Happy Birthday Kindermusik of the Valley

1991

1997

2006

A good Beginning really never does end.
I love Kindermusik
Happy Birthday - 15 years

Hush Little Baby

Gather the kids around for a one song concert.

Sign & Sing

It is not too late to register for Sign & Sing classes. We have
pushed back the start date to October 16. Join us!
Here is just ONE reason Sign & Sing is a great idea.

Learning a second language is fun and has many developmental benefits. ASL stimulates learning through different senses. Sign language is a blessing for children that are "visual", "spatial" or "tactile learners." Learning a second language raises your child's IQ. One in ten Americans have some degree of hearing loss. Knowing a few signs can give your child the confidence to engage and interact with a deaf child rather than both children feeling awkward and helpless. (signing times)

Daddy look! Kittens!

The innocence of children

Follow Me To Kindermusik

First Day of School

The first day of school is the first day of school. Whether preschool, Kindegarten, elementary or college.

This is the first time my kids just couldn't get their schedules together for their traditional first day of school picture by the pine tree. (ouch, my heart.) Lorelei was off to school at 5:45! - for an early rehearsal with the drum line. Tucker's bus comes at 8:04 - he was not about to get up more than 2 hours early (who can blame him, I hardly made it in time for a good bye
myself).

So here they are, separate, but connected, grown, but children, independent, but ours.
The evening of the 2nd day of school.

Lorelei studying (world history, biology and english). Tucker practicing the bass with his new extreme sports helmet - just incase the urge to skateboard hits without warning.

The first day of school - the second day of school - and so we all take another step into the future.

Register Now

Look closely at the faces of the children and parents in this picture. These children are listening intently to a spinning top that makes the sound of a distant train whistle. Notice how we are all concentrating together on a single sound. We are patient, we are taking turns, we are anticipating, we are practicing inhibitory control, we are touching, we are watching, we are listening, we are smiling, -- we are happy.

Register now for a Kindermusik class for your child this fall. Classes begin on September 18. We promise this will be a truly special experience for your child. Not only does our outstanding staff each have a heart for sharing the gift of music and movement with children but are also child development specialists. We have all been trained and licensed by Kindermusik International. Collectively we have over 30 years experience with the Kindermusik curriculum. We are looking forward to meeting each new student in a few weeks. Learn more and register on line at our Kindermusik of the Valley website

Merry Music Maker

Try this Merry Music Maker.

My State Fair

I love to visit the Minnesota State Fair! Today, I escaped the computer, the phone, the dishwasher and laundry. Spending a beautiful sunny summer day at the fair. I almost saw a baby cow being born - yew, retuned later to see the cute calf, skipped on the slimey uncomfortable part. I touched the ear of a pig only hours old - very soft. I saw great crop art - my favorite was of Lucille Ball - a blue ribbon. I saw quilts and afaghans, drawings and paintings by children k-8th grade.

The highlight of course, the Burnsville High

School Marching band bringing todays parade to a close. Especially the cymbal line!

It's fulfilling, entertaining
it's true culture you'll be gaining
accept no imitations,
it's the FAIR!

Your Brain on Music

Today I heard a radio talk show with the author of this book, Daniel J Levitin. Your Brain On Music
For centuries, artists have connected music with matters of the mind and the heart. Minnesota Public Radio talks with cognitive neurologist Daniel Levitin to dig deeper into our connection with music. Levitin's research explores what music is, how it has developed over time and the impact it has on our brains.
From Dr. Levitin's website you can down load a Penguin Podcast of this book. It is a nice snap shot. I am going to get this and read it. I will post some words of wisdom that I think will be of interest to all.

I Like Elephants

Thank you my friends Molly and Debbie for this great video. Gather the kids around, they will love it!

Music is from everywhere

Let's go around the world, and back in time through centuries past to find all the music you'll hear in Kindermusik this semester. Take a look.

In Village
Zoom Buggy - May There Always Be Sunshine (Russia) Zum Gali Gali (Israel), The Keel Row (Northumberland), Suliram (Indonesia), Les raftsmen (Canada), Canoe Song (Native Americanish) and Polovtsian Dance (Poland).

In Our Time
Milk & Cookies - Barn Sull (Scandanavia), Duermete, mi nino (Latin America), Fais do-do (France), The Muffin Man (England), Shakin’ Shakin’ (Apalacia), Savez vous plantez les choux (France), and Shake Hands (African-American).

Imagine That!
Hello Weather, Let's Play Together - Sally Go ‘Round the Sun (North America), Morning Sun Has Risen (Israel), The Mulberry Bush (England), Japanese Rain Song (Japan), Uskudar (Turkey), Weggis Song (Switzerland), Funiculi Funicula (Italy), Lirum Larum (Germany), Siyahamba (Zulu), and Rain or Shine (Texas).

Young Child
Rig a jig jig (England) Tideo, Old Lady No Nose, (Appalacia) The Magic Flue (Germany) The Nut Cracker Suite (Russia) Ho Ho Wantany, (Native American) Good News (African American

Family Time
Here, There, Everywhere--My Kite (England), Sulla Lulla (Norway), Alle Meine Entlein (Germany), Sma Grodorna (Sweden), Shoo Fly (America), Water Come a Me Eye (Jamaica), Whisky Frisky (African-American), San Sereni (Puerto Rico), Zum Gali Gali (Israel) and Cantonese Lullaby (China).

via The Little Brown Music Studio

The Little Engine That Could

Just incase you didn't get to take part in a Jumpstart's READ FOR THE RECORD
event don't worry, Just click the play button below and
listen along now to this year's book The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

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A Hot Time in Texas

I am so happy to have spent a wonderful weekend with my brother Don and his family in Dallas Texas. His oldest son Jared is now married to a wonderful woman named Edit. A beautiful wedding in the garden of her parents - memorable for many reasons, the sweet vows, beautiful music, and love, love love - all made us forget the +100 degree Texas evening.

Here is a picture of me with my beautiful neices from Wisconsin Jolynn, Jordan, Jenna and Dedra.

Bubbles

Click on the picture of this sweet girl and enjoy a remembering
playing with bubbles for the first time with your baby.
(don't forget the sound - this is a great song)

Jumpstart!

Consider this fact: More than 1 in 3 children enter our schools without the skills needed for success.

For years, Jumpstart has been bringing at-risk preschool children and caring adults together to build the literacy, social, and emotional skills children need to thrive. These children need us, but they are not alone… we know that there are intellectual and emotional benefits for all children who engage in intimate, trusting, consistent relationships with an adult. That’s why we’re asking everyone in America to read for the record.

On August 24, 2006, we are invited to demonstrate our commitment to the potential of every child. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record campaign encourages adults across America to read with young children and set the world record for the number of children reading the same book in a single day with an adult.

Check the website to find an event location near you. Starbucks is selling a cool "limited edition" copy of The Little Engine That Could for the reading. But you probably have one on the shelf - or get a copy at the library. Find the "Read for the Record" event that is closest to you and join in. It means a lot.

Laugh

Laughing is good for you - lower your blood pressure, increase immunity, lower your stress. Watch this.

Cleaning Day

Every few weeks and especially now as we prepare for fall classes
it is a cleaning weekend at Helen's house.

Sponges are washed and tumbled hot
until they are hard and scratchy

The scarves are washed and hung out
to dry on this warm sunny Saturday morning

Jingle Balls are wiped clean of all sticky-ness

Smithsonian Museum Day

On September 30, 2006, for one day only, museums across the country will join the Smithsonian Institution in its long-standing tradition of offering free admission to visitors.

For the first time, Museum Day is open to the general public as well as Smithsonian magazine’s subscribers. Just download a MUSEUM DAY CARD

And visit the Smithsonian's MUSEUM DAY WEBSITE to find the participating museums by you. Here is a few details you might want to know right now.

Are There Any Restrictions?
• General admission only
• Not valid for special exhibits, IMAX screenings or for use with any other offer.
• One time use on September 30, 2006.
• Some participating museums may already have a free admission policy year round and are participating in the "spirit" of the day.


All of the Minnesoat participating venues are extremely family friendly and will have special events specifically for your visit on Museum Day - so don't miss out!

Mill City Museum
Minneapolis

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Minneapolis

Minnesota History Center
St. Paul

Happy Birthday Zerna

Happy birthday to Zerna Sharp! She was the woman who created the characters Sally, Dick, Jane, their dog Spot, cat Puss and the little teddy named Tim. I can remember the smell of that book now, library paste, blue hard cover, frayed on the edge. Bright, yet pastel colors, happy blue eyed children with pink cheeks chasing anything through the day.

Zerna's revolutionary idea was to use pictures and repetition to teach children new words. Each story introduced 5 new words, one on each page. The "Dick and Jane" books were used to teach reading to millions of children between 1930 and 1970.

Thanks Zerna, that new idea worked for me.

Willy Was a Whale

Check out this and other video's by Justin Roberts. He is fun!

Memories

Spring Kindermusik classes were a long time ago. Here are some great pictures to help you remember just how special Kindermusik is. To see the slide show just click HERE.

Milk and Cookies, Yummy in my tummy!

Here are the beautiful materials for Kindermusik Our Time. Books and Cds all filled with songs about hearth and home. Introduce your 18 month to 3 year old to dusting, cooking, washing clothes, planting the garden - you can do it all together and this collection of songs and dances will add to the fun.

Visit our new website to see our schedule, meet our teachers and register on line.

Zero to Three Resource

Surfing around tonight I took a good long look at the ZERO TO THREE FOUNDATION.
This is a great site for everything from why music is good, how children's brains develop, literacy, and a wonderful new program called The Magic of Everyday Moments
Here is what the site has to say about music.

"Music plays a powerful role in the lives of young children and their parents. Through music, children connect with their feelings and come to understand and delight in the world around them. They do so from their earliest communications with their parents, to their musical play with friends. Singing, and music in general, is a way for friends and family, regardless of age, to be playful and fun, gentle and sweet, happy and loving together."

Enjoy.

Testing, Testing

Can you hear me?

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Musical Story time at the Library

Look at how much fun we had at the library last week. We are so lucky in Burnsville and Eagan to have two fabulous children's librarians. Ann and Jennifer invite me into the library each month to sing, dance, play and read together. Keep your eye on the local paper or check the website: Dakota County Libraries .

Joining us at the library is a great way to get a taste of Kindermusik family style. You will get a chance to learn some new songs, sample newly created Kindermusik activities, dance, play and sing sing sing! I love singing at the library!

Here There and Everywhere

Here There and Everywhere is the name of the new Family Time class offering for the fall. Here is a sweet little dog "Wags" and his puppy, along with two tambourines, a book featuring the Band Flip Flap Sugar Snap, a wonderful home activity guide and more.

As many of you know I have been on the Family Time creative team, and I can say - unit two is full of fun. With trips to the farm, the zoo, the aquarium and more, we will provide the sound track to get you from here to there throughout your day.

Our Family Time classes are offered on everyday, Monday - Thursday at all locations. Just give me a call to find out more. (952-895-9006) or check the Kindermusik of the Valley website

I Love You Rituals

As an educator I have enjoyed Becky Bailey's writings for many years - Conscience Discipline and Loving Guidance being two of my most used books. Now a book for parents. I Love You Rituals. I haven't read it, but I am sure if it is from Becky Bailey it is worth while.

the canoe swamp

Here is Tucker and his boyscout buddies learning how to swamp and unswamp a canoe. Thanks to Lorelei for figuring out how to get our camera movies on Google video.

Pray for peace.

One small step for man

The moon boot, an odd fashion trend. Inspired by what happened on this day in 1969 when Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first men to set foot on the moon. Neil Armstrong was the first to walk on the moon, because he was closest to the door.

Art media from the Kitchen Cupboard

It is almost State Fair time, get a jump on your CROP ART creations by using some suprising media found in your very own kitchen and clean out the cupboards at the same time.

Check HERE to read about it. For more crafty ideas poke around the WHIP UP blog for crafters - the tag line reads, handcraft in a hectic world. Scroll down a ways on the home page to start seeing neat retro ideas from sewing with old McCalls patterns to gluing buttons on things.

Family Time Unit 2

Take a look at Family Time coming up this fall. Keep your eyes peeled. You may see some friends you know in this video.

It's getting hot hot hot!

It is getting to be sprinkler time around here - although the weekend is heating up we can't stay inside for the whole heat wave can we?

Here is a great idea for splaying with water and keeping cool. Read more about a PINAQUA here. You will need a plastic grocery bag, water and a clothes line - (pinaqua - pinata, you get the idea. Have fun. Stay cool.

Piano with balls

There are lots of ways to play!

Your Budding Artist

What is best for your toddler a chunkey crayon or a marker. Check out this article about the perfect tools for your toddler to explore their creativity and how to be a part of it.

T.V.

How are we spending our summer months? A quick search on Google supplies me with a list of (no kidding) 120 million citings of the phrase "watching TV". Many cites that I looked at were sounding the alarm of the dangers of TV; child hood obesity, visual lock, introduction to violenct behavior, phsycological trick of advertising to children and more.

I am not an advocate of ZERO TV, my own children loved the characters they met watching The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, the Sesame Street Gang and lots of others. But as my friend Molly puts it "I have never seen anything so compelling be so dulling at the same time. For a child's brain, which is developing at high speed, watching television is like being stuck in a traffic jam". While watching television only 2 learning senses are at play - here is a list of what is not working:

• Looking left to right, strengthening reading skills
• Practicing motor skills, such as running, jumping or using sicssors
• Practicing eye-hand coordination
• Using more than 2 senses
• Asking questions
• Exploring
• Exercising innovation and motivation
• Solving problems
• Thinking analytically
• Practicing communication skills
• Being either creative or constructive.
  

So, it is worth being mindful of how much time we spend in front of the tube. Among the alarming articles, I ran across this more reasonable one, with some good information. Click HERE to read more about it. Or keep surfing, there is probably a 1,000,000 hours of reading about TV out there on your computer screen. How ironic.

Summer classes coming up

Enjoying the long lazy days of summer? Have you and your children settled into that gentle rhythm of sleeping late, breakfasting on toast and packing a picnic for lunch at the beach? I hope so.

Thinking back to summer with little ones I remember the days rolling seemlessly one to the next. Everynight a bath at the end of a hot sticky dusty day.

If you are looking to put a little structure in place, our second session of Kindermusik Summer is coming up Juy 17. I still have room for you in either Family Time class or Sign and Sing. Mid July - how about some new songs and games to enjoy for the second half of summer? Conatct Me or give me a call to get more information (952-895-9006)

A perfect day

Sunshine, a quiet lake, great friends, good boat snacks, and plenty of fish.

Lorelei and Tucker proudly show their first catch of the day - two little crappies who are so small they got to live another day.

Enough were caught for an Independence Day fish fry. Such a sweet day, a sweet perfect memory.

Happy Birthday America

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of, the land I love,
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the
Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
But should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep you eye on the grand old flag.
--George M. Cohan, You're A Grand Old Flag 

Kids are kids

As anyone who is reading this blog probably knows I think about children a lot. Little children, babies, toddlers, preschoolers - I read about them, think about them, learn about them, write for them, teach them, love and admire them. But these two teenagers on the left - they are my true heart and lifes work.

Lorelei (15) and Tucker (13) are happy after a softball victory (Lorelei) and a night of umpiring Squirt baseball (Tucker). It is here at home, after busy days that we check in with a bowl of ice cream, and an evening walk. Teenagers, I wondered how that would go. It is a wild ride, just like having toddlers - where you follow them more than lead - only much much faster.

Free Family Time Class

Well, although I can't say really that ALL of the BEST THINGS are completely free, I can say some really great things are free - like this.

You are invited to be part of the creative process in curriculum development by joining a FREE pilot class for FAMILY TIME. I am working with a wonderful group of Kindermusik educators who are developing Unit 4 of the Family Time curriculum and I need some families who are interested in playing, singing, dancing and enjoying music together.

If that is you, let me know right away, space is limited. Classes are held at 9:00, Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville, beginning July 10 and will run for 5 consecutive weeks to August 7. Any family with 1 or more children aged newborn-6 is welcome to attend with their parent, parents or caregivers. Call me at 952-895-9006 so I can sign you up!

"Toot Toot"

Although I really don't like to toot my own horn, I have been encouraged to do so. This year Kindermusik of the Valley has been honored with the Maestro Award from Kindermusik International. This award recognizes programs that reach large numbers of families. We thank you, our wonderful families, for this award. It is your commitment to offering your children quality experiences and spreading the word about Kindermusik to your friends and neighbors that we have achieved Maestro status for the last 6 years.

I am even more proud of another award I have received this year. It is the Kindermusik Maestro in Outreach award. This award is given to 5 educators world wide, who have brought Kindermusik to children with special needs and to underserved populations. It has been my unique opportunity to work at La Creshe Early Childhood Center and Mary T Wellcome Child Development Center in North Minneapolis for the last 10 years. In sharing Kindermusik, songs, dances, and stories in the inner city, I have seen the miracle and healing that music can provide to all children. It is so true that it is in giving that we receive and I have been ever blessed by my time spent with these tender children and their wonderful caregivers.

I thank Kindermusik International for honoring us with these Maestro Awards. It is a true pleasure to be affiliated with such an outstanding and inspirational organization.

The Magic Cabin

I am so excited to share this collection of stories. Twenty two Kindermusik families have enjoyed our new camp called Tell Me A Tale so far this summer. They can tell you what a joy it is to hear a great tale!

Surf on over to The Magic Cabin website to check out this wonderful audio collection of stories and other classic toys.

Sand Art - Amazing

You must see this amazing video clip. Share it with their children, amazing what a bit of imagination and a lot of talent can do. Thank you to Darcie Brown of the Little Brown Musik Studio for posting this on her blog. Click below to surf over to her blog and push the play button. Let me know what you think.
click HERE

Summer Kindermusik Session 2

July 17 marks the beginning of our 2nd summer session of Kindermusik.

It is not too late to sign up for FAMILY TIME a sweet class for all ages, SIGN and SING, and ASL class for children and caregivers 6 months - 3 and PEEK A BOO, for babies newborn - 17 months.

Helen will be teaching these classes all brand new from Kindermusik! Call today - 952-895-9006

Register for Fall and Relax

Here are few reasons to register NOW for fall classes:

Save $10 on materials when you register by July 1

You'll get a class time that works for you.
Choose from 29 class times to work with your busy schedule.

All you need to pay now is the materials fee (-$10.00) to save your place in class.

Our class sizes are limited and we currently have spaces available in all our classes. There are morning, and evening, sessions available.

Your child will be sure to receive his or her materials at the first class rather than having to wait.

You'll make life easier for Helen.

Relax. Sign up now and take one more thing off your mind.

Rearing Readers

There are about a million toys, gadgets and programs targeted at pre-readers (ages 3-5). Each new product promises to give your budding bookworm an edge, an advantage, an early acceptance into Harvard…all for the special introductory price of 19.95. Well, save your money, and your sanity. . . click here for some great ideas!

Just Hold Me

The greatest parenting power is at the tip of your fingers. Simply holding and touching your child has an emotional impact stronger than genetics, according to a new study. Researchers at Columbia University wanted to know whether mothering tendencies are passed on through genes or experience. They found that through touch a mother can positively influence a child’s development of the love hormone—one that a child will later use when she nurtures and holds her own children.

So, even if you think you’ve done nothing else right today as a parent, if you simply hold them, the rest will take care of itself.

The Muscians of Bremen

Having just spent the week playing inside the story of the Bremen Town Muscisians I was so happy to run across this wonderful statue. It actually was erected in the village of Bremen in 1951. The brother's Grimm wrote this story in 1819.

How to draw and elephant

I vistited Jan Brett's website again today and watched this beautiful video about how to draw and elephant. Take a look at the gifted artist at work. To watch click HERE

Kiddley & Fresh Milk

I was just checking out one of my favorite daily blogs, Mollie Greene's Fresh Milk Delivered Daily where I learned about this cute website for you and your kids called KIDDLEY everyday ideas for kids. Music, crafts, activities, books, art. Lots of new really fresh ideas - and they keep them coming everyday. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Trygve!

Here are two pictures I just love both taken in Nebraska during March of this year. We are hiding behind hay bails watching those sand hill cranes dive in by the hundreds. The other picture is my Trygve with his camera - he loves to snap pictures of wild life. This is our favorite place to be.

Today, back in Minnesota, Tryg helped me move two car loads of instruments, craft supplies, home materials and everything else we need to start camp tomorrow. He has always been my biggest Kindermusik supporter. Because of Trygve, I get to do just what I want to. Happy Birthday Honey, I love you so.