After we dropped the playgroup, we signed up for a Kindermusik Family Time class. Classes are once a week and I bring Goldie and Swatcho. Swatcho is the oldest child in class and Goldie is on the younger end. The first week we went it was raining and the parking was (is) terrible. By the time we got in the building I thought it would be our first and last class. But I was soooo wrong.
The teacher is very caring and knowledgeable. She taught my older girls when Goldie was born and the year after, so she knows all about the DS. She goes out of her way to include Goldie and praise her abilities.
The other families are also a joy to be around. I was nursing Goldie at the end of class one day when another mom came over to talk to me. She said she was still nursing her daughter who is a couple months younger than Goldie. Another mom commented on how strong Goldie's ankles were. She happens to be a PT, so we talked a little about orthotics.
During class, Goldie does her best to do what the other children are doing. If it is something she can't do yet, I will pick her up or use hand over hand assistance. I think sometimes her eyes get tired and aren't able to keep up with all the movement. (because of the nystagmus) Once in a while she gets sidetracked and I have to bring her back to the group. But, it's only an hour long, which is just right for her. My 7 year old also loves the class and looks forward to it every week.
The first week of class we received a bag with two drums, two CDs, two story books, and a lion puppet. About three weeks ago I put one of the CDs on while I was cooking dinner. I thought it would be a nice alternative to TV. When the music for the third song came on I saw Goldie tapping her foot out of the corner of my eye. When I turned to watch her the words to the song came on singing "I've got the toe tappin blues. I've got the toe tappin blues" We had been practicing this in class and she recognized the song from only the music! And this was after a two week break from class. Of course I stopped what I was doing and joined her. I learned that not only could she tap her toes, but she could slap her knees with the song. Since then, Goldie has also learned to walk backwards when we sing John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt and run forward on the La la la la la part. Who knew music could be PT?
The teacher is very caring and knowledgeable. She taught my older girls when Goldie was born and the year after, so she knows all about the DS. She goes out of her way to include Goldie and praise her abilities.
The other families are also a joy to be around. I was nursing Goldie at the end of class one day when another mom came over to talk to me. She said she was still nursing her daughter who is a couple months younger than Goldie. Another mom commented on how strong Goldie's ankles were. She happens to be a PT, so we talked a little about orthotics.
During class, Goldie does her best to do what the other children are doing. If it is something she can't do yet, I will pick her up or use hand over hand assistance. I think sometimes her eyes get tired and aren't able to keep up with all the movement. (because of the nystagmus) Once in a while she gets sidetracked and I have to bring her back to the group. But, it's only an hour long, which is just right for her. My 7 year old also loves the class and looks forward to it every week.
The first week of class we received a bag with two drums, two CDs, two story books, and a lion puppet. About three weeks ago I put one of the CDs on while I was cooking dinner. I thought it would be a nice alternative to TV. When the music for the third song came on I saw Goldie tapping her foot out of the corner of my eye. When I turned to watch her the words to the song came on singing "I've got the toe tappin blues. I've got the toe tappin blues" We had been practicing this in class and she recognized the song from only the music! And this was after a two week break from class. Of course I stopped what I was doing and joined her. I learned that not only could she tap her toes, but she could slap her knees with the song. Since then, Goldie has also learned to walk backwards when we sing John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt and run forward on the La la la la la part. Who knew music could be PT?
8 comments:
Too cool!! Adam and I loved going to kindermusik when he was younger. Music has always been a huge motivator for Adam.
Way to go Goldie!!!!!!!
I definitely have to look into this for my kiddos. I think they'd love it.
How cool that Goldie knew the song!!
Great job Goldie! Noah loves kindermusik classes as well!
Sounds like a terrific class! Music is definitely a motivator for Sean and really has helped him learn a lot of new skills. How exciting for Goldie!
And very cool to "out" another extended nurser. :)
Me again - just wanted you to know that you have an award on my blog. ;)
Fabulous! She's so clever!
Your girls are very cute! We have a Music Therapist weekly and my little guy learns so much from this type of therapy! You have a neat blog (same background as mine :-) )
How neat! Now I'm looking forward to the Kindermusik summer class that we signed up for. Matthew is only 19 months old though. I hope he'll like it as much as your daughter does.
My blog:Bill and Ria
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