FAQ Section
What should I expect of my child?
As you participate in class, listen to the CD together and try the
activities at home. What kind of response should you expect? Some
children are spontaneous singers and movers, others are careful
and astute observers. In either case, after sufficient listening
and observing time at home and in class, you may begin to notice
your child singing or chanting parts of songs, sometimes with words,
sometimes without. However, even when your child gives no response
or seems uninterested in listening or participating, important unconscious
learning is taking place.
Keep in mind the following points:
- Most children choose (wisely) to observe more often than to participate
actively in class. They are taking in information, which they will
act on later at home.
- Most children become accustomed to the class routine and their
classmates around the fifth or sixth week. At this point, their
participation is likely to increase.
- Children are assimilating important music information whether
or not they are outwardly participating. At home, this means it
may be important to play the CD or sing the songs yourself even
if your child seems to be unaware or uninterested, especially during
the first few weeks of class.
Remember that you are the most important model and teacher for your
child. Your most effective role is to participate and enjoy the
class yourself, even though your child might choose to sit back
and observe. If you are enjoying yourself, your child will soon
wish to share that enjoyment with you.
We know it might be difficult to watch other children zealously
participate in the group while your child does not. This is especially
true if your child performs all of his class favorites as soon as
you arrive home. Try to understand that he is very wisely "practicing"
in private and will make his public "debut" when he feels
more confident. Meanwhile, if you feel suddenly overwhelmed with
frustration by the lack of your child's participation in class,
just count to three, relax, and participate yourself!
What should I expect of myself?
Some parents are somewhat disconcerted by the concept of being their
child's most important role model, especially when it comes to music!
You may feel that you are not particularly musical - perhaps you
even describe yourself as being "tone deaf". You may be
great at singing but feel unsure of yourself or "vague"
when dancing or trying to "keep the beat". Whatever the
level of your technical skill, remember the most important things
you can model for your child are simply pleasure, interest, and
the desire to participate in music activities.
Many adults feel deprived, confused, or inadequate about their ability
in music, as if they have been denied something that should be effortless
and natural. In fact, this is often the case. As your understanding
of your child's music development grows in the coming weeks, you
may also come to understand that unfortunate circumstances in your
own childhood music experience may be at the root of some of these
feelings. More important, by participating with your child, you
can begin to rediscover within yourself the natural human musicality
that is everyone's birthright.
What about practicing at home?
Play your Music Together® CD at home. If there is a CD player in
the car, it's also great to play the CD while driving. Do not limit
its use to the car, though - children are less able to move to the
music while strapped into a car seat!
Many children will want specific songs repeated again and again.
Try to accommodate them by replaying their favorite track. They
crave the repetition because it is necessary for their development.
Repetition is one way they "practice".
Another way they "practice" is through spontaneous, playful
imitation of the songs and activities they experience in class.
These imitations will, of course, probably not be "correct"
but they will certainly be fun!
Some children may not demonstrate interest in the recording. Right
now, they may have different developmental needs and interests or
simply have other current favorites. Perhaps they haven't adjusted
to the class experience yet and are holding some enthusiasm in reverse!
Just play the CD in the background, perhaps as they play or take
a bath. Their interest in both the class and the CD will grow with
familiarity.
The CD provides a way of reinforcing and following up on the class
experience of live adults participating in live musical activities.
The more you can continue this kind of participation at home by
singing the songs or doing the chants and fingerplays yourself,
the better it is, as long as you do it in the spirit of fun and
enjoyment. Nothing sets a better model for your child than doing
an activity you enjoy yourself.
Remember to use the songbook, even if you don't read music! Use
it like a story book and "read" the songs to your child,
especially the ones with pictures. In time, you might suggest that
your child draw his or her own pictures for the songs, especially
for those that don't have one!
Notice the effects of your child's experience in class and note
his listening habits with the CD at home during the week. Write
down or remember any questions you might have about your child's
responses and then ask your teacher and discuss with other parents
in class.
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