Happy Birthday Elizabeth

Yesterday was my dear sister Elizabeth's birthday!!
Here is a picture of us taken a few years ago on a hot hot summer day. Hmmm - Elizabeth loves the hot weather and is one of the very . . no maybe the only person I know to be a hold out on air conditioning.

Happy Birthday beautiful sister, beautiful mother, beautiful teacher.

Autism Awareness Day

Did you know . . . .
1 in 50 children are diagnosed with autism
1 in 94 boys are on the autism spectrum
67 children are diagnosed per day
a new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that lasts a person's lifetime. It affects communication skills, socialization abilities and behavior.

For more information: Autism Resources
Here is a movie: AUTISM EVERYDAY

Register NOW! For summer classes

TOP 10 REASONS WHY

1) YOUR CHILD WILL LOVE IT! And they won't be bugging you all summer long about being bored or asking repeatedly, "Is today my Kindermusik day?!"

2) YOU HAVE SEVERAL CHOICES ABOUT HOW TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER WITH US.
A variety of camps scheduled at a variety of times keep summer scheduling easy for you. You'll also have a new CD to choose to listen to!

3) NEW SUMMERY CAMP THEMES WILL INSPIRE YOUR CHILD'S LOVE OF MUSIC AND LOVE OF LEARNING. From Family Time to Sign & Sing, and Peekaboo to Around the World, you'll find something that fits your family's summer schedule and also provides musical learning in a uniquely summery way! No other early childhood learning program offers so many choices for you and your family this summer.

4) OUR WONDERFUL KINDERMUSIK TEACHERS ARE GEARING UP NOW FOR A GREAT SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR CHILDREN, AND THEY WILL BE OH-SO-SAD NOT TO SEE YOU BACK THIS SUMMER!

5) OUR KINDERMUSIK CAMPS ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE YOUR CHILD THE WELL-ROUNDED EXPERIENCE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. Singing, dancing, instruments, crafts, snacks, story time, learning centers, and home materials combine for an exciting and memorable summer "Kindermusik-al" experience!

6) SUMMER IS AN EASY WAY TO "TRY OUT" KINDERMUSIK!
Enroll in a summer camp and learn more about how Kindermusik contributes to the whole development of your child from birth to age 7.

7) SUMMER CAMPS PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSITION YOUR CHILD FOR WHAT'S NEXT.
So is your child is moving on to Our Time this fall? Or maybe you're planning for your child to head to preschool and move up to Imagine That? Our staff is trained and prepared to partner with you for a smooth transition to the next level.

8) KEEP THE LEARNING - AND THE ROUTINE - GOING.
Every child needs the security of rituals and routines, and summer camps make sure your child is happy, secure, and in the "Kindermusik" groove, both in class and at home.

9) IT'S DIFFERENT!
Summer camps are different from the regular classes as explore unusual props, fun puppets, special games and activities, and exciting new instruments. Our drop-off camps include crafts and snacks, too.

10) SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO TAKE CLASS WITH A FRIEND. Refer a new Kindermusik family to our program this summer, and we'll give you both a free class gift certificate toward the fall as our way of saying "Thanks!"

If Frogs Made Weather

Crazy weather we have been having, ordered up by the polar bear no doubt. Take a look at this book here or at Looky Book where you can page through the books before you decide to buy.

Happy Spring!

Click HERE to play with this fun garden orchestra! Click on any of the characters to add to the song

River Ridge Arts

Have you seen River Ridge Arts lately? The new website is up - a few changes to come - but it looks good. Remember when we moved in . . . . tiles, dust, sheet rock, - it is shaping up. I invite you to stop by and visit us in anytime!!

Oh Danny Boy, Oh Boy

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Plant a flower garden

Another sweet website from my Uncle Donald. Click Here to plant your own FLOWER GARDEN. When the page shows up just start clicking

The Power of 3

Here is a nice website called Mom's First

Tip:
Long to-do lists rarely get done and can leave you with an unaccomplished feeling. Think about time, it comes in threes. Past, present, future-the power of 3! (Did you know that 3 is a magic number?) Let's use the power of 3 to create a new daily to-do list, one that will get done!

Action step: Pick the top 3 things from your long to-do list that you will do today. Make sure these are of top priority and not things you are choosing because of procrastination on any of the others. Focus on those 3 only and see what happens.

Got Service?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfeXxkbgCVE

embedding of this video is disabled, but do bother to cut, paste and take a look.

Making Friends

My nephew Caleb, stationed in Habbaniyah, Iraq. He has an easy smile, a sweet energy and 4 sisters of his own. I wonder what these little girls think of this nice man, covered from head to toe. Especially the little one with the Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. Stay safe you four.

Happy Valentines Sweet hearts!

This little car

This little car is going on a trip. Trip. Trip. Trip, trip, trip. A little game like this - turning your finger into a car and driving it down the road is an exciting time for the brain - as vision tracking is engaged, eye-hand coordination is enhanced and fine motor skills are being practiced. This simple game is a brain workout in disguise. It can be found in the AWAY WE GO Home activity guide.

We still have room for your child in OUR TIME classes - for kids 18 months - 3 years. Just call Helen for more information: 952-412-0265 or visit us online

Happy Birthday Mom

Happy birthday mom! Thank you for inspiring me to be musical. I love singing with you!!

(for those of you wondering, yes, this is a picture of my mom and sisters (Jenny, Elizabeth, Christa, Mom and me)

Valentine Idea

This heart garden grows thyme. From The Wishing Fish - sweet!

Family Time at Home

Dave and Davey went right to work on the instrument family matching game that came with their Make Way for Music home materials. Thank you for sharing this glimpse of Kindermusik at home. It is a dream come true for me.

Happy Birthday Ameadeus

Tired Toddlers?

The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Child's Sleep

I have been hearing there may be a need for this kind of information a lot over the last few weeks. It could be because we have been shut up inside not getting enough fresh air and exercise.

Anyway, this book came across my eyes today - sent by Kindermusik friend Betsy Flannagan. There are 4 pictures of children sleeping soundly on the cover, so maybe its a solution worth trying.

The Way I See It

The Way I See It #273

All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop.
Moms, dads, grannies and grandpas, aunts, uncles - someone to hold them, read to them, teach them.
Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals, and knowledge of a hundred previous generations.
Loved ones who will pass to the next generation their expectations of them, their hopes, and their dreams.

--General Colin L. Powell - founder of America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth

Want to give your child your laptop this spring? Join me for Kindermusik classes!

Thank you to Maria Schatz, TN

To Serve

What kind of world do you want?

Autism affects one of every 150 children. Early intervention and therapy is vital to the lives of children with autism and their families. With each viewing of this video the funding for research goes forward as the band 5 for Fighting is donating 40 cents every time someone watches and learns.

Please watch by clicking here

Winter Songs

My Favorites coming up this semester you don't want to miss it! Surf over to our website to check the schedule

Come Follow
Toe Tappin Foot Stompin Egg Shakin Blues
Hop Up My Baby

The Saints go Marching In

Every few days my great Uncle Donald sends me a terrific youtube video that he knows I will like. Here is one for you. Enjoy!

Something to think about

Have you heard?

My sister Elizabeth told me about this movement - A Complaint Free World - it is a simple and sweet idea. I wear the purple bracelet, each time I complain I change the bracelet to the other hand. It is interesting, becoming aware of where complaints lie. Mine lie mostly with myself. One of the biggest complaints I have had lately is that I am not blogging. Like anything, we are creatures of habit.

I have been able to keep the bracelet on one hand for 3 hours - so far that is my record. The goal is for 21 days on the same side. A work in progress.

I am trying to transform my world by knocking off all the negative noise that keeps me from moving forward. Interested? Order some bracelets to share, there are lots of support products as well - bumper stickers, books and the like. The free e-newsletter is especially nice, free and easily disposed of or forwarded on.

Happy Birthday Dad

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.
George Herbert, 1640

Happy Birthday Dad!

Play your vegetables

Family Time!

Here is a peek at the new materials for the newest Family Time unit - MAKE WAY FOR MUSIC. Monday at 10:30 or Thursday at 6:00. To register call me at 952-412-0265 or visit the Kindermusik of the Valley website.

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.