Happy Holidays!

This free greeting card personalized with Smilebox

Christmas Cooke Time: Five Gingerbread

Have you and your kids starting baking Christmas cookies? Well, it might be a little early, but if its on your Christmas to-do list why not consider using it as a teaching time?

Here is a little song or poem that you can chant about Gingerbread cookies. Here's what to do:

1. Make some gingerbread men cookies with your kids. Introduce new vocabulary like cookie sheet, cookie cutter, sugar, spice, icing, decorating, baking, etc. As you are creating the cookies talk about the feel of the dough, the smells of the cookies, the temperature of the oven, the taste of the icing, and the amount of time on the timer. Turn the oven light on and talk during the waiting period about what's happening to the cookie dough. You could even use this time to wash up any dishes or clean up any mess. Kids love to help wash dishes because it means they get to play in the water!

2. When the gingerbread cookies are cool, its time to decorate them! Let your kids have fun! Talk about whether they are boy or girl gingerbread cookies, what colors you are using in the sprinkles and icing, and take the time to smell the unique smell of gingerbread! Have some older kids in the family? Talk about gingerbread traditions in other countries at Christmas time. (Did you know that gingerbread has been around for centuries and Germany began the making of gingerbread houses?)

3. After they are done, lay out 5 gingerbread cookies on a cookie sheet and sing this song! Warning: each verse talks about taking a bite of cookie and losing a cookie each verse. Decide if you want your kids to actually eat 5 cookies or if you just want to pretend to take a bite. You could pretend to take a bite, make a chewing sound, and then move the cookie over to a plate. The point is that you are starting with 5 cookies on a sheet and ending up with 0.

Alternative: You can still use this song even if you aren't baking cookies! Just print out the gingerbread men clipart and cut out each one. Use those instead of actual cookies while you sing the song. Your kids will enjoy singing this song over and over with their gingerbread cutouts!

To download the FREE song and visuals click here.

Do you hear what I hear? Its beginning to sound a lot like Christmas!

Just in time for the holidays - our newest edition of Xylophone Fun!
Included in this ebook are visuals, xylophone layout, tips on how to use the resource, links to purchase a xylophone or desk bells, and 7 simple Christmas songs!

Songs included are:

• Bohemian Bell Carol
• Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
• Jingle Bells
• Angels We Have Heard On High
• Up On The Housetop
• The First Noel
• Over the River and Through the Woods

This resource is easy to use on your iPad or tablet, computer, or classroom Smartboard. It can also be printed out and laminated to make cards that can be used again and again! Just click on the link to order and download to your device!


On sale now for just $4.99!!! Click here to purchase.


 
For more information and a Sneak Peak of Xylophone Fun Volumes 1, 2, and Christmas or how to purchase a xylophone or bells click here.

Follow up on previous post...

On my last post I talked about the wonderful benefits of taking your child to the theater! Here is another chance to take your kids to the theater, this time to see a ballet!
 

Carnival of the Animals – The Swansong performed by Miami City Ballet School is a story that teaches us about the importance of respecting and living in harmony with nature. The plot was carefully designed to engage young audiences using relatable characters, colorful costumes and dynamic choreography.

 

 

Family fun! Advanced students from Miami City Ballet School perform the 1-hour ballet about the fragility of Earth’s creatures and the role of humans in caring for our planet. Arrive early for pre-performance activities in the lobby starting 45 minutes prior to curtain.

Playing at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach on November 3rd at 2:30pm. For information on tickets click here. 

Theater Experience for Young Kids

I took my 3 year old nephew to our local theater to see Elmo Makes Music Live! What a great opportunity to introduce the theater and live musicals to kids!

I didn't tell him where we were going because we were buying tickets at the door and wasn't guaranteed that we would get tickets. I just told him that we were going to do something fun and it was a surprise. We got to the box office and he asked what we were doing. I told him we were buying 'tickets' to go to the 'theater'. These were new words for him. We got our tickets and went inside to the lobby. After buying some popcorn and running off some steam (a good idea since he was going to have to sit for about an hour) I found some big, black and white photos of the theater. I showed him the photos and explained, "This is a theater where you see a show. We are going to sit in the seats and watch the show."

About 15 minutes before showtime we made a stop at the bathroom (another good idea before a long show). Then as we were about to go in I explained that there was something important to tell him. I explained that when we go in that we were going to have to sit nicely in our seats and use a quiet voice, and that we would watch a special show.

The great thing about this type of event is that since its all kids attending you don't have to worry if your kid is talking too loud or jumping around in his seat!

When the show began his face lot up! It was priceless! He seemed mesmerized and excited to see Sesame Street characters singing and dancing right in front of him! We were encouraged to sing along, clap along, and even shout out the letter and number of the day!

This show was particularly interesting for me because it was about a music teacher who moves to Sesame Street but here moving truck hasn't arrived with all of her instruments. So, her new friends have to find things to use as instruments to make music. The kids learn about a scale which corresponds to the number of the day - can you guess it? They learn about how music is all around you and everybody can make music. Another special element was that the Sesame Street friends kept their plan a secret in order to surprise the music teacher. I was able to point out to my nephew that this was going to be a surprise, just like us going to the show was a surprise!

I was a little surprised that the show had an intermission. I expected it to be a forty minute to an hour show, but it was 40 minutes with a 15 minute intermission, followed by another 30 minutes. Still, the kids did well sitting through it.

This was truly a wonderful experience and I would highly encourage parents to take their kids to introduce them to the world of theater. It's important to teach our kids about different things, to expose them to different types of art and culture, and to teach them how to act in various situations. If they experience it at a young age they may be more inclined to understand it and appreciate it later on. And they'll know how to behave too!

Now Available: Xylophone Fun Volume 2

Volume 2: Introducing New Songs

Does your child love music? Have you thought about introducing your child to piano? Here is a simple method to introduce your child to basic music reading skills that can be later transferred to learning piano.

Research shows that music engages both sides of the brain and is very beneficial in enhancing learning. Xylophone Fun targets motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive skills such as letter recognition, matching, and patterns.

Xylophone Fun Volume 2 Ebook:

• Six simple songs to build on what was learned in Volume 1

• To be used with Basic Beat Resonator Bells or Desk Bells

• Use with Ipad, Tablet, Computer, Smartboard, or Print and Laminate

Included in your ebook (pdf file) is a xylophone layout, xylophone visuals, and six songs, as well as hints on how to use the resource.

                                   On Sale Now!
                                              $4.99

Visit rhythmsforliving.com to purchase your copy today! Or click here to purchase now.

Embracing the Benefits of Music - Part 1

                                                                     Image by Joyce Hesselberth

As I've been preparing for an upcoming workshop, I've been reading many articles about the benefits of music. Its refreshing to reiterate for myself the importance of the work I am involved in. My reading has re-energized me, motivated me to continue what I'm doing, and rekindle my own personal music making.

I've been an advocate for music education for as long as I can remember so this is not "new" for me. I began piano lessons at age 5 and continued through college where I completed a degree in Music Education and Piano. Were there times that I didn't like it and wanted to quit? Sure, many. But my dear mother wouldn't let me quit, and I'm eternally grateful for that. I admire the role parents play in their children's lives when it comes to extra-curricular activities. I find with children today that our society emphasizes the quick results, get it now type of attitude which often leaves people giving up on their current interest to quickly move on to something new. You know the phrase, "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going". Unfortunately many of us in today's society have this attitude in work, marriage, relationships, and even leisure activities.

I applaud parents who help guide their kids to find an interest and then motivate them to keep exploring and learning in that area. Learning to stick with something, even when it is difficult, is a great skill to have.

Music education, or the learning of music, whether it be taking a music lesson or learning about the history and appreciation of music, has many benefits to children. Research is continually telling us that studying music has benefits not only when children are in school but for the rest of their lives. Researchers have been able to study the brain and compare brains of non-musicians to musicians and the results are encouraging.

Children who study music have improved attention and memory skills which help them do better in school, do better in math and reading, and score higher on SATs.

Older adults who begin experiencing hearing loss are often able to pick out speech in a noisy environment better if they had studied music. Through music study we strengthen our central auditory processing skills in the brain that aid us in hearing speech more clearly even after we begin losing our peripheral hearing.

Most importantly, music is fun and enjoyable! We can't forget that even though there are many wonderful benefits of music for us academically and physically, music touches us emotionally in a very powerful way. Music can be a social experience connecting us with others, but it can also be very personal, evoking the strongest emotion from a place deep inside.

To read more about the study with older adults and hearing loss mentioned above, please click here.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Embracing the Benefits of Music

Concert Etiquette 101

Having recently attended a few concerts, recitals, and end of the year programs at schools I have been thinking about how things have changed over the years when it comes to society's standards for behavior. I won't get into the bigger issue here of society's standards but I would like to talk briefly about a little thing called, "Concert Etiquette".

Concert etiquette, or appropriate behavior during a concert, recital, or program, is something that needs used to be commonplace but now seems to need to be taught. As a music educator, it is my responsibility to teach my students how to behave appropriately during a performance program. I also need to encourage parents to practice and model appropriate behavior with their children when at other venues.

Here is an article from the National Association for Music Education that gives a handy 10 Rules for  Concert Etiquette for students who will be attending a concert. I think its a great reminder and a needed refresher for kids and adults alike!

Here are a few simple things to remember when attending any performance:

Concert Etiquette Tips:

1. Refrain from talking during the performance.

2. Make sure cell phones are on vibrate or turned off completely.

3. Do not "play" on phone, ipad, ds, or other electronic device.

4. Do not sing, hum, or tap along with the music - the people did not come to hear you

5. No gum, candy, or other food - definitely no candy or tissue wrappers

6. Dress appropriately - know the venue! If its a classical concert or performance at your local theater, wear something business casual to formal. If its a school performance or recital, business casual dress is fine. If its an outdoor concert in the park, jeans or shorts are ok. Avoid watches with alarms or dangly jewelry that makes noise.

7. Know when to applaud - many classical pieces have 3 movements and you should not applaud      between movements - follow the model of others if you are unsure.

8.  Photographs and Video Recording - again, know the venue! Have they asked for No Photography? If photography is allowed, be aware of others around you - don't stand up or hold your phone/camera in others line of sit. Don't get up and walk around in front of others to take pictures. If its important for you to get a shot sit on an aisle seat, stand in the back or on the side - try to remain inconspicous!

9. Wait until the performance is completely over before jumping up and running out the door! Its very important to respect the performers and give them your full attention. Take the time to give them full applause to show your praise!

10. Open your mind to new things - the music or type of performance may not be your "preferred" type but give it a chance, with an open mind - you might be surprised!

You Are My Sunshine...From Birth to the Grave

Music therapists like to say that we can use music with people "from birth to the grave" because we work with so many populations, with people of all ages. One of the things I appreciate about my job is that I get to work with so many different people in different stages of life. Today for instance, I started with a visit to a sweet little lady who is 103 years young! As I was singing You Are My Sunshine, one of her favorites, I realized that later this evening I would get to use the same song in a very different way.

For this lady, this song is a familiar sound which helps her feel a sense of calm. It probably also brings to mind a time much earlier in her life when she first heard it or perhaps she associates a time, place, or person to it. Presenting this song to her encourages her to sing along and connect to this moment. What a joy to watch her!

This evening I will be offering a monthly support group for NICU parents at our local hospital. Parents who have premature infants in the NICU are often anxious, stressed, and exhausted. They just want their baby to get healthy and strong and take them home to start their lives as a family. In this instance I am there to meet with parents to make sure they have a support system in place, that they are getting what they need, and to share with them how music can help them and their babies. One of the things that I encourage parents to do it sing with their babies which not only helps the baby but helps the parent bond with the baby. Tonight I will be helping parents to write their own lullaby to sing to their baby, using You Are My Sunshine as a model.

I feel so blessed to share the gift of music with so many people! Music truly is a wonderful thing!

(image found on zazzle.com)

Singable Stories

Today I'd like to feature another favorite resource of mine: Singable Stories! These are great for parents and kids to do together. While you are sitting down together to read books, why not have some that you can sing too?

Benefits of singing books:

1. Bonding with your child
2. Encouraging language development
3. Encouraging music development
4. Tapping into both sides of the brain simultaneously
5. Mixing it up from your other "reading" books

There are many simple children's songs that have books that you can sing along to. For instance, Five Little Monkeys, Baby Beluga, Down By The Station, Five Green Frogs, Six Little Ducks, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly (and many variations), Wheels on the Bus, and many more!

If you are up for a longer book that will really grab your kids attention, try Iza Trapani's collection. These beautifully illustrated books are well known songs with several added verses. Here are a few that I have and use:

• Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (or Brilla, Brilla Linda Estrella - Spanish Edition)
• The Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat
• I'm A Little Teapot
• It's Raining, It's Pouring
• How Much Is That Doggie In The Window
• Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?
• Mary Had A Little Lamb
• Shoo Fly!

To purchase or learn more about these books click here: Rhythms For Living: Recommended Resources

How Can Music Help My Preemie?

NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for infants who are born early

For a few months now I've had the opportunity to join The Children's Healing Institute to offer a NICU support group for parents. Parents who have an infant in the NICU often deal with a multitude of feelings including anxiety, fear, disappointment, and worry. Mothers have a hard time bonding with their infant due to the barrier of an isolette and a maze of cords, and may feel nervous even trying to hold their baby. Many mothers have the added frustration of trying to pump milk for their infant without having their infant with them. In our groups we are able to discuss their feelings, make sure that they are getting the supper that they need, and offer ideas for ways to enhance their time in the NICU.

As a board certified music therapist with the NICU Music Therapist credential, I am able to educate parents on the many benefits of music therapy for their preemie, and even how music can help them deal with their feelings and stress. 

I complied a list of ways that music can help preemies and their parents while in the NICU and after discharge. I thought I would share it here with you. If you know of any parent who is going through the difficult situation of being in the NICU, please share this info with them and have them check out my resources for NICU parents on my website at rhythmsforliving.com.

If you would like more information on the NICU Music Therapy credential or how we use music therapy in the NICU please click here.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Release of Xylophone Fun

Introducing a new resource for parents, teachers, and therapists!

                                           

Does your child love music? Have you thought about introducing your child to piano? Here is a simple method to introduce your child to basic music reading skills that can be later transferred to learning piano.

Research shows that music engages both sides of the brain and is very beneficial in enhancing learning. Xylophone Fun targets motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive skills such as letter recognition, matching, and patterns.

Xylophone Fun Volume 1 Ebook:

• Simple musical patterns and simple songs

• To be used with Basic Beat Resonator Bells or Desk Bells

• Use with Ipad, Tablet, Computer, Smartboard, or Print and Laminate

• Recommended for ages 3 and up

Included in your ebook (pdf file) is a xylophone layout, xylophone visuals, basic music patterns, and three simple songs, as well as hints on how to use the resource.

                           

Visit rhythmsforliving.com to purchase your copy today! Or click here to purchase now.