Try a music or art class at January Demo classes

Of course, you want to try a Kindermusik class with Ms. Debbie, or an art class with Ms. Carolyn, but you are worried about the cost, or whether your child will like it, or whether they will disrupt the class, or whether you will have to dance or sing.  Well, don’t worry so much, you can dance and sing when you want to, just like your child is encouraged to participate in their own way.  Your child may not be ecstatic about it the first day, but will grow to love it in just a few weeks (when they become familiar with the routine), and we can work through the cost issue (I’ve got my ways.)  But first, just come and try it out a class.

THIRD Week of January:    17 – 21st

at InTune Studios

Enroll Online:   FREE DEMO Class Schedule 

Invite a friend: See you then !               Enroll Together and each get FREE music !

 

Demo classes reflect the programs offered by Music Connections and InTune Studios

Spring 2012 Semester

starting First week of February:            Jan. 31 – Feb. 2

Babies: infants up to 17 months

– Kindermusik Village: Cock-a-Doodle Moo

– Kindermusik Playdates: Winter Wonderland
– Kindermusik Sign & Sing: Unit 1 (6 – 30 m)

 

Toddlers: 1 1/2 – 3 1/2 yrs

– Kindermusik Our Time: Away We Go

– Art & Literacy: Pee Wee Picasso’s (InTune)

 

Preschoolers: 3 – 5 yrs.

– KM Imagine That: Toys I Make, Trips I Take

 

Elementary: 5 – 7 yrs.

Kindermusik for the Young Child (5 – 7 yrs)

Art’Sing: Singing, Drama, Art (6 – 13 yrs) (InTune)

 

Families:

Kindermusik Playdates: (one time events)

Jan: Winter Wonderland

Feb: Let Me Call You Sweetheart

Mar: It’s Your Lucky Day

 

These Playdates are offered one Sat. a month, as well as a variety of times of other times.

 

Be a part of a wonderful musical experience with your family this Spring !!!

 

For any Kindermusik classes,  Enroll online   or contact Debbie Mondale.

Email  musiconnx@att.net ,  or call: 863-816-8835

 

For any InTune Studios classes,  contact Tiffany Stokes

intunestudios@gmail.com , or call  863-937-7782

I hope to see you at the studio this week.  Until then, be well.

Local Treasures – Holiday Events for 2011

It is hard to find a good listing of ALL the wonderful local holiday events for Lakeland, FL, in one place.  It has actually taken a good bit of research and even some phone calls to compile this list of what I consider “must-do” holiday events coming up in Lakeland or nearby.  I WISH I could do all of them, but I will have to CHOOSE wisely !  Oh, decisions… decisions… 

PLEASE ADD your favorites as well in the comments so others can be aware.  That’s how I found out about two of these the last time I did this.  Click on the blue links for more information and pictures.  I’d add pictures, but then it’d be too long.  This way you can copy, paste, print, and hang it on the fridge !

I hope your holidays are filled with joy and special moments with your family …  and maybe even with our local treasures. 

Featured Events with Music Connections & InTune Studios

Winter Wonderland Kindermusik Playdate – Sat., Dec. 3rd,  9  OR  10 am

        at the Bay Street Bistro, where we will enjoy a Wonderful Waffle Bar  Breakfast

“As cold winds blow and bring us snow…”  Our musical adventures include snowy fun: snowflakes fall,  snow balls abound, snowmen are created and come to life, jingle bells ring, and the room turns into an ice skating rink. 

Check out the music on the Winter Wonderland Album.  As soon as you register, you’ll recieve a code to download the music  right away, and a Kindermusik jingle bell awaits your attendance.  Then after class, you can head to the downtown Snowfest.

 

A Whoville Christmas  –  Sun.,  Dec. 11,   5:30 – 6:30 pm

Dixieland Village is being transformed into Whoville, full of Whopeople, Whoscenes, Whostuff, and  delightful Whoville Christmas entertainment.  Our Art’Sing students are eager to share their set designs, costumes, and performance of “A Whoville Christmas”.  Other holiday musical gems will be performed by the InTune Studios students.  You can also catch the “Whoville”  performance (without the set)  at the downtown Holiday Walkabout on Nov. 29th.

Treasured Annual Lakeland Events

Public Ice Skating   Nov. 18 – Dec. 19  (see times)    –  The Lakeland Center

Get in the winter mood with some chilly fun.  Good Luck, and Be Careful !

Holiday Walk-a-bout  – Nov. 29 ,  6 – 9 pm                – Downtown Lakeland

Downtown Lakeland celebrates the holidays with shopping, dining, music,  horse-drawn wagon rides and more!  Holiday music from many area schools and churches create a festive atmosphere.  Visit Santa at Tougie Baby on South Kentucky Avenue.  PLEASE COME SEE Our Young Voices students from InTune Studios performing “Whoville Christmas”.   

Christmas Parade – Thursday, Dec. 1^st   – 7 pm           – Downtown Lakeland

Get your seat early as the parade consisting of about 100 floats will set off from the Lakeland Center and wind through Downtown.  Roads will begin closing at 5:30.  Fireworks over Lake Mirror at 7:00 to start the parade.

Cookies & Carols  at First Friday, Dec. 2,  6 – 9 pm     –  Downtown Lakeland

Downtown continues the holiday festivities with holiday music and entertainment, visits with Santa and so much more.

Lights of Lakeland – Dec 2 – 4 & 9 – 11 – 6:30 – 9 pm   –  Highland Park Church

Lakeland’s largest lighted Christmas event boasts of 9 Scenes, including a walk through Bethlehem with live animals, and even SNOW in Florida !

Snowfest – Saturday, Dec. 3    10:00 am – 2 pm.        – Lake Mirror Promenade

A Holiday Event for the Entire Family featuring Snow Mountain, a rock climbing wall, photos with Santa, live entertainment and more!  The festival is open to all.  The cost for admittance onto Snow Mountain for a few minutes play is a can of tuna for the food bank (or $1), and other activities may include a ticket price.  This is totally lacking online info, but I called to make sure !

Colonial Christmas – Sat., Dec. 3,  6  pm    –  Kingscliff – Lake Hollingsworth

Geneva Classical Academy Event:  Experience the Holiday Celebrations of America’s Founding Fathers at a Lake Hollingsworth mansion.  90 minutes of interactive 18th century dancing, tavern fare, theatre and games.  Phone: (863) 644-1408

Santa’s Calling  –  Tuesday, Dec. 6   5:30 pm

Arrange for your child to receive a special telephone call from Santa!!  Print Santa’s Calling Form, then return the completed form to a city Parks & Rec. location (mail, fax, or deliver) by Dec. 5.  The questions are interesting.

Sounds of the Seasons – Dec. 9 – 11 (check times)  

Lakeland Community Theatre at the Lake Mirror Complex:    A musical family event to celebrate the Holiday Season featuring 12-piece pit orchestra, as well as talented singers and dancers.  Call:  863-603-7529

Treasured Nearby Weekend Events

Cannonball Christmas Express – Sat & Sun in Nov & Dec        – Tavares, FL

Get into the holiday spirit on board the Orange Blossom Cannonball Christmas Express for a magical trip to the North Pole.   Take a real train ride in vintage coaches pulled by our 1907 steam locomotive as we travel to our destination singing Christmas songs and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and cookies. Santa will board the train at the North Pole to visit with kids of all ages and present each child with a gift.

Tea with Mrs. Santa – Saturdays throughout Dec.                – Auburndale, FL

Make arrangements with friends to enjoy a Christmas Tea Party in Auburndale.  Mrs. Clause is there to read stories and take pictures with your little ones.  Upstairs there is a place for decorating Gingerbread houses (graham crackers).  Limited seating means no overcrowding.  Magnolia Tea Room.  CALL for reservations:  (863) 965-1684

Christmas Notes – Sat, Dec. 17,   5 – 8 pm.    –  Homeland Heritage Park, FL

Polk County Parks & Recreation invites you to the annual Christmas Notes. Join us for a Frontier Christmas and explore the historic Homeland Heritage Park.  Activities include cookie decorating, photos with Santa, a caroling hayride, live music and entertainment, inflatable bounce houses, refreshments, and food vendors.  Most activities will be free to the public.   Phone: (863) 534-3766.  At the website, look for contest coloring page & festival info. to download  in pdf format.

Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens – ongoing                            – Lake Wales, FL

Coordinate your Guided Winter Walk with one of the Holiday Film Series for children, and the Seasonal Carillon Music concerts.    Make it on Sat, Dec. 17,  1 – 4 pm, and get the chance to “decorate a tree with naturally tasty garlands and gifts for our feathered friends.”, and hear the George Jenkins HS Golden Harmony Show Choir.

Grateful for Local Treasures

As I look around this holiday season, I am looking with a new perspective.  Looking past the glitter and hype, I am extremely GRATEFUL to find myself surrounded by so much personal talent, passionate interests, and dedicated hard-working people in my community.   Looking past the mass produced objects, and chain services, I find my neighbors putting their hearts and all their energy in their creations or services.

I LOVE walking around the local produce stands, or the downtown market, gathering fresh local produce, and getting to know the stories of those who live close to the land.  It is fascinating to hear how the weather has affected certain crops, or to taste the difference between varieties of local honeys: Orange Blossom, Wildflower, Tupelo, Florida Clover, etc.  

I enjoy catching the enthusiasm of my friends as they passionately share stories about their unique services: a community art teacher and vocal instructor who pair up to create a weekly experience that includes group voice, artistic set designs, costumes, choreography, acting and more;  a mother who loves to make unique hair bands and bows for her baby and delights in developing new styles to sell to other families;  a private restaurant owner who truly listens to his customers, and continues to make changes that reflect their preferences.

In this gift giving season, I have been struck by a new focus:   When we purchase objects and services that are created and offered by local people, they become treasured thoughtful gifts for our loved ones, as well the gift of support in our own little piece of the world.  I would go so far as to say that the economy of the USA depends upon recognizing the value of the contributions of our local talent.  So when purchasing gifts this holiday season, I am making sure to consider gifts that capture the bounty offered by those who are nearby.   

Ask about Gift Certificates

I have found that some of my favorite local service providers offer gift certificates when asked:  hair stylist, massage therapist, car detail shop, local golf course (my hubby will like that one).  My mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

Grandparents often are grateful to hear suggested “gifts” that will last over time, like gift certificates for weekly lessons from a dedicated community educator in areas like music, art, martial arts, etc.   AND, it is fun to pair that with an instrument, or supplies to enjoy unwrapping, that can be found through these educators, or they might recommend items from local shops.  (And yes, I do offer personalized gift certificates for Kindermusik semesters, as well as some unique gift sets this year.)

Wherever I go, I seek out unique owner-run restaurants.  I am fascinated to see exactly what I will get when I order a chili relleno – same name and general idea, yet sooo many ways to prepare it.  I LOVE finding little places that serve the BEST food, with the BEST attitude.  The gift certificates may not be displayed for all to see, but are usually available when requested.

Of course, I have always LOVED listening to live music, and I enjoy many types of concerts.  But this year, I have come to fully appreciate listening to local musicians in a toned down atmosphere, like the wine bar nights offered at local restaurants.  Just this weekend, we enjoyed “Billy Needs a Beard” at the Bay Street Bistro.  On other nights, we have truly enjoyed the unique versions of songs played by Brian Sutherland and his group (I love it when they bring out the cello and stand up bass), and the original music by Derik Thomas – a 17 year old Harrison student with talent in abundance.  This is an easy gift for my friends… “Meet me for a bottle of wine and some fabulous music…”  Their gift for me is simply their company.  And we leave a good tip for our musician and restaurant friends.

For those folks on my holiday list that live far away, I find it fun to send them something that is uniquely local, like the honey I was talking about earlier, alligator jerky, a box of oranges, or a piece of art gathered locally at art or music festivals.  I’m always astonished at what can be found.   

Just a few weeks ago, at the River Hawk Music Festival, it was so much fun to explore the unique creations of Florida artisans.   A Naples man was selling seashells that he makes into musical instruments.  What I loved was the story of his discovery.  From the shore, he saw some dolphins in the gulf, and wanted them to come closer.  Already familiar with how to make a whistling sound with an acorn cap, he found a shell on the beach, and adapted the technique to whistle through the shell to call out to the dolphin as he waded into the water.  It worked, and the dolphins were curious enough to come close enough for him to touch.  Ever since then, he has passionately explored the sounds that can be derived from making and playing Seashell Music.    Yes, my husband found them first, and was smart enough to buy a set of them as gifts for me !  But he’s not really good about keeping secrets, and knew that part of the gift is the story, and made sure to introduce me to the artist.

No matter where you are, THESE KINDS OF PEOPLE are in abundance.  This is the heart of our community.   Seek them out!  Talk to them!  Become a part of the pulse in your little piece of the world, and the benefits will come back around in ways we can’t imagine.

Sometimes, though, they are hard to find.  Most of the time, we simply hear about them from local folks who have stumbled across them, and found a true treasure.  So PLEASE SHARE !  I would love to see a wealth of sharing of the unique treasures that can be found in Lakeland, FL, Polk County, and surrounding areas.

Party with the Pumpkins – Fourth year

WOW !  Pumpkins have such a wide variety of possibilities !  I’m SURE the first person to find a pumpkin never imagined how much fun they could be.    This is our FOURTH year to Party with the Pumpkins and Mrs. Debbie !    With a review of my blog postings of the past, I have found a treasure trove of fun pumpkin play for everyone.  But for my special Pumpkin Parties,  I love to keep things fresh, and I have a lot of new material to add to the mixture of music, activities and crafts to share.  

First, enjoy some pumpkin fun, and get pump-ed up for the season’s best by reviewing the music, activities, and links on my previous posts:  Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween

Then, Enroll right away for our pumpkin event.  Plan to Plump up with your favorite pumpkin wear (even if it is just a pair of pumpkin decorated socks), and join us for:

The Annual Pumpkin Party, on Saturday Oct. 8th

at InTune Studios, 1037 S. Florida Ave. Suite 125, in Lakeland

9:30 am. – For BABIES up to 2 years old 

10:30 am.  For FAMILIES with children from 1 – 7 years old (age flexible, just ask)

I am so excited to add the new “pumpkin party” just for babies.  I have not had them separate before, and the typical family party is not BEST suited for the little ones.  I’ve been having so much fun developing a curriculum with songs, activities, and crafts that will make this a special celebration of the season for families with babies – during the class, and for many weeks to follow.

AND, the Pumpkin Party for families is getting totally re-plumped with new material.  Kindermusik’s music download site, play.kindermusik.com, has been inspiring.  There are not necessarily a lot of songs specifically about pumpkins, but Mrs. Debbie’s brain just starts buzzing with ideas as I pour over the wealth of music found there !  The songs we use will be fun with the themes I have planned for our pumpkin play, and the music will outlive the pumpkin phase, offering fun and memories with the ever evolving themes of childhood.  The crafts will be a fun addition to your season’s decorations, and will become props for continued play at home.

The themes planned for this year’s Pumpkin Party include:

• Planting and Growing Pumpkins
• Pumpkin Patch Creatures
• Pumpkin Play
• Dancing Pumpkins
• Pumpkins in the Kitchen, from carving, baking seeds, and making pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin Head Scarecrows
• Decorating Pumpkins
• The beautiful glow of pumpkins at night

Of course, I always plan too much for our limited time, but our party evolves according to the people who come to play.  Whoooo will come and join me???

Enroll right away so I can prepare effectively for our fun event.  PLUS, as soon as you enroll, I will send an email with a Playlist, and a download code, so you can start listening to the music right away.  You and your children can become familiar with the songs by the time the class starts, making the event ever so much more engaging. 

Enroll ONLINE for the Pumpkin Party for Babies, just $20.   While there, you might also take advantage of the discounts for an extra class, and enroll for the November Winter Wonderland as well.

Enroll ONLINE for the Pumpkin Party for Families.   $20 for first child,  $10 for each sibling 1-5 yrs.  includes craft items.  Again, while there you might take advantage of the discounts for an extra class, and enroll for one or more of the upcoming events:  November’s Winter Wonderland (snow and holiday play); or December’s GingerBread Party.

You can also enroll by contacting Debbie at musiconnx@att.net. 

How does YOUR FAMILY  have fun with pumpkins during this season ???  Please share !

Fall Semester Programs and Themes

Music & Learning FALL  naturally together in Kindermusik, especially with Ms. Debbie !

Lakeland Fall Semester

starts first week of September 2011

Host:  InTune Studios in Dixieland Village at 1037 S. Florida Ave. Suite 125 

Most programs are held once a week, Monday through Thursday

Monday eve. and Tues morning classes are taught by Ms. Tiffany

All the rest are taught by Ms. Debbie.

 The following Core Curriculum classes are 45 min. for 15 weeks (except for Young Child which is 60 min.).   For an overview of how the Core Curriculum meets the needs of children at each stage from infancy up to 7 years old, please click here.

Click on the class logo for links to videos and program descriptions.  Or get class details, and enroll right away, at my website,

http://musiconnx.yourvirtuoso.com  

No classes are scheduled during school holidays, so the last 2 classes are first 2 weeks of Jan. 

————– Babies ————

                         Infants up to 19 months   

                       Wed. 9:30     Thurs. 12:30

Do-Si-Do  (Feel the beat with the Waltz, the Tango, the Cha Cha, and more…)  (8 weeks) 

Feathers  (Celebrate the migrating birds and the Fall changes through song and dance.)      (2^nd semester starts 11/4)    

————- Toddlers ————-

                 (1 ½ – 3 ½  yrs)     

Tues.  10 30 am.  with Ms. Tiffany

Wed. 10:30  &  11:30 am.   

                                                             Thurs. 9:30  &  10:30  am.  

  Wiggles & Giggles Semester Themes: Bath time fun and water themes, self discovery & love between family and friends)            

———— Preschoolers ———-

                           (3 – 5 yrs) 

         Wed. 1:30     Thurs. 11:30

  See What I Saw  Theme: Park play in every way:  playground, nature discovery, picnics & more !

—— Kindergarten / First Grade ——

                          (5 – 7 yrs)

             Tues. 5:15 pm  – Sem. 1

  In this 2 year music education program, students gain a strong foundation for basic music theory, instilling a passion for learning music and preparing them for success in formal music studies.  Knowledge and skill development includes read/writing rhythms and notation, ensemble development, playing 3 instruments (the glockenspiel, dulcimer, and recorder), learning the instruments of the orchestra and introduction to several composers, learning about cultural music from around the world, and so much more.  Please contact Debbie for more detailed information.

————-  Second Saturdays ———–

9:30 am.   Babies:  1 – 24 months.

10:30 am.  Families:  1 – 5 yrs (this is flexible)

Fabulous one-time events based on seasonal and child friendly themes.  Scheduled for the 2nd Sat. of every month, starting in Sept.

Sept. 10 –   Babies:  Mister Sun (sunshiny goodness)   Families:  Tub Tunes

Oct. 8 –       Annual Pumpkin Party

Nov. 12 –   Winter Wonderland

Dec. 10  –   Bake, Build, and Sing:  Gingerbread HOUSES !

———— Families ———-

                    (1 – 5 yrs) 

    If interested, contact Debbie for a survey to determine the most desired time.

  Make Way for Music  Theme:  Learn about and experience music concepts through song and movement.  Listen and learn about instruments of the orchestra. 

We also may be creating some new options for families.  If one of the above  doesn’t work for your family, but you want to see something that does, PLEASE talk to me !   If there is enough interest in a particular program at a particular time, we will do our best to accomodate !

 Enrollment can be completed on my website, http://musiconnx.yourvirtuoso.com , and/or contact Debbie at musiconnx@att.net or 816-8835.  If you have questions, please leave a phone number so we can speak personally.  I’d really like to meet the needs of your family.

Pay in full for the entire semester by the first day of class, and get the chance to choose a prize out of the DRUM !   May include Free CD, Free Download Card, instruments, scarves, Discount Card for Tuition, etc.

To clarify Enrollment Discounts, Payment Plans, and my perspective on providing options for ALL families, see my Blog Page about Payments.

Enjoy a StoryWalk in Downtown Lakeland

Can you and your young children WALK and READ at the same time???  Of course you can, on a special StoryWalk™.   I’m setting one up in Downtown Lakeland for the month of June, for your family’s enjoyment.  Since it is in the store windows, it costs nothing, and you can even go when the stores aren’t even open.   Try some of the activity ideas on each page, then head to the next store.

Every month, since before my son was born, I read the Family Fun magazine cover to cover, and we are often inspired to create some family fun !  The May issue inspired me to create a StoryWalk™ for downtown Lakeland with one of my Kindermusik books.  

The original StoryWalk™ Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.  Find out more at http://kellogghubbard.org/storywalk.html

The idea is that separate pages of a children’s book are posted along a path.  To promote a healthy exercise activity, and the fun of reading, families can accompany their young children along the path, walking and reading along. 

For the month of June, we will feature Pete and PJ, a fun story about a boy and his dog who get dirty playing in the mud, BUT are HAPPY to enjoy a bath to clean up.   Each page of the story ends with the fun phrase “Wishy Washy, Wishy Washy, Wishy Washy, Weee!”, and while chanting it, the readers swish their hands together to the beat, then raise their hands up in the air on Wheee!  There are also some fun activity ideas for the story part on each page that the readers can enjoy on the spot.

There are 8 pages of the book which are located at some fabulous downtown businesses.   The list below has them in order, and includes a link to their website (if they have one) and a brief point of fact.

Click HERE for a map of Downtown Lakeland.

Start at The General Store.  Go in and get a bookmark guide.  This bookmark will include ALL the locations, and some contact information.  Or copy and print the following information:

    StoryWalk  featuring Pete & PJ

1)       The General Store,      125 S. Kentucky Ave.      Groceries, Sundries, and Memories.    Make sure and say HI to Ms. Terisa and Sparky when you get your bookmark !    IBC Cream Soda …  Mmmmm !

2)      Paint Along Studios,     123 S. Kentucky Ave.     Their  Kids Kamps this summer looks like a lot of fun !

3)      Tougie Baby  (NEW)     121 S. Kentucky Ave.      A new store featuring specialty clothes and items for your babies  (She’s only been open 3 weeks !)

4)      Nathan’s Men’s Store   221 E. Main Street         A classic traditional men’s (as well as the best local Cub Scout & Boy Scout) store

5)      Black and Brew              205 E. Main Street         Coffee House and Bistro  (I LOVE their Ginsing Peppermint Tea – ICED !)

6)      Main Street Creamery  128 E. Main Street         Old fashioned ice cream shop (a great lunch too).

7)      Explorations V                109 N. Kentucky Ave.     Three floors of hands-on Children’s Museum FUN.  I got an annual membership when I moved here 12 years ago, and have renewed every year since.  It is THAT worth it !

8)      Palace Pizza   (last page)   114 S. Kentucky Ave.         The best pizza in town (in my opinion) !       

If you are reading this posting before you go, you may want to bring a few things just to make it a more concrete experience(optional, of course), a washcloth, a bath towel, maybe a bubble jar, and possibly a stuffed (or real) pet dog.  Walk, read, talk, sing, pretend, move, and have a good time together. 

This book, “Pete and PJ” by Cindy Bousman and Susan James,  is featured in several of our upcoming Kindermusik programs.

• a Kindermusik Playdate called Tub Tunes,
• our Music and Art Family Classes called “Splash” this June,
• and our Fall Semester of Our Time called “Wiggles and Giggles” includes the book in the home materials.

On each of the story pages posted in the store windows, there will be:

• Which page it is, out of the total number of pages
• Fun activities to enjoy while reading that page,
• Creative ideas to make it musical !
• Which store will have the next page, and a suggested way to move to get there. 

It may look silly as you enjoy the activities, but your children will LOVE it, and may want to do this repeatedly.  The cool part is that the stores don’t have to be open to enjoy this StoryWalk, it is ALL in the windows.  It’s like a literary treasure hunt.

To enhance THIS StoryWalk with music, go to www.play.kindermusik.com  and download the song called “Wishy Washy Wee!” off of the Bake, Build, Sing and Scrub album.  It is a fun song to sing along with the repetitive phrase in the book .  You may also want to download “Sailor Scrub”, which is perfect music for marching, or gliding, or stomping, to the next location.  If you are new to this site, you get 10 free credits to use, making these FREE downloads !

Upon completing the StoryWalk, contact us at InTune Studios and you will receive a coupon for a FREE music, art, or Kindermusik class.

We are loaded with fun, creative ways to enjoy your family time.  Check out our Music and Art Summer Camps and Workshops.  Some are for families, some are for big kids.   Our #1 focus is to provide such a quality experiences that the creative juices just START to flow, letting open the flood gates, and you will see your children riding the tide long after classes are over.

Once you’ve enjoyed the STORYWALK, please share your thoughts!   Do you like it downtown?  Do you have other suggested locations?  Is it the right distance for walking with your family?   Are you enjoying the book and activities?   I’m here listening, to my comments here, on Facebook, and on Twitter.  I look forward to hearing from you.

FEED their creative side this Summer !

 Feed their creative side !   Make ’em hungry for more.  

Children who explore their creative sides see life from many different perspectives.  These children are better able to solve problems, handle the challenges of a continually changing society, AND they are better able to look at life from the positive side.  Expand their perspective this summer ! 

 Join us for     MUSIC and ART   Summer Camps and Events 

at InTune Studios in downtown Lakeland, FL

Signing Music

 Kindermusik Sign and Sing

Communicate –

         and build concepts –

     with your hearing baby 6 – 36 months. 

Object or action  + ASL Sign + Word + Fun

= language learning in surround sound

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

ABC Music & Art for Families     Ages: 1 – 5 yrs + 

FAMILIES attend together,

     learning new ways to interact,

          exploring cool themes like bubbles:  

    Through music,   body movements,   prop play,   textures & art projects. 

                           .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

     Summer Music & Art Camp for Big Kids

     Ages 4 1/2 – 8 yrs.

     A full day, week long, journey,    

              explore 5  different countries and cultures:         

                    through traditional art

                           through songs, games & dances

                                                                                   through instruments & rhythms

                            .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Art’Sing on Broadway – Week Long Summer Camp for ages 5 – 13 yrs.

Come on downtown to enjoy the highlights of Broadway,

         through the ART of the stage:  sets, costumes, make-up, and masks

                through the SOUND of the stage:  favorite Broadway songs

                         through the PERFORMANCE on the stage – Oh YEAH !

Weeklong camps offer FULL or Partial Day options, but for the full immersion experience – to see life from all perspectives – to feed their creative side, let them enjoy the FULL journey.

 .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 

There are also many One-Time Events to enjoy throughout the summer.

Kindermusik Playdates – from infants up to 5 yrs old. with Debbie Mondale

Music Workshops   &   Art Workshops – with Tiffany Stokes & Carolyn Espina

Any of the underlined links will lead you to contact information.  And here are the direct links to our websites.

Music Connections‘ Debbie Mondale (musiconnx@att.net)  is teaming up with Tiffany Stokes (intunestudios@gmail.com)  and Carolyn Espina, of InTune Studios, to provide exceptional experiences for your family this summer.   We are having so much fun just getting it ready !

If you don’t live in Lakeland, check out www.kindermusik.com for some of the most excellent summer adventures for your family.

Bunny Rabbits – Funny Habits

 

Hiding in the grass

 Bunnies just look soooo cuddly that it is a natural  impulse to want to pick them up and hug them.  Luckily we have a lot of stuffed animals for little children to do just that.   Wild rabbits are actually very timid creatures (some children can really relate to them), and it is fun to explore their unique habits through a variety of rhymes, songs, stories, and activities.  (It may also share with some children how timid and shy creatures still live very happy lives.)  These are some of my favorites offered by a variety of authors and sources, including Kindermusik, and a few of my own.

Personally, my favorite Easter icon is the egg  (see my eggcellent egg post).  But, this is the semester we move like, sound like, act like, and celebrate ANIMALS, and the animal of the day is the BUNNY RABBIT!Enjoy the activities that work best for your family.  AND SHARE with me some of YOUR Favorites too.   I do hope you have a wonderful Easter !

                                                DESCRIBE the BUNNY

 I’m a Little Bunny   by Jan Brennen
(Sung to “I’m a Little Teapot”)   Take time for the actions with your child.

I’m a Little Bunny, in a field I lie,               (curl up on the floor like a rabbit)
Here is my nose, and here are my eyes.   (point to body parts)
Here’s a bushy tail that likes to wiggle,     (wiggle tail area)
Tickle me and I might giggle.                         (… just do it !)

I’m a Little Bunny, soft and sweet,              ( front “paws” pet each other)
Here are my ears, and here are my feet.   (touch body parts)
When I’m in the garden, I look for treats,     (hop around and look)
And nibble on all I like to eat.                         (pretend to nibble on food)

***  This is also fun to with a little baby as “the bunny”.  Make eye contact, use an expressive voice, and adapt the actions to be “ON” the baby.

*** Older children may like to use a stuffed rabbit, or rabbit puppet, to make the motions, with this, or any of these rhymes or songs.)

It might be good to find a book that describe the true habits of rabbits.

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Outside Fun

 This Kindermusik song (an old folk song) is perfect to explore so much of HOW a rabbit may move or act.    

What Shall We Do when we all go out, All go out, all go out.
What shall we do when we all go out, All go out to play?

Let’s all hop like a rabbit, A rabbit, a rabbit,

Let’s all hop like a rabbit, When we go look for food.

• Twitch your nose like a rabbit . . .   – So we can smell the food.
• Let’s all munch on a carrot . . .         – Crunch, crunch, crunch…
• In the dirt, we’ll dig a hole . . .          – And that will be our home.
   
• Listen carefully with my long ears . . .   – So danger we can hear
• Hide in a hole when there’s danger . . .  – Until we know it’s safe.

*** Perhaps you can tell that this is sort of a story within a song.  Follow the pattern consistently and talk about the story, and the children will pick up on the pattern, and begin to tell the story themselves.

 

Fun HOPPING  Activity Ideas

• Hop from the squatting position
• Have a hopping race to a finish line
• Play hopping tag
• Listen for sounds, then find the source.
• A person can hide with a specific sound, then others can listen and find them.

 

My Bunny Hops All Through the Garden

(Sung to “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”)  To sing while playing tag!

My bunny hops all through the garden,  My bunny hops all through the yard:
I like to play tag with my bunny,  But trying to catch him is hard.
Come back, come back, Oh, come back, my bunny to me, to me.
Come back, come back, Oh, come back my bunny to me. 

———————————————————————

“Danger Training”

This Kindermusik rhyme focuses on one of the most unique characteristics of rabbits, HIDING when there is danger.  

Of course, it can be fun in many ways, such as enjoying  finger play where the fingers hop about and finally into the hole made by a criss crossed lap.

Here’s a Bunny with Ears So Funny

And here’s a hole in the ground,

At the first sound he hears (make noise)

He pricks up his ears,

And hops right into the ground.

This is a great opportunity to teach your child what to do when there is danger.  Talk about dangers that may occur, and what you want your children to do in those instances.  Agree upon cue words to start the hiding process, such as “Danger, hide inside.”  Agree upon a specific safe hiding spot, and practice playing “Rabbit danger”.  The children should wait quietly until “mother bunny” comes get them. 

After one spot is learned, try other safe hiding spots in the home and yard, so they don’t panic if they can’t get to that one.  Hopefully, it will always be a game.  But if there’s ever a need, you’re child will have the skills to handle it and is less likely to panic.

Book Recommendation: “The Runaway Bunny” Margaret Wise Brown

Although the little bunny is in NO danger, When he wants to run away from home, his mother assures him that she will run after him and find him because she loves him.  This is a reassuring message that fills a child’s heart and mind with connection, hope, and love.

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Eating Time Fun

 Try this as a finger play when your child is sitting in their high chair (like This Little Piggy)

 

This Little Bunny

likes food that’s GREEN.
This little bunny thinks carrots are keen.
This little bunny likes food that’s yellow
This little bunny is a hungry fellow.
This little bunny nibbles away
At apples and celery every day!

• Touch each of five fingers while reciting.
• Recite during food time when eating “rabbit food” (veggies) and replace the underlined words with foods on the table.

 ***  Rabbits love to eat raw plants of all colors:

Green:  lettuce, celery, broccoli, cabbage, sugar snap peas

Orange: carrots, sweet potato, cantalope

Yellow:  yellow squash, corn, pears

Red:  apples, papaya, tomatoes

Lay out a garden spread for your little bunny with various things to spread on it or dip it in, such as:  honey, peanut butter, dressing, caramel, cheese, cream cheese, etc.

For fun, here are directions on how to make a bunny pear salad.

My son’s favorite quote while eating carrots:

“Eheheheh,

What’s up, doc ?”

 

What kind of bunny fun is hopping around YOUR house?

NEW Program – Kindermusik Sign and Sing

You can see the brain wheels turning as older babies and toddlers try to communicate…  as they try to tell an older sibling or adult what they need or want.  You can also see the dazed look on the parent’s face as they try so hard to understand.  Amazingly, older siblings can be impressive interpreters.  But they are not always available.

Baby Sign Language has been around for awhile in many different forms.   Indeed for hearing babies and toddlers that have no developmental issues, providing an option for a peaceful way to communicate their needs and wants.

Kindermusik International teamed up with Signing Smart, who put a lot of research into the best methods for parents to use to help set up positive situations in which their child WANTS to use signs to communicate.  And they established methods for helping children.  The result is Kindermusik Sign and Sing, specifically designed for children from 6 – 36 months along with a parent or significant care provider (a grandparent, aunt, or even a nanny).

At InTune Studios, we are now offering the Sign and Sing program, which is offered on Tuesday mornings at 11:30 am.,  directly following a 10:30 Kindermusik Our Time class, both taught by Tiffany Stokes – the director of InTune Studios, a licensed Kindermusik Educator, and a sister to a sibling with hearing impairments.  

 This is a research-proven program based on methods shown to speed language development in hearing children, ease frustration, and enhance long-term learning abilities.

To attend a Free Demo Class, contact Debbie:  musiconnx@att.net  or check out the schedules for the Free Demo and the full semester on the Music Connections Website .

 The following video features our fellow Kindermusik educator in Orlando, Holly Lesnick, and the families in her Sign and Sing program.

 

 

Session A – Beginner
45 minute class with caregiver (mom, dad, grandparent, nanny, etc.)

This class combines songs and playful interaction to help children learn American Sign Language. The five-session class gives parents the tools to learn more than 50 American Sign Language Signs for children ages 6 months to 3 years.

 

 

Do you fit into one of these categories?  Or do you have a whole different situation?  Please share.  I’d love to know more about how families communicate.

 

 

At Home Materials include:

•  one Family Activity Guide – providing plenty of ideas for activities for parents and children to learn and play with at home
  • one DVD glossary showing 60 signs – WATCH the signs being made by adults & children
  • one set of clip-on flashcards that feature both children and adults using family-friendly American Sign Language signs.

  SESSION B (Advanced)
  

  This session reviews the first three Keys to Signing Smart Success^™ and provides an in-depth look at the final and fourth Key. New concepts such as in and out, up and down, big and little, tall and short will be explored with more songs and animal-themed activities.

   At Home Materials are included with both classes.

  Find out more on: Sign and Sing – Some Questions Answered :  Holly Lesnick does an excellent job of answering the questions:  Will using sign language delay the speech of normally speaking children?  Or will it enhance their language development?

  Here is a bit of research on the particular program we offer (Sign and Sing) which was developed by Signing Smart:  Compared to developmental norms, Signing Smart children have enriched language and communication skills:
  • While the average 8 month old will have no spoken words, the average Signing Smart child will have 5 signs and 1 word.
  • While the average 12 month old will have 3-5 spoken words, the average Signing Smart child will have 25 signs and 16 words
  • At 18 months, the average child will have 10-50 spoken words. In contrast, the average Signing Smart child will have 79 signs and 105 words.
  • In addition, a majority of Signing Smart children begin combining signs and words or signs and signs together to form little sentences at 11-14 months. Compare this to non-signers, who do not begin to combine words into short sentences (e.g., “Da-da car”) until 20 months old on average!

  These results indicate that ASL signs, used in combination with Signing Smart strategies, facilitate both overall communicative abilities as well as spoken language skills in hearing infants and toddlers.

How do you to communicate with your child?   Do you easily understand what your growing child wants and needs through listening to his sounds and watching his actions?  If so, congratulations, you are a very observant parent, who listens to their child without the need for words or ASL signs.  I KNOW parents like this.  I also KNOW parents who are challenged to understand the garble that their child is so intently trying to share.  AND, those who deal with major tantrums because their child is frustrated with his or her inability to communicate.

2011 Winter Calendar for Families

2011 Jan / Feb   Important Dates for Families 

  For more details on Kindermusik Events,

Check the Music Connections Website

 

Saturday, Jan. 8  – Saturday Family Events    (1-7 yrs. old)

9:30 – NEW Family Time Semester – Each 2nd Sat. for 5 months 

                      “Here, There, & Everywhere”  

 

10:45 –  Family Event:  1x only for new families                  

                       “Kitchen Commotion”

             

  

Jan. 7 – 16    Annual Buffalo Pow Wow  @ Auburndale Marketworld  

                      Native American music, dancing, art, etc.

                     (Ms. Debbie says “This is a MUST SEE local event !”)

                   

  

———— Free Demo Days at InTune Studios ——– 

Jan. 18 – 19   Art and Literacy  –  Demo Class   “Snow Daze”

                                    with Carolyn Espina     Call: 937-7782

Tues.       9:30 am – Little Van Goghs  (1 – 3 yrs)

 Wed.       2:30 pm – PeeWee Picassos (3 – 5 yrs)

 

Jan. 18    Baby Sign Language – Demo class

                                    with Tiffany Stokes    Call: 937-7782

Tues.      11:00 am.  Kindermusik Sign & Sing   (6 – 36 months)

 

Jan. 19 – 20       Kindermusik Demo Classes

                                    with Debbie Mondale     Call: 816-8835

 Wed .     9:30 am.  Village    (infants to 18 mths)

                  11:30 am   Our Time  (1 1/2 – 3 1/2 yrs)

                   1:30 pm   Imagine That  (3 – 5 yrs)

 

Thurs.   11:30 am  Imagine That (3 – 5 yrs)

                   12:30 pm  Village (infants to 18 mths) 

 

If your child seems ready, try out the next level program,

OR, bring a FRIEND to share free class.

 Register for the Demo class on my website.

 

Jan. 20  –  Group Vocal Class Demo

                                     with Tiffany Stokes    Call: 937-7782

Thurs. 4:30 pm.   Young Voices    (5 – 12 yrs)

 

 

————– Kindermusik Spring Semester ————–

 

  

Feb. 5-6     SPRING Kindermusik Semester Starts

                                   Enroll & pay early to save your place !!!

                                   Some classes already FULL !  See Website.

                                   Or contact Debbie:  musiconnx@att.net  

                      

Feb. 6        ISO “Cookie Concert”    early afternoon     

                                     @ Youkey Theatre – Lakeland Center

                      (Ms. Debbie says “This is a MUST SEE local event !”)

 

If you know of other events you believe should be on this calendar, please let me know.  Thanks !