Parent's Role
"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
Rachel Carson, "A Sense of Wonder"
* Use the family materials often at home for reinforcement. Riding in the car provides a great opportunity for listening and singing along.
* Dress your child comfortably for movement, including lightweight shoes. Dress yourself comfortably, too. You'll be on the floor for much of the class.
* Be on time to class. Allow time for bathroom breaks and diaper checks before class. Please avoid bringing toys, food or drinks to class.
* Bring siblings or other guests to class only with prior approval. If your visiting child is participating in class, please leave a $5 payment with the instructor.
* A spouse, grandparent, or other caregiver is welcome to accompany the child. Let them know beforehand what their role and responsibilities are in class.
* Avoid the temptation to converse with other parents during class and keep comments to your child a minimum. Children (and the instructor) are easily distracted.
* To help your child get the most out of music class time, discuss beforehand (over breakfast or dinner, on the way to class, etc.) about the different kinds of activities to expect in class. Verbalizing future activities helps a child to order his/her expectations and prepare appropriate responses.
* For children in the Family Music class, you may guide your child's hands once or twice if you absolutely cannot resist. After that, trust your child to know when he/she feels secure enough to make an attempt. Remember, approximation is how we learn, and first attempts will be far from what your child will eventually learn.
* Children learn a great deal through observation. Many children need to observe and become comfortable with the environment and the group before they are ready to interact. Other children may prefer to remain observers in class and do the activities at home. It is imperative that you or any adult who accompanies your child participate in all class activities. Your child will be watching you and your responses.
* If a behavior becomes disruptive, the child should be guided back into the group activity or removed to allow time for him/her to regain control, then brought back to the group. Your sensitivity to other families will be greatly appreciated.
* Resist the temptation to compare your child's abilities or "progress" to that of the other children. Allow your child to develop at his/her own pace. Emphasis should always be on process, not performance.
* Above all, enjoy the experience of learning and playing with your child.
