As many of you know, I was a Kindermusik mom before I became a Kindermusik educator. Noah started his first classes just over three years ago as a baby in the Kindermusik Village classes. We had so much fun singing and dancing to "Aiken Drum," exploring eggshakers, and just spending time together with each other and with other families.And, that's really why I decided to become a Kindermusik educator when our teacher moved away. Yes, we learned the music basics--children can do that quite easily when young. Kindermusik gave us so much more than a simple music class; we worked on Noah's physical skills (running was a favorite), thinking and listening skills, SOCIAL skills, and language skills. Even more than that, it gave us a special time each week to spend with friends and with one another.Some of those friends we made that first semester continue to be part of our circle of family here in Laredo. Some we've met more recently through Kindermusik classes.This afternoon we had the o
I enjoy reading blogs written by parents. It makes me feel better to see that other moms and dads have stressful moments with their children, too.One blog that I visit from time to time is Missy Mey , written by one of my Kindermusik moms. She is a creative, thoughtful person with a little guy that is cute as can be. Reading her blog reminds me of when my Noah was little, and I had to worry about sleep and getting him to eat. (Yes, I do kind of miss those days. Sometimes.) Plus, she quilts and does all kinds of other artsy things, and sometimes she even posts really neat pictures from her photography class portfolio.She and her little one had their first Kindermusik toddler class yesterday, and I was thrilled to read her take on the class. I really appreciate that she took the time to write that post!
We're kicking off the start of another exciting summer of Kindermusik camps! With over twenty-five camps designed especially for babies, toddlers, preschoolers,and big kids meeting in both the day and evening, you can be sure to find one that fits your schedule. Themes include "Busy Days," "Creatures in My Backyard," "On The Road," and "Tell Me A Tale." For more information or to schedule a free preview class, call us at 753-8199 or visit our website at http://sarahf.kindermusik.net . Families with special needs are welcome. Camp season begins June 11. All camps limited to 8 children per class.
We all work hard, and sometimes forget to enjoy the small victories.My "celebration" moment for today:I convinced my preschooler to take a bath AND wash his hair (he's very anti-hairwashing),and I even got him in bed early tonight!!!Life's more fun if you celebrate the little things!
Spending time together with a loved one is a special part of our classes. Throw some scarves into the mix, and you've got the recipe for a good time!Everyone learns quickly that helping to clean-up is polite AND fun!
From time to time, we have special visitors in our classes. This class, a little butterfly flew in just in time for the song, "All The Pretty Butterflies" ( Ah! Les jolis papillons--a French Canadian song).This is "gathering time" before the beginning of a family story time. Every month we have at least one (and often more) special event(s) for our Kindermusik families.
The May Issue of our Kindermusik in Laredo newsletter is now available. As usual, if you aren't a current subscriber, sign up using the box in the upper right of this screen or e-mail me. Highlights include: An update on the Summer 2007 camps. Many have already gone to wait-list only with several almost there. We have added several more week-long camps.An announcement about our new drop-off program for 2's and 3's. We're pilot-testing this program with plans to expand it to several days in the Fall.Details about our end of semester field trip to the Imaginarium
Or maybe not.Have you ever had a day when a person you love dearly just absolutely drives you crazy?My day was last Saturday--the day my little boy decided to see how many ways he could push boundaries, break rules, and generally get into trouble. Back home, we call it being ornery.We made it through the day, I’m happy to report. And in honor of Mr. “No, Mama, I not going to be nice and share with anyone,” I bring you some resources about preschoolers, why they test boundaries, and what to do to support them (and stay sane):Positive ParentingPower Play: The Good, the Bad, and the UglySetting Effective Boundaries Pushy PreschoolersP. S.--And remember if your little one ever has a meltdown in class like mine did, please don’t worry about it. It’s normal, and we’ve all been in the same situation before.
The latest issue of our newsletter went out earlier this week. Topics included:March Family Fun EventWhy it's not too late to join a Kindermusik classSummer Camp SurveyIf you didn't receive your copy & would like one, e-mail me or sign up using the box at the right of the screen. I'll also post a copy at the studio.
Kindermusik classes for infants, babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children are held in three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Fall semester starts at the end of August and runs through January. Spring semester runs February through the end of May. Summer semester is June through mid-August. Kindermusik by Sarah Flack offers classes year-round with choices in the morning, afternoon, and evening nearly every day of the week.AND, each semester is different for every age group. You don't have to worry about doing the same unit twice with your child. In fact, a child can start Kindermusik as a baby, continue until age seven, and never repeat a unit. That means seven years of songs, chants, fingerplays, dances, musical fun, and memories.We welcome friends and family to join us for a FREE class at any time. We will happily pro-rate tuition for families that enroll after the start of the semester.And, don't forget, Kindermusik by Sarah Flack classes are SATISFACTION GUARAN
While cleaning out my picture drawer, I came across this picture of me and Noah at our very first Kindermusik Village class. This was August (?) 2004 with Ms. Pat. Our first unit was Dream Pillow/Zoom Buggy,so this semester has been a trip down memory lane.He was so little!!Hold them close, moms! Don't miss a single minute, because they grow up too fast!
Morning of Day Two was filled with the remaining sessions of the Leadership retreat. After a very interesting discussion about group theory by Dr. Clay Rowell, we were each presented with a "Little Red Box." Those of you that enjoyed the Village Baby camp last summer with me will remember this song--it's on the "Busy Days" Kindermusik CD:"I wish I had a little red boxto put my baby in.I'd take her out,and kiss, kiss, kiss,and put her back again."The red boxes are for saving all those sweet notes, beautiful drawings, and other treasures from my Kindermusik families.Afternoon brought the arrival of hundreds of Kindermusik educators from around the world for the opening session of the convention. We were treated to a performance by the North Carolina A&T State University "Cold Steel" drumline. These musicians were incredible!Thursday also included a vocal training session with noted voice coach Arthur Joseph, and a charity auction for the Ruth D. Anderson Kindermusik Children's Fund. (
Time flies--it's the last day of convention. We filled our morning learning with Rosamund Zander,gifted psychotherapist and wife to Benjamin Zander. She took us deep inside our teaching philosophies and challenged us to assess the way we relate to each child. Excellent session...In the afternoon, we attended breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, including: applying the "Five Love Languages" to the classroom, teaching practices for preschool and big kid classes, including special needs children in the classroom, and using the American Sign Language Sign & Sing curriculum.The Awards & Recognition Banquet was Saturday evening. Though I wasn't able to stay for the banquet (rushed back to Tennessee to spend time with my parents and see my much-missed Noah), Kindermusik by Sarah Flack was recognized for being a Maestro program, placing us as one of the top Kindermusik programs worldwide.
Trees changing colors, mountains, cool weather...The drive to North Carolina for the 2006 Kindermusik Convention was beautiful. I left Noah, still sound asleep, with my parents in Tennessee; this would be our longest time apart since he was born. He was very excited to get to spend time playing in the flower garden (also known as digging in the dirt), walking in the woods, and looking for bugs with Granny and Papaw. I, on the other hand, was a little (lot) nervous about being away from my "baby" and daydreaming about what I would do with all the free time I was sure to have at the hotel.I've been to conventions and workshops before, both as an early childhood music educator and in my former life as a graduate student/teaching assistant at East Tennessee State University. Some conventions are more of an excuse to see the host city than to learn, but not this one. As lovely as Greensboro looked to be, I didn't leave the hotel for more than hour during the four days of convention. It wa
Because I get to spend time with precious little ones like these (and their wonderful moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, sisters, brothers, aunts, and uncles). Thanks for sharing pictures from the Kindermusik Costume Party, Sophie!
You are invited to a children's costume party! Bring your child in his or her favorite costume to the Kindermusik studio at 10 E Del Mar Blvd on Sunday, October 22, from 2-3:30 PM. We'll have sweets (and a few healthy snacks), singing, dancing, a craft or two, and lots of chances to take pictures with friends.This event is most appropriate for children up to age seven, though older brothers and sisters may attend. You do not have to be currently enrolled in Kindermusik classes to join us, and current Kindermusik families are welcome to bring a friend. This is a family time, so NO scary costumes, please!! This is a FREE event but we do need you to RSVP (753-8199 or by e-mail at kmbysarahf@aol.com). Come join the fun!
All classes (except for Family Time) will meet the weeks of December 4 and December 11.December 18-22 is a bonus week of classes. We'll be doing winter-themed songs and activities this week. This is a great time to make-up missed classes or spend extra time together at Kindermusik.The week of January 1 and January 8 are the final two class weeks of the Fall semester.Spring classes start on January 29 and run through May.
The January issue of our studio newsletter is now available. To be added to the mailing list, subscribe using the box at the right of the screen or e-mail me. We even have copies available at the studio if you prefer the paper version.
Join us at our February Family Fun Event, sponsored by Kindermusik by Sarah Flack, as we make Valentine's Day cards, decorate cookies, and more. We'll even have a Kindermusik mini-class. Activities are fun for children up to age seven and meant to be shared with a parent or other adult. In other words, bring your babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, and spend some special time together! All activities are free. For more information, call Sarah at 753-8199 or e-mail at kmbysarahf@aol.com.When: Saturday, February 10, 2007Time: 4 PM to 5 PMWhere: 10 E Del Mar Blvd (First Baptist Church Bldg on the campus of Mary Help of ChristiansCost: FREE
