Grow your business from home, build with heart

Congratulations Sarah Hames. The Kindermusik Educator has been licensed and teaching since 2001 and the Friendswood.com story talks about how Sarah grew the business from her home studio, to a brick and mortar space in Friendswood, Texas. Take a look. For one Kindermusik teacher, giggles and hugs are just part of the job.

Connie Faria is blogging and teaching Kindermusik in the Middle East.

Connie holds a python. Yes. A python.

Connie Faria is putting away the GPS. For good. She's relied on the navigational device "far too much" to get around her new hometown in Abu Dhabi -- about an hour and a half from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The GPS is in the glovebox and the new intuitive Faria Positioning System -- or FPS -- will get her to the grocery store, to the library for story time, to her kid's new playgroups, and to teach Kindermusik.

It's easy to understand why Connie would need a little extra navigational help this year. It's her first time out of the United States. And the first time she's held a python snake (you can watch it here).

"The things I do for my kids!" Connie writes on her blog about the python experience, The Faria Five.

Once the family was settled in their new home, Connie says, she started getting a little antsy. That's one reason she started teaching Kindermusik again.

We talked with Connie, the blogger, mother, and Kindermusik Educator about how she got started teaching, and why she's coming back.

When did you start teaching Kindermusik?

I started taking classes in 2003 when my first child was 5 weeks old and loved it. After two years of classes (all the Village classes and starting on Our Time) - I decided that I could do it too.  I had mentioned it to the Educator and I became a Kindermusik Educator that year. I loved it!

I was teaching out of my home and loved the teaching part, I just didn’t like the marketing and drumming up business part. Teaching at a Montessori School fell in my lap and I taught there until December 2010, until they had some budget cuts and had to reluctantly let me go, which ended up working out since we found out about our move the Middle East in January and life got crazy for a while.

My husband works for the US Government and is currently working at the US Embassy. This is our first time overseas and my first time out of the country.

Musical background

I took piano lessons for 6 years as a child and sang in school choirs but never had any education/training beyond.  I volunteered as a Toddler and Preschool Storytime leader at our local library for 6 years and it was filled with song/rhymes and stories.  I really enjoyed that too, and I am actually starting storytimes at my children’s school in December (we don’t have public libraries here, but their school has a good library that school families can visit).  I have also volunteered in the classroom with both of my children since Kindergarten. But, no formal education/training in teaching (although my mom is a teacher).

Teaching Kindermusik again

After we moved to Abu Dhabi (about 1.5 hours from Dubai) I was busy with getting settled and figuring out how to live in a new country.  Then…I started getting antsy.  I made some inquries about Kindermusik and found a local educator (www.paradise-music.com) and approached her about teaching.

I am teaching at preschool and my classes are ages 2-4 with several kids that barely understand English, but they respond well to music.  I need to modify actions for songs or some of what I say.  We might talk about Yummy Hummus or Yummy Lamb, as opposed to Yummy Apples and Yummy Peanut Butter.  I need to find ways to make things relevant for my audience.

I have taught the same class three times now and it’s always fun to see the kids come out of their shell a little more each time.  The teachers and aides LOVE the class and asked for copies of the lyrics last time so they could learn all the words.

Welcome back to Kindermusik Connie!

Natural Science

Patricia Kuhl is in the news again. The leading expert on language and author of "The Scientist in the Crib" received a French award for her work using highly scientific approaches to understand the highly scientific process babies use to learn language.

Kuhl talks more about it -- in her own endearing words -- in the above TEDTalks video.

Kuhl is a frequent speaker and internationally-recognized expert on the topic (she has her own wiki page for crying out loud). She has a way of making science sensible and relatable. Even still, every time I read a new research report, or discover another story about a scientific breakthrough on child development or parenting, something inside me goes, "Well, duh. Yea."

Some scientists literally go around the world to discover something that in the end, seems like common sense -- in retrospect. Hindsight is 20/20, right? Science and scientists use their intuitive skills to uncover the mystery of intuition.

In Kindermusik training, we learn about the science driving a parent's natural instinct to care for their baby. We also learn about the child's developmental process, so we can match the right activities to nurture and challenge those developmental milestones.

Kindermusik makes the science of parenting, sensible. Natural.

Photo by Motorito

The result for Educators is a deeper understanding of what's happening between a care-giver and a child. It's a beautiful thing to watch grandpa play "Got your nose" with his grandson. And in Kindermusik training, we learn the natural science behind this endearing moment: Grandpa has just doubled the child's chances of learning the word "nose" because he said the word when he grabbed that cute little nose. And sitting in the arms of a loving grandfather, the chances of a child remembering that word just rose exponentially.

Not duh, but "awe." As in "awww, isn't that cute?" And "awe," as in amazing.

Some parents have a "knowing" about their parenting. Some parents want more information. In Kindermusik classes, we nurture both. We can speak to both types of learning parents.

It's a natural science.

Inspire a parent's perfect moment

"My favourite legs and feet. The princess who calls her dad 'my father the king.' At Kindermusik today she and her friend Rebecca lay down next to each other sharing a blanket at quiet time and at the end hugged each other. Little puppies, what a blessing they are."

Photo and caption by Kindermusik parent, Ilse Batten
ilsebatten
Educator, Avril Flick
East London, South Africa

Sure, it's for the kids. The music, the stories, the activities. It's all for the kids.

Right? [Head tilt]

No. It's for the parents, too. No one at the office asks them remove their shoes and sit on the story blanket. No one at the grocery store sings hello. Possibly, very few people even remember their names.

That's why we love it when we come across little things like these. Photos and shared thoughts that let us know parents need Kindermusik as much as we need them.

Thank you Isle, for the picture and the poetry.

Meet an Educator: Alison Trotter

Yes, she's always smiling like this. And you should see how she smiles when she sings ...

Alison was recently named one of Kindermusik's Most Inspirational Educators of the year for her work with music and children, and she was also the first educator to train and license a Kindermusik teacher with special needs.

We asked her a few questions about how she got started, and here's what she had to say:

Name: Ally Trotter
Age: 27
City: Columbia, SC
Program Web site: www.Kindermusikbyally.com
Number of students: 1-100
Number of years teaching Kindermusik: 9

Why did you become a Kindermusik educator? 
Funny story. My mother, Julee Salisbury became a Kindermusik educator over 25 years ago, so I was raised in the thick of Kindermusik's concepts. I was a Kindermusik baby, but I never thought I'd ever become a teacher, like her. Never say never!

When did you first start playing music?
I was always tinkering around on the piano at home, because Mama was a piano teacher. My parents said I used to sing in my crib as an infant.  I love to sing. As for instruments, as I a grew older, I realized that guitar was more my gig. I started guitar lessons in middle school. I'll never forget my first few chords, and feeling like I wanted to quit. But, pressing through the callouses paid off.

When did you first fall in love with music? 
I can remember my sweet Mama's voice as she sang in a trio called the Jasmine's in Sumter, SC. She would take me to her practices, and they sang much like the Andrews sisters. Bugle Boy is my absolute favorite, even still!

I've always loved music. Thanks to God for instilling a desire in me to teach and sing, but also a huge tribute to my musical Mama who also had a hand in paving a way for me. 

Why did you choose to teach Kindermusik over other programs?

From the looks of this article, you may think I didn't really have a choice, but that's not true. I never thought I'd teach, but I had the best role model as a Mom, and later to find out, the people at Kindermusik have the BIGGEST hearts. From the CEO all the way down to the wait staff that packages our materials in the warehouse.

This company is one to cherish, and one that truly stands out not only in principle, but in global outreach to those all around the world. Their perspective includes a wide range of educators who are all so different, but who are working towards one goal and one purpose: To serve ALL children and their families, no matter the special need, reaching into their homes and hearts with the love and gift of music. 

Now that's a goal that charges me up, and a community that feels more like a family than anything else!

How to really love a child

Via the "Joyful Mother."

Take a look around

Miss Sunny asks her parents to share what's so great about Kindermusik, and we agree!

What's going on in there?

Think you know what happens when music and a child play together? Take a look at this new article, "What Happens To Your Brain Under the Influence of Music." (Thank you, Isiah!)

Thank you Kindermusik

From "Fionna's Mommy," on the Family Gathering Forum


Below is just one example of the benefits a parent and child receive from taking a Kindermusik class together. If you're just starting Kindermusik training, or you're discerning to teach, here's just a glimpse at what the Kindermusik Educator training program can help you accomplish for families in your community.

Thank you Fionna's Mommy!

Thank you, Kindermusik!

Remember when I posted about when to start cleanup time with a toddler? I mentioned how in Kindermusik they have a "toys away" song that we sing each time we put materials away. Well, Fiona has recently made the connection and started applying the concept to cleaning up her own toys. She will sing, "put 'em away, put 'em away" and put her toys in the basket. She is still kind of playing at it, because then she will pour them back out and yell, "oh no, Max!" or "Dragon!" - in other words, Max from Max and Ruby is dumping the toys all over the floor, and she has to clean them up all over again. But she is definitely starting to really get the concept of it, which is great!

Also, tonight she used the same strategy when she was done with her dinner. In the past, I have had to really watch for when she was finished, because she would dump it in the floor. But tonight, she started singing that song, put the uneaten food on her plate, handed it to me, and said "tank you!"

I am so proud of her - the first night of Kindermusik when she threw a fit each time we had to put toys away, I had a hard time believing she would get to this point before turning two!

Good Beginning

"I have seen the amazing results that occur teaching students a second language through music and movement."

How tweet it is ...

In 140 characters or less, parents, Educators, and studio owners twitter about their Kindermusik experiences. Take a look!

Parents

Cellists

New Educators

Vocal coaches

Dubai!

Community Centers

Bloggers

Face to Face Training

Photo taken from Helen Peterson's Kindermusik class in Minneapolis, MN

Face to Face training
Teaching a curriculum based on years of proven and ongoing research is one thing. Learning from the experience of your peers -- sharing frustrations, road blocks, and learning from them -- is one of the greatest benefits of teaching Kindermusik.

From the first day of online training, you'll find you're instantly connected to a network of over 5,000 Educators around the world, solving problems, growing businesses, and leaning on each other for support.

And if you need solutions closer to home, you can always find someone to reach out to in a way that works with your busy life. For example, here's how Kindermusik Educator Karen Schanerberger helps Educators stay connected and learning from each other:

• Sign up for the email newsletter
• Attend face to face training
• If you can't attend the meeting, you can Skype in

We'd love to help you get connected today. Please call and ask about how you can get started teaching Kindermusik. We're here to help.

Ready for the "new" classroom?

"The classroom, as we understand it from the industrial model, where we had kids sitting in rows, with a person standing in front, delivering information to a group who was assumed to be all of the same capabilities -- and that would be tested on their memory at the end of the year, and a report given, and said, 'Well that equals "they're learning" ' --  is a nonsense in a connected online world. So that is dead.

"What we're doing now, what we're seeing now, is the emergence of a new way to go about schooling."

Greg Whitby, Executive Director of Schools

Why listen to Whitby?

In 2007 he was named the most innovative and creative educator in Australia's Bulletin Magazine, as well as named Apple's Distinguished Educator for "his contribution to the implementation of Learning Technologies in Education."

We like the way Whitby thinks.

Since its creation over 25 years ago, the Kindermusik classroom was founded on research proven techniques to honor each child's learning ability. We also created a classroom that allows children to move and learn at their own pace. And we created a training program that gives educators the information and connection to each other -- using new technology --  to help prepare parents and children for a lifetime of learning.

The new classroom Whitby describes strongly aligns with the Kindermusik method.

• Agile learning space -- Movement and learning go hand in hand in the Kindermusik classroom, literally. From hands-on activities, to circle dances, to music-playing.
• Sound learning "theory of practice" - a recognition that the world is different now, because of the information age, and education needs to change with it -- Kindermusik's curricula is based on over 25 years of proven and ongoing research into the way children think, move and express.
• Personalized Education -- You'll receive training which allows you to recognize and honor each child's individual learning abilities.
• Allows Educators to work collaboratively -- Kindermusik's online classroom connects you to over 5,000 Educators teaching in classrooms around the world.

In the video, Whitby says the campfire was the first classroom, which eventually gave way to the creation of aschools. It took a while for the campfire to give way to new innovation, Whitby says, and now it's time for the traditional classroom to make room for a new kind of learning.

We'd love to help you learn more about how Kindermusik is helping children and Educators around the world prepare for the "new classroom." Call today.

Work Out

So much is happening in this Kindermusik photo right now.

This child is getting the physical movement he needs to prepare for a lifetime of reading. And the adult is getting out from behind the desk, or behind the wheel, and into a Kindermusik class, moving to a steady beat. More and more studies show that adults – as well as children – need more time to move every day.

Take a look:

“Today’s children sit more than ever. Babies spend hours confined in car seats and carriers rather than crawling, toddling or being carried. …Children have 25 percent less time for free play than they did a generation ago, and that’s before factoring in distractions like TV or video games.” GeekMom, Reading Readiness

What’s worse than that? The amount of time adults spend sitting in a chair during the course of a day.

A recent study found that we’re sitting around a lot more – we, meaning us, the adults – and reversing that trend, says the American Cancer Society, can help you live longer.

Make your move. Help more families incorporate music and movement into their lives. Teach Kindermusik.

Not bad for a day's work, eh?

Helen Peterson is a Kindermusik educator based in the Twin Cities in Minnesota. In this video, she welcomes new families to her fall classes, and provides just a glimpse into what children and their caregivers can experience in a Kindermusik class:

• exposure to a wide variety of music -- from Classical music to multi-lingual folk songs from around the world
• activities to develop physical coordination and critical thinking skills 
• activities to develop a child's multi-sensory learning strengths
• weekly classes to create a sense of community among new parents 
• experiences to develop a new parent's sense of "parenting esteem" (self-esteem)

You can do so much for the new families in your community -- and yourself! -- when you become a Kindermusik Educator.

Give us a call, we'd love to tell you more about how to get started.

The Kindermusik Experience....

Some refer to it as a calling, a way of life that embodies professional experience with personal advocacy. Some see it as an entreprenuerial adventure that brings music, education, and early childhood development full circle. Some even say, Kindermusik is a learning experience for the educator, as well as, the student.

Kindermusik's emphasis is truly on the family and the importance of the child -- helping the child to unfold, giving them an opportunity to be creative. Our focus is on nurturing the joys of childhood through music and movement.

If you love children, and want to seem them blossom through the gift of Kindermusik, this rewarding career is for you. Take control of your life! Join the Kindermusik community. Set your own hours, develop your own fee structure, establish classes in a location that works best for you. Call us today.