An Insiders Perspective

Can you tell which ones are sisters?

Scaffolding

In the Kindermusik classroom, we gently guide each child's learning and fun by responding to what the child is doing and is able to do. This is a child-centered approach to learning. For example, instead of telling a child what to do the moment the take the bells in their hands, we wait and see what the child will do. Then we might build on that by challenging the child to do something else or something a little harder. If they don't want to do what we suggest, no problem: we back off and start the process again. If they choose to respond to our suggestion, we continue the process as the child is open. We may even just sit back and allow the child to explore however they wish. And we all have a grand time!

Child Safety: Gates and Bells

In my Village class tonight, a little 11 month old picked up a set of bells recommended for a 3 year old that I had set up for the next class. She started playing them right away and had a wonderful time. It got me to thinking about child safety. I am not really expressing an opinion but making an observation and perhaps asking a question. One of my 2 year old students broke her arm by climbing over the baby gate her parents had blocking the stairway. I have heard so many stories like this. Her parents took away the baby gate and decided that it was time to let her go up and down the stairs. They felt that less risky than keeping up the baby gate. The bells that Kindermusik recommends for 2 year olds, the babies love and the 2 year olds find boring. Try to find developmentally appropriate drums for a 6 month old and you will find some instruments that barely sound like the real thing. First time parents are generally very careful to buy everything considered "safe" for their baby. After a while, though, most change their ways to what they feel is more realistic. So, mom bought some 3 year old bells for her 11 month old tonight and I am sure she will have a rockin' 11 month old experience with her 3 year old bells!!!