First Steps in Music NJ

FSiM curriculum

 

A Mommy & Me/Daddy & Me music class is one of the best ways to introduce your child to the sweet world of music! Through interactive play, full body movement and quality songs both parents and child are exposed to a large array of folk tunes, instruments, social interaction, textures and sounds. 

 

I use the First Steps in Music curriculum for my Early Childhood classes. Developed by John Feierabend, PhD, director of the National Center for Music and Movement in the Early Years – it’s the same curriculum taught in YMCA facilities across the country. Look for it on the PBS Kids Melody Hounds show with Lomax the Hound of Music. For the Homeschool class I’ve added some exciting, kid-approved activities to Dr. Feierabend’s elementary curriculum. Many of these are influenced by the learning theories of Howard Gardner & Edwin Gordon. I use the singing method "Teaching Kids to Sing" by Dr. Kenneth Philips, an award-winning researcher and educator. Techniques and approaches by Kodaly and Dalcroze are also included throughout my lesson plans.

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Unique Aspects of this Program

Based on folk and traditional songs and rhymes because of their natural melodic expressiveness, natural flow of the language, and texts filled with wonder. Unlike other programs, it is designed to be taught by an independent Music Specialist/certified music instructor. (I’m not part of a large corporation or a franchise!)

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Based on early childhood research related to the development of:

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• Musical intelligence

• Singing skills

• Sensitivity to the beat

• Expressive movement

• Musical memory

• Preferences

• Neurological connections
   

Goals for Children

 

To experience activities that will prepare children for the later development of:

• Accurate rhythmic skills

• Accurate singing skills

• Sensitivity to the expressive qualities in music

 

Guidelines for Parents

 

• Parents must participate in all Infant through Preschool activities (not Homeschool/Elementary).

• Classes are for parents to learn activities as well as for the children’s enjoyment.

• Children often are unresponsive in class and participate more freely at home between classes. This is preferred. Parents should learn the activities during class time so they can share them with their children during more receptive times at home.

• Infants and Toddlers may roam during class as long as they do not distract other children.

• Invite a roaming child back to the group, but do not force the child to participate.

• Please try not to talk to other adults during class. Focus on your child. Depending on the schedule it may be possible to arrive up to 15 minutes early to socialize before class, and likewise to stay after class.

• Do not compare one child’s accomplishments to another’s. Children develop at different rates. Later development is sometimes better!

• Plan to arrive at least 5 minutes before class starts so we can start on time.

• We do take our shoes off for all classes, in order to keep the carpet clean for the little ones and to maintain a comfortable, home-like atmosphere.
   

Supplemental Materials for Parents

 

Tuition includes a CD of the songs and rhymes taught in class, (with extra tunes!) plus a lyric booklet to help adults remember the activities at home. Supplemental books and additional handouts will be available occasionally.