baby's brain?" kind of questions. I love to answer them, even though it is sometimes difficult, because it shows how much parents care about their little onse, and want them to be happy and successful. I can also tell if a parent has done their homework. If they come to me and already know they've looked into the what I do, well -then I jump right in and start making music! A+!

I said once before that my underlying motivator is Joy. This is still very true, but I think that this applies to you parents as well! Who doesn't love that two-toothed goofy smile they get when they hear a jingle stick, or "walk up a hill" (aka -parent workout!) with some cows. It is worth every second of the question asking, concern, and internet research WAY worth it!

This week, I got to experience a very cool thing: sharing! I was offered shaker after jingle stick, after shaker during a sharing activity. It was surprising seeing as we've only done it once before in class, but -with parent motivation, music, and patience it's amazing what you can accomplish!

Brain builder...

Here is another article that I found Music and brain development! Enjoy!



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A note on your voice.

For those of you who like the science of the brain, here you go!

In recent research it has been proven that children learn best by listening to their parents. Development of language correlates directly with the baby's exposure to speech and speech patterns. So -out of all of the educational toys, TV shows, how to books, and all of the other gizmo's and gadgets the best thing you can do to help your child learn our language is to speak to them. I prefer to sing to them, but -whatever you prefer! Baby wants YOU, and that's all that matters!

I've attached an article by the New York Times that I used to aide in an essay I wrote not too long ago. It's interesting and if you have the time, I encourage you to read it!

Conversing with a baby.

There is nothing more exciting to me than seeing Joy on the faces of small children. When you look at them in an excited state you can't help but wonder, "do I remember how that felt?" and "Did I think that an egg shaker was that cool?" When joy comes out of a new experience and a new adventure, I can't help but smile, and think, "Yes -this is why I do what I do!"

So my underlying philosophy is now: Smile = Joy

I'm thinking of the Joy that came from a little girl, not even a year old, in one of my classes. At the beginning of class she was a little shy and reserved due to being in a stranger's house, with the stranger singing and shaking instruments and waving scarves, and ...you get the picture! However after some singing, rocking, instrument shaking, and scarf waving, she loudly proclaimed, "DAH! Dah dah dah!" in such a way that I said (even before thinking), "Really? I'm not sure how to do that." She smiled and shook her egg shaker with the air of someone who knew exactly what she was doing. As the class progressed, the little girl continued to tell me her opinion. At one point in time she let out a huge "Ugh!" and reached for Julie-Anna (the Cabbage Patch doll I use for demonstrating). Once touching the doll, she continued to shake her egg shaker and say, "du da da da du...." in the most interested sort of way. I was amazed that such a little kiddo could have such attention and determination.

You're probably wondering where music comes into all of this? Well, here it is! Baby loves to look at you -you smell like "home", you feel like "home", and you sound like "home". Watching this little one be consumed by parent's love in a musical setting is taking the experience to it's outer bounds. You are giving your child love (YAY!), you are teaching them language (YAY!), and you are encouraging them, in the best ways possible, to LOVE music AND learning (YAY! and YAY!)

Who could ask for anything better!...?


Musically yours,

Busy B

In the beginning...

Busy B Music and Me is adventuring into the world of blogging! That's right -here you can read funny and heartwarming stories of my adventures in teaching music to children and watching then (and their families!) enjoy the journey!