New website!

Hello Friends:

Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb now has a website!  Please update your bookmark as the blog site will be discontinued.

Thank you for following the Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb blog!  I look forward to connecting with you through the website, Facebook page or email.

Website: https://kindermusikwithdeb.wixsite.com/website

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/KindermusikWithDeb

Email: KindermusikWithMrsDeb@hotmail.com

Receive the monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bDnNJH

Spruce Hall Location Enrollment Notes

Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb @ Spruce Hall – 824 Goderich Street, Port Elgin

Hello Friends.  We are so excited for our new dedicated studio space and can’t wait to share it with you this fall. Watch the Facebook page & blog for videos and pictures as we transform our new property & space.  With the addition of  new classes and expanded offerings for older children we just know you’re going to love it. 

Points of note for enrollment for  Fall 2018:

1. Classes will run September to June.  Save your space with a small, non-refundable deposit (larger deposit required for Level 4&5), then tuition will withdrawn in equal monthly payments from your credit card beginning on your first class day in September. The year’s tuition has been divided into 10 equal payments, making your budgeting a snap!  Your space is reserved for you for as long as you wish, however you can discontinue any time with notice in writing (note or email). Notice must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to your exit date. 
2. Your enrollment includes the multi-sensory exploration of new learning themes every 4-5 weeks along with the accompanying CD and Kindermusik Online resources. As well, there are included celebration classes for special occasions (winter break, valentines, etc.) and a year-end class party.
3. Class sizes has been reduced – be sure to grab your space before it is gone!
4. Beginning August 1^st, HST is included in tuition.  Save the HST on your deposit by enrolling before August 1^st. 
5. Your payment history is available in your parent profile and can be accessed & printed at any time.  This will be considered your official receipt. 

Registration for the new studio is open!  Please note the new studio link: https://www.kindermusik.com/studio/56919

Fall session begins the week of Sept 11, 2018 and ends the week of June 17^th, 2019.

Questions? I’d love to talk to you about the best-fit experience for your family. Please contact me at any time ❤️🎶

Kindermusik Ages & Stages class levels

Whether you're bringing one child to class, or a whole handful, Kindermusik has a program to suit your needs.  Find out all about the Kindermusik class levels below, or send an email your questions.  I'd love to talk to you about Kindermusik and your unique family situation.

Foundations:  For children from birth to early crawlers

Level 1: For crawlers & walkers up to age 2

Level 2:  For preschoolers 2-4 years
Level 3: For children 3-5 years of age (drop-off style class)
Level 4: For big kids 4-6 years of age (drop-off style class)
Level 5: For graduates of Level 4 program - beginning  Fall 2019

Mixed-Age: A family-style class for children up to age 6

Kindermusik Foundations classes offer a sensory-rich yet caring and gentle environment where infants can explore and react to new sounds, sensations, objects and movements.

In a Kindermusik Foundations class you can find infants from birth to early crawlers exploring and learning with their loving adult caregivers. The pace is upbeat but relaxed with lots of social time and bonding moments sprinkled throughout.

Level 1 Kindermusik classes provide on-the-go crawlers and toddlers with a stimulating setting to explore their new movement and language skills with a sense of security, comfort and confidence.

In a level 1 Kindermusik class you will find lots of movement with a pace set to engage little learners that are always on the go. Activities are multi-sensory with lots of fun props and geared to inspire creativity, exploration and curiosity.

Level 2 Kindermusik classes encourage preschoolers aged 2-4 years to initiate their own ideas, nurturing social-emotional growth and cognitive development in a playful, exploratory way.

In a Level 2 Kindermusik class you will see preschoolers and their loving adults engaging in lots of back-and-forth play. Preschoolers are imaginative creators who are eager to share their new ideas and the positive feedback they are provided builds their budding self confidence and promotes the development and growth of the whole child.

Level 3 Kindermusik classes are designed to engage preschoolers' natural love of music and activate their imaginations, while developing their growing language and social-emotional skills.

In a Level 3 Kindermusik class, you will see children 3-5 years old gaining independence as they engage in a group of their peers with the guidance of an experienced Kindermusik educator. Self-regulation and interpersonal skills are enhanced in a caring and nurturing environment. Children are immersed in a musical learning experience designed to facilitate full-body learning & growth.

Level 4 classes offer first experiences with musical symbols and more advanced instruments, laying the groundwork for formal music introduction.

In a Level 4 Kindermusik class, you will see children aged 4-6 learning with hands-on, multi-sensory techniques about the musical staff, notes & dynamics and playing simple melodies on the glockenspiel – a tuned instrument played with mallets. 

Tuition includes everything your child needs for this class, including games, song book, CD, music at home cards, & glockenspiel.

Our most advanced classes offer children the opportunity to use music notation to play a variety of instruments and participate in ensembles, while developing problem-solving and leadership skills.

In Level 5 classes, graduates of Level 4 enhance their musical knowledge with hands-on experiences including learning to play a stringed instrument & a woodwind instrument, both of which are included in tuition and theirs to keep. 

This program will begin Fall 2019 for Level 4 graduates.

Kindermusik Mixed-Age classes allow infants through six-year-olds* - and their caregivers - to gather together for a fun-filled learning experience, accommodating all the levels of learning and musical ability.

In a Kindermusik Mixed-ages class you will enjoy a happy shared experience full of singing, moving, cuddling, & music making. You'll love having this distraction-free time to explore, discover, share, make friends, and just be together as you explore & learn. From newborn to Grandpa and everyone in between, there's room in a Kindermusik Mixed-ages class for everyone.

*Mixed-Ages classes during the school calendar on weekday mornings are for 0-4 years and during weekday evenings are 0-6 years.

Have you heard the big news?

Exciting news, friends. Beginning for Fall 2018, we will have our own dedicated studio space.

Our new studio location is Spruce Hall - 824 Goderich Street in Port Elgin. Class offerings have been expanded - you can see all the options with the handy reference chart image below.

Registration for Kindermusik @ Spruce Hall is OPEN through the new studio link:  Kindermusik At Spruce Hall

What else is new for Fall? 

- Level 4 classes for 4-6 year olds: Children will learn about the musical staff, learn to read notes and learn to play simple melodies on 3 tuned instruments that are included in the cost of tuition and yours to keep!  Learning is hands-on and multi-sensory with lots of the full-body movement children need to be effective learners.  Set a foundation for future formal music lessons success by enrolling your child in this small-group experience.
- School year enrollment with easy equal monthly billing (small deposit required to save your space; tuition payments do not begin until September). Your space  is yours for as long as you wish and can be discontinued at any time with notice in writing.
- Included fun classes for Christmas, Valentines, etc.
- Smaller class size
- Dedicated on-site parking for your class time
- All the other perks & benefits you've known including referral rewards, new CD of music & Kindermusik Online resources for every unit theme, free siblings up to 6M of age, and the ability to make-up classes.  View Spruce Hall Studio Details.

Join us on the Facebook page or Blog to view the changes as they happen, learn more about level 4 classes and all the exciting changes for Kindermusik classes in Saugeen Shores.  ❤️🎶

Family Fun Friday Playdate - June 22, 2018

This 1-time class is full of multi-sensory musical play for you and your children up to age 5.

This Friday we're off to the zoo. Jump aboard the Allee-Allee-O train to visit the animals. 

Includes take-home music and elephant shaker instrument for each enrolled child. 
$15/child +$10/sibling. Tag along siblings up to 6M attend free (but do not receive an instrument) 

*Registration is required for each Family Fun Friday as class size is limited so we have lots of space to move and play! Sign up easily online and choose to use a credit card or choose pay-in-person to use cash, cheque or e-transfer.  Save your space with this link: https://www.kindermusik.com/playdate/1226737

Lots of playdate options for this summer: https://www.kindermusik.com/studio/52446/

View & sign up for Fall classes at our new studio 

Sign up to receive the Kindermusik E-mail Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bDnNJH and stay up-to-date on all Kindermusik events, classes, contests & more!

Summer Registration is now open!

Children LOVE music!  Join us for musical learning and enrich your summer.  With many day/time options for infants, toddlers, preschoolers & families, there’s bound to be a class that works with your busy summer schedule.

Pre-registration required for each playdate experience.  

Class size limited.  Enroll today!

Ready to enroll?  

Follow this link to secure your space: https://www.kindermusik.com/studio/52446/

Have questions? Not sure which experience is right for your family? I’d love to chat with you at any time. 

KindermusikWithMrsDeb@hotmail.com www.Facebook.com/KindermusikWithDeb (519) 389-6224 https://www.kindermusik.com/studio/52446/

Kindermusik Policies -Updated June 12, 2018 - for Spruce Hall location

Hello Friends:

These policies are for the Spruce Hall Location, opening September 2018.

Thank you for choosing Kindermusik. You can be sure you’ve made a wonderful choice for your child and your family.  With over 40 years experience, Kindermusik is the world leader in music & learning programs for children from birth to age 7.  We want your family to enjoy a wonderful time of multi-sensory play and learning together.

Missed Classes & Make-Up Classes
When you enroll your child in Kindermusik, there is a space set aside in class just for them.   However, we know that sometimes classes are missed due to illness, appointments or just "one of those days".  Did you know that your enrollment in Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb classes means unlimited make up classes?  Yes, you read that correctly - unlimited!  While attending your enrolled class is the best choice for your child, if you must miss a class due to illness or other reasons, you can request and schedule a make-up class.  This class might be the same program on another day, or your chance to try another age-appropriate class with your child. Make up classes don't expire so long as you remain enrolled.  

Registering for class:

• Classes will run September to June.  Save your space with a small, non-refundable deposit, then tuition will withdrawn in equal monthly payments from your credit card beginning on your first class day in September. The year’s tuition has been divided into 10 equal payments, making your budgeting a snap!  Your space is reserved for you for as long as you wish, however you can discontinue any time with notice in writing (note or email). Notice must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to your exit date. 
• Your enrollment includes the multi-sensory exploration of new learning themes every 4-5 weeks along with the accompanying CD and Kindermusik Online resources. As well, there are included celebration classes for special occasions (winter break, valentines, etc.) and a year-end class party.
• Class size has been reduced – be sure to grab your space before it is gone!
• Beginning August 1^st, HST is included in tuition.  Save the HST on your deposit by enrolling before August 1^st. 
• Your payment history is available in your parent profile and can be accessed & printed at any time.  This will be considered your official receipt. 

Before class:

• The day before class you will receive a pre-class email.  These emails are a great reminder that class is the following day and also contain information about the class and upcoming events.  The email will be sent to the email address on your my.kindermusik.com profile, and you are welcome to forward it, if needed, to another caregiver that is bringing your child to class.
• Join the REMIND class to receive class texts and also text with Mrs. Deb.  Your remind class code will be sent to you in your first pre-class email and also posted inside the classroom for reference.  Caregivers are also welcome to join our REMIND class for texts. 
• Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers to ensure your comfort as we move through our class activities.
• No food or hot drinks inside the classroom.  *Nursing or bottle feeding is always welcome & encouraged at anytime during class time if the need arises.  You can stay in the circle, or sit along the wall – whatever is most comfortable for you and your little one.
• If you think you'll need it, please bring water for you and your child in a non-spill or lidded cup.

Attending class.

• Our new dedicated studio space is Spruce Hall – 824 Goderich Street in Port Elgin.
• Classes will begin with casual exploration and conversation for the first 5 minutes.   This is a special time for you and your child to transition into class and socialize with the other families.  You are welcome to arrive a few minutes prior to the class start to get settled. If you are running late, please join us as soon as you are able. 
• Shoes are not permitted in the classroom space.  Details on where to place your personal belongings will be added shortly or outlined in your pre-class email.
• While barefoot is best for learning, you are always welcome to wear socks for comfort.
• Help us keep the classroom safe for hands-on exploration by washing your hands or using sanitizer before and after class. All manipulatives and instruments are sanitized between uses, so they are ready for your child to explore & enjoy.
• Choose a way to do the activities with your child that matches his/her developmental level and personality. The Kindermusik motto is to follow the child, allowing them to lead and participate in a way they are comfortable! There is no wrong way to participate and everyone learns from the variety we all bring to each class.
• Remember that above all else classes should be fun for everyone, especially the children. Children learn in their own way, in their own time, and some children will choose not to participate actively in all activities. This choice should be honoured and respected with the knowledge that passive participation & observation is equally valuable.
• Parents/caregivers are responsible for care and safety of their children at all times while in the studio and studio grounds and while participating in classes.  For drop off classes, please ensure your contact information is up-to-date in the unlikely event you need to be contacted during class time. 
• On your first day of class, you will be asked to fill out & sign an information sheet.   These sheets will be considered accurate and valid until the following fall.  It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure contact information is up-to-date and accurate.    

After & between classes:

• The more you play and explore the music from class, the more familiar it will be to your child and this translates to greater learning benefits.  Take advantage of the included home materials.  The CD is a great in-the-car resource
• Visit and view your Kindermusik Online portal at my.kindermusik.com.  Each unit is full of ideas, activities, recipes, crafts and other activities to extend and expand on your Kindermusik learning.  Your online resources never expire so you can enjoy them for years to come. 
• Incorporating music into your daily routines is an easy way to smooth out transitions. Sing the clean up song at home, add a lullaby to your bedtime routines, make up songs to indicate meal times, bath times and times to get ready to go.  Your consistency in using these musical routines will help your child transition between activities and reduce stress for both of you.
• For Level 4 & 5 classes, there will be weekly music at home sheets with activities for you and your child to complete together.  Having assigned music class activities helps your child build the routines and discipline required for advanced music lessons (piano, violin, guitar, flute, etc). 

Absences from class:

• If you or your child is unwell (fever, diarrhea, vomiting, thick green or yellow nasal discharge) the best place for you is at home where you can rest and recover.  
• If possible, please send a quick email or message if you will not be attending class.
• If you know in advance you will miss a class (work conflict, vacation) it is very much appreciated if you let me know as early as possible as this may allow someone else to use that space for a make-up class.  Knowing in advance you will be away for a class also means we can try to schedule your make up class in advance of the class you know you will be absent for.
• Make up class arrangements are the responsibility of the parent/caregivers.  Mrs. Deb will suggest dates & times to you, but it is your responsibility to follow up and book the make up class. 
• Make up classes must be arranged in advance.  Please submit your make up class request at least 24 hours prior to allow time for a confirmation.
• Make up classes are generally available, but can not be guaranteed, please know I will do my very best for you and your family.
• Make up classes can be transferred between siblings in the same family.  
• There are no refunds for missed classes for any reason.   
• If you have special circumstances or compassionate reasons, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Deb at anytime so we can work together for your unique situation.  

Class Cancellation Policy: Winter Weather

• Please check your email or the Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/KindermusikWithDeb) before heading out to class if the weather is questionable. Decisions about class cancellations will be made by 8 am for day-time classes and 4 pm for evening classes based on in-town conditions.
• If classes are cancelled, those affected will be notified via email and there will be a post on the Facebook page. Please help out by acknowledging the Facebook post with a like or comment, or by replying to the email so we know you are aware as this cuts down on the number of follow-up phone calls that need to be made.
• No post or email means classes are running as usual. As always, please use your own good judgement before heading out in wintry weather based on conditions where you live.

Class Cancellation Policy: Educator Illness, etc.

In the event that a class must be cancelled due to instructor illness or other unforeseeable events, a post will be made on the Facebook page and an email sent to the affected classes. Please respond to one of these so we know you are aware. Additionally, if possible, a phone call will be made to those who have not responded to the email or Facebook post before the beginning of class time. A make-up class for any cancelled classes will be added to the end of the current unit, extending our session by a week. Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date on your my.kindermusik.com profile.

Please speak to Mrs. Deb at anytime if you have questions or concerns. 
Email: KindermusikWithMrsDeb@hotmail.com 
Phone: 519 389 6224

Spring Session Enrollment Now Open!

(click schedule image to enlarge)

We are so excited for the Spring Session and hope you will choose to join us for Music, Learning & Community!  Please note the new times for Monday Morning classes. 

Pre-registration is required for all Kindermusik experiences.  Save your space by registering easily online with this link: Online Registration 

Click here to check out the Spring 2018 themes

Questions about which class experience would be best for your little one?  Send me an email (KindermusikWithMrsDeb@hotmail.com) or find me on Facebook and we can chat.

Come and join our Kindermusik community. 

Dance, sing, sway, play, bond and connect 

with other parents who are navigating the joys 

and challenges of parenthood. <3 ♫

Registration for the Spring Session beginning March 19th is now open with age-specific classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and Mixed-Age for children up to age 5.

See all the options and save your space easily online:  https://www.kindermusik.com/studio/52446/

We would love to have you and your little one(s) join us this spring for Music, Learning & Community 💓🎶

https://www.kindermusik.com/brainbuilder/peekaboo.html

Engaging your little one in a simple game of peekaboo can help develop object permanence. Follow the link above for tips and music to interact with your little one.

Happy "We LOVE Kindermusik" Month!

We want you to show us the love - Contest #1

Help decorate the Kindermusik classroom by colouring the "We Love Kindermusik" colouring page or by writing your favourite thing about Kindermusik on a heart shape (both available in class). On Feb 16th on Facebook live video, a random winner will be drawn to receive a Kindermusik prize pack.

Need to print off a copy of the colour page at home? Simply ask Mrs. Deb to send you one via email or Messanger.

Legal stuff: Open to every and all currently enrolled Kindermusik With Mrs. Deb students. No affiliated with Facebook or Kindermusik international. Non-transferable and no cash value. Prize pack can be delivered to you in your class or picked up directly from Mrs. Deb.

Welcome, February! It's LOVE month and its We Love Kindermusik month too. We're celebrating by spreading, sharing and giving the love. Stay tuned for details on how you can get involved 💘

Spring Themes for 2018

The Spring Session will begin the week of March 19th and run until the second week of June.  We'll enjoy 3 engaging, interesting and research-based units together designed to grow and nurture your child across all learning domains. 

Foundations for children from birth to age 1: Infants will delight in the variety of music and enjoy being moved in many different ways though steady beat exercises, dances, creative movement, lap bounces, massage and more.  Babies will be exposed to rhythms and sounds through instrument exploration and play. Sign language, stories, listening & vocal play are incorporated to enhance early literacy & communication.  Social and Emotional development take center stage in Busy Days as we use music to foster the bonds between infants and their closest caregivers. Next, we’ll go on a Nature Walk as we explore the world and stimulate baby’s senses with music as a backdrop to a multi-sensory feast of developmental activities.  In Nighty Night, we’ll explore songs and activities about the night sky, with a focus on activities that will enhance your baby’s developing vision. 

Level 1 for active crawlers & walkers up to age 2: Get ready to say, Hello Day!, as we greet the morning with all of our senses and explore high & low through creative movement, fun activities and instrument play that helps develop fine-motor control.  You never know what adventures you’ll have when you’re On The Town With Bear. We’ll explore around the city & out in the country to see what there is to see.  Rain or Shine will have us discovering the relationship between math & music as we explore learn through sensory play.

Level 2 for preschoolers 2-4 years of age:  Sing, create, imagine & explore: there’s lots of work to be done around the house (or den, or nest or borrow) in Home Sweet Home from cooking, to hammering to painting and cleaning up, we’ll have lots of musical fun in our classroom community.  After that, we’re On The Go which is the perfect unit for active preschoolers who never sit still.  We’ll chug, zoom, bounce and stop-and-go because it’s non-stop learning with this vehicle-themed unit.  For our last unit, we’ll head to the Wild Animal Park where we’ll take a musical trip to visit a diversity of animal habitats and discover a wide range of animal friends. 

Level 3 for preschoolers 3&4 years of age:  This drop-off style class for 3&4-year-olds fosters your child's growing independence while actively engaging their senses in a rich multi-sensory musical experience.  Parents/Caregivers & Siblings join for Sharing Time during the last 10 minutes each week. Enjoy Home Sweet Home, On The Go and Wild Animal Park this spring.

Mixed-Age: Each Kindermusik family class is a happy shared experience full of singing, moving, cuddling, family jams, and more.  Whether you’re bringing one child or more, you’ll love the time to explore, discover, share, make friends, and just be together as you learn and play.  From newborn to Grandpa and everyone in between, there’s room in a Kindermusik class for everyone!  This spring we’ll explore Home Sweet Home, On The Go and Wild Animal Park. 

Happy & Healthy Classroom

Dear Friends:

With the cold and flu season ramping up, I want to remind everyone of the Kindermusik best practices for keeping our classes happy and healthy for little ones to explore.

Your health and wellness is very important to me and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort goes into ensuring your experience in our hands-on environment is a happy and healthy one. Instruments and other hands-on items are brought to class clean and are thoroughly cleaned after each class. Soft items (scarves, infant plush blankets, small plush toys, puppets) are washed in warm water with mild detergent and thoroughly dried in the dryer. Additionally, carpets are vacuumed weekly and handles and hard surfaces are sanitized on a regular basis. Hand sanitizer is available in class beside both doors to use after wiping noses or cleaning up messes.

Being a member of our Kindermusik community means that you have access to make up classes in the event you need to take a sick day. If you or your child is unwell (fever, green nasal discharge, tummy issues, etc) the best place for you is at home where you can rest and recover. A clear runny nose or slight cough doesn’t necessarily indicate illness as these often accompany teething. As your child’s primary caregiver, you know them the best and I trust your judgement in deciding if they are too unwell to attend class. 

If you do need to take a sick day, you can feel connected to class by listening to your CD, doing a little dancing, some snuggling, rocking and bouncing and engaging your little one using the At Home materials available through the “my.kindermusik.com” portal. Crafts, recipes, movement opportunities, work sheets, stories and bonding activities are just some of the things you will find when you explore your At Home units.

What else can you do? Please consider washing hands (you and your child(ren)) before and after classes (or use the available hand sanitizer) and leave your shoes in the hallway.

Thank you for all you do to keep our classroom a healthy and happy environment.