Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in albuquerque, NM

Guest Post: The Importance of Musical Exploration

by Alison

April 27, 2009

The following is a guest post by Emily, who teaches music and movement classes to young children. See the bottom of her article for more information about her classes.

Children are born musical. There is no better time to experiment with music than the baby and preschool years. Brain research continues to prove that active musical experiences create new pathways between the cells in the brains of young children. This doesn't mean you need to have your 6 month old taking structured piano lessons. In fact, just the opposite is true. Creative play is such an important part of developing a child's love of music.  

You can start at home by putting on different styles of music and dancing to the beat with your child. Try using big and small motions, moving fast and slow, and high and low. Just have fun with it! Your child will be much more willing to experiment with his own body if he sees you movin' and groovin'!  Try making up songs as you give a bath, brush teeth, and pick up toys. Or perhaps tap out rhythms with a wooden spoon and pot. Enrolling your baby or preschooler in a music and movement class is another great step in supporting his natural musical abilities.  

Music classes geared toward young children provide an opportunity to play simple instruments and explore creative movements with their bodies. Exciting props such as scarves, bean bags, ribbons, balls, parachutes, and bubbles are an added benefit. Plus, it's a great way to get some ideas to use at home and also meet some new parents and playmates!  

Bounce n' Boogie is an exciting and affordable option for musical activity classes. Classes are developmentally appropriate for 0-4 year olds and are only $28/four week session (additional siblings are half price!). There are no contracts or start up costs. Classes are flexible, parent interactive, sibling friendly, and non-competitive. Check it out at www.bouncenboogie.com and sign up for a free trial class!!!!

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by Alison

December 18, 2008

Introduce your children to a new aspect of the holiday season - the wonderful music! Celebrate the music of the season at these local events, you may start a new, fun family tradition and you may just be inspiring a future musician! Ballet Repertory Theater's production of the Nutcracker runs through Christmas Eve at Kimo Theater. There aren't many tickets left, so act quickly if you  Read more...

What To Do This Weekend

by Alison

November 06, 2008

Here are a few ideas for you if you're wanting a fun family weekend activity The library is hosting a Patron Appreciation Weekend. The theme is "It's Getting Wild at the Library" and events include: Storytelling Book Sale Interactive Science Exhibits from Explora Performances by Recycle-Man, a musician who uses junk and found objects to create his instruments Make and Take Craft  Read more...

Raising Mozart: Bringing Out Your Child's Inner Musician

by Alison

October 16, 2008

Music often has a magical affect on children. My one year old loves dance to anything that resembles music and my four year old gets so excited when he hears a song he recognizes. Chances are, music gets a positive reaction from your children as well. Take that love and try to grow it into something wonderful with these local resources: Kindermusik and Gymboree are two national music  Read more...