Boiled down to the essentials, kindermusik is a weekly program of music and movement for young children. The curriculum is created with the intention of stimulating the minds of the children through a very carefully constructed combination of song, story and activity. The genesis behind kindermusik in the understanding that learning is dependent upon the synapses of the brain firing when something new is learned, which in turn opens up the potential for further learning as the brain develops.
Fundamentals
The fundamental belief behind the kindermusik theory is that music is an essential part of the learning process. Music is used as a point of departure for development of the motor skills and deeper critical learning in the early stages of childhood development.
Types
There are several types of classes involved in kindermusik. These types include Sign and Sing, Adventure Camps, Family Time, ABC Music and Me and Imagine That. Each type is geared to a specific age group. For instance, Sign and Sing is geared for kids from six months to 3-year-olds, while Imagine That is geared to kids from 3 to 5 years old.
Classwork
Kindermusik is partially structured around classwork just like other pre-school, nursery school and kindergarten. Instructors are provided, but parents are expected to be involved. Classes include singing, dancing and playing instruments.
Home Learning
Parents also have the option of purchasing classroom supplies to be used at home. The home-learning option is integral to the entire concept of kindermusik and is one of the most striking things that separate it from traditional learning. The connection between learning at home and at school gives kindermusik students an advantage missing from much of the public education system.
Theories/Speculation
Kindermusik is constructed upon the more radical educational theories of some of the most famous names in the field. The concepts behind the more famous Montessori schools are utilized, as well as those of the leading education theorist of the past half century, Jean Piaget. Each of the theorists utilized by kindermusik focuses on the cognitive connection to musical stimulation.
Skills
Kindermusik focuses on the development of many specific skills including the physicality of coordination and improving motor skills. Kindermusik also focuses on the development of more intangible social skills, however, including building self-esteem, introducing problem-solving capabilities, gaining independence and increasing family involvement.
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