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

Good Websites for Preschoolers

by Alison

July 27, 2009

When my son was not yet two years old, I thought it might be fun to introduce him to some simple computer games and what better place to go than the internet? Since then, I've found some great ones and some not so great ones and I've also realized that a website can be a great way for a young child to learn letters and numbers, but also gain basic essential computer skills.

By far my most favorite website for kids is Starfall. This is a site all about reading and there's something for every level. Prereaders can learn letter sounds through interactive pages and simple games. Then there are interactive books for children who are beginning to read and for those who are experienced readers. These are also lots of fun to read with your kids. There's plenty of printable worksheets as well.

SesameStreet.org is full of educational games and your child's favorite characters. Search games by subject or character. Watch videos (including classic ones) and learn about all the characters (did you know The Count's birthday is October 9th?).

Sodaplay is one you'll definitely want to play with right alongside your child. It's full of models that you can manipulate with the click of a mouse. There's a lot of physics going along on this site, but your kids will enjoy clicking and watching the "characters" jump up into the air, crash to the ground and just move around in general.

iTunes isn't a site that you'd let your kids browse around on their own, but it's full of free children's podcasts for you to download and enjoy on your computer. You can find clips of your child's favorite TV show or audio shows designed just for kids. Of course you can always purchase music, movies, and episodes of TV shows but if you're lucky, you might find a great freebie in the weekly free downloads section. There's no need to own an iPod in order to use iTunes, just download to your computer and view and listen there.

Jitterbug is a site full of fun kids music that you can stream right from your computer. You can also watch music videos, like Laurie Bernker's "We Are The Dinosaurs".
What are your favorite sites for kids?    

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!!!!

Fa La La La La. La. La. La. La.

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...

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...