Reminder about NEW Musiconnx Website

If you have found this page through a web search, or if you are still getting this message via email through Feedblitz, please switch your subscription to my new website:  Musiconnx.com    The Feedblitz email notifications will no longer be working.   Come check out my new wordpress website… it is so much more colorful,  fun and easy to navigate.

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I believe you will love the content of my recent articles.  I have enjoyed completing several series on Peaceful Parenting, Roadtrips, Scaffolding, etc.

I am regularly posting information about establishing good FOUNDATIONS OF LEARNING,  letting you know about NOTEABLE NEWS, sharing PARENT PERSPECTIVES, and sharing wonderful pictures in my PORTFOLIO.

Please subscribe and join the fun on this more creative and interactive website.  I look forward to seeing your comments.

Merry Melodies,
Debbie Mondale

It’s Gonna Snow and I Gotta Crow

I GOTTA CROW !

Like Peter Pan,

I get so excited, that…

I GOTTA CROW !

COCK-A-DOODLE  MOOOO !  (that’s the Kindermusik way to CROW !) 

COCK-A-DOODLE  BRRRRRR !!!

THIS Sat. we celebrate the season:chilly winds, snowfalls, and ice skating with the best music for singing, dancing, and playing in the snow.

WINTER WONDERLAND PLAYDATES
THIS Sat. Jan. 28th Enroll online here, email, or call/text me: 863-397-4976

9:30 – Families with babies up to 18 m.

10:30 – Families with all ages of children

Special Prices this Month:     $15 includes music, snow props, & tuition for 1st child:  $5 for siblings: Siblings < 1 year or > 7 yrs. are FREE:  $5 to bring a friend new to Kindermusik

I GOTTA CROW ! COCK-A-DOODLE ZOOM !

Demos Days were delightful (Thank You!),  new materials are on their way, and

Spring Semester of Kindermusik is ready to roll NEXT WEEK !     (Click on the Spring Icon to Enroll)

I’m excited to see everyone:

the babies will be fascinated by the farm animals; the toddlers are going to chug and vroom, and zoom as Away We Go; and the preschoolers have many “treasures in store”… in our imaginary TOY store, that is.

Come join us ! It is never too late – jump in any time ! If you haven’t yet, come try your first class FREE !

 Tiffany is CROWING about the number of families who will be enjoying her Kindermusik Sign and Sing class. A few spaces remain !

 I GOTTA CROW ! COCK-A-DOODLE TWEET !

My “dinosaur” computer was replaced with one that actually does what I ask without crashing… It’s so NICE to work more efficiently !    And I am very excited about my new website that will launch soon, with all the ways it will help us connect more easily !

Come and CROW with me !

Let’s celebrate all our joys and accomplishments together, with music, and movement, and lots of fun !

May we never grow to old to CROW !

Peter Pan ” I Gotta Crow “

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.

Holiday Happenings in Lakeland, FL

Wow !  So much holiday fun, perfect for children,  is planned for this week, I thought I’d share what’s going on in town.  Plus, I’ve found some excellent online resources for keeping up with local events.

Snow? In Lakeland? Believe !

Events planned for the 1st week of December:

• TUES.  –  Dec.  1 @ 6pm – 20th Annual Holiday Walkabout

This annual event in 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. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a kiddie train ride, pony rides and lots of holiday shopping complete the picture!

Explorations V Children’s Museum, 109 N Kentucky Ave., is open late with hands-on activities for the kids!  Hot cocoa/apple cider for $1 donation.

• THUR.  – Dec.  3 @ 7pm – 28th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade        Theme:  “Festival of Lights”        See the Parade Route.       My family will be on the route near Barnett Park.

• FRI.  –  Dec.  4 @ 6pm – First Friday “Holiday Happenings”

Downtown Lakeland stays open late for holiday shopping and cheer.   Enjoy photos with Santa, holiday music and entertainment.    School groups performing!  Explorations V open late with hands-on fun!

• SAT.  – Dec.  5 @ 10 am – 2 pm   Snowfest at Lake Mirror

This year’s event will feature the traditional Snow Mountain and also a Snow Slide!  A visit from Santa Claus, children’s entertainment, inflatables and food vendors will complete the day.

Price for admission to the Snow Mountain and Snow Slide will be a donated canned food item or a $1.00 donation.  Admission to the inflatables will be $1.00.

• SAT.  – Dec.  5 @ 7:30pm – Florida Southern Christmas Gala
Each year, FSC’s talented musicians present a wonderful gift to our community: the best of the season’s sacred and secular music.   Branscomb Memorial Auditorium    Single admission ticket: $15

And that is just THIS week !  Check out the following online resources for even more holiday fun !

Downtown Lakeland Partnership Website provides a list and description of activities happening in the downtown Lakeland area.

Lakeside Village Website shares the options for music around the Village as well as Saturday Breakfasts with Santa.

I hope to see you around during some of these fun events !  If you have any more to share – PLEASE ADD your comments !

Dream Pillow celebrates the Night Rituals of Babies

 

is for babies

up to 18 months.

 

Fall Semester classes are offered on Wed. 9:30 am., or Thurs. 12:30 pm.

at In Tune Studios. 

It is a 45 min. class with the parent for 7 weeks.

A New Semester starts Oct. 29 – 30^th .

 

 

Dream

Pillow

 

.

This unit is a celebration of all things special about the night; the moon, the stars, dreaming, and the nighttime rituals families enjoy on the way to a sleeping child. 

The book and posters feature soothing water color pictures of night scenes, and the words are meant to be spoken or sung as a lullaby.  On the CD, you’ll find many of the songs are sung by the soothing voice of Arthur Joseph, author of Sing Your Heart Out!

A NEW addition to the Home Materials this semester is the wooden Star instrument, with rings to use as handle, and bells incased in attached wooden beads for safety.

 

For more info. or to enroll, contact Debbie at 816-8835  or  musiconnx@att.net .

Or, for extreme ease, you can enroll, and even pay on my website:  http://musiconnx.kindermusik.net .

 

Please enroll soon so I can order your materials in time for the 1^st day of class.  OR call to arrange to visit the first day of class, and if you decide to join, I’ll have the materials by the 2nd day of class.

 

Total cost for materials & tuition = $115 

 

This time of year gets a little busy with the holidays, so I have arranged the schedule to be a little more loose.  We start on the last week of October, there are two weeks in each of Nov., Dec., and Jan.  Check out the full Calendar Page.

Kindermusik Saturdays keep Families Swinging and Singing

Kindermusik Saturdays

ONE Saturday a month, we will offer individual events based on FUN themes that relate to the month.  ALL of these events are listed on my website, and you can register ONLINE (or by contacting me).  Please register so you can reserve your place in class (participation is limited), and so I know how many people to plan for.  Fun crafts will be involved some months, and other surprises are in store for all who attend.  These Saturday Events are facilitated by DEBBIE MONDALE,   and usually on the 3rd Sat. of each month in Lakeland. 

October Events – Changed to 4th Saturday – Oct. 25th

Location:  In Tune Studios

10:00 am – I LOVE you to the MOON – (for families with BABIES up to 18 months)  There are SO many wonders of the night that are celebrated with beautiful and fun music, as well as dancing and pretend play. Lots of fun with flashlights.

11:00 am. – PUMPKIN PARTY – (for FAMILIES with one or more children from babies up to 7 years old.)  In our pretend garden, we grow the BIGGEST pumpkins and enjoy songs, stories, lap bounces, and circle dances that celebrate this unique vegetable.  And we’ll even decorate our own pumpkins with fun materials.

 

Speaking of Pumpkins and Moons, I recently recieved THIS Picture !  I HOPE that it is not taken offensively, since it is just pumpkins after all.  I think it is quite creative and is an amazing feat of defying gravity.  I don’t know about you, but I see the same grin from my 4 year old daughter as she streaks around after her bath.  If ANYONE feels this is offensive, please email me and I will take it off right away.

November 15, 2008

10:00 am. – 12:00 pm  – Native American PowWow  – At Explorations V – Ancestors & Heroes Day

If you walked into my house, you would really wonder if my background is purely Native American.  I’m actually Polish, but I LOVE so many of the aspects of the Native American people, their philosophies about man and their interactive place in nature, and their traditions that hold them together as a supportive family group.  Their art and their music help me find peace in this very busy world.  I will bring my PowWow Drum, my bamboo flute, and the music and songs I have gathered to help share the world of these people with the children and families who attend.

 

Kindermusik gets IN TUNE in Lakeland

Music Connections is moving it’s Kindermusik programs to be a little more In Tune.

  

 In Tune Studios is a full music studio offering private instruction in piano, guitar, and voice, as well group voice choices. See their website to get a good overview of their philosophy, professionalism, and focus.  See the website.

  In Tune Studios is now the new host for MOST of my Kindermusik classes.  The large room behind the narrow middle windows will be a dedicated Kindermusik space.

 

818 Lemon Street

This white house is on Lemon Street right behind Barnett Park near Lake Mirror. The other side of Lemon Street runs into Hwy 98 South (Bartow Hwy) where Lifestyle Gym is on the corner.

Village, Our Time, Imagine That programs will be held at this location.

A little background:   Tiffany Stokes worked with the Cleveland School of Music as a piano and voice teacher.  She also received her Kindermusik training, and taught ONE class of Our Time.  Because of this, she KNOWS how wonderful and important Kindermusik is.  Cindy Cleveland decided to close her business and be a full-time MOM – (she’s so happy to be with her boys!)  So, Tiffany started her own music studio, In Tune Studios, soon thereafter, and is actively filling her music studio with great teachers and awesome music opportunities for children.

 

 

When she walked into the front room of this location, she immediately pictured it as a beautiful Kindermusik room.  She called and offered this room as a full time home for my Kindermusik programs.  How often does THAT happen to a Kindermusik educator?

There are a LOT of benefits with this location: 

• Centrally located – near downtown, with good parking right on the property.
• FULL room DEDICATED just for Kindermusik 100% of the time.  ALL my materials can be in one place and not have to be moved to be set up.  So Cool!
• The room is already carpeted, and I can decorate it and set it up just how I’d like.
• Natural light streams in from the windows of the front wall. 
• The air conditioner works and is controlled from inside the room, so I can adjust as needed.
• There is a large bathroom just through the hall, and will have a changing table.
• A water cooler is in the hall.
• There will be two waiting rooms, one just for adults and older children.  AND there is one waiting room with quiet toys and books for younger children.
• There is a ramp which makes the location ACCESSIBLE for wheeled units.  Although, there isn’t much space for storing strollers inside.  Luckily, since parking is so close, it’s not as needed.
• I will have more free access to this room, and may be able to offer evening and Saturday options.
• At this location, I may be able to hire additional teachers and offer more and different programs.  Wanna teach?
• Tiffany has offered to work out a sibling care arrangement, while a parent is one-on-one with their child in Kindermusik.  This is in discussion phase.  Please let me know if you are interested. 

I will say that the room is a bit smaller so class size will be limited to 8 – 10 students.  Which just means families will need to enroll early in order to save their place in class.  But I think the more intimate setting will be an additional benefit.

I DO have mixed feelings about leaving Explorations V Childrens Museum.  It has been such a wonderful location for my programs for such a long time, and I really respect the people who work there and the time I have spent with them.  I know that many families see it as a benefit to stay and enjoy the museum after class.  Some families see it as a distraction and source for a potential power struggle.  Currently, I am planning on keeping my Kindermusik Saturdays for Families at the museum on the 3rd Sat. of each month. 

I really do want to do what is best for the families, so I invited some of my long time customers to a trial class to get their opinions. .   Everyone seemed to like the new studio space, and were pleasantly surprised with all the amenities, and esp. the windows and natural light !     

I brought out the balls and the parachute, even the hoops to make sure that the room could HANDLE a true Kindermusik class.  This trial class did help determine that limiting the class size was important to make sure the room size was sufficient for everyone to move freely.   There are a few little details that were brought up, which should be remedied by the time classes start.  THANKS SO MUCH to the families who participated !!! 

I would LOVE to have invited everyone, because the opinions of EACH of my families truly make a difference to me.  AND I am looking forward to hearing your opinions once the location is truly ready.

Amy Foltz brings fresh energy to Kindermusik in Winter Haven

Many families in Winter Haven will be missing Ms. Bernadette this semester.  As her Kindermusik families know, she home schools her daughter, Erica, who has taken an interest in Marine Biology!  There is a fabulous program offered that will allow Erica an in-depth study into this subject, complete with regular field trips to study and explore the natural habitat.  Unfortunately for us, these studies will prevent Ms. Bernadette from teaching for now.  We wish them both luck in their heart felt endeavors.  And we hope to see her back again soon.

 

————————————————————————-

Which brings us to the new face of Kindermusik in Winter Haven – Amy Foltz

 

Amy Foltz began bringing her 2 year old son, Logan, to Kindermusik when he was just about 6 months old.  Every week, she drove all the way from Winter Haven to Lakeland to make sure her son was in the program designed for his age group.  Right away, it was easy to see that she was a great mom, fully interacting with Logan, and taking his lead to interact in his own way, AND interacting in such creative ways with the many other children that would come her way.  I could always hear her singing along with a clear voice.  She learned the words quickly, so I knew she and Logan were listening to the music at home.  And from her comments, I KNEW they were continuing the learning at home.  Plus, she was always sending me pictures and telling me stories. 

 

Now, HERE is an enthusiastic personality – eager to learn, eager to share.  Perfect qualities for a Kindermusik educator.  When she learned that Ms. Bernadette wouldn’t be teaching for a bit, we chatted about her becoming an educator, and her enthusiasm almost exploded out of the room.  Although her career has been as a paralegal, music has never been far from her heart.  Here’s a bit of her story – in her words:   

 

“As to my musical experiences, I started out singing at the age of 8 and continued through high school. I performed at various churches. I performed at my father’s wedding to my step-mother, which was very special. I participated in the 4H Talent show several years in a row and made it to the Indiana State Fair. I performed on the same stage as Vince Gill. I performed right before he took the stage. He is a nice man. For at least 4 years, I performed in musical competitions ranging from solos to quartets usually as a soprano. I often tried alto to increase my vocal range. I received blue ribbons on several occasions. On my honeymoon 8 years ago, Todd and I went on a cruise. He talked me into auditioning for the talent show. I performed “Don’t Cry for me Argentina” and won first place. It was very special to see Todd with tears in his eyes after I performed. My singing style is Broadway/contemporary. My idols are Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. My dream would be to meet them and perform a duet with Andrea Bocelli.”

 

She has now completed the full Kindermusik University course, and is bursting at the seams to get started teaching.  She is most interested in facilitating the programs for the youngest children, including Village, Our Time, and Adventures.

 

THIS FALL, at Xtreme Kids, she is offering:

   Village “Zoom Buggy” unit – celebrating all things that help your baby GO, GO, GO!

   Creatures at the Ocean unit – a full fledged fun adventure at the beach, and with ocean critters.

 

Welcome to Kindermusik, Amy !  May you find your days as a Kindermusik educator as truly special as your first semester of Kindermusik with Logan.

Beach and Ocean Play are coming Winter Haven Way

Kindermusik Ocean Adventures

aren’t just for the summer.

—–

Creatures at the Ocean

will now be offered in Winter Haven, FL

for Fall Semester, starting Sept. 15-19.

 

Facilitated by Amy Foltz

 

Debbie Mondale of Music Connections , and our new educator, Amy Foltz are proud to offer the Creatures at the Ocean Adventure to the families of Winter Haven, and the surrounding communities. 

Creatures at the Ocean includes themes on the beach, at the shore, and in the ocean.  We get to have fun playing with sand, jumping over the waves, going for boat rides, and swimming with the whales and dolphins through musical movement and imaginative play activities.  Whether you are at the beach, at home, or driving in the car, your family will enjoy these songs and activities.  AND you will learn how these activities can be so beneficial for your developing children.

• For families with one or more children, from 1 1/2  through 4 years old.
• Families enroll for a full semester:  60 min. class each week for 10 weeks.
• Monday Nights:  6:00 pm.
• Tuesday Mornings:  10:30 am
• Friday Mornings:  10:30 am.

Materials include:

• a great CD you are sure to love,
• colorful music folders with pictures, song text, and ideas for fun follow up at home,
• a set of storytelling cards “I LIKE THE BEACH”,
• a set of seashell castanets
• additional Sharing Sheets I have developed on the themes
• craft materials for unique handmade projects based on the theme 

 

This is truly one of my favorite semesters, and Amy has thoroughly enjoyed the semester this summer with her son, Logan. 

Unique crafts, and wonderful stories have been gathered to enhance the fun of this program.  

There’s something for Everyone in this unique Kindermusik semester.

Spaces will up quickly, so contact Debbie to enroll or ask questions: musiconnx@att.net

The Music Connections website details the location, schedule and cost, and allows online enrollment, and even offers payment options. 

Amy and I hope to see you singing Cockles & Mussels with us this Fall! 

 

Benefits of using Sign Language with Babies

Kindermusik Sign and Sing teaches parents to use sign language with their infants and young children. 

 

In my current summer class in Lakeland, FL, children from 8 months to 19 months, and their parents, are participating in fun activities that allow ample opportunity for everyone to experience and practice sign language.  Some are just starting to experience signs, several toddlers already know several signs and are ready to expand their vocabulary.  These classes, and the home materials, provide great knowledge and tools for parents to learn techniques that help them feel comfortable in making sign language a part of the daily routine.  The techniques in the Kindermusik Sign and Sing are also specifically designed to promote the child’s desire to use the signs themselves.

 

Kindermusik Sign and Sing helps parents use the tool of sign language to increase a baby’s ability to communicate, which in turn reduces frustration and builds confidence. This can be done way before a child has the motor skills allowing them to speak.  With ALL ages of children, using sign language also assists in their abilty to relate symbols to objects, things, and even such abstract concepts as emotions, because it pairs a visual cue to what they see, what they want, or how they feel.  When a parent consistently uses sign language along with verbal words when communicating with their child, the SIGNED words stand out to the child, helping them focus on the most important words in a sentence.

 

Of course, there are many programs that offer this type of training to families, but we all share the same goals.  I was impressed with this video that explains the benefits of using sign language with babies, young children, and children with language difficulties.  It represents a different program, but the information and the testimonials focus so well of WHY we all feel it is so important for families.

One of the best benefits is the fascinating aspect of watching a very young child use sign language.  This little girl is adorable, and knows a LOT of signs.  I LOVE that she uses her words along with the signs so much. Enjoy!

I reviewed a lot of video clips of children signing.  It is a wonder to watch these children.  Most all of the videos I saw were presented in a “showcase” format, with a continuous “show me the sign for…”   I was only disappointed that I was unable to find a video clip showing a real interactive experience between a parent and a child using sign language, a playing or eating situation where they were actually communicating.  If someone knows where I can find such video clips, I would be grateful.

I have lots more to share with you on this subject.  Keep in touch! 

Merry Melodies,
Debbie Mondale