12 Holiday tips for JOY!

Here are 12 Tips to bring BALANCE, HARMONY and JOY is these days that can feel hectic.

Happy Birthday Jenny

Happy Birthday sister! Love, Helen

Music for the Winter

A perfect way to pass the winter months - new songs for all at Kindermusik of the Valley. Check our website for more information, staff and schedules.

Free Rice

While enjoying a nice newsletter from Jennifer Louden I came across this link to the Good News Network. I have not heard of this before but started perusing through all the GOOD news that is happening on a daily basis on our small blue planet. And for the first time in a long time - when looking at the big picture of things happening - I was happy, excited, gratified, elated, encouraged.

You may wonder what has spurred me on to so many adjectives - and here it is: The FREE RICE GAME. Click to it - it is a vocabulary test of sorts - it gets hard pretty fast but is tremendous because for every word that you define correctly 20 grains of rice are donated to the World Food Program. I played for just a minute and was able to generate 320 grains of rice - which doesn't sound like much but the totals so far are over 6 BILLION (with a B) - which actually does amount to something.

Help feed the hungry of the world and improve your vocabulary too. Click HERE to read the benefits of increasing your vocabulary - which are more impressive than I ever thought while in 9th grade Literature with Ms. Eleanore Woody.

Away We Go!

Hop on the train, get in the car, board the plane, and Away We Go! This delightful unit focuses on transportation, a favorite topic for toddlers who are on the go, go, go! Sing and play along with favorite songs such as I've Been Workin on the Railroad" and "Wheels on the Bus" Explore fast and slow, smooth and bumpy and high and low. Read stories about ways to get around move, play and sing together in developmentally appropriate activities created just for your active toddler.

To register for this or any class please surf over to our website - just click here.

Register Now

For a winter full of music, dancing and stories register now for Kindermusik!

Kindermusik Village: Cock a Doodle Moo / Dew Drops
Hop on a hayride – and head for the farm with Cock A Doodle-MOO!! Share both new and familiar farm songs including Old MacDonald, Hayride and Clever Cows. Enjoy musical rituals that include massage, lap bounces, exercise and quiet time. At home learning continues with a playful pictures book of farm animals, an instrument and CD.

DewDrops takes you and your child into the middle of a flower garden, seeing the dew drops glisten in the morning sun and feeling the cool breeze blow. Varying styles of music are represented from the lively Celtic dance of the Belfast Hornpipe to the gentle, soothing melody of Scarborough Fair. Whether hammocking, dancing a jig, exploring a drum, singing a lullaby or using a mirror in vocal play activities, you can celebrate the joys of music and your special relationship

Kindermusik Our Time: AWAY WE GO! ages 1.5 to 3 years
Toddlers love to GO. Going is their gift, their license to venture out into the world and their means of retreating to the security of Dad or Mom. With toddlers' desire to go comes an attraction to other things that go - people, animals, pull toys, tricycles, cars, planes, and more. Away We Go! focuses on things that go. Together you’ll journey through fun and exciting musical activities relating to trains, cars, buses, horses, wagons, airplanes and boats.

At Home Materials include:
• Two Music and Movement Books
• Home Activity Book
• Two Home CDs
• Shiny Dinah Carry Box
• Featured instrument: pair of harmonicas

Kindermusik Imagine That: Toys I Make, Trips I Take! ages 3 to 5 years (parents join the last 15 minutes)
With the help of the Toy Maker, Toys I Make, Trips I Take will lead your child on a magical musical journey into a remarkable Toy Shop filled with boats, trains, balls, jack-in-the-box and many other toys. While activities within Toys I Make, Trips I Take are centered on a child’s pretend play and imagination, Imagine That! firmly integrates the learning process by placing a strong musical emphasis on singing, steady beat and ensemble, as well as rhythm and rhythmic patterns.

At Home Materials include:
• Toy Shop Play Set
• Two Literature Books
• Two Home CDs
• Kindermusik Hand Drum
• Imagine That! Backpack (free to all first-time IT enrollees!)


Kindermusik for the Young Child : Levels 2 and 4 (5 1/2 -7 years)
Building on the concepts introduced in Semester 1, Semester 2 in Kindermusik for the Young Child will excite the young mind as it focuses on concepts such as piano/forte, crescendo/decrescendo, and legato/staccato. Explore string and woodwind instruments, notation, and even a bit of Beethoven. Apply new knowledge of aural skills, and read and write music notation while further developing glockenspiel skills. Lesson highlights include “Peter and the Wolf,” “The Orchestra,” and “Sing and Celebrate!”

Semester 4 is the final semester of this exceptional program. Together we will explore the sounds of wind with the introduction of the recorder! As this terrific curriculum winds down, students learn about verse and refrains, solos and chorus, and musical form (ABA and rondo). Review notation, rhythms, treble clef, and the scale. Highlights include “Meet the Recorder” and “World Music Celebration”.

At Home Materials include:
• Folder, Activity Pages and Stickers
• Weekly Music at Home cards
• Games Bag and Manipulatives
• Family Songbook and Home CD
• Glockenspiel (Semester 2)
• Recorder (Semester 4)

Happy Thanksgiving

I couldn't resist borrowing this picture from my friend Amy from Kansas City. Here is a link to a fun Thanksgiving quiz. (I got 11 right - you?)

Have a happy Thanksgiving - eat, play, sing, dance, enjoy every minute.

Happy Sky

Priority Registration Starts Today

Technically it is called "Spring" semester - but since spring is still a long way off for us, I found this confusing. I am calling it "Winter/Spring" -

The good news is REGISTRATION BEGINS TODAY! Priority registration for currently enrolled families uns until November 30. Our spring classes are available on line with just 2 exceptions.

FAMILY TIME: Make Way for Music - is SO NEW - I don't yet have the graphic for it - I am hoping to have it ready on Monday. It is just as great as the previous 3 units - this time focusing on MUSIC - for goodness sake!

ABC MUSIC & ME - SING A STORY - NEW NEW NEW - I am offering a short session of ABC on Monday evenings 5:45 - 6:00. This is a new curriculum created by me (and a lot of other very creative people) for Kindermusik International. It is just a 4 week session that will introduce some simple keyboard concepts, the opera The Magic Flute, and some simple pre reading skills. The cost for the 4 week class is $60.00 and includes a CD and magazine with an original story published just for us.

If you want to register for ABC or Family Time - just send me an e-mail (helen.peterson@mchsi.com) and I will save you a spot until it is up on line.

CLICK HERE TO GO RIGHT TO OUR SPRING 08 Schedule.

Universal Filing System

I have had a professional organizer. I have taken organizing seminars and classes. I have subscribed to "get organized" newsletters. I often buy magazine with the words ORGANIZE and EASY on the cover.

No more - this makes more sense to me than anything I have ever seen, learned or had done to me. The universal filing system. This will do the trick.

Kindermusik Children's Fund

These are pictures of some remarkable children who are all being given the gift of Kindermusik through the Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund. This program provides scholarships for Kindermusik classes to children with special abilities and needs. If you would like to contribute to the Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund for Kindermusik contact me or Kindermusik International directly at 1-800-628-5687.

Biggest Playgroup!!

Yes, I think it was the "World's Biggest Playgroup"! I had a lot of fun leading such a big Kindermusik class - Thanks to the other local educators who helped out in a more hands on way: Melanie Watson (Plymouth) Allison Cramer (St. Paul) Deb Carlston (Long Lake), and our own Jennifer Halko, Robin Lamoreaux and Chris Michelsen. What a great team.

World's Largest Playgroup

Right on schedule it is getting cold - but don't worry about staying in. Come and see me at the World's Biggest Playgroup! I will facilitating some MONSTER Kindermusik classes and there is other great entertainment too. Come to the Mall of America on Tuesday November 6 to join the fun in the Rotunda. More information below and HERE

Agenda: On-Stage

8:45am –	9:45am	Pre-Event Stroller Fit class
10:00am –	10:05am	Welcome from Babytalk
10:05am –	10:25am	Kindermusik: Fiddle-Dee-Dee
10:25am –	10:45am	Louie Miranda performance
10:45am –	10:55am	Stroller Fit demonstration
11:00am –	11:15am	Raffle
11:15am –	11:35am	Kindermusik: Away We Go
11:35am –	11:55am	Louie Miranda performance
11:55am –	12:05pm	Stroller Fit demonstration
12:10pm –	12:25pm	Raffle
12:25pm –	12:45pm	Kindermusik: Fiddle-Dee-Dee
12:45pm –	1:05pm	Louie Miranda performance
1:05pm –	1:15pm	Stroller Fit demonstration
1:20pm –	1:35pm	Raffle
1:35pm –	1:55pm	Kindermusik: Away We Go
1:55pm –	2:00pm	Farewell Louie Miranda performance
	2:00pm	Event ends

Agenda subject to change.

Wonderment

A new store in Linden Hills, natural toys and creative pastimes for children and their families. Looks cute, check it out HERE

Indoor Marching Band Extravaganza

Monday Night - October 29 7:00
A quick sampling of the BHS high band program followed by
the MARCHING BLAZE indoor extravaganza!

Suggested donation of $3.00
Bring your kids - it is in the gym, informal, great music
(and a look at the state champion drum line)

Sweet Honey and the Rock

Kindermusik educators at our International Conference last week were amazed and blessed by the songs and heart of Sweet Honey and The Rock. If you ever get a chance to hear and see this group - don't hesitate.

Thank you Jane

Thank you Jane, from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for Kindermusik Educators over the last 8 years. Your contributions in reshaping and stepping out in partnership with Kindermusik International has impacted us all in such a positive way. We can only hope to emulate your joyous spirit and kind heart as the new board goes forward into the future.

Good works

Meet Yael Benjamin, this Kindermusik's Inspirational Educator of the Year 2007. Yael is working with the precious children of Soweto in South Africa.

Being in Chicago this last week was a treat for my mind and heart. Especially seeing the joyous work that educators are sharing all around the world.

Hello from Chicago

I am not in the picture but these are the friends I am playing with in Chicago this week. Kindermusik educators from all over the country (Katie from IL, Ginger from MS, Julee from UT, Kathy from PA, Theresa from SC, and Jane from GA, Sonya from SD) We are practicing our variety show act to raise money for the Ruth D. Anderson Children's fund. It is all work and tons of fun when Kindermusik educators get together from around the globe.

(We miss you Molly!)

The Perfect Product

. . . for dancing with your little one. Visit the SECRET SHOP for these red dancing shoes and more super cool/sweet things.

Thanks Molly.

Happy Birthday Tucker!

Tucker is a Scout

Tucker is a teacher

Tucker picks up the Baritone AND Trombone this year

Tucker plays and photographs Bass Guitars

Tucker has grown taller than everyone but Trygve this year.
(Lorelei's shoes are REALLY tall)

Happy Birthday from Chicago Tucker, You make us proud everyday.
I can't wait to see what your 15th year will bring,

Another Great use for sponges

Who knew? Besides perfectly great sand blocks sponges can provide protection from other prehistoric predators. More cute costume ideas here

Thanks Molly

Happy Birthday Sweet Lorelei

Welcoming our new puppy Dinah in October

Playing with a REAL well in Normandy

Flirting with Popeye in Honfluer in Northern France

Walking around Paris

Pretty pose for Homecoming

A quick look back at Lorelei when she was 16 - just a moment ago. We love you honey and are so proud of the person you are.

Mom's Club of Eagan -West ROCKS!

BIG BIG thank you to Sarah Wright-Walstrom for inviting about 30 of her friends to a Kindermusik FAMILY TIME class today. What fun we had, singing, tapping, galloping, creeping, and jamming together.

This is a lovely group of mom's check this previous post about their benevolent works.

Color up

Visit this Jan Brett site for a fun coloring game. Jan Brett is the author of all the books we love, The Mitten, The Hat, Annie and the Wild Animals, my favorite is - The Trouble with Trolls
and many others. Click around in her site for videos of how to draw things, cards and envelopes to download, crafts and games of all kinds.

Trebuchet?

This is what my boys have been working on for a few weeks. A trebuchet. They are hoping to fling a bowling ball (or a pumpkin) 100 yards. This one went 23. They're getting there. The "treb" is made of spars (small straight trees) that are lashed together with twine - just like old times. This began as a project to teach the Scouts how to lash. . .

Lorelei

I missed Lorelei's first day of school picture (boo hoo)
Drum line and marching band practice is taking up most of her free time
Her smile says it all - music equals happy!

Sliii-iiiide down

We are absolutely LOVING our yellow slide whistles!

Julia's kitchen

I have been so busy getting classes off the ground this last week my blog has been quietly waiting. Today I ran across this wonderful Smithsonian Site thanks to the Splendid Table author Lynn Rosetto Casper who sends me a nice recipe every week.

Did you know that the all the French Chef shows were taped in Julia's home kitchen in Cambridge MA? They have dismantled the kitchen and put it back together at the Natural Museum of American History. BUT, you can see it all and read about every piece here in Julia Child's Kitchen

joy

If only I had a camera today. I am sitting at our new studios in the Arts at River Ridge Building. Happy to find I have a wireless internet connection from here - cool.

To my left a Village class of 6 babies, 5 mommies and 1 daddy, tossing and catching scarves, singing "Oh my little boys, who made your britches?"

Just down the hall is an Our Time class. 12 children, 10 mommies, 1 grandma and 1 care giver. I hear them tapping sticks to a French Folk Tune.

Watching these classes is my delight - the only better place for me would be to be inside the door, but this is sweet.

Pictures to come.

I miss Molly

Molly taught me how to blog, is inspirationally creative, writes perfect words about kids and music, is an extraordinary web surfer, has a voice that is nice to hear. Where are you Molly?

9th grade conversation

Mom: "Oh wait Tucker, I want to take your picture."
Tucker: "Aw"
Mom: (whiney) "come on, its the first day of school"
Tucker: (with an exhale) "alright, if you must"
Mom: "I do" - click, click, click. "have a good day honey, I love you"
Tucker: "I love you too mom. Bye."

Happy . . . . day

Yes, it is the first day of school and Peter Rabbit Day, the first story of this curious friend was released on September 4 1893. My sister Elizabeth is starting a new teaching job today, and we were surfing the web for good circle time ideas when we came across a calendar that lists a special thing for everyday. I was delighted to know that Peter Rabbit Day coincides with the first day of school. By the way - it is also "eat an extra dessert day", "Beetle Bailey day" and "newspaper carriers day" - who knew?

Steady Beat Counts

In Kindermusik Village we help your baby FEEL the beat





In Kindermusik Our Time we PLAY with the beat



In Kindermusik Imagine that we VARY the beat





In Kindermusik for the Young Child we READ and WRITE the beat






Important steady beat activities: walking, running, galloping, ball bouncing, bike riding, scissor cutting, READING, singing, instrument playing, living.

Thanks to Kindermusik with Jeanne

Happy Labor Day

By Imani Oasis Love
Take rest; A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop
Ovid

Music is the Key

Music is the key that pulls all of this together, most efficiently with the most enjoyment, creativity, emotional satisfaction and fun!

how many ways do I love the fair?