Why "Call and Respond Songs" Build a Child's Self Esteem

Call-and-respond songs are especially valuable because they draw everyone into participation quickly.  They usually have a melody that is repeated in the response, or a short repetitive answer.  They are enjoyed by adults and children alike.
I use these  songs to give children oppotunities to respond individually.  After the children are secure in their musical environment, it is vital to encourage them to respond individually.  Each child has the opportunity to hear his or her own voice, and gradually learn to adjust it if they so choose.  Examples are:  Good Day, Hambone, and My Little Rooster

Why Gentle Bouncing is Beneficial in Music Classes for Children

With bouncing activities the adult can give the child a full-body experience of steady beat. This is especially important in our time, when adults and children alike spend a lot of time in a seated position (car, couch, etc). The rhythmic up-and-down movement on the parents' legs is very stimulating to the whole body of the child. The movement also enhances the vestibular function of the ear, which is to register body position, movement, balance, and speed.

The toddler feels confident holding the parents' hands and is free to enjoy a kinesthetic response to movement. Located in the muscles, joints, and tendons of the body, the kinesthetic system gives information on how the movement feels while it is happening. While in air momentarily, the child experiences a feeling of weightlessness that stimulates the brain's energy. The sound of the voice itself is pleasurable and energizing and heightens the delight of the rhythmic bouncing.

Movie about music and science - a must-see

Music teachers and music lovers, see this movie: Science and Song, The Music Instinct. We rented it from netflix. See reviews on amazon - http://www.amazon.ca/Music-Instinct-Science-Song/dp/product-description/B0028X6KYW

Why we use Name Songs in Musikgarten

A child's name is his/her identity. To greet a child by calling him/her by name is not only an especially pleasing personal greeting, but it is also an affirmation of the child's personhood. Singing a name identifies and calls attention to a particular child, acknowledging his/her presence in the beauty of the musical setting.

Not only do the children wait with rapt attention to hear their own name, they also want to hear the welcome extended to each other, many of whom are known as "my friend."
These "name" songs give the children an opportunity to respond individually. After the child is secure in his/her musical environment, the opportunity to respond individually is critical for vocal development.

All babies can sing

All babies are born with the ability to match pitch - scientists and neurologists say this is a proven fact. If this is not developed by age 5 or 6, this ability usually fades away, resulting in adults with poor self-musical-image. After all, music is a 2nd language, learned first through the ear.

Encourage creativity in your child with music

When you notice your baby cooing vocal slides, imitate them. When your toddler or preschooler sings a song or a rhythm, reply in the same musical way. Any tune will do. Make instruments from things you find in the kitchen (I bet you already have). There are some great ideas for homemade instruments on www.familyfun.com
Provide simple instruments of good quality sound such as jingle bells, shakers, and rhythm sticks. You can keep these in your car and take them out one at a time when you and your child are listening to a CD. Explore just one instrument at a time. Explain that these are not toys, and they need to be treated with respect. (Thanks to Jan Boner and ECMMA www.ecmma.org for the above ideas from "Perspectives," Winter 2007)

Blueberry Cheese Pie

The best!
Crumb crust
1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
2 TBPS sugar
pinch salt
1/2 (1 stick) melted butter, unsalted

Combine crumbs, sugar and salt in bowl and toss together with fork. Add butter and stir well til blended. With your fingers, press and pat the mixt. over the bottom and sides of a 9 in. pie pan. Bakd crist in a preheated 325 (165 C) oven for 8 min., then cool before filling.

Cheese custard filling
8 oz cream cheese, at room temp.
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract, the real thing
2 egss

For the berries:
2 cups blueberries, washed
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 TBSP cornstarch mixed with 2 TBSP water (do this almost last)

Preheat oven to 325.
Make the cheese filling: In bowl, combine the cheese, sugar, and vanilla and beat well til mixed and smooth. Beat 2 eggs in small bowl and then stir gently into cheese mixture - use a whisk to blend together. Pour this into cooled, baked shell and bake until just set, 25 to 30 min. Remove from oven and let it cool.
While custard is cooking, combine berries, water and sugar in saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 4 or 5 min., stirring once. Remove from heat and add the cornstarch and water mixture. Bring back to boil and cook for about 1 min., if necessary (mine does not need this part for some reason). Remove from heat and let cool til tepid. Spoon the berries over the custard. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Makes one 9 inch single crust pie.