Merry Christmas!

Ever Feel Like This?

12 Days

Thanks Jessi.

Cna yuo raed tihs?

Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Count me as one of the 55. How about you?

Thanks Troy

Feed and Learn

Click here to watch CBS newsclip - and then let us know how many grains you donated.

Thanks for the tip Helen!

Christmas Pipes

Celtic Women

Happy Thanksgiving

Meet Rex . . .

Click here to learn more.

The Land of Honalee Returns

Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton have not allowed a picture book adaptation of Puff, the Magic Dragon until now. Click on the image to learn more about this beautiful picture book.

Slumber Party Kindermusik Style

Here are the Kindermusik University Mentors during our "sleepover" at the Kindermusik International Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois this past week. The best part was walking through the lobby of the convention center in our "pj's" and receiving our very own purple Crocs with the eighth note Jibbitz. Thanks Jessi & Carol!

Magic Week!

It's finally here - Magic Week! Week 5 of our studio classes is a special time. This is when we notice amazing steps our children have taken. Here are a few I've noticed:

• Rolling over
• 1st words
• sharing
• Cleaning up - willingly
• Singing for the first time
• Giving ideas
• Learning new songs
• Playing new songs
• Trying new things
• Class participation
• Meeting new friends

What have you noticed? I'd love to hear about it . . .

Another way to say "I Love You"

William Tell Mom

Pachelbel Bedtime

KM Graduate's Mom Offers Specials ...

To enlarge flyer, click on graphic.
Contact Angie at kzooduo@yahoo.com.

A Time to Celebrate

Village - first laugh, first crawl, first steps, first word, first friends

Our Time - jumping, running, slithering, stopping, cleaning, listening

Imagine That - skipping, sharing, turn-taking, story-telling, independence

Young Child - lost teeth, reading, writing, music, instruments, notes, symbols, traveling to new cultures

It's a new semester and all this has happened just in the first two weeks. Can't wait to see what happens next ... come join us and share in the celebrations!

Making memories ...

Chocoholic's Scrapbooking Day Retreat

9:00am to 9:00pm Saturday October 6th
hosted by Amy Dyksterhouse and Jennifer Roelof (Kindermusik Parent),
Independent Close to my Heart consultants


If you like scrapbooking or chocolate join us to relax and indulge at Pretty Lake Vacation Camp. We'll have Chocolate to eat and every chocolate colored scrapbooking material you can think of! Dip in to our chocolate fountain and our chocolate (colored) ink. The fall 2007 edition of the Close to My Heart Idea Book will also be available with some amazing new products.


Cost: $30 per person

Includes:
~ 2 make and take projects
~ 4 foot work space
~ goody bag of chocolate surprises for each participant
~ chocolate snacks throughout the day (you may bring your own snacks)
~ lunch and dinner catered by Pretty Lake Camp
~ coffee, tea, and bottled water for the day ( you may bring your own beverages )
~ door prize drawings for products and services from:
Close to My Heart, Captured in Time Photography,
Therapeutic Massage by Tana Jackson


Earn door prize tickets when you:
~ submit your paid registration---------------------------------------------- 1 ticket
~ submit your paid registration by Aug 25th-------------------------- 3 tickets
~ bring a snack to share and dip in the chocolate fountain---- 1 ticket
~ place a $50 order --------------------------------------------------------------- 2 tickets
~ host your own future party ------------------------------------------------- 5 tickets
~ register with a friend each get ------------------------------------------ 2 tickets

A certified massage therapist will be available for on site chair massage $1/minute - 10 minute minimum. Wont that feel great after cropping all day!

Don't forget to bring a friend!

Questions: Jennifer at 349-7516 or jlnail100@yahoo.com or
Amy at 384-9032 or adyksterhouse@sbcglobal.net

Pitch Perfect . . .

To watch or not to watch . . .

Last week on the radio I heard a story about baby videos. It really caught my attention as I know many of our families have them. We have stressed in our classes that your child needs you to learn. They need your immediate and appropriate response to their actions & thoughts - something a video cannot do.

[ . . . experts worry that the proliferation of these products will continue to displace the one thing that babies need in the first months of life — face time with human beings. "Every interaction with your child is meaningful," says Christakis. "Time is precious in those early years, and the newborn is watching you, and learning from everything you do." So just talk to them; they're listening.]

When used properly the videos are not bad. 10-30 minutes with an adult in attendance makes a world of difference. The adult can respond verbally, expressively and immediately to the child's reaction. In doing this activity together you may find you enjoy each other's company more than the video's . . .

Click here and here to learn more.

You're Invited . . .

Monday, August 20th

6-8pm

Lighthouse Community Church

4321 S. 11th Street

Kalamazoo MI 49009

Kindermusik Demo - Staff

Discovery Toys - Liz Peot

Stroller Strides - Maureen Weston

Not registered - we'll help you find the class you need and give you a gift as our thanks.

Already registered - bring a friend, if they register we'll give you both a gift.

There is no charge for this event - it is an Open House format so come and go as you need to.

I Couldn't Say This Any Better . . .

Music Video:LET THEM BE LITTLE (by Billy Dean)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

If you would like to embedd this video click here.

Thanks Yvette

Upcoming Events

Beach Ball Class, Friday, July 27, 9-10 am.
For some summer fun, join us for a specialty beach ball class! We'll get creative by doing exercises with the beach balls and the kids will be able to take them home after class. Who couldn't use an extra beach ball for the pool or beach?!

Kindermusik Playgroup, Thursday, August 2nd, after class around 10:00 am.
Kara Mounce will be hosting a special Kindermusik playgroup on the 2nd of August. We'll be singing, signing and having a great time together after a hard workout. Snacks will be provided.

Please invite any of your interested friends for these events. Remind them that their first class is FREE and you can earn Stroller Bucks if your friend signs up!

Maureen Weston
phone: 269.978.7079
e-mail: maureen@strollerstrides.net
website: www.strollerstrides.com

Register for a FREE class online at www.strollerstrides.net/Kalamazoo !

Nothing you do for children is ever wasted. They seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks, but what we do for them is never wasted. Garrison Keillor

A Little Monkey Music

. . . and a whole lot more can be found on this website. Games, crafts and more for Preschool, Kindergarten and Big Kids.

http://www.mothergoose.com/

Animal Playground

The new CD comes with this video - to order contact Putumayo

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

--Aristotle

2007 Teacher of the Year on Music

Click here to watch an interview clip of Andrea Peterson's thoughts on music, education and our future work force: ed.gov

“The beautiful thing about music is that it can give kids skills that transfer over into their reading, writing, and math.”

Thanks Molly!

Ice Cream Social

Discovery Toys Summer Ice Cream Social… fun for kids of all ages birth to 99.

Thursday, June 21 3:30 to 5:30 or 6:30 to 9:30 I’ll provide the ice cream and you bring your favorite topping, for you & your friends!

Discovery Toys is now carrying Do Re Me & You music and books. These were all developed by Kindermusik.

Prizes will be awarded for the oldest and youngest guest in attendance that plays!
The first 20 people to R.S.V.P will get additional savings… it pays to call or email early!
Phone: 269-372-1419 email lizpeot@hotmail.com Bring a friend that hasn’t played at my house before and share your savings with them!

Can’t make the party… call me with your order and you will still get the bonus savings!

*** Free toys earned from all purchases at this event will be donated to local camps for underpriveledged children!

If you can't make the social, but are interested in the sale, call or email me to get a flier. The sale has items up to 60% off.

Liz Peot
Discovery Toys Educational Consultant
269-372-1419

Thank You!

I just recently found out that we have been named as a Maestro program for 2007. Our program is in the top 5% of Kindermusik programs around the world - and one of only 190 to earn this title. We have been fortunate to have received this honor every year since 2002.





While this is exciting news for us, we couldn't do it without you. Parents (grandparents, aunts/uncles etc.) who entrust your children with us. Your continued enrollments and recommendations to your friends are crucial to our program's success. Locations who see the value in what we do and open their facilities to us and the families we serve.


Thank you!

And, a special thank you to the Educators who put in countless hours. Their dedication to this program, the curriculum and the children and families is amazing.

Thank you!

Here's to another year of bringing the power of music & movement to the children in the Kalamazoo area!

Rhythm Games

Phil Tulga uses many home made instruments to create patterns with sound. He also uses some great visuals to represent fractions and sounds. There are some really neat rhythm games for the kids to play. Click on the graphic above to play the Unifix Cube Drum Machine or click here to see the entire list of rhythm games.

If you have time to explore the entire site you will learn quite a bit about drumming language communications in other countries.

Kindermusik House

Kindermusik has many faces - children, parents, educators . . . But who is behind the scenes? This video gives you a chance to see who works so hard to put these great programs together.

Dan Pratt (who sings in the recording) is featured in this video - he is the original Chairman and CEO of Kindermusik. Can you believe it's been almost 30 years?!? An amazing voice and you can hear more of him on many of our At Home CD's. Carol Penney was my trainer (and continues to be). Can you believe it's been 8 years?!? Erin is our fantastic Convention planner & Molly is a super writer and inspiration to let yourself fly when everyone's watching. Michael Dougherty is the current President and CEO of KI. A fantastic business man with a giant heart. And good friend Jessi, who keeps all of us Mentors in line, runs the Ruth D. Anderson Children's Fund and the one who put this video together (that's why you can't see her).

Watch and see one of the reasons I like my job so much . . .

A Time for Planting

As I drive around town I see spring everywhere - in Michigan we never know when that will happen. But, the bedding plants are abounding and gardens are blossoming. It must be here. With the change in season comes lots of rain - often upredictable. What to do with the kids? Keep this on hand . . .

Using a nutritive and non-toxic gel created by Globus International in collaboration with NASA scientists, Plantariums are life-giving ecosystems in which seeds germinate. The colorful gel's transparency makes the seedling and its roots visible throughout the entire germination and plant-growth process! Kits may be purchased at Coundown Creations.

Thanks Kiddly!

I Saw A Little Rabbit

I saw a little rabbit go hop, hop, hop
I saw his little ears go flop, flop, flop
I saw his little eyes go blink, blink, blink
I saw his little nose go twink, twink, twink

I said "Little Rabbit, won't you stay?"
But he looked at me - and he hopped away . . .

Instilling the Love of Music

Instilling the love of music in your child is easier than you thought. Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started.

1. Sing to your child


2. Dance with your child


3. Teach them action songs


4. Share with them your favorite songs


5. Rent, buy or borrow books, videos and tapes that revolve around the subject of music


6. Join parent-child classes available in your area that introduces the concepts of music in a fun way (Kindermusik)


7. If appropriate, take her to local concerts

The above listed ideas and more can be found in this article by Espie Estrella, writer for About.com.

fiesta

n. - any gala celebration; holiday

It was fiesta time in our Young Child 3/4 class - a celebration of so much accomplished over 60 weeks of music & movement time. They ended this program by adding to their glockenspiel skills, learning about a 2-string dulcimer and a recorder. Musical form and songs/games from other cultures were also explored. We are so proud of their accomplishments - ole!

Mexican Hat Dance

Sing & Celebrate

This is a special time of year for our Young Child classes. Young Child 1/2 classes are learning about celebrations - they've had 30 weeks of Kindermusik classes over the last school year and they have learned so much. Rhythm, notation, hand position, form, musical styles, orchestral instrumentation - phew!

One of our YC2 classes

Harp Guitar

Thanks Musicing!

Is Your Child Ready?

Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each. Plato

Click graph to see study

Sign up today . . .

Cities

We had so much fun exploring our Kindermusik City this week in class. Here are some of the kids and the buildings they made:




We also traced our feet on our city sidewalks and "walked all around" - remember to Stop, Look and Listen before you cross the street!

Parachute Games

Did you know that parachute games:

• Encourage cooperation


• Strengthen upper torso


• Refine perceptual skills


• Reinforce turn-taking/sharing


• Develop a sense of rhythm


• Requires following directions


• Promotes social interactions


• Enhances language development

Parachute games are non-competitive. People with differing abilities can all play the same game. What games? Here are a few simple ones:

• Put balls in the middle and make them bounce like popcorn
• Make waves of varying sizes - use your voice as a tool to emphasize directives - tell an ocean story
• Parachute Tag - lift the parachute high in the air - call out 2 children's names - they try to switch places under the chute before it comes down again
• Merry-go-Round - all the children face the same direction - use varying locomotor movements to make the chute move around - change directions and/or tempo
• See-Saw Pull - all the children sit holding the chute - they pull back and forth cooperatively

Don't have a real parachute? A bed sheet will work just fine. Or, come to our classes. We have 2 very colorful parachutes in different sizes that we love to pull out and use!

It Tickles!

This week's Young Child 2 class had visitors. Xavier's parents who work and play for the Kalamazoo Symphony brought a few of their instruments for Woodwind day. They also brought straws so we could get an idea of what it is like to play a double reed . . .

We Need Walkers!

Sign up or donate now . . .

Saturday, May 5
8:30am - 12:30pm
Arcadia Festival Site - Downtown Kalamazoo

6-mile walk or 1-mile Family Fun loop

Baby Breakdancer

Not sure who the guy at the end is . . .

Hippity, Hoppity

We had a nice surprise on our front walk this Easter morning . . . Bunny Tracks!

Nintendo Guitar?

From this ...

To this . . .

Click here to see the process . . .

Red Raven

More interesting info on retro recordings . . . have the kids look for the Raven . . .



These were cardboard children's records with the animation printed right onto the disc itself (later versions like the one above had the animation on the label of regular colored vinyl). The Red Raven included a little mirrored device that you pop onto the turntable's spindle that reflected the animation in such a way that while the record plays you get to see a little cartoon.

The effect is rather hypnotic (the mirrored device is an ersatz praxinoscope for all of you optics junkies), and a neat addition to the typical children's fare on the record itself. Sixteen Magic Mirror Movie records were released by Red Raven (making for 32 animations of course).

Copied from Retro Thing

Kiddie Rekords

Molly got me thinking with her guitar posts and I stumbled on this site today while looking for a story I remembered listening to when I was younger - One String Fiddle. It was part of a record set at my grandparents house that my mom listened to when she was growing up. I would love to be able to find those 78's . . .

Looking for Easter Crafts?

Here are some ideas from Kid's Crafts Weekly - just click here to be taken to the instructions page.

Imagine If . . .

Imagine if.......your water broke at 30 weeks.
Imagine if.......your 1st baby was born prematurely.
Imagine if.......you couldn't hold your baby right after he was born.
Imagine if.......your baby was hooked up to a ventilator less than 12 hours after he was born.
Imagine if.......your baby spent the first 23 days of his life in the NICU.
Imagine if.......your baby was hooked up to so many machines and wires that they had to be sedated so they wouldn't move.
Imagine if.......your baby had sleep apnea and was on a monitor for the first 6 months of his life.
Imagine if.......your baby was born with low muscle tone.

Imagine if you could help these babies!

This is Levi's story, and I am hoping you will check out my WalkAmerica Page and make a donation on behalf of Levi and his sister Hannah.

Every year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many life long disabilities. That means 1 in 8 babies today will be born prematurely! The funds we raise for WalkAmerica supports research that saves babies' lives. Please support our Kindermusik Team! Every penny helps! Think of all the good that came out of it for Levi and Hannah's family!

Do you like to walk? You can also sign up there to be a part of our Kindermusik Team.

Thanks to Erica (Levi's mom) for providing Levi's story

Will You Join Us?

May 5, 2007

Arcadia Festival Site

WalkAmerica is the March of Dimes biggest fund-raiser. It is also a national tradition with a 36-year history of success. Proceeds from WalkAmerica support the March of Dimes mission of preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through research, education, community services and advocacy.

Join us for America's first, best and biggest walk and make a difference in the lives of millions of babies! Stay tuned for more info as the date gets closer . . .

Enjoy your Time Off

There will be no classes from March 31st through April 7th for Spring Break. Classes will resume again on Monday, April 9.

If you are looking for something to do over the break (and haven't left town), click here to find some Easter pictures to print for the kids to color.

An Old Friend

I've always loved this piece and I'm relearning it for my brother's wedding this summer. Came across this video and thought I'd share it. Leif Ove Asdnes was the 1998 Gilmore Artist and the 3rd artist to win this prestigious award.

Got Kids?

Come spend some time learning about businesses and activities in the Kalamazoo Area featuring activities and items for parents of young children and parents-to-be. Our Kindermusik program will be there providing entertainment for the children. We even have a drawing for a FREE class for new-to-Kindermusik families - tell your friends! Visit their website for more information.

Your Brain and Music

msn.com has some new research on how music can affect your brain. Click here

Amazing Signs

Baby's Mother says:

Signing Smart TM 12-month old signs CRY instead of crying! Signs are capitalized. Baby signs/says, "AUDREY (A fist on her chin), CRYING; (feels) YUCKY, (wants) Ma MILK MAMA!" Rather than cry, she tells me she feels like crying!! Two word sentences are typical between 18-24 months, but this is a 5 word sentence! Thank you SIGNING SMART and Kindermusik Sign & Sing for the ASL STRATEGIES!! I can truly have a conversation with my baby!

Sign & Sing classes beginning soon - visit our website for scheduling and registration information.

Thanks Molly and ParentChildU!

Luck 'O The Irish

Growing up in Clare, Michigan I had my fare share of green pancakes and sausage made especially for the day by the Cub Scouts (my brother a member so we couldn't miss). Clare County - County Clare - who wouldn't get a little confused. Irish Festival was a big deal up there in the Gateway to the North. Here's a little something you and the kids can make together that looks much better than my former St. Patty's Day breakfasts - but I wouldn't let anyone eat it!

Shamrocks are considered good luck among the Irish, which makes this dangly clay clover a fitting accessory to hang from a key chain or backpack. Click here to see a step-by-step video demonstration of this craft.


CRAFT MATERIALS:
Green polymer clay (one shade, or two partially blended to create a swirled effect)
Paper clip


Time needed: Afternoon or Evening

1. Roll three 1-inch-thick balls out of clay. Mold each ball into a heart-shaped leaflet, then smoosh together the pointed ends until they stick.


2. Set one end of a paper clip atop the joined points (the other end should extend out as a stem would) and press a flattened bit of clay over it to seal it in.


3. Now turn the shamrock over and etch a center crease in each leaflet with a pencil.


4. Bake the clay according to the manufacturer's directions. Once the charm is cool, slide the paper clip end onto a split key ring.

You can find more crafts and fun ideas for the whole family at Family Fun Magazine's web site.

Construction Cut Outs

Some amazing ways to experience a rainbow of color . . . visit Jen Stark's web site and click alot.

Changing lives one Nueral Connection at a time

Researchers at the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California in
Davis believe, if they can catch it early, they can change the way a child’s
brain develops.

In Kindermusik classes we do just that. Our activities are developmentally appropriate. Whether it is developing a newborn's eye tracking with a chime ball or a 7 year old's coordination and timing with steady beat games - we meet your child where they are developmentally and work toward developing them to their fullest potential. Children of all abilities will find a place in our classrooms. We can chanage lives one nueral connection at a time . . .

Click here to watch video.

Scrapbook? Stamp? Massage?

Scrapbooking Day Fundraiser

March 10th, 2007

St. Ambrose Church Social Hall

G Ave. Parchment

$10 gets you a table from 9:00 to 4:00. You can bring your own supplies and there will be vendors from Close to my Heart, Creative Memories, and Stampin' Up who will have supplies for purchase as well as ideas and make & take projects. We will also have door prizes and a massage therapist will be available for chair massages ($1/ minute - 10 minute minimum). Light refreshments will be provided.

All the proceeds go directly to the school and you get a day to relax, visit and work on your scrapbooking / stamping projects. Please call (349-7516) if you are interested, pre-payment is recommended to reserve your space.

Classes for babies?

Trying to stay warm?

FREE Grand Opening Class
at Soccer Zone



7187 S Sprinkle Road
Portage, MI 49002

Thursday, March 1st @ 9:00 a.m.

We will be raffling off a 10 Block Class Pack, a package from Soccer Zone and other free gifts for baby and mom following class.

Please RSVP for class. You can call or register online.

Stroller Strides is a stroller fitness class where mom can workout with her baby. It's a great way to get in shape, be with your baby and meet other moms! The classes consist of a Power Walk combined with body sculpting exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment. The classes are designed to accommodate all exercise levels.

For more information call 269-584-0354 or email vickymergen@strollerstrides.net http://www.strollerstrides.net/kalamazoo

Got Toddler(s)?

It's not too late to see what we are all about - call Debbie at (269) 808-7002 and schedule your visit today!

School's Closed - Again

There will be no Kindermusik classes for today, either. The cold temperatures and icy roads are still a concern so please stay home unless you absolutely have to go out.

School's Closed

Kalamazoo Public Schools are cancelled for Monday, February 5. That means no Kindermusik classes at either Lighthouse Community Church or KAT locations. Try to stay warm on your day off!

KSO Musical Storybooks

Perfect for pre-schoolers to Kindergarteners and their families! Come to the Epic Center on the these special Saturdays for music and stories.

Story Time and Activity: We read a book together, then do a simple activity.

Musical Performance: Next, the Kalamazoo Symphony Burdick-Thorne String Quartet will perform a program based on the story and activity.

The Perfect Purple Feather
by Hanoch Piven
Saturday, February 3, 2007
10:00 AM
Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall

General admission is $3 at the door. For more information, call(269) 349-7759
Epic Center is on the corner of Kalamazoo Mall and Lovell St.

Musical Storybooks is made possible in part with support from the following: Irwin Union Bank; Arts Outreach Fund, through the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo

Also supported in part by: Upjohn Mason Grandchildren’s Chair in Music Education; Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation; Monroe-Brown Foundation; Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra League; Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts; Pfizer Corporation

Kalamazoo Makes the Top 100

Want a good place to raise kids?

A national organization that has been promoted by five former U.S. presidents says Kalamazoo is one of the nation's top 100.

Click here to read more.

Classes begin January 20 . . .

Here's to a Happy, Healthier You

In hopes of helping you choose a healthier lifestyle for your New Years Resolution, Stroller Strides is offering 10% off all class or membership purchases for the entire month of January.

Also, if you refer a new member or sign up with a new member you can get up to $35 in Stroller Bucks to be used towards your class packs or split the bucks between you and the new member you refer.

Contact Vicky Mergen at vickymergen@strollerstrides.net today!