Remember this little one?

It's still true today. Thank you.

What's on your mind?

"According to neuroscience and child development research, brain development proceeds at a faster pace between conception and the first day of kindergarten than during any subsequent stage of life. In the early years, basic capacities such as trust, self-confidence, empathy, and curiosity are established. How people think, learn, reason, and relate to others throughout their lives is rooted in their early relationships, experiences, and environments."

Common Vision, Different Paths: Five States' Journeys toward Comprehensive Prenatal-to-Five Systems"

One clarification: Research like this isn't meant to crank up the guilt factor for parents. It's meant to inform the people who are making the the public policy and academic decisions that will affect children who don't have immediate access to a loving, nurturing environment.

Do books still matter?

What Makes a Shadow, originally uploaded by xtinalamb.

"We’re just not going to be reading for text anymore,” said Saveri, the Institute for the Future researcher. “We’re going to be ‘reading’ for movies, graphics, images, digital stories, symbols,” she says. “You may say young people aren’t reading the classics, but 20 years from now, there might be some classic multimedia pieces with video, with hyperlinks. That’s the new edge of literacy.”

Saveri suggests parents blog with their kids, make a YouTube video, jump into the new media - and take books along. “We’ve got to get over our nostalgia,” she says. “Denying your child a rich media world is doing your child a disservice.”

Do books still matter?

Super Silver Snowflake

Step-by-step instructions here. Thank you swissmiss.

South Korea's singing highway can save you

Can you name that tune? Watch the abc news clip here.

Via neatorama.

Hopscotch-like music game

instructions, originally uploaded by Zombie37.

Does anyone know how to play this?

Lookybook

Lookybook lets you flip through the online pages and find out if it'll be favorite before you buy online.

Thanks swissmiss.

Myths and facts about raising an only child

don't you love those little feet?, originally uploaded by :: e r i k a ::.

Myth: Only children are aggressive and bossy.

Fact: Only children learn quickly that attempting to run the show, a ploy that they may get away with at home, doesn’t work with friends and a bossy, aggressive attitude is a quick ticket to ostracism from the group. Lacking siblings, only children want to be included and well liked.

Myth: Only children prefer more solitary, non-competitive amusements because they are alone a great deal of the time.

Fact: This preference has more to do with social class than family size. The interests in these amusements stem from parental values and the home environment of middle- and upper-middle class families, which are more likely to have a single child…

Myth: Only children are spoiled.

Fact: Being spoiled is a reflection of our society. The Chinese feared they were raising a generation of “little emperors” when their only child policy was in effect. Looking back 20 years later they found the only children were not particularly spoiled and found no difference in only children’s relationships with friends when studied with children who had siblings.

Myth: Only children are selfish.

Fact: Every child at one time or another believes the world revolves around him…

Myth: Only children must have their way.

Fact: Children with siblings often have more “who’s the boss” difficulties because they are constantly forced to share toys, television times, and parents…

Myth: Only children are dependent.

Fact: Because of adult guidance and lack of siblings to lean on, only children are more self-reliant and independent than those who have brothers and sisters to fend for them.

Myth: Only children become too mature too quickly.

Fact: Children with siblings relate and talk to their siblings rather than their parents. The only child’s primary role models are parents. The result is that only children copy adult behavior as well as adult speech patterns and develop good reasoning skills early on making them better equipped to handle the ups and downs of growing up. A good thing, for sure…

Source: Modern Mom, CA
http://www.modernmom.com/content/2875/2/

Edukey

The balancing act of early education

circus, originally uploaded by udronotto.

"Journalists have written quite a bit about the phenomena of affluent parents willing to do just about anything to give their kids an edge.

"Cloaking consumerism in pseudo-science that makes natural development seem to depend on the right toys--rather than just loving, talking to, reading to, and playing with your children--helps fuel this unfortunate parental instinct. This impulse among some parents creates business opportunities and it's no surprise companies are out there capitalizing on them.

"Sometimes the universal pre-kindergarten movement overemphasizes education, as well, causing opponents to complain that schooling is more important than just fostering normal, healthy development.

"These issues are worth more critical attention, I think."

Early Ed Coverage

Women In Art

Thank you Jeanne.

Shel Silverstein

I was wandering around Mollie Greene's world and found a link to this Shel Silverstein Web site. That's also when I wandered into this embroidered world on flickr.

First, leave the guitar case open.

Six Business Lessons I Learned as a Street Musician.

The one in the middle is getting married Saturday

What do you s'pose they're singing?

You'll have to read the blog to find out: Musical Notes by Grow & Sing Studios.

Girl with Glockenspiel

Welcoming a new Kindermusik blogger to the blogroll, Launa Hall.

"I feel like I’ve finally found the work I should be doing."

Why music?

Because flashcards never made you dance like this. Thanks Sean.

Whose boots?

See more photos from the Kindermusik Convention on Jessi's flickr page.
Or visit the Partnership of Kindermusik Educators blog.

I am a Dancer. I have Down Syndrome.

I am a Dancer. I have Down Syndrome., originally uploaded by g2slp.

I was looking through flickr to find some photos of children with Down Syndrome to use in the new ABC Music & Me brochure, when I found this.

Beautiful.

If you have photos of children with special needs in your classrooms, would you drop me a line? I'd love to see if we could use them in some marketing materials.

Rosetta Tharpe

Dance Little Baby

You'll dance the Charleston in the Kindermusik class for babies, "Do, Si, Do." Now you can throw a few new moves into the kickin', toe-turning mix.

Parenting's Silliest Babies

Parenting magazine posted its favorite videos from the Silliest Baby contest. My favorite is this little one, skydiving.

Early Childhood Resource

Great Web design, sharp resources, and easy to navigate. I love pre[k]now.

"We are educating people out of creativity."

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it. With ample anecdotes and witty asides, Robinson points out the many ways our schools fail to recognize -- much less cultivate -- the talents of many brilliant people. "We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says. The universality of his message is evidenced by its rampant popularity online. A typical review: "If you have not yet seen Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk, please stop whatever you're doing and watch it now."

Via swissmiss.

Where I was during Convention

Via Neatorama.

Parent and child dance shoes

Link via Sean's google reader (which I can't figure out how to link you to at this very moment).

Great ad.

Wonder what the Kindermusik equivalent would be?

Via Coolhunter.

Lessons from Feathers

Musik and Motion has a beautiful post about the sounds you'll hear and the v-formation you'll see when geese fly south for the winter.

CHIP on his shoulder

Photo traqair57

Still trying to figure out why President George W. Bush will vote to veto a program that would ensure millions of children recieve health care early on. The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition seems stumped, too.

Below are step-by-step, word-by-word directions printed in their e-newsletter this month on how to call your Senator or representative.

"Recently, President Bush vetoed legislation that would reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and expand health coverage to millions of uninsured children. On October 18, the House will vote to override the President’s veto. Stand up for children lacking health care access by letting your representative know you support the health needs of Texas’ children and families!

As you know, without additional funding, more low-income working families will lose child care and more child care providers will continue to struggle to keep their doors open. Further health care funding is also critical in order to ensure that children receive the proper health coverage necessary to thrive in life. Please make sure that your voice is heard by calling your members of Congress today.

To speak to your Senator or Representative, call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak to your Member of Congress, or click here to look up the name and contact information of your Senator or Representative.

Talking Points for Calling Your Representative

My name is _________. I am a constituent, and I am requesting that Representative __________ sign the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Representative Rosa DeLauro, in support of including the $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) in the final Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.

I also request that Representative __________ supports a $200 million increase for Head Start.

In addition, I am requesting that Representative ___________ vote to support the health care needs of millions of uninsured children in response to the veto of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Talking Points for Calling Your Senators
My name is _________. I am a constituent and I am requesting that Senator _______ supports a $75 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and a $200 million increase for Head Start increase in the final Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.

Really crafty, clever costume ideas

The moose antlers are actually white gloves sewn into a brown hat. Even better ideas here.

Girl with Guitar

Modernized Art.

Well?

They're holding Wiggles and Giggles At Home Materials. And quite frankly, I can't tell if he's to take hers, or kiss her.

Boys.

Thanks Jeanne!

Primer on music lessons

This article appeared today in the Omaha World-Herald newspaper. In it you'll find some great advice to share with parents interested in providing music lessons for their child.

Too young to play an instrument? By Jane Palmer

What are good starter instruments? For babies: rattles (maracas), tambourine, bongo drums. For toddlers and preschoolers: rhythm sticks, sandpaper blocks, maracas, drums, finger cymbals, triangles, cymbals, gongs, jingle bells, xylophone-type instruments with removable bars and chorded zither. Toy instruments won't hold a youngster's interest for long. Age 3 and older: new or gently used piano, which should be tuned once or twice a year. Second best is a digital electronic keyboard with touch-sensitive, weighted keys. Young violin players: smaller violins, scaled to a child's hands and body.

How young can children typically start music lessons? For traditional piano lessons, at age 7. For band and orchestra instruments, in fourth or fifth grade, when children are big enough to manage the size of the instruments and have more lung capacity.

How can you get preschoolers interested? Listen to all styles of recorded music from birth. Sing together and play singing games. Participate in Kindermusik or other music experience programs for babies through age 7 or 9. Find local programs online at http://www.kindermusik.com.%20look/ for preschool programs that devote at least 10 percent of their time to music.

How much are lessons? From $15 to $40 for a 30- or 60-minute session.

How do you obtain instruments? Introductory instruments such as sandpaper blocks may be available at toy or school supply stores. Most instruments require a trip to a music store. Ask for a student instrument. Turn down artist instruments, which are higher priced. Buy a used instrument to further cut costs, and ask about service and repairs after the sale. You may find a bargain in classified advertisements or at a pawn shop, garage sale or thrift store. Make sure everything works. Music stores often have a rent-to-own program. If you keep the instrument longer than atrial period, you own it and your monthly payments apply to the purchase. On the rental agreement, take note of the interest rate and total cost. It may be cheaper to obtain your own loan.

Sources: Joan Reist, past president of the Music Teachers National Association and retired associate professor of piano pedagogy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lance Nielsen, president of the Nebraska Music Educators Association and director of bands at Lincoln East High School. National standards published by the National Association for Music Education at http://www.menc.org/.

Matchbox train craft

Picture-by-picture instructions on Kids Craft Weekly.

Make your own rainbow rainmaker shaker

Use food coloring on the rice. Via Sparkle Power!

Go Canada!

For Erin

ABC Music & Me Schools Edition

Some Outcomes are Immeasurable

If you know someone in the pre-K public school system--such as a Director of Curriculum, or Superintendent--let us know.

ABC Music & Me is especially effective for children with developmental delays, English language learners, or children who are at risk of falling behind in Kindergarten.

Just in time for Convention

Via the Imaginary Foundation.

She flies through the air with the greatest of ease

Speaking of missing bloggers .... Darcie and I still catch each other mid-air every once in a while, thanks to Facebook. These days, the former Kindermusik Educator and now, mom of two, is crafting another talent: Photography. She's now shooting along side her husband Jason, and the result is even more music and movement in the shots for Revival Arts Studio.

Better than Mr. Potato Head

Turn up the volume to hear the sound effects for some face fun.

Via Neatorama.

Freestyle Tuba

girl with guitar

A hunka-hunka-halloween

It's that time of year again. Thankyouverymuch.

Kitchen remix

Kindermusik of Holland.

Music training linked to enhanced verbal skills

"Music training, with its pervasive effects on the nervous system’s ability to process sight and sound, may be more important for enhancing verbal communication skills than learning phonics, according to a new Northwestern University study."

Photo: deb takes photos

Faces in places

An entire blog dedicated to the hidden faces around us.

Via swissmiss.

Musicophilia

"Oliver Sacks has an interview in the latest Wired, talking about his new book Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain with Steve Silberman. This sounds like a fantastic book -- a real Sacks-ian exploration of all the wild and illuminating ways the brain has of dealing with music. "

Via boing boing.

Alive and kicking, just not blogging

I've been getting the nicest emails, lately.

"Where are you, Molly?"

"I don't want to bother, or get too personal, but is everything okay?"

"We miss your blogging!"

Well. Thank you.

And yes, I am fit as a fiddle, and a-okay. Sorry to have made you all worry. Of course, I would have likely done the same thing if one of you suddenly stopped blogging. In the last few month's, however, I've been been immersed in learning my new role with ABC Music & Me. It's not really a new role anymore, and finally, I feel like I can come up for air. Plus, my band has really been taking off. We recently won the Battle of the Bands in Ziggy's. And, I've recently welcomed a new distraction into my life. Ain't he cute?

Still, it's great to be missed, and I'll still be probably blogging less. That just means you'll have to pick up the slack. Looking forward to seeing it.

Love: Mollie Greene's words

Last summer I loved to read the way she'd complain about the heat. Now, with a third curly-haired child on the way, she has taken to writing love/hate lists.

Clearly, she's a Kindermusik Educator. Thanks for sharing you, Mollie Greene.

love

vacuuming the house just before bed
new school clothes and the way kids feel when wearing them
jude’s sneaky way of charming sips of coffee from my cup
the amazing way that children! learn! to read!
marvel hero (and villain) postage stamps
the potential for cooler weather
hel looks and the all-too-brief explanations as to what the heck is going on there
finding a good pattern to make the use of and need for kleenex lovely

hate
cereal for dinner
amber on big brother 8
three year old whining instead of the helpful use of words to express needs, dislikes, displeasure
adults posessing self-centeredness but poorly disguising it as busy-ness
uncomfortable inability to not feel enormously pregnant

This elephant is full of peanuts

Thank you swissmiss.

One man orchestra. Literally.

Look closely. They're all Bob Brozman.

Rock, paper, scissors, or a bedtime story?

Freakanomics authors Stephen Dubner and Steven D. Levitt blog for the New York Times. And they'll talk about all manner of things, including one of the Stephen-ven's nightly ritual with his daughters to teach creative thinking skills.

Click the picture to read the blog post and watch the video.

What a wonderful shadow puppet

Another Coontastic find.

Draw on the walls, please

E-glue.

Everybody's going to dance around

Thanks Sean.

Top Toy Trends 2007

I've been (not so) joking about getting a red, radio flyer wagon to cart my guitar amp from my car into bars for gigs. Novelty, and practical, yes. I could use the wagon as an amp stand, too.

Now that I see this new take on a radio flyer, I'm doing a double take. Unfortunately, my amp would crush this little worm, but I'd still like to take him for a spin. Or a bob. Or a wiggle.

Check out all the top toy trends profiled in Parent magazine and take special note: Almost every single one has a music and movement spin.

Mind your own business

Kindermusik Educator Caroyln Hornell was profiled this week in West Vancouver's newspaper--in the business section.

Get rhythm

Composer with the ridiculously long name

The name of the German composer in the Monty Python sketch is:

Johann Gambolputty-de-von-Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crass-cren-bon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelter-wasser-kurstlich-himble-eisenbahnwagen-guten-abend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwürstel-gespurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumeraber-schönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittleraucher-von-Hautkopft of Ulm.

Via Swiss Miss

General Admission

Here is the Educator responsible, and I've asked her for the full story. More later ....

Gigantic Dulcimers Kick Off Beijing Olympics

Imagine the Olympic size of that home material order. Geez.

Hey Xander, this one doesn't have a heart

Space Invaders Fifth Symphony

First the hoodies, then the symphony, then somebody throws around Beethoven's name.

"If Beethoven were alive today, he would be a video-game composer. ... He was always ahead of the curve. His whole thing in music was to control the emotions of the person listening to it.”'

Video Games Live organizer Tommy Tallarico

If I only had a brain

I was always amazed at how he could sing and dance, without a brain.

Must be the music that makes him so brilliant.

Music and Movement

Martha Graham

"Wear" is your instrument?

Careyanne passed on this Web site, Etsy, which is full of fun, artsy, cool-mama crafts.

Nobody knows this better than you.

The Optimus Prime of Instruments

Sean has been sending some fantastic links my way lately, including this, which is a page totally dedicated to automatic instruments. And this video, where you can see the above automatic cello in action.

The evolution of a drummer

The video starts when he's 2-years-old.

Neatorama

If you got flickr, you got stickers

Nifty, nifty. Now you can upload your flickr photos (and other creative picture services) to create you own sticker books, and more.

Thanks Sean.

It's hard to say goodbye

But it's always good to know you left an indellible impression. A parent in Sarah Flack's Kindermusik class blogs her goodbye.