Kindermusik with Nancy Hehemann

Circus in town

2011-11-28T18:47:00.002-06:00

Orak Shrine Circus at the Hammond Civic Center.
Thursday Dec. 1 7:00p.m.
Friday Dec. 2 11:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.
Saturday Dec. 3 11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
Sunday Dec. 4 11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. - 7:p.m.

Kindermusik: Learning through Music

2011-10-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

Spotlight on Learning: Village

Lifting. Squatting. Twirling. Bending. Whew! Sometimes Kindermusik class feels more like a workout than, well, a workout. Okay, maybe not P90x, but still! While you are building muscles each week, your child is building early language skills.

When you lift her high "up, up in the sky" or "twirl around like a leaf" while singing the songs in class, you help your little one learn the word and understand the concept. Pre-readers rely almost exclusively on what they hear in order to acquire language. Your child's brain makes a connection based on what she experiences (being lifted high or twirling around) and hears ("up" or "twirl"). Later, she will discover those words correspond to marks on a page which eventually leads to letter recognition and reading. Just think how toned your arms will be then!

Everyday connection: Play that fun-key music. Listen and move to music that combines key vocabulary with a movement or activity. "Up, Up In The Sky" and "Like a Leaf or a Feather" are familiar choices. Visit play.kindermusik.com for more favorites, like "I Roll the Ball to You." Try mixing in your tunes, too. "Dancing Queen" anyone?

Spotlight on Learning: Our Time

Can your child name that tune in four notes or less? If it is "Wishy Washy Wee," he probably hears only the first chord before shouting "Weeeee!" while throwing his hands in the air. To name that song, he is hearing and distinguishing a series of discrete musical notes or tones.

Scientists now know that our brain processes music similar to how we process language. To become successful readers, young children need to understand that words-like music-are made up of discrete sounds. Later they use that knowledge of sounds to read and build words. Research shows that children with these skills are more successful learning to read than others.

Kindermusik provides many opportunities for your child to discriminate similarities and differences in sound. So, while your child gains musical skills in class, he also makes gains in his phonological awareness and reading development. Now that is music to any parent's ears. "Weee!"

Everyday connection: Play name that tune. How quickly can your child name a familiar song? Is that the good-bye song or the hello song? Are you going to "Clapping Land" or for a trip on "Lukey's Boat"? It's a fun game to play in the car, too!

Pumpkins, Witches and Hayrides Oh My! - Munster, IN

2011-10-02T16:21:00.000-05:00

Centennial Park, Saturday, October 15 from 1 - 4 pm. Wristband for hayrides, face painting, jump houses. Costume Parade on the stage. Trick or Treating. Hot apple cider, popcorn, caramel apples, a chance to win prizes and more.

Two New Evening Classes Added

2011-08-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

NEW CLASS - Kindermusik Family Time ABC Music & Me
Highland Parks/Lincoln Center - 5 Week Session
For children 6 months - 6 years old*
*Children under 6 months old are free attending with older sibling

Let's Play: All the ways you play—at home, in the school yard, during your family time together—is this session's theme. In class we’ll play “Follow the Leader” and other playground games to help your child(ren) develop listening and singing skills while strengthening movement and hand-eye coordination.

In your Home Kit, find more activities, songs, and games you can do together to play and learn at home, too. Home Kit: Two Mini Tambourines, Home CD, and magazine-style Family Guide

Day: Thursdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 6:00 - 6:45 pm
Location: Room 112
Registration for First Child $50 resident/ $55 non-resident
Registration for Second Child $25 resident/$30 non-resident
Materials Fee $25

Registration Deadline: August 29, 2011

NEW CLASS - Kindermusik Family Time ABC Music & Me
Dyer Parks - 4 Week Session
For children 6 months - 6 years old*
*Children under 6 months old are free if attending with older sibling

Carnival of Music - This session’s story features Barley Bear and his day-long quest to find a piece of shoo-fly pie at the fair. In class we’ll read about Barley and talk about his willingness to wait and be patient in the middle of the fun fair distractions.

At home, your Home Kit includes more activities to help your child feel comfortable in group-play and group-learning situations. Home Kit: Two Egg shakers, Home CD, and magazine-style Family Guide

Day: Mondays, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17
Time: 6:00 - 6:45 pm
Location: Lower Level
Registration for First Child $40 resident/ $45 non-resident
Registration for Second Child $25 resident/ $30 non-resident
Materials Fee $25

Registration Deadline: September 21, 2011

2011-08-05T08:11:00.000-05:00

Top 10 Reasons NOT to Choose Kindermusik … Drum roll ….

1) I just want someone to entertain my toddler so I can put my feet up!

It's true-you do NOT get to sit all that much in a Kindermusik Village, Our Time, or Family Time class. In Kindermusik, the goal is for the parent to interact with the child, with the teacher as the facilitator. It's a high energy, active time, filled with singing, playing instruments, and moving, but it's not always restful. I will say, though, that it usually DOES insure that your child will take a good nap later on (for a daytime class) or go to bed tired (for a night class), so hopefully you'll get that break then. And you got a workout, too!

2) I want a music class that teaches music from my faith/traditions.

Kindermusik is an international program and it has something for everyone, including a great deal of children's music from around the globe. However, it's not a church children's choir, and even in a lesson that is focused on music from Ireland, Africa, or India, there will be music from other traditions and cultures as well. We will probably hit something that resonates with your culture sometime, but it won't be a custom fit.

Having said that, suggestions are always welcome, and as a Kindermusik educator, I am part of a large online community of educators that share ideas-so if we missed a song that would have been perfect, let me know!

3) I want my child to learn to play a specific instrument.

We play a lot of instruments in Kindermusik classes, and listen to/look at many more, either physically in class or via photos/recordings. However, it is true that there is no one Kindermusik instrument such as Violin or Piano. It is our belief as educators that in the early stages of a child's development, hearing and experiencing many instruments is more powerful than focusing on one, and will help a child who chooses to study an instrument make a choice that they truly love.

4) I want a recital!

We believe in process, not performance in the early childhood ages. While it's cute to see little dancers hop around on stage, or little children dress up and sing, it takes a lot of class time and puts a lot of stress on the children to participate in these activities, only to have preschool and below children get out there and do what they want to do anyway. And while that may be cute, it means that a lot of learning time has been lost to get to that point. There will be many years for recitals and performance. At this stage, we want the children to enjoy music and have fun with it. We always welcome grandparents and other visitors in class to watch your child have fun, and it is a great time to bring your camera and capture a special moment or two!

5) It costs too much.

Because materials are factored into the cost of Kindermusik tuition each semester, it's true that the cost seems higher than other young children's programs. However, you get what you pay for. In every semester, you get books, music, activities, and instruments/props appropriate to your child's current age and developmental level. With today’s technology, you also get free downloadable music for your iPod or other player you might have. Past experience has shown that these, used at home regularly, greatly increase a child's participation in and excitement for class, as well as building lifelong learning skills. Excellent materials and excellent teaching cost money, and many parents have decided that Kindermusik is well worth the expense.

6) He sings at daycare. I want something different!

Most programs for young children, from library story time to preschool playtime to gymnastics and dance, now incorporate some singing and movement activities that resemble those in a Kindermusik classroom. And it's easy to see why-such activities WORK to help a young child learn. But we were the first such program out there, and we do our best to stay up to date on research and to provide professional development to our educators such that you're getting more than just singing a few songs or waving a parachute. You're getting a complete child development experience, designed to help your child grow and learn, from a highly trained professional.

7) He's very active.

It's true that we're no soccer or Pop Warner Football. There are times when we run, jump, spin, dance, and twirl. There are also times when we sit, rock, stretch, rub, and listen. All of our activities are designed to take a young child's activity needs into consideration, and to meet those movement needs, while also teaching concentration, listening, and attention skills that a young child will need for school and in life. Your child may want to explore and move -- that’s fine. Bring him back in for the next activity.

8) I want him to sit and listen.

It's true that we're up and moving in Kindermusik classes a lot. But there are also many times to sit, listen, pay attention, and follow rules. Research at George Mason University indicated that preschoolers who participated in Kindermusik did better on exactly these sorts of skills than those who did not. So while we are up dancing, singing, and moving, there is a method to that madness, even though we're not asking a 4 yr old to sit at a piano to take a lesson.

9) She's very, very bright. She'll get bored.

It's true that Kindermusik, like any group class, teaches to the developmental level of the average child, with modifications up and down. However, the Kindermusik curriculum is written for specific age ranges at every level, which accommodates a wide range of developmental differences, even before you add teacher accommodations. And relatively small class sizes compared to preschool or Kindergarten settings make it much easier to do this. If a child is getting bored or frustrated with the content, we'll see it and adapt, whether that adaptation happens in the classroom, or requires changing to a different class or age level.

10) My child has special needs.

It's hard to find a place for a child who is different from the norm to fit in, isn't it? And it's true that some special needs can make it hard for a child in a group class. However, I can tell you with assurance that I have had children in my program with disabilities ranging from Autism to Vision Impairment, and every letter of the alphabet in between, and while their Kindermusik journeys didn't always look like those of other children, they were able to benefit from, learn from, and enjoy the class. Kindermusik is even sometimes written into Early Intervention plans, because it has proven so beneficial for many children. First Steps and Wee Care Therapy have referred their clients to my classes.

If Kindermusik sounds like it may be right for your child, please visit our website at www.nancy.kindermusik.net for our current class schedule and information or call me, Nancy, with any questions at 219-765-4363.

Jump Central Camp

2011-07-01T18:50:00.000-05:00

What a blast I had this week with 8 great kids at Jump Central! We did ABC Music & Me for an hour, stopped for a little snack and bathroom break and then it was time for some jumping fun! Moms were happy that the kids all had such a great time that they want to sign up for it next summer or sooner. ♫ The kids all took great naps when they got home each day.

After about 45 minutes of jump time they would be tired and sit at the table and draw pictures for a while. Then they would get their second wind and go jump until it was time to be picked up from Jump Central.

Summer Adventures 2011

2011-06-08T17:43:00.000-05:00

I have several options for summer. You can host a play date at your house or local park for a minimal fee per child/family.

There is a Monday - Thursday "camp" for children ages 4 - 6 years old at Jump Central in St. John. The kids will do Kindemusik with me for 1 hour and then stay for 1 1/2 hours of jump time. June 27 - 30 from 9 - 11:30 am.

Then I am doing a mini 4 week session at Dyer and Highland Parks departments. Dyer classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Highland Parks classes are on Wednesday. It's the second week of July through first week of August. Visit my website www.nancy.kindermusik.net for more details or give me a call at 219-765-4363.

If you belong to a MOMS or MOPS group ... I'd love to do a music event/play date with you.

Lots of options! Plus ... don't forget I also do birthday parties!

Hope your summer is off to a good start.

Session Ending

2011-05-15T12:25:00.000-05:00

I am wrapping up the winter/spring session this week and next week. Time flew by. It's been a great session from September - May. The kids and grown ups really connected this session. Don't forget that summer is just around the corner and I am doing a mini 4 week session (3 weeks in July and 1 week in August) and also doing a drop off Monday - Thursday (June 27 - 30) camp for kids 4 - 6 years old at Jump Central in St. John from 9 - 11:30 am. Visit my website for all the summer classes. I am also thinking of adding a "Musik in the park" day or two so keep your eyes opened for that. We will meet at a park (weather permitting) and do 30 minutes of music together for $5 per child or maximum of $10 per family. Then you can all play at the park! Visit www.nancy.kindermusik.net or call 219-765-4363. Invite a friend to join you! If they register, you will get a $10 credit toward your materials fee.

January Kindermusik wtih Nancy Options

2010-11-19T15:08:00.000-06:00

Kindermusik with Nancy – Dyer Parks Department
Mini Session in January

Kindermusik ABC Music & Me – 4 week session – Tuesdays
Research shows that music improves a child’s memory, cognitive development, learning skills, and ability to express emotion. Music makes a child a better learner, teaches self-control, improves coordination, enhances creativity, and inspires a lifetime appreciation of music and movement.

On the Go
Ages: 2 – 4 years old (parent/caregiver participation required)

Put a new spin on trains and cars. In class we’ll talk about things on the go. And with a real-sounding train whistle, sound effects, and music CD in your Home Kit, you can take the learning on the go as you talk about moving fast and slow, while developing your toddler’s rhythm and coordination and strengthening your child’s connection to what’s happening in class.
Home Kit: Train whistle instrument, Home CD, and magazine-style Family Guide (includes the class story The Big Race)
Registration Deadline: December 31

Tuition $45/$50
Materials $20 paid to instructor
Tuesdays January 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time 9:30 – 10:15 am (45 minutes)

Rhythms of the Land
Ages 4 – 6 years old - NO parent/guardian

In class we’ll explore the rhythms and sounds of Native American music. As we investigate, compare, and contrast a wide variety of drums and the materials they’re made from, your preschooler develops the investigative vocabulary needed in the sciences. When you repeat rhythm patterns at home and share the activities in your Home Kit, your child gets an early start in math, too. Home Kit: Jingle Stick instrument, Home CD, and magazine-style Family Guide (includes the class story Pedal Pump, Pedal Pump)
Registration Deadline: December 31

Tuition $50/$55
Materials $20 paid to instructor
Tuesdays January 4, 11, 18 and 25
Time 1:00 – 2:00 pm (1 hour)

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Kindermusik Playdates at Dyer Parks
Thursday, January 13, 2011

Get out of the house and come experience a Kindermusik class in January when you might have cabin fever! If you’ve never done Kindermusik, this is a great introduction to the program. If you have participated, this is an opportunity to continue your musical fun until the winter/spring session begins in February. Minimum of 4/maximum of 10. Registration deadline is January 10 .

Village Age (newborn –2 years old)
For lap babies, crawlers, and walkers with their parents, this class provides a delightful environment unlike any other. Through a unique blend of multi-level activities that include creative movement, vocal play, object and instrument exploration, and a colorful literature component, baby’s growth and development are stimulated and all senses engaged.

Thursday – January 13 9:30 – 10:15 am
Fee: $15 resident/ $20 non-resident (includes a book and CD)

Our Time (2 – 3 1/2 years old)
For children ages 18 months to 3 years, each accompanied by an adult caregiver. This group lesson was designed to feature the basic components of a Kindermusik classroom experience—singing, moving, playing instruments, listening, group interactions, and most importantly, lots of parent education about the development of their child.

Thursday - January 13 10:30 – 11:15 am
Fee $15 resident/$20 non-resident (includes a book and CD)

Imagine That (3 ½ - 5 years old)
For those pre-school children with great imaginations! The children typically attend classes by themselves, but for this play-date version, parents will attend so you can see for yourself what Kindermusik is all about.

Thursday - January 13 12:45 – 1:30 pm
Fee $15 resident/$20 non-resident (includes a book and CD)

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Kindermusik Playdates at Highland Parks Department
January 12, 2011

Village Age (newborn – 2 years old)
For lap babies, crawlers, and walkers with their parents, this class provides a delightful environment unlike any other. Through a unique blend of multi-level activities that include creative movement, vocal play, object and instrument exploration, and a colorful literature component, baby’s growth and development are stimulated and all senses engaged. Registration deadline – January 10.

Wednesday – January 12 9:30 – 10:15 am
Fee: $15 resident/ $18 non-resident (includes a book and CD)

Our Time (2 – 3 1/2 years old)
For children ages 2 to 3 1/2 years, each accompanied by an adult caregiver. This group lesson was designed to feature the basic components of a Kindermusik classroom experience—singing, moving, playing instruments, listening, group interactions, and most importantly, lots of parent education about the development of their child.

Wednesday – January 12 10:35 – 11:20 am
Fee $15 resident/$18 non-resident (includes a book and CD)

Imagine That (3 ½ - 5 years old)
For those pre-school children with great imaginations! The children typically attend classes by themselves, but for this play-date version, parents will attend so you can see for yourself what Kindermusik is all about.

Wednesday - January 12 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Fee $15 resident/$18 non-resident (includes a book and CD)

Kindermusik's Objective

2010-11-03T12:04:00.003-05:00

Kindermusik's objective is not necessarily to make your child a musician. Instead, Kindermusik begins the musical learning that will enrich every life. Kindermusik uses music to encourage early learning and creativity in children ages newborn to 7 years of age.

You may already know that much of your child's learning takes place in critical periods that occur quite early in life. Kindermusik helps your child make the most of these critical windows.

Developmentally appropriate lessons promote vocal development and language skills, coordination, social interation, and active imagining. Kindermusik never pushes a child. Instead, each leseson is carefully structured to reflect and match your child's age and stage.

Smooth Out the Daily Bumps

2010-10-27T11:20:00.003-05:00

Have you ever noticed that your daily routines flow in a rhythmic and musical pattern? The song begins with the waking of each morning and continues as you prepare your family and yourself for the day with the steady beat of breakfast and dressing routines, then march through the day with accented rituals and syncopated surprises, slowing the tempo with lulling routines and rituals at bedtime, ending harmoniously with a good night song ... thus flows the rhythm of a day.

We all know that daily routines are repetitive. But, did you know that routines are essential to your child? Routines provide a cocoon of security, familiarity, and comfort when your child has so little control over the events of his or her own life. While the daily maintenance of life may bore you (after all, what is fascinating about changing another diaper, emptying the dishwasher again, feeding the cat, and raking the leaves every week?), your emotional health and even your soul needs a certain amount of routine. Routines are healthy for you and your child. Tune In gives you ways not only to enjoy everyday routines but suggestions on how to make them more meaningful and fun.

Visit www.kindermusik.com, click on Classes and then Newsletter to register for Tune In e-mails.

Be the Best You Can Be - Famous Quotes

2010-09-21T13:59:00.005-05:00

Don Miguel Ruiz
Always do your best. (From The Four Agreements)

Oprah Winfrey
Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.

Helen Keller
When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.

Earl Nightingale
We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we've established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.

Confucius
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

Soles 4 Souls - Shoes for those in Need

2010-04-12T11:21:00.002-05:00

My church (Westminster Presbyterian Church/Munster) is collecting gently used shoes to send to the organization Soles 4 Souls. Our shipment of shoes will be going to all those in need in Haiti. We are collecting the next two weeks – through April 25th. If you, your child(ren) or spouse have shoes in the closets that are no longer worn, but someone else could use them, please bring them to Westminster Presbyterian Church at 8955 Columbia Avenue (across from Community Hospital). Two of our youth are doing this project. If you don't have shoes, but would like to contribute ... we are in need of monetary donations to cover the cost of shipping. Make checks payable to Westminster and put Soles 4 Souls on memo line.

Words of Wisdom for the New Year

2009-12-31T08:45:00.000-06:00

The most destructive habit……..Worry
The greatest joy…….Giving
The greatest loss…….Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work…….Helping others
The ugliest personality trait…..Selfishness
The most endangered species…..Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource…..Our youth
The greatest “shot in the arm”……Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome……Fear

The most effective sleeping pill……Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease……Excuses
The most powerful force in life……Love

The most dangerous pariah……A gossiper
The world’s most incredible computer……The brain
The worst thing to be without……Hope

The deadliest weapon…..The tongue
The two most power-filled words……“I Can”
_ anonymous

Events/Calendar

2009-12-23T15:26:00.003-06:00

To see upcoming events, possible closings, etc. click on the Events/Calendar link in the left column under Kindermusik with Nancy.

Parent Testimonials

2009-11-28T08:11:00.001-06:00

Kindermusik Birthday Party

2009-10-13T22:10:00.004-05:00

Monday, October 12, I did a birthday party for Camryn who turned three years old on October 11th. Her parents, little brother and I surprised her at her pre-school. She got to have 9 of her friends join her for a Kindermusik Birthday Celebration. I think dad had more fun than Camryn dancing and playing with the instruments.

A great time was had by all!

Fire Prevention/Awareness Month

2009-10-01T19:22:00.003-05:00

This Saturday and next Saturday, many of the local firehouses will be having an open house and activities for the kids. Check out your local firehouse and support them. Fire Preventin Week is October 4 - October 10th.

Also, the Safety Village in Schererville by Show Place is having an event for the day on Saturday, October 3.

Why Music? Celebrity Quote

2009-09-10T17:32:00.002-05:00

“Often a single experience will open the young soul to music for a whole lifetime. This experience cannot be left to chance; it is the duty of the school to provide it.” Composer and educator Zoltan Kodaly

Wonderful Weather

2009-09-02T18:31:00.002-05:00

What a great week it's been so far. I love having the windows open and waking up to a chilly house. My son is into his routine of school, cross country practice, piano and soccer. I'm enjoying some time to myself until my fall session starts the week of Sepptember 14th. No soccer game this weekend since it's a holiday. We get to relax or labor for Labor Day weekend.

Art and Quote of the Day

2009-09-02T18:05:00.001-05:00

Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks. Simonides

Follow Me To Kindermusik

2009-08-25T15:42:00.000-05:00

2009-08-17T14:11:00.005-05:00

Why Choose Kindermusik? It's true that research shows music helps children become better learners, and that even a newborn emotionally responds to music. Parents respond, too: 99% of Kindermusik parents would recommend the classes to other parents*.

However, all the research in the world can’t accurately capture the look of pure delight in your child’s eyes when she experiences the sights and sounds of Kindermusik, both in the classroom and at home.

With 30 years experience in developing early learning curricula and products, Kindermusik is the world’s most trusted name in music and movement classes for children newborn to seven. Kindermusik curricula are based upon the principles of early development applied to developmentally appropriate practice as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Plus, the Kindermusik philosophy is rooted in the work of early childhood development experts like Piaget, Montessori, and Greenspan.

Our full curricula offer your child seven years of musical learning that involves every aspect of your child’s growth and development: language, motor skills, social skills, cognitive development, emotional growth, and musicality. Throughout the Kindermusik experience, a trusted and trained Educator will guide you and your child through every musical and developmental milestone and help you understand what is happening all along the way. Each semester, a new set of At Home Materials brings the experience out of the classroom and into your every day routines and rituals.

Come experience for yourself why more parents around the world choose Kindermusik than any other music and movement program.

(*Harris Interactive, November 2005)

Men in Film

2009-08-16T22:32:00.001-05:00

Very neat how this is done.

Can't Decide Whether to Enroll in Kindermusik?

2009-08-12T17:52:00.002-05:00

Honor Received From Kindermusik International

2009-06-04T11:13:00.003-05:00

I received Maestro status from Kindermusik International for my volunteer work with Westlake School corporation (pre-school for children with special needs plus mentors). I brought music to 6 classrooms - about 80+ students - this school year. I went to Frank Hammond in Munster and Protsman in Dyer. What a rewarding experience to work with these kids!

Westlake School Corporation - Children with Special Needs

2009-03-07T20:03:00.002-06:00

A few months ago I started donated my time to a couple of the Westlake Pre-schools. Over the last 5 years I have had several children with special needs in my Kindermusik classes. It is so great to see these children be accepted and loved by all the other kids in class and to also see how much they respond to music.

Since many of my students are going to preschool now and not able to also do Kindermusik classes, I've taken music to them. I've gone to Frank Hammon and Protsman and hope to visit a few more schools if I can fit it into my schedule. I spend about 20 - 30 minutes with the kids. We sing a hello song, do 3 songs using instruments, hand movements or a prop and we end with a good-bye song.

I am honored to spend this special time with these students.

Let's Rock! Even newborns can follow a rhythm

2009-01-28T22:12:00.002-06:00

This article was posted on MSNBC.com

Let’s rock! Even newborns can follow a rhythm
Infant brain responds with error signal when beat is disturbed, study finds
By Robin Nixon
LiveScience

Newborns can follow a rhythm, a new study has found, suggesting rocking out is innate.
The finding, published in the Jan. 26 issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to growing evidence that the newborn brain is not the blank slate it was once thought to be.

Rather, scientists have shown, at birth we already have sophisticated methods for interpreting the world. Discrimination may be crude, explained lead researcher István Winkler of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest, but "the basic algorithms are in place already."
This may be particularly true when it comes to sound. Infants as young as 2 days old can process pitch and tell if a series of notes are rising or falling in scale. And it is now known they have rhythm, too.

Newborns can't exactly swing their hips to prove they can jive, so Winkler and his colleague Henkjan Honing of the University of Amsterdam monitored the brains of 14 infants listening to variations of a rock rhythm — complete with drum, snare and high hat cymbal.
When "metrically-unimportant portions" of the beat were silenced, nothing much changed among the auditory-related activity in the brain, Honing said. But when the rhythm was disturbed, particularly by omitting the downbeat, the infant brain responded with an error signal: An expectation for a rhythmic pattern was not met.

"A baby's auditory system is working the same way as an adult's, in that it is always making predictions," Winkler said. If the prediction is incorrect, an error signal helps gauge "how much you are off the actual target," he said.

Perceiving emotion while spoken language can take more than a year to develop, "music is one of the earliest things parents have with their children," Honing said. On a note-to-note level, adult speech usually lacks the pulsing regularity of music, but when parents talk to babies, they instinctively switch to melodic and rhythmic intonations "as a way of communicating emotional messages," Honing said.

Infants can perceive anger, happiness and sadness from a caregiver's cooing and baby babble, he said. A study last year found that babies as young as 5 months can distinguish an upbeat tune, such as "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, from other gloomy tunes.

At a structural level, certain conversation protocols require rhythmic synchrony and are likely unique to humans, Winkler said. While other animals, such as birds and frogs, do have significant auditory skills, few, if any, perceive rhythm or carry on a dialogue, he said. "If you ever talk to someone who will really not synchronize with you, for example like with a computer," Winkler said, "you have the feeling that you can not communicate."

An infant's perception of rhythm may make him receptive to the distinctively human tendency to teach, Winkler said. "Apes never teach," he said, explaining that baby apes learn by simply emulating their parents. But humans engage in a sing-song form of information exchange, where the recipient of new knowledge must respond in a synchronous way (not too fast, not too slow) to convey understanding.

Therefore, evolution may have favored brains wired to rock for learning purposes, said Winkler, and "music went along for the ride."

© 2009 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.

MSN Privacy . Legal© 2009 MSNBC.com

WHAT ARE WE LEARNING IN CLASS?

2009-01-19T08:49:00.001-06:00

Language and Movement: Pairing language with movement sets the stage for cognitive and kinesthetic learning. The right hemisphere of the brain is our emotional side where much of our creativity is channeled. The left hemisphere organizes logical skills, such as language. When children are engaged in movements determined by the lyrics, the brain automatically cross references both hemispheres, mapping creativity and logic. (Fishburne, G. 1988).

Story from a mom in Tennessee

2009-01-16T20:31:00.002-06:00

Discovering more than Music at Clarksville’s Kindermusik class.
By Beth Britton January 15, 2009

This morning Elle-Girl and I attended an event held in an upstairs practice room at the incredibly renovated new Mary’s Music Store downtown. The event was a preview Kindermusik class taught by Tiffany Hilliker. Kindermusik is a free form way of teaching children music by positive parent interaction and helping form a well rounded child. The class starts out with a happy hello song where you bounce your young child in your lap while singing “Hello” to the other children. The class then continues to teach predictable routine practices and interactive song and dance opportunities. The children get to experience different musical instruments and play with bright colorful streamers. The classes are completely child centered, however I must admit, the parent has a really good time as well.

As a mother of a busy toddler I thought that Elle-Girl would really get into this class. She always dances whenever music is on, she enjoys throwing mommy’s scarves up in the air and running through them, and loves singing silly songs and playing the drums on pots and pans.
However, the morning did not play out how I had imagined it. Elle-Girl did not want to sit in my lap during the “Hello” song, nor did she feel like sharing the plush puppy dog during the Sharing song. Sharing is really not a typical thing for children this age to do anyway, but some how the other toddlers in the group were than happy to pass the dog around. At one point a small duck was pulled out of Mrs. Hilliker’s box of plush animals and the usually reserved little Elle-Girl, who I swear to you has NEVER taken another toy from a child promptly stood, plush puppy dog still in hand, and took the duck from her “sharing buddy” Hayden. I didn’t feel it was necessary to try to explain Elle-Girl’s long time passion for things that go “Quack” I just quickly tried to resolve the situation.

After a cool down period with a quiet little Japanese Lullaby song, in which Elle-Girl stood looking at all the other children laying down as if to say “If you think I’m laying down for a nap at 10 in the morning, you’re crazy!” ,we all gathered together to hold hands and dance in a circle. Guess who was standing outside of the circle? Elle-Girl.

Tiffany instructed me to go ahead and join the circle, and perhaps when Elle-girl sees how much fun I’m having she will want to join. With a doubtful smile I joined in with the other mothers and their children and danced and skipped in a circle. While we were heading around and around I happen to notice what my child was doing, she was dancing along with us, but in her own circle. Even going in the direction we were going and stopping and doing the all the motions with us. I wanted her to join me, I wanted her to be like everyone else. Just then the mother beside me said something that I think will stay with me for a long time, she commented on how she was her own circle, and “what would the world be like if we didn’t have women like Oprah, or Hillary Clinton, that moved to their own circle?” you could also add women like Rosa Parks, Barbara Walters, Amelia Earhart, or my favorite Annie Lebowitz. At that moment, I found joy in my little independent girl, who has her own ideas and enjoys other children, but does not feel like she has to do what they are doing. I hope she always feels free to dance in her own circle.

I would encourage any parent to give Kindermusik a try. You never know what your child will discover there, or what you may discover about your child!

2009-01-09T12:13:00.002-06:00

This is Anna, one of my Kindermusik Village students. She LOVES her scarves. She got some from grandma for Christmas this year.

Birthday Celebration

2008-11-16T11:55:00.004-06:00

I celebrated my birthday while at the Kindermusik Convention in Raleigh, NC. Three fellow educators treated me to dinner. Our server, Justin, surprised me with the AWESOME dessert. It was a warm, gooey chocolate brownie with a caramel brandy sauce ... OH, MY!!

2008-11-13T15:50:00.004-06:00

Find more videos like this on Kindermusik Curriculum Cafe

There was a study done at Northwestern University and Kindermusik was a part of the study. It talks about the importance of music and language development. What a great plug for Kindermusik!

2008-11-13T12:22:00.003-06:00

I just got back from Kindermusik International's National Convention in Raleigh, NC from Nov 5 - 9. What great fun to get together with 350 educators who love doing their job and reaching children all over the world! Kindermusik is now in 66 countries. There are actually over 4,000 educators worldwide.

Dadsense

2008-10-08T16:12:00.002-05:00

This is a follow-up to the William Tell Momsense song.

This is called Dadsense. Enjoy!

Testimonial

2008-09-12T17:46:00.003-05:00

Dear Ms. Nancy - We have enjoyed and appreciated all of the classes we have done together. We hope you have enjoyed having us in class as well. You are a wonderful teacher, and it has been an amazing experience as new parents to see how our daughter has grown over the course of your classes. We look forward to future classes of Kindermusik. Thanks for everything.

Sincerely,
The Martinez Family

Puppy Lullaby

2008-08-11T08:28:00.002-05:00

And you thought lullabies were just for human babies!

William Tell Mom Song - FUNNY!

2008-08-11T07:48:00.004-05:00

As we plan for the beginning of school in our area, many mom’s are thinking these things already! Let’s revisit a fun post and laugh for our own sake!

Here are the lyrics to this fun song by comedian Anita Renfroe, as she sings in 2 minutes 55 seconds what a mom says…

“The Mom Song”

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepyhead
Here’s your clothes and your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now! Get up and make your bed
Are you hot? Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where’s your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and gloves and your scarf and hat
Don’t forget! You gotta feed the cat
Eat your breakfast, the experts tell us it’s the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at 3 today
Don’t forget your piano lesson is this afternoon so you must play
Don’t shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside, don’t play rough, will you just play fair?
Be polite, make a friend, don’t forget to share
Work it out, wait your turn, never take a dare
Get along! Don’t make me come down there
Clean your room, fold your clothes, put your stuff away
Make your bed, do it now, do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn? Would you like some hay?
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone! Get off the phone!
Don’t sit so close, turn it down, no texting at the table
No more computer time tonight!
Your iPod’s my iPod if you don’t listen up
Where are you going and with whom and what time do you think you’re coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You’ll appreciate my wisdom someday when you’re older and you’re grown
Can’t wait till you have a couple little children of your own
You’ll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now I thank you not to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew, would appreciate
Take a bite maybe two of the stuff you hate
Use your fork, do not burp or I’ll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, get the door, don’t get smart with me
Get a grip, get in here, I’ll count to three
Get a job, get a life, get a PHD
Get a dose of,
“I don’t care who started it!
You’re grounded until you’re 36″
Get your story straight and tell the truth for once, for heaven’s sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff would you jump, too?
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said at least a thousand times before
That you’re too old to act this way
It must be your father’s DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straighter when you walk
A place for everything and everything must be in place
Stop crying or I’ll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth, wash your face, put your PJs on
Get in bed, get a hug, say a prayer with mom
Don’t forget, I love you
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom’s work never ends
You don’t need the reason why
Because, because, because, because
I said so, I said so, I said so, I said so
I’m the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom, the mom!!
Ta da!!!

Parent Testimonials

2008-07-13T19:32:00.003-05:00

Vesna R. - Ana and I enjoy coming to class. I love to see her interacting with the other kids. It is amazing to see what she recalls from one week to the next and to see her imitating movements and role play not only in class but also at home. I feel our time is well spent in class. I would definitely recommend your class to my friends. Thanks for everything you do to make the class an enjoyable and educational experience.

Parent Testimonials

2008-07-13T19:32:00.002-05:00

Katie W. - I have loved bringing Ashlyn to class! It has been a wonderful experience and I feel it has had a positive impact on Ashlyn. She really seems to love music- all kinds! She especially enjoys when she is sung to. It has been so amazing to watch Ashlyn's development as she learns and discovers new things everyday- I feel that music class and the music we sing at home has been an important and fun way to expose her to new sounds, textures, and activities. My friends are impressed with the experience I have had and are looking into classes where they live. The class has exceeded my expectations- I think I was expecting to come and just sing songs, but it is so much more than that! I am so glad I found your class and will be participating for many more sessions to come! Thank you!

Parent Testimonials

2008-07-13T19:30:00.003-05:00

Rebecca B. - My son took his first steps in Nancy's class! As a Lutheran pastor, my husband likes how the class nourishes the spirit; as a professor, I'm delighted at how Nancy's class stimulates the mind.

Parent Testimonials

2008-07-13T19:30:00.001-05:00

Dawn C. - I've been going to Nancy Hehemann for Kindermusik since 2004 with my daughter and then with my son. It has been a treasured time with my children! Nancy is very upbeat and enthusiastic as she leads the class. I enjoy it so much.

Parent Testimonials

2008-07-13T19:29:00.002-05:00

Susan H. - Nancy is a very enthusiastic educator. You can tell she really enjoys what she does and all the kids like her as well. I really enjoy the class and look forward to the next session!

Parent Testimonials

2008-07-13T19:29:00.001-05:00

Mary N. - Nancy is extremely personable, gets to know each child, and works with that child to encourage optimization of age-appropriate social and physical skills. She has been instrumental in helping our son to be less shy and to be more self confident.

Parent Testimonials

2008-07-13T19:25:00.003-05:00

Cheryl P. - Being a teacher for 16 years myself, I can say Nancy has such a great enthusiasm while teaching that beams from her during class. She does a great job keeping the adults well informed on how to help the children grow with Kindermusik.

Happy July 4th!

2008-07-05T22:05:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a safe and fun 4th of July. We enjoyed fireworks at the high school football field and a pool party at our neighbor's house. The weather couldn't have been better the last few days. My son and husband got to do a round of father/son golf Saturday morning, too.

It was refreshing having the month of June off, but I'm ready to begin my summer session on Monday! Can't wait to see everyone.

Family Vacation

2008-06-14T20:03:00.006-05:00

I just got back from a nine day family vacation with my husband, David, and son, Carl. We went to South Dakota and Wyoming and had a great time. We did lots of hiking -- at least three 10K hikes that were moderate to strenuous. We hiked around Devil's Tour in Wyoming and Spearfish Canyon in SD. From there we went to stay at 2 different lodges in Custer State Park - Sylvan Lake and Game State Lodge. We saw Mt. Rushmore during the day and lit up at night and hiked around the grounds. We were very lucky to be in SD the first full weekend of June which allows you to do a Volksmarch (people walk) up to Crazy Horse Memorial. It is THE ONLY weekend during the year that you can actually hike up to the top. We were standing on what will eventually be his arm. We did the lantern hike inside Jewel Cave. We hiked around Sylvan Lake, up to Little Devil's Tower and up to Harney Peak. We went a bit further south to Lake Angostura and rented a house for 2 days. Mammoth Site is only about 20 minutes from there. Our son got to do a junior paleontology dig. It is an actual live site that they are still uncovering. The kids get to find replica bones in a giant sand pit. We saw wild bison, buffalo, several varieties of deer, a big horned ram, wild prairie dogs and some very pretty birds. We also did some horseback riding.

Welcome!

2008-05-22T16:23:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Kindermusik with Nancy Hehemann. I teach classes in Dyer, Munster and St. John, Indiana. I'm finishing my winter/spring session tomorrow (Friday, May 23rd) and I am taking registrations for summer.

You can visit my website: www.nancy.kindermusik.net