Kindermusik?

[maddymoo]

I recently saw a notice at the church down the road which just says Kindermusik here. My DD is 20 months and i'm looking into new things for her to do.
I'm not sure what it's all about. Anyone been? How is it structured and did your kids love it?

[kelsar88]

I would suggest having a look at there website it will give you a general overview of what you can expect - it looks great. There is a voucher you can print off from the website which will give you a "free lesson" to see if you and your DD like it.
The educator I spoke to sounded lovely and very passionate about music and the benefits children receive from music, which is what won me over. However our closest class is a hours drive away and we haven't been able to make it as of yet - floods etc.
I would definately suggest giving it a go. Let me know how you go.:)

[Elfin]

We have done it and it is good but a bit expensive especially if you buy the kit. I found that I never used the kit, have played the cds occasionally but that's it . My son wasn't too keen on the structure and used to run around when we were meant to be sitting doing an activity.

I think definitely try a lesson first and see if you like it:)

[sueb31]

Where we have done it it is $140 for 8 weeks which includes a CD, board book and journal thing. So no, not cheap. We have been going for about 6 months now and my son loves it. It took him a while to get used to it but eh is now. Its a lot of moving and dancing, playing instruments etc to music with your child. I guess I like it because I think it is good for him, develops social skills, he hears music beats and notes etc, they teach things like putting things away and play games where you practice freezing when say stop etc (good for future bolters!). And I like having some dedicated 1 on 1 time with my boy, when I am not trying to clean, cook etc etc.

I would say give it a go. I would add that it does take a few sessions to get used to so maybe don't judge on 1 session alone.

Sue

[maddymoo]

Thanks for the feedback girls. It is a bit expensive, I'd have a hard time convincing Hubby of that one! However I will see if we can do a couple of trial days.

[Elfin]

Another cheaper thing you could try is Kindergym. They play on the gym equipment and have a small music component to the class. My girls loved kindergym. There is a YMCA at Windsor and the PCYC at Sandgate (I think) run kindergym classes too. There are probably other PCYCs around Brisbane too anyway just another alternative that is a bit cheaper.

[mythreelittlemonkeys]

FIRST SESH OF KINDERMUSIK IS FREE - So why not go and see what ya think - that is what I am gonna do...I actually dont think if that is what you want to do toooo expensive not compared to things like Gymbaroo etc...
Personally I have only heard really positive things :) but then I would have DD holding a violin and tinkering on a piano now if I could afford either...I think music and dance a beautiful way to bring out a childs inner soul...but that me waffling...

[SMBT]

i went for a term with both of my kids. DS absolutely HATED it, and wanted to run out of the room all the time, so we had to barricade the door with chairs, but DD loved it, although she was much younger, only about 9 months. she would sit in her pram and clap to the music and listen intently. The hassle with DS made me leave though, I wasn't going to put him through the ordeal any longer than need be and as I had to pay upfront and couldn't get a refund I was making him play it out. Every child is different though. He's just not a big one for singing and dancing etc.
It was very structured - certain songs at certain times, a story time and instrument time etc.
i personally didn't like it much either. i would much prefer music to be more free spirited and enjoyed by the child.

[sethsmum79]

Have you considered the program Mainly Music? There are quite a few around. It sounds like a similar set up to kinda music.

Basically the one I take my kids to has half an hour of songs/musical activities/dancing....then morning tea, followed by play time.

I think the 30 minute music session is ample for little ones attentions spans (and mine actually!)

Both my kids love it, and its only $5 a session.

[Sarbear79]

This appeared in my local paper. I thought this sounded interesting and am thinking of giving it a try. I think these hey dee ho people are national.

A music program is teaching children to communicate in a way most parents could only dream – silently.
The hey dee ho sing and sign program teaches young children the usual coordination and social skills, using everything from traditional nursery rhymes to Wiggles’ hits.
But it also incorporates Auslan, Australian sign language, as an innovative way of teaching non-verbal communication.
Children as young as one can learn to make the signs for “food” or “tired”, preventing tantrums arising from their inability to express themselves.
Karolynne Ianna of Seabrook enrolled her four-year-old triplet sons, Cadel, Xander and Riley, two years ago.
“I originally put them in for the singing and music. The Auslan was a bonus,” she said.
The boys were premature and had delayed speech.
Before they could speak, they signed to express what they wanted.
Ms Ianna said it eased their sense of frustration when they found ways of telling something to adults.
“The sign language is incorporated into the songs and children see it as a good time,” she said.
The organisation plans to offer one-hour classes monthly at Jamieson Way community centre in Point Cook starting in early March.