Why Kindermusik?

FORT KENT - Seven years ago, I traveled to Colorado to visit my friend Alisha and meet her first child, Caleb.

Alisha was always someone I wanted to emulate when the time came to have a family of my own.  As a lot of first time parents tend to do "these days", she'd done a ton of research on ways she could help her child's development skyrocket.  It was no surprise that I found myself walking into a music class for her and her six-month-old.  A music class for a baby?  Was she serious?  What a waste of time and money, right?

I couldn't have been more off-the-mark.  Watching and participating in the class with that little guy completely won me over.  Kindermusik "had me at hello".  The songs, dances, stories, movements, sounds, interactions all combined beautifully...effortlessly.  As I learned years later when I became a licensed Kindermusik educator, the classes are just as much for the parent as for the child.  Infant massage stimulates the baby's nerve endings to enhance brain function.  Gentle rocking improves balance earlier, creating confident walkers.  Whimsical rhymes teach sound patterns for speech development.  Social dances introduce babies to other babies and the concept of relationship and ensemble.  Musical instruments create unusual sounds to stimulate interest in learning.  Exercises help tiny muscles grow and learn how to work.  Bonding experiences through music help self-regulate emotions.  Parents get to meet other adults, have grown-up conversations, make play-dates, and just feel reassured that they are doing good things for their child's growth.

I could fill an entire Fiddlehead Focus with scientific/educational info on the benefits of music and movement curricula for children, but I'll just leave it at this:  When I decided to open a licensed Kindermusik program here in Fort Kent, I was suddenly surrounded by new friends; my son and his classmates started developing a sense of rhythm and language; my husband bonded with our son as they did classes together, and we both became more confident as parents, because we had good tools at our disposal.

Now my flagship class of babies is in my pre-school aged class.  We make up stories and dances, learn about new things, play music together and have a blast.  It's such a delight to see them grow throughout the years, passing the Kindermusik torch on to their younger siblings.  It goes by fast, but Kindermusik helps make the time meaningful.  By participating in an active arts program with music and movement at least once a week, children have been proven to become stronger students in all subjects.  They love to learn.  I've seen it happen in many students of mine...including my little guy.

If you have a little one of your own, why don't you come see why there is now a posse of die-hard Kindermusik parents in the Valley?  The first class is always free, and I'd love to show you why this world-renowned music program is needed in the Valley...and why you and your child deserve the opportunity to bond, to grow and to learn together.

Classes start Saturday, September 11.

There are three levels of curricula I currently teach.

Kindermusik Village is for parents to do with their newborn up to 18-month-old.  Kindermusik Our Time is for parents/caregivers to do with their 18-month to 3-year-olds. Kindermusik Imagine That! is for parents/caregivers to do with their 3- to 5-year-olds.

These are not drop-off classes.  Parents are a child's first teacher, and these classes are designed to be wonderful gifts for your whole family.

There are only three rules I have...

Rule #1:  There is no wrong way for your child to participate.  Whether they are shy, cry, scream or dance...you will be amazed what they soak up and show you at home.  Give them a chance to explore their personalities.  You'll be surprised.

Rule #2:  We're not making mini Mozarts.  It's about the process, not perfection.  It's a journey.  It's fun.  No stress, please.

Rule #3:  No bumps-on-a-log.  Parents can't just sit back and watch.  Their interaction is required.  Who cares if you can't carry a tune or you still dance like you're at your first school dance?  Your child certainly doesn't.

I invite you to come and fall in love for yourself.  For information about schedule and prices, please call me (Melanie Morgenthaler) at 834-2465 or email me at melanie@littledanielsden.com.

You can even visit www.kindermusik.com to learn more, see videos of classes, and view my class schedule.  See you soon.

Melanie Morgenthaler

Licensed Kindermusik® Educator

Little Daniel's Den

90 East Main Street, Fort Kent

834-2465

melanie@littledanielsden.com

www.kindermusik.com