NATIONAL AWARDS ARE MUSIC TO THE EARS OF TODDLERS
(written by Anna Smith for the Morpeth Herald, in Morpeth, Northumberland, United Kingdom)
TUNEFUL TOTS in Ponteland are certainly hitting the right notes with three national award nominations. The Kindermusik group, which provides musical education for newborns to five-year-olds, is listed in the What's On 4 Little Ones awards.
The group is in the categories for Best Baby Development Activity and Best Toddler Activity, while leader Suzanne Dunn has been nominated as Most Outstanding Class Leader for the second year running. "It is really wonderful," she said. "I was nominated last year and reached the semi-finals and now the parents have nominated me again."
"It is a privilege. It would be great to win or get to the final, but just to be nominated is wonderful." Mrs Dunn, who lives in the village, started classes at Ponteland Methodist Church Hall five years ago, bringing children and parents together to tap music sticks, ring bells, dance, sing, read and play. The 45-minute sessions are designed to stimulate children's cognitive, creative, social and physical development. There are also take-home packs for parents.
"The parents are brilliant," said Mrs Dunn."I'm there as class leader, but it is the parents and the children that make the classes. If they are not participating or being so enthusiastic they wouldn't be the classes that we all enjoy. I have so many great families in the group and they regularly email me about the wonderful things the children are doing at home and let me share the fun they are having."
