Do you ever get excited about something, post it on Facebook like you've already done it, and then "not get to it?" I totally did that, you guys.
I lied to you on Facebook.
When I said I decorated for fall? Do you remember that (if you don't then you're probably not my Facebook friend...)? Well, I didn't do it for two whole weeks after that status post. So.... Yeah.
I, Briana, am a Facebook post liar.
But hey, at least I'm honest about that, right? Heh.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wow -time flies. My last post (July, 2010) was done just weeks before I decided to go back to school. I'm not one for impulsive decisions, but I have to say -best. decision. ever. The music therapy program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College has been a life saver and a game changer in so many wonderful ways. Perhaps an impulsive decision every now and then isn't so terrible....
So -why am I posting now after such an extensive hiatus?
Because I miss sharing the love. :) I was inspired to step back into blogging by a young music therapist in Texas who has an amazing blog, and is a social networking guru. You can see her blog here. I am also going to start the transformation of the blog from Kindermusik to a KM-music therapy hybrid blog starting in January. Get ready! I have big plans! :) I'll need to rest up for a while before I really dig in, but I hope to get back in business soon!
Until then -consider the blog to be in a holding pattern....
Musically ,
Briana
So -why am I posting now after such an extensive hiatus?
Because I miss sharing the love. :) I was inspired to step back into blogging by a young music therapist in Texas who has an amazing blog, and is a social networking guru. You can see her blog here. I am also going to start the transformation of the blog from Kindermusik to a KM-music therapy hybrid blog starting in January. Get ready! I have big plans! :) I'll need to rest up for a while before I really dig in, but I hope to get back in business soon!
Until then -consider the blog to be in a holding pattern....
Musically ,
Briana
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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
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
Friday, June 11, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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
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
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