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April at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello and welcome to our April blog. We hope you all had a very happy Easter and had lots of fun hunting for those eggs! We hope you’re all looking forward to the (hopefully!) sunny bank holiday weekend ahead too!

Ideas to use up all that leftover chocolate (if you have any….)

We don’t know about you, but even after spending all Easter weekend eating chocolate for every meal, we still seem to have lots left over! Why not turn some of that chocolate into a delicious bake that you and your little one can do together? BBC Good Food have some brilliant ideas for using up any of that leftover chocolate, we especially love the Crispy Chocolate Fridge cake!

Using up Easter chocolate with kids | BBC Good Food

What we got up to during Easter!

Row

We had an action-packed half-term holiday, filled with family, friends, and fantastic activities. Our adventures started with some fun outings, where we joined friends at Borde Hill Gardens and completed the Easter trail! We took the family to Wakehurst and explored the Bluey trail. we even saw twin lambs being born Coombes Farm, which was an incredible experience.

The kids loved our visit to Godstone Farm, where they got to meet a variety of animals. We also watched my husband complete the Brighton Marathon, and I was so proud to see him achieve such a monumental goal. It was inspiring to witness the determination of all the runners, knowing the dedication and hard work that goes into marathon training. Hugo my 4year old now wants to be a marathon runner (and has stolen his medal).

We were thrilled to have my niece visit from Switzerland, and we all headed to the New Forest for a week. It was such a wonderful getaway, where we enjoyed swimming, walking, cycling, and the beach. We also explored a reptile centre and were treated to a fantastic owl display. Hugo finally is big enough to go on the rides like his big sister Amber, at Paultons Park, so we had to give them a try too. It’s been years since I last went on rides, and I quickly remembered why—my stomach isn’t a fan of motion sickness!

All in all, it was a fantastic two weeks, and as always we made so many unforgettable memories.

Antony

Our family had a pretty eventful 2 weeks.

We’re so proud of our son who started rehearsals in London for the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. My wife and I used it as an excuse to visit nearby Greenwich and Blackheath. What a beautiful part of our capital!

It wasn’t all ‘work’ for Louis though. We managed to fit in a day at Butlins in Bognor and a visit to the Bluey trail at Wakehurst Place (we’re all big Bluey fans in our house!).

I also sang in a cabaret on the Battersea Barge in celebration of a close friend who recently passed away.

I hope all our families had a great Easter. I look forward to seeing you all again.

Mary

I’ve had a wonderful couple of weeks! Visited New York, met up with friends, celebrated my birthday and ate far too much chocolate! Looking forward to seeing everyone back at Kindermusik for our Summer Term!

Row’s book – The Earth Moved

I was in the Nepal 2015 earthquake 9 years ago on the 25^th April 2015. The earthquake was devastating and many tourists and locals that we had met on our trip sadly died. Every year since the earthquake I like to raise awareness for Nepal and continue my efforts to raise money to help rebuild. I decided to write a book a year after my return, all funds raised go directly to community action Nepal (CAN), a uk based charity, who have promised that all of the funds will go directly to Langtang (where we were!). So far we have built a small residential home to house 11 people and my funds are continuously going towards other projects for Langtang. You can read about my experience and purchase my book on amazon using the link below. There is a paper back or kindle version. I also did appear on the Lorraine show on tv a year after the earthquake, you can watch the interview here:

There is also a series on Netflix called ‘after shock’ which goes into a lot more detail about where we were and the survivors we were with. I was meant to have been on the documentary and went as far as an interview to film but due to my husbands biking accident, I wasn’t able to attend the filming at the time. The documentary is a difficult watch but gives viewers a more detailed insight to what happened.

To buy a copy, click on the image. Thank you for your support.

How Pre- and Postnatal Singing Support Secure Attachment

The bond between caregiver and infant is one of the most critical factors in positive whole-child development, and the keyword is secure attachment.

Secure attachment doesn’t mean constant baby-wearing or helicopter parenting—it does mean a consistent series of positive and nurturing interactions between caregivers and infants that form the foundation for healthy social-emotional and cognitive growth.

So, how do you know if you’re making these connections happen? Singing can help.

It can all begin in utero. Prenatal and postnatal singing is one of the easiest ways to jumpstart secure attachment.

Let’s take a look at the facts.

How Prenatal Singing Supports Secure Attachment

Did you know foetuses begin to form a connection with their mother’s voice around the 4th month of pregnancy? Though it’s still subconscious at that stage, that is baby’s first introduction to outside stimuli, and it’s just the beginning.

By the third trimester, they can even pick up on singing patterns and may recognise the tunes after they’re born. So, start picking out those lullabies early to make bedtime routines easier later!

And for mothers, singing while pregnant is a fast-acting way to lower stress. Naturally, baby responds to that lower stress level, both by hearing mum’s voice and feeling her biological response to reduced anxiety.

All of these positive interactions create a safe environment for little ones even before they’re born, and let baby know they have someone to count on.

How Postnatal Singing Supports Secure Attachment

Once the baby is born, the road to secure attachment continues through the power of song.

Postnatal singing—especially lullabies and soothing tunes—maintains babies’ attention and stimulates emotional responses (like smiling) more than speaking. Plus, it keeps them calm for twice as long!

Singing helps grownups self-regulate, too, and we know that it’s critical for our social-emotional health to be in check first before we try to help little ones regulate their emotions.
We love “May There Always Be Sunshine” as a calming song for both grownup and baby. You can listen to it on our free app!
It’s all about reinforcing those short-term connections to shape long-term emotional bonds.
So, when baby is ready for their first day at a childcare centre or an overnight with grandma, they’ll know—even if they cry when you leave (and they probably will!)—their special grownup(s) are coming back. When they throw their first major toddler meltdown, they’ll seek solace with you because you’re their safe space. And the same when they experience their first fail in sports or the arts. Their first heartbreak. The list goes on.
They know they can count on you. And it all started with singing.

I’m running the race for life

I am by no means an experienced runner, however I am determined to get fit so I can run the race for life to raise money for those that need it! Please sponsor me if you can, it’s appreciated. Sponsor me here:

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/rowanas-race-for-life

Dates for the diary:

Bank Holiday Monday – 6th May 2024

May 1/2 term – 27th – 31st May 2024

Last day before summer break – 12th July 2024

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Mary, and Antony xxxx

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March at Kindermusik by Jan

Sing into Spring!

Hello and welcome to our March blog! The daffodils are out, the bluebells are starting to grow, and the sunshine is making an appearance – Spring is in the air! This month on the blog we’re looking ahead to Easter.

Kindermusik online

Don’t forget you have access to all the music, books and some wonderful activities for your level.

Log in to Kindermusik.com via a browser or use the Kindermusik app for mobile access. You should have been prompted to create a password when you first registered, however if you have forgotten what that is, just select forgotten password.

The Kindermusik app features:

– Favourite songs organised by themes

– Digital instruments

– Make-your-own music

– Craft ideas

– Recipes

– Class demo videos

– Nursery Rhymes

– Your storybooks from class

Download the app today and enjoy Kindermusik activities on the go!

You’ll also receive weekly activities to enjoy at home via https://try.kindermusik.com/kids-activities/ including a themed activity kit, craft ideas, how-to videos, musical pairings, parenting tips, and more.

Easter fun!

There are so many lovely things to do in West Sussex for Easter. Take a look at our Easter Round up for some ‘EGGcellent’ ideas of what to do with your little ones this Easter!

Easter Trails:

Borde hill gardens – 23rd March – 14th April

This Easter holiday bring your family and join the swashbuckling adventures of Bertram Bunny on a fantasy ‘Easter Island’ story trail.

Embark on a journey through the Garden as you search for the treasure hidden within the story boards, left behind by the adventurous Jumping Jack Bunny fresh from his high-seas escapades.

Along the way, solve some puzzles to earn yourself a delightful treat. Featuring interactive games, the trail is suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years old.

Kids can also fuel up for their adventures with a delicious Easter-themed treat from the Gardeners’ Retreat Café before letting off steam in the Adventure Playground.

Spring is an uplifting time to explore the Garden and Woodland with your family, where you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant beauty of blooming magnolias, camellias, hellebores, rhododendrons, and sunny daffodils.

https://bordehill.co.uk/events/easter-trail-2024/

Bluey at Wakehurst – 27^th March to 14^th April

Design your own Bluey adventure and have lots of fun with family and friends at Wakehurst.

With play zones across the landscape, choose from a host of different activities inspired by well-loved Bluey episodes.

There will be lots to do and see for children, and memories to be made for the whole family.

Children go free!

https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/bluey

National trust (various locations)

The National Trust are offering a variety of trails, crafting activities and Spring fun this Easter! Click on the link for more information Easter trails and Easter egg hunts | National Trust

Down on the farm

Coombes Farm

One of our favourite Spring activities is to see baby animals and where better to do this by visiting the lambs at Coombes Farm! With over 600 ewes lambing, you might be lucky enough to see one being born or to have a go at feeding them! Take a relaxing walk/tractor ride to the top of the downs through the ewes and lambs and see the spectacular views too! The main lambing times are 9^th March to 14^th April and you can book online. Coombes Farm – Sussex Working Farm Experience

Easter baking

Baking is a lovely activity to do with your little ones (and a great idea to use up any leftover Easter chocolate!) and we love these delicious chocolate nests! (Although we like to crush our mini eggs on top or replace with white chocolate buttons, so they are safe for little mouths to eat!) Chocolate Easter nests recipe – BBC Food

Colouring in printable

Activity Village have some gorgeous free Easter Printable to include templates, playdough mats, crafting activities and decorations. Take a look and enjoy!

Easter Printable (activityvillage.co.uk)

How Kindermusik Classes Encourage Healthy Social-Emotional Development in Your Child

One of the often overlooked benefits of early music education and particularly a program like Kindermusik is that the music experience itself – both in class and at home – actually promotes healthy social-emotional development, a vital part of early childhood development. A class like Kindermusik gives families a place to just be together, and that together time with music becomes the basis for the kinds of things that contribute to happy, healthy, confident children.

The early years

In the early years, strong emotional ties are fostered as mum or dad cuddle, sway, or bounce their little one while humming a lullaby, rocking to a favourite song, or dancing around the room. Loving intentional touch during massage time releases those “feel-good” hormones in the brain responsible for feelings of safety and security. And a Kindermusik-inspired lullaby ritual before naptime or bedtime becomes a cherished time that strengthens the loving bonds between parent and child.

The toddler years

Later on, the time spent enjoying music together becomes a way to spend quality time, to enter into the child’s world through imagination and play, and to express through music sometimes what words cannot. It’s during these sometimes-turbulent years of toddler-hood that children most need those special reassurances of their parents’ love, interest, and care.

The preschool years

As a child moves into the preschool and early school years, the security of the emotional bond with a parent paves the way for developing healthy relationships with peers and teachers. A child is ready and able to expand on the social skills that were first developed in the early years, skills that lead to confident and happy interactions with others.

Nothing more powerful than music

When it comes to your child’s social-emotional development from newborn to 7 years, there’s nothing more that will impact him more than experiencing the benefits of music, and no better choice for delivering those benefits than Kindermusik.

I’m running the race for life

Witnessing my sisters journey through treatment was challenging, I’m grateful that she received the right care that ultimately saved her life.

My mother in law was diagnosed with incurable cancer last year, she has a slow growing form. Its utterly heartbreaking to receive such news and creates a lot of fear amongst families at the thought of witnessing a loved family member go through cancer.

Other people have not been so lucky. Unfortunately a few of my friends have lost family members, its been so heartbreaking to witness and see them experience the pain and heart ache of loosing a loved one.

Although I’m not a seasoned runner, I’m committed to completing a 5k run to support the fight against cancer and raise essential funds for ongoing efforts to save lives. Cancer affects so many lives, and that’s why I’m participating in a 5k event to support Cancer Research UK’s vital work. With 1 in 2 people facing a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, every donation counts towards groundbreaking research and saving lives. Please consider sponsoring me today to make a meaningful impact.

it’s appreciated.

Sponsor me here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/rowanas-race-for-life

Dates for the diary:

Easter holidays – 28th March – 12th April 2024

Bank Holiday Monday – 6th May 2024 – please email kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com to make other arrangements

May 1/2 term – 27th – 31st May 2024

Last day before summer break – 12th July 2024

Have a musical day!

Row, Mary, and Antony xxx

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February at Kindermusik by Jan

Daffodils blooming, chocolate eggs appearing and a peep of some sunshine – Spring is in the air this month! We hope you all had a restful half term and are looking forward to some hopefully brighter, sunnier days ahead!

We all hope you enjoyed the half term break with your little ones.

Here is a short snippet of what we have been up to over half term.

Antony was the luckiest by far and spent two weeks in Florida!

Antony – What an amazing holiday. Went to all the Disney parks plus Universal Studios and Harry Potter Land. Also spent the day at The Kennedy Space Centre and went to see the amazing Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs. Magical!

Mary – I had a lovely week, catching up with friends, going to the theatre and working in one of my other jobs as a care giver! I did enjoy a visit to the farm where my son works, here is one of the many animals I saw!

Row – The half term week flew by, and we kept ourselves super busy with lots of fun activities. We went to the cinema to see the new film Migration (it is very funny, and I highly recommend it). We visited Howlets zoo, with my niece our highlight being the gorillas as they were very interesting and fun to watch, which was lovely. We visited Paradise Park and saw the dinosaurs. We took a visit to Sheffield Park and enjoyed doing our favourite thing, making camps! We visited the butterfly gardens which is so magical if you don’t mind a butterfly or two sitting on your head.

Celebrating Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday 10^th March. Do you Know a dad who is unsure what to get one of your mum friends?! We are offering both one off trial class vouchers and monthly class vouchers. Email kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com for more info and for prices. Giving the gift of music – the perfect present for any mum this Mother’s Day!

Kindermusik benefits: what are they and why do our educators tell us about them?!

Did you know that holding and playing smaller instruments is helping develop your child’s fine motor skills or how moving to a steady beat helps their vestibular system which helps their balance? Or how moving your baby in certain ways is helping with their spatial awareness? You might have heard your Kindermusik educator mention things like this during an activity in class and we call these our ‘Kindermusik benefits’! All of these things are ways that Kindermusik is helping your child’s development – and believe us, Kindermusik helps your child develop in lots of ways! We have found that it is helpful to share these benefits with you in class in order to help you understand why we are doing certain activities and to be able to further help your child. It really is amazing all of the different ways that coming to class can help your child’s development. Benefits from coming to class include:

Helps social skills like working together, sharing and taking turns
Improves early maths and literacy development
Develops fine and gross motor skills
Improves listening skills
Helps develop balance and a sense of rhythm
Helps develop vocabulary
Develops spatial awareness

3 Musical Ways to Support Neurodivergent Learners

As you are aware recently we have started advertising a SEND class, heres a short article regarding why music is so important.

It may seem counterintuitive, but neurodivergent learners thrive with the right multi-sensory activities. Music—a multi-sensory activity that stimulates all parts of the brain at once—promotes everything from self-regulation to emotional expression.

And that turns tricky transitions and long days into beautiful learning moments (for children and their special grownups).

3 Daily Music Activities for Neurodivergent Learners

Listen to instrumental songs.

Why?

They help focus the brain, especially if they involve instrument solos.
They can spark active listening (listening with the intention of discovery).
They can set the tone or change the general outlook of the day.

When?

Musical listening is always a good idea, but try it out on the way to school, a doctor’s appointment, or an activity that can trigger stress.

How?

Try an instrumental song with a medium tempo. “Simple Gifts” on the free Kindermusik app is a great place to start. It’s just right for any time of day.

Draw what you hear.

Why?

Just like music, drawing is linked to activating the brain’s reward center. So, doubling up on that dopamine increase provides a big social-emotional boost.
Free drawing engages fine motor skills without stress. No rules.
Pairing what you hear with what your mind’s eye sees, and then translating that on paper supercharges the imagination.

When?

This is the perfect low-key activity…after school, rainy days, or after an overstimulating event.

How?

Research tells us our favourite songs release more dopamine, but try to change up the tempo depending on mood. For example, when children have tough days, slow, soothing songs can help calm the body and prevent meltdowns.

Have a dance party.

Why?

At every age, dance improves overall strength, coordination, balance, self-confidence, and concentration.
Studies show moving in sync (think: circle dance or just doing any movement, like waving your arms, together) boosts bonding, which is critical for whole-child development.
Children are asked to sit still in so many scenarios—school, waiting rooms, at the table, etc. Making dance part of a daily routine gives them a safe space to get the wiggles out, express emotion on their terms, and feel proud of their creative choices.

When?

Dance breaks are perfect for transition times, like between childcare pickup and snack/a meal, but they can re-set the brain at any time. Just finished a long errand? Dance party. Trouble following directions? Dance party.

How?

For toddlers and pre-schoolers, try alternating freeze dance (stopping and starting with the music, which boosts self-regulation) and free dance to balance following directions and creative freedom.

Try these easy activities at home, in a learning space, or wherever you find yourself needing a redirection tool. For children with unique learning styles, music can open the door to stronger communication, trust, and self-confidence.

I’m running the race for life

I am by no means an experienced runner, however I am determined to get fit so I can run the race for life to raise money for those that need it! Please sponsor me if you can, it’s appreciated.

Sponsor me here: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/rowanas-race-for-life

Dates for the diary:

Join Us for an Easter Special – Dress-Up Fun from March 25th to 28th!

We’re thrilled to invite you and your family to join us for a special Easter celebration from March 25th to 28th! As part of the festivities, we encourage everyone to dress up in their favorite fancy dress costumes. Whether it’s Easter-themed attire or something as simple as you like, the choice is entirely yours!

We want everyone to feel comfortable and included, so please know there’s absolutely no obligation to dress up if you don’t want to. The most important thing is that you join us for some joyful Easter fun.

We can’t wait to see all the creative costumes and share in the spirit of the season together. Mark your calendars, and get ready for a memorable Easter celebration!

There will be a small gift handed out to all children.

Easter holidays – 28th March – 12th April 2024

Bank Holiday Monday – 6th May 2024

May 1/2 term – 27th – 31st May 2024

Last day before summer break – 12th July 2024

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Mary, Antony xxx

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January at Kindermusik by Jan

Happy New Year!

Our Christmas break!

As it was so popular when we came back after the summer, we thought we would give you a little insight into what the Kindermusik team have been up to over our Christmas break

Row: I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and new year! It has been lovely to see some of you at Kings.

We had a lovely restful Christmas although we were plagued with illness for our first week, however we still managed to enjoy some days out with the children. We visited Sheffield park and enjoyed the Christmas trail. We visited father Christmas at Hever castle which was magical, we went to London to go to the BBC plant earth experience and we surprised the children and went to see the Bluey live show. We also had a very chilly visit to port lymph zoo and had some close encounters with the tigers! All in all we had a lovely christmas.

Antony: My Christmas was extremely busy. We went to a superb Panto in Crawley, we visited Tulley’s Christmas Experience and enjoyed some Ice Skating, the Christmas Lights at Leonardslea Gardens, a visit to Stanmer Park and Bedgebury Gardens. Christmas Day and Boxing Day were spent with family, and we visited friends in London for a few days. I usually perform in panto, so it was lovely to be able to enjoy some time with my family this year instead.

Mary: I had a wonderful family Christmas with lots of silly games, presents, food and days out, including Glow Wild at Wakehurst!

New offerings

As it’s a new year, it means time for new adventures and some exciting new offerings!

We really want to be able to bring Kindermusik into the community just a little bit more, so we are now advertising Parties. *Subject to availability* If you want to explore options, please email:kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com

SEND sessions

We are also offering special SEND sessions. SEND applies to children and young people who have a learning difficulty or a disability that makes it harder for them to learn than others of the same age.

We want all children within the community to be given the opportunity to experience a Kindermusik class within a safe and relaxed environment with like-minded parents / carers.

Mary our educator has extensive experience working with SEND children and will now be offering a Thursday session at 945am.

If you know anyone that you feel would benefit coming to a class, please let them know and help spread the word.

We need your help! – testimonials.

As we continue to grow and serve more families, we’re reaching out to ask for a small favour. If you’ve enjoyed your experience with KindermusikbyJan would you consider writing a testimonial for us? Your feedback not only helps us to improve our services but also assists other families in making informed decisions about their needs.

If you’re willing, please send your testimonial via email to kindermusikyjan@outlook.com or leave us a review via google.

Thank you for choosing Kindermusikbyjan and for taking the time to support us in this way. We are so grateful for your input and honoured to have you within our classes.

How Music Teaches Kids to Self-Regulate

He’s so whiny. She’s a hitter. He cries non-stop. She can’t stop talking…if this sounds like your child(ren), they’re not wild—they need help learning how to self-regulate.

When grownups are overstimulated or don’t get their way, we (usually) use tools like taking a deep breath or a walk to make sure we don’t lose it. When we self-regulate, we balance our nervous systems. That helps us access our prefrontal cortex, where logic lives.

When it comes to self-regulation in children, they’ve got two things working against them:

1) They aren’t born with the tools to regulate their nervous systems, and

2) Their prefrontal cortex isn’t fully formed, so they need extra help to reach and dissect that logic.

Enter music!

Music is one of the BEST tools to help instil calm and promote self-regulation while combatting dysregulation.

Why?

There are lots of scientific reasons, but the common thread is music is joyful and rewarding. When we feel joy, we want to experience it again, right?

Here are three musical ways to help kids self-regulate.

Pat or tap to the beat.

We’re all born with internal rhythm and subconsciously seek it. So, when we pat or tap to the beat, our body’s internal rhythms slow down or speed up to match it.

Rhythm patterns creates predictability. Predictability creates safety. And safety creates balance.

Try “Hickory Dickory Dock” on the free Kindermusik App.

If you’ve got a tiny tot, bounce or pat them on their body to really help them feel the beat. Older toddlers and preschoolers might like a wooden spoon and a pot to create that 1-2-3 pattern themselves!

Find a calm song, sing, and sway.

Research tells us singing calms babies twice as long as talking. So, singing to your baby is a no-brainer, but it really captures the attention of all children faster.

And moving to the music simultaneously slows the heart rate and works hard to balance our nervous systems.

Try “All through the Night” on the free Kindermusik App.

For babies and young toddlers, hold them and rock or sway gently as the song plays. For older toddlers and kiddos who might not want to be coddled, give them a prop to spark imagination. Lightweight scarves, dish towels, or a pillow case are perfect options!

Dance in sync.

When we’re in unity—like following dance steps together—our boundaries soften, our sense of belonging increases, and our communication is stronger. It’s the same for children!

Remember the song “Teddy Bear”?

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn around

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch the ground…

Stream it on Kindermusik’s app and watch focus, active listening, and giggles change the mood. For babies and pre-walkers, simply hold them while you do the steps. They’ll still feel the power and safety of moving with you.

Children learn to self-regulate gradually.

Self-regulation develops over time, so it is definitely a process. Our job as grownups is to help find the tools that connect with their brains and bodies, and because music touches everything from our internal rhythms to our emotions, it’s a great place to start.

Dates for the diary:

February Half Term Break (no classes all week): Monday 13^st to Friday 17^th February.

Antony is on holiday w/c 19^th February. Mary will cover his classes on the Tuesday however any families that attend on a Monday or a Friday will need to book in a make up session. An email has been sent to all families affected. Please do email me @ kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com to book in your session. If you are unable to attend another time, please do contact me for other arrangements.

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Mary, Antony xxx

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December at Kindermusik by Jan

Merry Christmas from all of us!

Merry Christmas everyone! We can’t believe that it’s nearly Christmas! Where has this year gone! We have had a very exciting time over at Kindermusik by Jan this month! We started December with a week ending our exciting themes and then had a very special Christmas week where the children became Santa’s reindeer, played in some ‘snow’, had lots of fun with jingle bells and were even left a special Christmas present from Father Christmas himself! Have a look at some of the fun we had…

We would like to thank all of you for making the effort and dressing up for the Christmas week special, we loved the outfits!

From all of us here at Kindermusik by Jan, we wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Fun craft

If you are looking for some fun activities to do at home over the Christmas holidays, don’t forget you can log in to the Christmas activities page on the website Kindermusik.com

https://try.kindermusik.com/kids-activities/

Here are some lovely ones to try with your little ones!

Home made egg carton bells

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AegFL1isUp8

Home made snow globes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFfVpM1zZMA

Do you know we offer gift vouchers for the perfect gift

It’s not to late to give the gift of music for family and friends. We offer vouchers from £5 up to £28/£31 for a month’s worth of classes.

Email: kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com

Why High-Pitched Kid Songs Belong on Your Playlist

Did you know that babies can’t focus on or imitate sounds in a low pitch? It’s OK to sing your favorite low-pitched song to your little one, but mixing in high-pitched kid songs in a head voice is critical to boosting young children’s natural development.

Head Voice vs Chest Voice…what’s the difference?

Most Top 40 songs (and even most kid songs!) are sung in a chest voice. It’s the lower register that grownups typically use when they speak or sing, and the vibrations are coming from the chest cavity.

When you use a head voice, the register is higher, the sound is lighter, and it feels like the tone is resonating in your head.

It’s no coincidence that grownups tend to speak to babies in higher pitched sounds (can’t you just hear yourself saying “Good morning!” in a high-pitched voice?); the response (a smile, a sound, etc.) is stronger, right?

It’s the same way with singing. Here are the two main reasons why it’s important to sing to little ones in a head voice.

Babies focus better on a head voice.

Babies can hear sounds in any pitch, but hearing is a physical sense. Listening and focusing on sounds is a learned cognitive skill. Higher pitched sounds, specifically sung in a head voice, are associated with positive emotions. So, naturally, babies are drawn to those “happy” moments.

The ability for baby to attend to what you’re singing plays a role in how the sound is processed, the movements your mouth makes, and the beginning stages of learning vocabulary.

Babies can imitate a head voice.

Babies begin to imitate sounds as early as one month, and because their vocal cords or shorter, that imitation is in a higher pitch. Imagine the cognitive reward of their pitch matching yours!

And why singing? Research tells us babies prefer singing to speech, and try to sing along perhaps faster than they try to speak.

Why are “kid songs” important?

There’s nothing wrong with the hits, R&B, oldies…exposure to different music is key!

However, a few research-backed kid songs (poke around the free Kindermusik app to see what we mean), have intentional pitch, vocabulary, repetition, and pacing that help nurture rhythm, social-emotional skills, language and speech development (hello, head voice!), and so much more.

So, the next time you’re in the car, the classroom, the kitchen, prepping for nap—wherever you find 1:1 time with baby—try singing in a head voice. You don’t need perfect pitch, just higher pitch to encourage active listening and imitation, all while fuelling your special bond.

Dates for the diary:

We are back in class Monday 8^th January 2024

Dates for 2024

February 1/2 term – 12th – 16th February 2024

Easter holidays – 29th March – 12th April 2024

Bank Holiday Monday – 6th May 2024

May 1/2 term – 27th – 31st May 2024

Last day before summer break – 12th July 2024

Have a musical Christmas, we can’t wait until we see how much your little ones have grown in the New Year!

Row, Mary, Antony???

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November at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello November!

Our babies chugging along…yes you guessed it, our theme all about trains ‘little red caboose’, our toddlers are zooming along learning all about things that go Zoom, our older toddlers are experiencing all about transport and exploring the different ways of moving our bodies with our theme ‘ Go go go!’ and our 3 and 4 year olds are exploring inhibitory control using our transport theme ‘on the go!’, Our older children are discovering woodwind and wind instruments as we march around to our theme ‘join the parade’.

Give the gift of music this Christmas:

It’s not too late to give the gift of music this Christmas! For more info, drop us an email at kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com and we can send you one of our vouchers so you can pay for a family member or friend to come and experience our classes!

**More Christmas shopping**

**Ivy Grace Jewellery (run by Caroline – one of our Laugh and Learn mums), she has her own etsy page, which you can view here:**

**https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/IvyGraceJewellery**

A message from Caroline “Ivy Grace (named after my daughter) was started in 2021 after I rediscovered my love of jewellery making whilst at home with two young children. When younger I loved making and mending jewellery and would spend hours in bead shops admiring anything shiny and thinking of the next thing I could create.
Now, after making jewellery for family and friends, my aim is to create delicate and unique jewellery that is fun and affordable for anyone to enjoy. I buy my materials from UK sources and it is important to me to keep my products and packaging as environmentally friendly as possible.
I hope you can enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoy making it!
Caroline x”

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It’s a kids world fidget toys!

Hi, I’m Jayden, a young entrepreneur with Sensory Processing Disorder who has turned my love of fidget toys into my very own business, It’s A Kids World! Providing affordable fidget toys for other kids to enjoy!

I also had my first feature in The Mail on Sunday last weekend! I was contacted (well my mum was!) by a London PR company who were looking for young entrepreneurs aged 9-14 for an upcoming campaign commissioned by Visa, exploring children’s entrepreneurial mindset and how tech-savvy ‘Generational Alpha’ is…AND they wanted me to be their youngest entrepreneur!

I may only be 9 but I am very focused on pushing my business forward, sharing my love of fidget toys with other children, keeping it affordable and having fun along the way!

You can view my shop here: https://itsakidsworld-fidgettoys.sumupstore.com/

Christmas activities

If you don’t know by now, we are big fans of the national trust, especially during half term breaks.

We are lucky to have so many lovely national trust gardens near us.

They all do different Christmas trails, so do go along to these as they often free and super fun!

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/christmas/index

Borde hill gardens are also doing a Christmas trail this year.
https://bordehill.co.uk/events/a-family-christmas-at-borde-hill/

Whatever Christmas activities you decide to do, we hope you have a lovely time together.

How to improve the school results: not extra maths but music, loads of it

Antony read a great article and we wanted to share it with our families, to re-enforce the power of music.

A Bradford primary school wants the world to know its newfound Sats success is down to giving all children up to six hours of music a week

Abiha Nasir, aged nine, walks quietly into the small classroom, takes a seat, adjusts her hijab and picks up the drumsticks. A shy smile spreads across her face as she begins to play.

She was just five when she turned up at Feversham primary academy’s after-school clubs, leaving teachers astounded by her musical ability and how her confidence grew with an instrument in hand. Last year, Abiha successfully auditioned for Bradford’s gifted and talented music programme for primary school children, the first Muslim girl to do so. The assessor recorded only one word in her notes: “Wow!”

Abiha’s teachers say her talent might have gone unspotted in many schools, where subjects such as music and art are being squeezed out by pressure to reach Sats targets and climb league tables.

But at Feversham, the headteacher, Naveed Idrees, has embedded music, drama and art into every part of the school day, with up to six hours of music a week for every child, and with remarkable results. Seven years ago Feversham was in special measures and making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Today it is rated “good” by Ofsted and is in the top 10% nationally for pupil progress in reading, writing and maths, according to the most recent data. In 2011, the school was 3.2 percentage points behind the national average in English. This year 74% of its pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, against a national average of 53%. It is 7.1 points above the average for reading and 3.4 above for writing. In maths, the school was 2.4 points behind the national average in 2011 and is now 6.5 above it. Its results for disadvantaged pupils are well above average.

Abiha Nasir, nine, is the first Muslim girl successfully to audition for Bradford’s gifted and talented music programme for primary children.

The turnaround is even more notable given the makeup of the school: 99% of its 510 children speak English as an additional language, and half arrive at school unable to speak a word of English. The area outside the school gates, Bradford Moor, is one of the city’s most deprived and densely populated neighbourhoods. Nearly three-quarters of the surrounding population are of Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Indian heritage, compared with just over a quarter in the city as a whole, according to the 2011 census. A recent influx of refugees and a longer-term increase in the number of eastern Europeans has added to community tensions in an area where the city council has noted that different ethnic groups “don’t necessarily get on well or treat each other with respect”.

Inside the school gates, however, it’s a different story. Thirty different languages are spoken but the youngsters all learn happily alongside one another. The children practise Shakespeare and the Beatles as well as Muslim worship songs called Nasheeds. They learn Hi Low Chickalow, the playground clapping game, as well as studying the second world war and the songs of Ahmad Hussain, a Sheffield-born YouTube star who performs for the school every year.

Headteacher Naveed Idrees: ‘We were in special measures. We could have said we’re going to do more English, more maths, more booster classes. You might hit the results but the kids hate learning.’

A “tiny percentage” of Muslim parents were concerned about their children listening to pop songs or Christian music, according to Jimmy Rotheram, the school’s energetic music coordinator, but he says those concerns disappeared when they saw the progress their children were making.Once the school’s end-of-year concert would be attended only by a handful of sceptical parents, now it sells out every year. The school’s attendance has increased to 98%, as the amount of music taught to each pupil has risen. Every child will get at least two hours of music a week. As a bare minimum, each child gets a 30-minute music lesson, a half-hour follow-up lesson, plus a one-hour music assembly with a guest musician and group singing. Songs are incorporated into other classes and pupils often sing about times tables, or history.

Idrees, who became headteacher in 2013, admits the new approach was a “big risk” but he says he is now convinced it could transform other struggling schools.

“We were in special measures. We had low staff morale, parents not happy with the school, results were poor and nobody wanted to come here, we had budget issues. It’s a downward spiral when you’re there. If you’re losing kids you’re losing money, then you can’t attract teachers, those you’ve got are depressed. You get monitored by Ofsted every term and it’s all about results, results, results,” he says.

“We could have gone down the route where we said we need to get results up, we’re going to do more English, more maths, more booster classes, but we didn’t. You might hit the results but your staff morale is gone, the kids hate learning. We want kids to enjoy learning.”

The school bases its method on the Kodály approach, which involves teaching children to learn, subconsciously at first, through playing musical games. Children learn rhythm, hand signs and movement, for example, in a way that will help their reading, writing and maths. Idrees says teachers have found that asking children to memorise passages of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, for example, improves reading and writing.

Lost in the debate around Sats testing and league tables, Idrees says, is the importance of children’s mental and social development. This came to the fore in Bradford two years ago when an 11-year-old at a school on the other side of the city, Asad Khan, killed himself amid claims he had been bullied. Worried parents were knocking on headteachers’ doors across Bradford, Idrees says, concerned about their own children’s welfare.

Lost in the debate around Sats testing and league tables is children’s mental and social development, says Faversham’s headteacher.

After Asad’s death, Feversham piloted a project to help children deal with failure, peer pressure and media influences. “A lot of these quiet kids, they don’t know how to deal with emotions, they don’t know how to deal with negativity,” Idrees says. At its most basic, the simple act of game-playing can help children learn social skills such as eye contact and taking turns, while listening to music in an hour-long assembly helps develop their concentration in an age dominated by smartphones and tablet computers.

The focus on creativity has improved results across the school, not just among the musically gifted, Rotheram says, adding that it is “demonstrably more effective than drilling Sats papers”.

“My hope is that headteachers and people holding purse strings, possibly even the people who make important decisions in the government, will read about our school and realise that creative subjects are not mere add-ons but essential for the progress of all pupils.”

Back in class, Abiha bursts into another impressive drum solo – so loud it can be heard from the playground outside. She practises at home, she explains, but only on her dad’s PS3 drum kit and on a tablet computer. Soon she hopes to upgrade to the real thing: “Now he’s going to sell that [PS3] drum kit and buy a real one. He’s making a different room with noise-proofed walls because the neighbours might report us.”

Dates for the diary

WB Monday 4^th December: Christmas Special week – Christmas jumpers/ outfits encouraged!

Classes finish on Friday 8^th December 2023 and resume on Monday 8^th January 2024.

Remember to like our social media pages on facebook and Instagram to be the first to find out all about what we’ve been up to @kindermusikbyjan! We would love it if you tagged us in any photos or stories you share online too!

Have a musical day!

Row, Antony and Mary xxx

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October at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello! It is officially Autumn! We hope you all had a restful half term and enjoyed lots of Autumnal fun with your little ones!

Did you know we offer gift vouchers?

With the new academic year in full swing, there are lots of birthdays, kids parties to go too, baby showers and. Christmas is on the horizon (sorry, did someone mention Christmas!) If you are struggling for a gift idea, why not consider a kindermusik voucher.

We are offering both one off trial class vouchers for £5 and monthly class vouchers from £28 to £31. Email kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com for more info and for prices. Giving the gift of music – the perfect present!

The benefits of Kindermusik

Kindermusik is helping your child’s development in so many ways! We have found that it is helpful to share these benefits with you in class in order to help you understand why we are doing certain activities and to be able to further help your child. It really is amazing all of the different ways that coming to class can help your child’s development. Benefits from coming to class include:

Helps social skills like working together, sharing and taking turns
Improves early maths and literacy development
Develops fine and gross motor skills
Improves listening skills
Helps develop balance and a sense of rhythm
Helps develop vocabulary
Develops spatial awareness

And most importantly classes are super FUN!

Spooky goings on as Kindermusik celebrates Halloween!

Our educators added a spooky twist to their lessons, making scarves twirl like ghosts, rolling around like pumpkins, flying on our broomsticks like witches, creeping like spiders and jumping around like warty toads! We hope you had lots of fun too! Here are some highlights from our Spooktacular week!

We have been super impressed with the amount of effort the families have made. We hope you all enjoyed the little treat!

Don’t forget to log into your digital content to access Halloween crafts!

SNAIL TAPPING – save our wildlife

As the weather has turned wet, it brings snails. If your little ones are anything like mine and like to hold and pick up bugs of any kind then this is a useful bit of advice.

I did not know that if I picked a snail off the ground to move them to a safer place I could cause potentially pain if I did not do it properly, by just ripping the snail away from the ground.

It can also cause the mantle to collapse which could kill the snail.

Although a snail does not have a brain-in the same way that a human has, they do have a nervous system through their body and many scientists think that their reaction to certain stimuli have proven that they experience pain.

Although it has not been proven 100%, I do not wish to risk hurting this fragile creature, or killing them by causing the mantle to collapse.

I was horrified that I had been doing this all these years, but was so grateful to those who shared this information to me.

So to prevent either of these happening you just need to tap a snail on their shell to make them retract their body into the shell before you move the snail.

Just pulling them away from the ground- is potentially excruciatingly painful for the snail and will often result in their death.?

Please become a snail tapper.

We so need these little guys to maintain the wildlife balance in our gardens.

Fabulous party offering

I recently attended a party with my own children and can highly recommend the Outdoors project…. here is some more information!

Watching children’s confidence grow and new friendships form at our clubs is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

With a non-competitive environment, children feel more relaxed and can challenge themselves to try new things in a fun environment, unlike sports specific clubs, as every person has something they excel at in nature.

Some of our most popular activities take pop culture icons, such as Harry Potter, Pokemon or Star Wars and build an imaginative day of activities around these stories and characters. Our tech meets nature sessions, such as Minecraft or Among Us, bring to life elements of the games that many children love. The meeting of these two worlds often encourages somewhat shy or reluctant children to come for the very first time, only to find that they return again and again to enjoy Bushcraft, Campfire Cooking, nature games and so much more.

A child sticking her tongue out

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We hope you enjoy reading our blog!

Lots of love Row, Mary and Antony xx

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September at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello! Welcome to the start of our brand new term! We’ve loved seeing you all and cannot believe how much your little ones have grown!!!

We have started the term welcoming our new educator, Mary.

Mary is a teacher with over 20 years knowledge and experience working with children, her fun and warm personality means she will be a great asset to our team. I am sure she will fit in quickly and you will love meeting her. Over the next few weeks.

Sadly, Lynfa has left with immediate effect, due to a family member becoming extremely ill. We thank all of the families for being so understanding at this time. We wish Lynfa the best and the door has been left open for her to return.

Kindermusik app

Did you know we have a Kindermusik app for phones?!

The Kindermusik’s app features include:

Lots of your favourite Kindermusik songs (organised into different themes like animals, weather, our bodies, colours and instruments)

Digital instruments
Make your own music by playing along to different tracks
Craft ideas
Recipes
Class demo videos
Nursery Rhymes
Your story books from your Kindermusik class

Download it today and enjoy your favourite Kindermusik activities on the go!

Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to log into your usual Kindermusik account.

You can also sign up for free weekly activities which are sent directly to your email. You can register to receive them via this link. https://try.kindermusik.com/kids-activities/

Art studios for October half term

Art studios in Ditchling are offering an art club for 5 to 11 year olds. Ideal if any families have older siblings to entertain over the half term. click here to book

Half term ideas

Having children ourselves, we are always looking for fun things to do in half term.

Some of the best days out in the area which we have experienced ourselves are:

Borde hill – Halloween trail from 14^th October to 31^st October

https://bordehill.co.uk/events/halloween-trail-2023/

Wakehurst place – Were going on a bear hunt

https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on

Nymans Gardens – Count Frogulars trail

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/nymans/visiting-nymans-with-family

Christmas event

Some of you may know Liv who works in the Home coffee shop at Kings church. Liv has her own floristry business and will be hosting a Christmas wreath making event. To see the details and to book online please go to: www.mamasthatflower.com

On the horizon…

We have been loving our new themes so far this month! Our babies have been learning how to chirp, squeak and quack, our younger toddlers have been thinking about all the fun things we can do around our house, our older toddlers have been exploring their feelings, Our 3-4 year olds have been out and about! Whilst our reception children have been exploring rhythms of the land!

We have some more very exciting themes coming up next as we explore on the farm across all of our levels, we will be exploring the keyboard in our reception class as well as our spoooooky Halloween week at the end of October!

Dates for the diary:

October half term: Monday 23rd till Friday 27^th October

Halloween week: Monday 30th October till Friday 3rd November. We would love to see you and your little ones in fancy dress!

Kings church closure on Thursday 10^th & Friday 11th November. All class on these days will be held at Centre Church on Leylands Road.

Our last day before the Christmas break will be Friday December 8^th.

Christmas holidays: Monday 11th December to Friday 5^th January.

Have a musical day!

Row, Antony Lynfa and Mary xxx

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August at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello! Welcome to the start of our brand-new term! We hope you’ve had a lovely summer! We’re kicking off our new term with a mini blog all about what we’ve been up to this summer and can’t wait to hear what you’ve all been up to too!

First off, we’re excited to let you know that we’ve won the title of Top Program for 2023 from Kindermusik International. It’s a big deal for us, being a small business. I really want to give a shoutout to our awesome educators who work their hearts out to make each weekly class super fun and engaging. And of course, a huge thanks to all our amazing families for supporting our little business!

To help promote our business we have recently teamed up with myBump2Baby, Reviews really matter and they help our small business thrive. You will find this review logo on the bottom of each email too, so if you have 2 mins spare, please do send us a review. We genuinely appreciate any feedback you can give! Just click here:

Our Summer!

We’ve all been enjoying spending time relaxing in different ways this summer. Read on to find out how our educators have been spending their well-earned break…

Row’s summer

We’ve been nonstop and had so much fun together as a family! I was able to switch off for a little bit and be present with my family. I am feeling very rested! We went to Mauritius at the beginning of the holiday, we did lots of swimming, snorkelling and EATING. It was the best holiday.

We’ve also done lots of day trips since being back:

The British Wildlife Centre
Wakehurst
Knockhatch
Nymans (fun play event)
Blackberry Farm
Borde Hill Gardens trail
Bowling
Cinema
Paradise safari park (great for a zoo and lots of dinosaurs)
Paradise Park
Camping at Hale farm campsite (I highly recommend it), a lovely weekend camping with my twin sister, my nieces and twin nephews.

Mary – What sunglasses suit her best?!

I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing everyone in September! My Summer has been very busy, working as a caregiver, meeting up with friends, catching up on jobs like visiting the dentist and best of all going on holiday to enjoy the sunshine!

Here is what Lynfa has been up to!

Hi from all of us! We’ve had a busy and fun-filled summer..

A road trip took us to Wales to visit extended family, and Manchester for a long overdue catch up with friends.

I enjoyed some 1:1 time with each of my children whilst the other was busy with a summer school (one at their new secondary school, and the other a performing arts week). We had a DIY spa day, went on cinema and shopping trips, did creative projects and enjoyed woodland walks.

Our family holiday was a camping trip to the Isle of Wight! The children particularly enjoyed Blackgang Chine theme park on the island’s south coast – a beautiful location with stunning views and sunsets.

Whilst on the island, we discovered the rather unusual and quirky National Poo Museum, much to the children’s delight!

My nephews’ birthdays gave us the chance to see family again, and we’re now back home, refreshed and ready to start a new term.

Here is what Antony has been up to!

My Summer

It’s been a very busy summer for me, as is the case with having a young child! My son turned 9 during the holidays so there was a chaotic party to deal with, with a houseful of 8/9 year olds!

My son and I had a few days camping near Arundel (with the obligatory roasting of marshmallows over an open fire ) including a day at the lido and boating on the Arundel lake.

My sister and her husband were over from NZ for a few weeks so it great to see them after 7 years but the highlight of the summer was a celebration of my mum and dad’s diamond wedding anniversary (60 years) where all the family met (20 in all) for Sunday lunch at a pub in Brighton inc grand kids and great grandkids. My son and I also performed a duet for them of one of ‘their’ songs (Let It Be Me by The Everly Brothers).

My wife and I managed a weekend by ourselves in celebration of her birthday. We went to a Spanish restaurant near London Bridge and a theatre trip to see a fabulous immersive production of Guys and Dolls. We also went to the Brighton Open Air Theatre to watch Down For The Count, a fantastic swing band.

We all visited London to see the Van Gogh Experience which was a fabulous way to get Louis engaged in art and artists.

We also went to Southampton Mayflower theatre to see a friend of mine in the touring version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s one of Louis’s favourites. He was so excited meeting ‘Grandpa Joe’ after the show and given a backstage tour.

Louis loves drama and this summer was chosen by a top London Agency to represent him. Very proud parents!!

I love the cinema and the highlight for me was a fantastic film called Oppenheimer with the fabulous actor Cillian Murphy from Peaky Blinders

I’ve also had 3 Care home gigs, which I thoroughly enjoy as I can sing the music I really love to sing from the 30s, 40s and 50s.

I also sing and play trumpet for a swing band based in Haywards Heath and we had a gig in Cuckfield.

All in all it’s been quite an eventful summer!!

I’m looking forward to starting a new Kindermusik term and seeing old and new friends continuing or starting their musical journeys.

Hey There: Little Minibeasts! – Book written by Benjamin Joseph

As you know I am always on the lookout to support local businesses and a came across this book, the author is from Burgess Hill.

A little about me, I originate from Germany and have moved back and forth between Germany and England my whole life. I am now settled in England with a beautiful woman and 3 wonderful children, and they are the inspiration for everything that I write. This book is based around my middle child Elijah. During lockdown he was brand new and just an observer, but I used to take him out and just watch as he marvelled at these different bugs. I wondered what the conversation would be like if he was able to ask them questions, and this is the basis of my book ‘Hey There, Little Minibeasts.’ I do have another book currently being published by Austin Macauley but that is still in its process. I am super excited to finally start sharing my stories with the world as I have been writing since I was 16 years old, and this book is extra special because it’s about someone I love.

Hey There, Little Minibeasts! : Joseph, Mr Benjamin

On the horizon…

We have some exciting themes this Autumn! Our babies will be going learn how to chirp, squeak and quack, our younger toddlers will be thinking about all the fun things we can do around our house, our older toddlers will be exploring their feelings, Our 3-4 year olds will be out and about! Whilst our pre-schoolers / reception children will be exploring rhythms of the land! We also have our spooktacular Halloween week coming up W/C 31^st October and would love to see you and your little ones in fancy dress!

Dates for the diary:

Autumn term starts: WC Tuesday 12^th September (Kings is closed 11^th September)

October half term: Monday 23rd till Friday 27^th October

Halloween week: Monday 30th October till Friday 3rd November

We can’t wait to see you next week!

Have a musical day!

Row, Antony Lynfa and Mary xxx

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July at Kindermusik by Jan

What a year it’s been! We’ve had so much fun this year and are so grateful to all our families for coming along to classes each week. It has been such a joy getting to know you and your children and we have loved every minute of it. This month on the blog, our Kindermusik team share their highlights of the year and celebrate the end of term, we celebrate our Young Child 4 class’s graduation and look ahead to some of the themes you will be exploring in our Autumn term!

Goodbye to our lovely Young Child 4’s!

Here is what their educator Antony and Lynfa had to say about their special graduation.

Antony – “My highlight of the year happened today! Giving YC4 their medals and certificates made me so proud of them. They’ve all really done well this year. I’ve been so impressed with their glockenspiel and recorder playing. Their music reading has been very good too compared to past years. They are all potential musicians in the making. I hope they continue their musical journey. They’ve been such a lovely class to teach. Please keep in touch – we’re so excited to see what your little ones get up to next!

Lynfa – In our Young Child classes, the 6-7 year olds have reached the end of their Kindermusik journeys, some of them having been with us since they were only weeks old! They take with them the skills and inspiration to continue their musical journeys, having played the glockenspiel, (tuned percussion / pre-keyboard), dulcimer (string) and recorder (wind). We have travelled around the world, discovering various musical styles and genres and learning about different cultures through story and dance. The children have embraced all of these experiences with such enthusiasm and curiosity, and each has developed in their own unique way. I wish them all the best, wherever their next adventure takes them.

Goodbye to Becca!

Our lovely Becca will sadly be leaving us at the end of the Summer term. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Becca and I am sure you will all agree she will be greatly missed. Her children will both attend school in September which will give her an opportunity to try something new, we are hoping that she will miss us so much and will return to Kindermusik (tee-hee). Thank you, Becca, for everything, you have been an absolute a joy to work with and our door is always open, should you wish return.

Goodbye from Becca:

I have really loved getting to know all of you and your little ones over the past 2 years. It has been such a joy and a privilege to be there for some of their first words, first steps and other exciting moments and milestones. I will miss all of you and the Kindermusik team so much but will continue attending after school classes with my youngest so you might still see me around Kings – Row can’t get rid of me that easily (and the coffee is too good to miss out on!)

Thanks to Row, Antony, Lynfa (and Hannah) for being the best team I could have asked for – their advice, guidance and support have been so valuable. As Row said, as my youngest will be starting school in September, the time has come for me to try something new and work more full-time hours so it felt like a natural time to be leaving. I am so sad to be leaving you all but take it from me, you are in such safe hands with Mary, Antony and Lynfa. They are all wonderful teachers. Wishing you and your little ones all the best, Becca xxx

Our yearly highlights!

We’ve been thinking back over the last year and wanted to share with you our top moments!

Row: “I can’t believe another year has passed. It’s honestly been so lovely meeting you all and just seeing your little ones developing and growing each week. I have seen some babies taking the first steps which is always so special to witness. I feel so blessed you have chosen Kindermusik by Jan to be a big part of your child’s journey, its truly an honour! I am so grateful for everyone’s support. It’s been so lovely popping into some of your classes and meeting you. Seeing your children’s confidence grow each week having fun has been my personal highlight of the year. Long may it continue!”

Antony: “I just love watching the dancing and seeing the different moves the children all have! They are all so natural. The singing. Has been wonderful to hear. Loud and proud, perfectly in time and pitch. We have some natural musicians. I love it when I hear the children singing the Hello song in the corridor before they’ve even started the class!! We have seen some great enthusiasm this year!’’

We have had some made-up songs in our Laugh and Learn class on a Friday. One of the children came up with some new words to the Hello song gave us all a good laugh! “Hello how do you do, it’s good to have a poo!!!” …. I’m not sure if Kindermusik International will let us change the curriculum but we can try!

The children have been wonderful with their unbounded energy and compelling me to be on top of my game! Also, for their constant high 5s at the end of the class!

I love hearing the children’s constant stories (completely unrelated to what we’re doing of course!!) and hearing about what they have been up to and even being shown what new toys and shoes they have!

All my YC2 children for making so much progress over the year. I was pleasantly surprised by them recently as they were all able to play Go to Sleepy perfectly and all, bar none, passed my little ‘test’ of being able to place notes correctly on the stave and write all the musical symbols we’ve learnt so far.

Lynfa:

‘’I’ve had a brilliant couple of terms with Kindermusik since qualifying in December. It’s been such a pleasure to teach across the age ranges: watching the 1-2 year olds spend precious, creative time with their grown-ups, the 3-4 year olds find their feet (without their grown-ups) and contribute all their brilliant ideas, and the 6-7 year olds develop into budding musicians.

Spending time with them each week, I have witnessed their journey, learning new skills, experiencing a broad range of music and having a lot of fun along the way!

In our Sing and Play classes, the 1-2 year olds are discovering that they can interact with other children and adults, with their familiar adults close by. They are beginning to perform the actions and circle dances all by themselves! They are enjoying the success of learning a new motor skill, such as opening a box and putting an instrument inside. They are learning how to control their bodies and impulses with our stop and go games, and they’re discovering that everyday household objects can be transformed into fun physical activities, such as going on a basket ride!

In Laugh and Learn, our 3-4 year olds love bringing all their imaginative ideas to class. We have had Elsa from Frozen, freezing the stream so that we could continue on our bicycle ride, spiders hiding on our farm, and penguins skating on a frozen pond! The children have enjoyed taking turns at being a leader, and working together as a team, whether that is through playing as an ensemble, or simply through tidying the instruments away. It is amazing how much they absorb, demonstrating through their actions and responses that they really get to know the music and stories that we share.

Becca: ‘’I’ve absolutely loved teaching this year, with our Christmas and Halloween special weeks being particular favourites! I think my main highlight was just being a part of yours and your little one’s lives. It has been such a privilege to be there for first words, first steps and watching them grow. I know I say it every week in class but they all just grow so fast and I am so grateful to have been a tiny part of yours and their lives. I’ve also really loved experiencing Kindermusik as a mum as well as a teacher – I am so proud of my eldest son who has just graduated from the programme and also my youngest son who views his lessons with Antony to be the absolute highlight of his week! ‘’

Celebrating the end of term!

We all got together for a big farewell do for Becca and to celebrate the end of term. This time we decided to invite the kindermusik teams’ family along!

We all enjoyed a picnic (and some drinks) and spent some time reflecting (and sobbing) on the past year and looking ahead to all the exciting things we would like to do next year. Watch this space!

Looking ahead to Autumn…

It seems a way off at the moment, Autumn is just round the corner and bringing with it, some exciting themes! Our babies will be chirping like birds, our younger toddlers will be thinking about all the fun things we can do around our house, our older toddlers will be talking about how we feel, … our 3-4 year olds will be out and about! We also have our spooktacular Halloween week coming up W/C 31^st October!

Dates for the diary:

Autumn term starts: WC Tuesday 12^th September (Monday 11^th September kings is closed) – Monday families please contact me to book a make-up session.

October half term: Monday 23rd till Friday 27^th October

Halloween week: Monday 30th^t October till Friday 3rd November (Please dress your little ones up if you want to)

We hope you have a wonderful summer and can’t wait to see you in September!

Have a musical summer!

Row, Becca, Antony and Lynfa (and Mary)

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June at Kindermusik by Jan

How is it already June?! Summer has finally arrived and we’re having a brilliant time for the second half of our summer term with themes celebrating our love of music, yummy food, farms and all the things our toddlers can do by themselves! This month on the blog, we’re giving you some summery inspiration for fun with your little ones, some crafty ideas using our Kindermusik App and we have an exciting book to share with you by local author Lee Attard!

Summer ideas

We know it can be really hard to think of things to do when classes finish for the summer when you have little ones so click on the below links for some ideas for family days out this summer!

Events around Sussex | Lets Go With The Children

20 Best Things To Do In West Sussex Near Me | Attractions in West Sussex | Day Out With The Kids

Sussex | National Trust

Family Fun things to do (visitsoutheastengland.com)

Kindermusik App and Crafts

Did you know we have a Kindermusik app for phones? Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to log into your account.

The Kindermusik’s app features include:

Lots of your favourite Kindermusik songs (organised into different themes like animals, weather, our bodies, colours and instruments)

Digital instruments

Make your own music by playing along to different tracks

Craft ideas

Recipes

Class demo videos

Nursery Rhymes

Your story books from your Kindermusik class

Download it today and enjoy your favourite Kindermusik activities on the go!

You will also receive weekly activities to enjoy at home if you sign up to: https://try.kindermusik.com/kids-activities/

Each week, you’ll receive:

· A themed activity kit

· An easy-to-make craft

· A how-to video + written instructions

· Musical pairings with each activity

· Parenting tips

· Access to Kindermusik songs

· And more!

Lee Attard

Local author Lee Attard has a new book out – The Crocodile who couldn’t swim. For more info, ask your Kindermusik educator in class for a leaflet about Lee’s books.

This beautiful, fully illustrated children’s picture book makes for a perfect bedtime story.

Follow Codi, the lovable little crocodile who is feeling left out when his friends, Toby the Tiger, Hollie the Hippo & Zoe the Zebra, all go to the lake without him.

Find out what happens in this heartfelt story of compassion and friendship.

‘The Crocodile Who Couldn’t Swim’ children’s book is fully illustrated with stunning colourful cartoon style art and boasts a heartfelt rhyming story of friendship and overcoming obstacles.

This book makes for a perfect feel good gift for any child, equally suitable for both boys and girls and ideal for ages up to 6 years old.

This picture book is also perfect for young children starting to read on their own.

So be sure to pick up your copy now and join these Toon World characters on their summer adventure.

For more information and to order your book, click the link below:

The Crocodile Who Couldn’t Swim – Toon World

Dates for the diary:

We break for summer on Friday 14^th July and start back on Tuesday 12^th September (Kings is closed on Monday 11^th September – if your usual class is on a Monday, please contact Row to book in a make up session).

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day and a fantastic last few weeks in class.

Row, Becca, Antony and Lynfa

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May at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello and happy May! We’ve been loving the sunshine here at Kindermusik by Jan and hope you and your little ones have too! This month on the blog, we’re finding out more about what the benefits of coming to our classes are and also putting another local business into the Spotlight!

Kindermusik benefits: what are they and why do our educators tell us about them?!

Helps social skills like working together, sharing and taking turns

Improves early maths and literacy development

Develops fine and gross motor skills

Improves listening skills

Helps develop balance and a sense of rhythm

Gives children a tool for self expression

Helps develop vocabulary

Develops spatial awareness

Continuing our feature of championing small, locally run businesses by hard working parents, we have another great one for you this month… Wotamess Messy Play run by Clare. Check out Clare’s information below and book your session to enjoy some messy play fun with your little one.

Wotamess Messy Play

We are the MESS SPECIALISTS so come and join us for messy crafty fun inside and out! There are two types of sessions.

MUDDY MESS is an outdoor play group in a forest. We run our outdoor forest school sessions in Small Dole where we have free play forest fun suitable for all children from walking.

MINI MESSERS is an indoor group with loads of mess trays, small world play, large set ups and water area (crawlers and walkers). We offer these indoor play sessions in Lancing for all Preschool children including babies.

You can get in touch and book your session with Clare below:

website – https://www.wotamess.com/

email – clare@wotamess.com

facebook – wotamesskids

If you or someone you know runs a small business, drop us an email at kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com with some more information, links to your socials and some photos for a chance to be featured next month!

Dates for the diary:

We break for summer on Friday 14^th July and start back on Tuesday 12^th September (Kings is closed on Monday 11^th). If your little one has their birthday over the next few months, look out for an email from Row about moving up to the next class!

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Lynfa

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April at Kindermusik by Jan

Happy Easter!

Hello and welcome to our April blog. We hope you all had a very happy Easter and had lots of fun hunting for those eggs! We hope you’re all looking forward to the two (hopefully!) sunny bank holiday weekends ahead too!

Ideas to use up all that leftover chocolate (if you have any….)

Using up Easter chocolate with kids | BBC Good Food

What we got up to during Easter!

Row

My family and I enjoyed a trip to Switzerland over the easter break to visit my niece. We had a wonderful time. We enjoyed a boat ride on the lake, a visit to a historical castle, a visit to Zurich zoo, a mountain climb, and public easter egg hunt event (which we were rubbish at…we then had to go and buy our chocolate eggs and do one in the garden) .

As it was a long drive so we camped in our campervan in France for two nights as a stop over. The kids were awesome as ever for the long car journey and lots of snacks were consumed on route!

It was lovely to enjoy a few days of dry weather and just enjoy being outside….don’t worry though we didn’t miss out on the rain completely as it still rained for us too!

Becca

We had a really lovely Easter break spending time together as a family. My boys enjoyed lots of egg hunts and we spent lots of time outside (when it wasn’t raining!) We visited Blackberry Farm, Paradise Park, lots of National Trust places and had a fab day trip to Woburn Safari Park. I’ve loved hearing what you and your little ones got up to!

Antony

Well it was an extremely busy Easter break for me. I auditioned for a new musical (At Last It’s Summer) and…got the job! It meant 2 weeks of rehearsals with the likes of Gary Wilmot, Mark Wynter, Jo Riding and Louise Dearman (all big West Rnd names)! I played the role of a rather stupid policeman in this one off Charity concert at the London Palladium, in aid of Parkinsons UK, with a full 35 piece orchestra. It was an amazing experience to perform at that illustrious theatre in front of a full house of 3000!

I had the Easter weekend off from rehearsals, so this was valuable family time. We managed to fit in a trip to the Science Museum and to see Winnie the Pooh Musical at The Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. All in all quite an eventful 2 weeks!

Lynfa

The Easter break was a welcome chance to slow down after what has been a crazy few months juggling various jobs. I continued my music therapy work with adults during this time – work which is now winding down, allowing for a better work-life balance. The break gave us the opportunity to spend time with extended family, and to enjoy days out in the sunshine and fresh air. During the second week, my daughter attended a week-long performing arts workshop, culminating in an evening show. She absolutely loved taking part. It was wonderful to see her flourish, and while she was off having a fabulous time, I enjoyed some rare 1:1 time with my son. I feel refreshed and excited to be back with the families at Kindermusik!
Here’s a picture my son took, as we admired the blossom in our local park.

Local mum small business shout out!

Busy Brains Activity Packs – a reminder that we have been given a 10% discount code for these fab activity packs. Your educators have been handing leaflets out with all the info on in class so ask them if you would like one! Just log on to their website and type in your discount code!

Continuing our feature of championing small, locally run businesses by hard working parents, we have an exciting one for you this month… Shadow Cakes run by local mum Alex. Her creations are delicious and absolutely amazing (some of the Kindermusik team have first hand experience of how yummy they are!) Check out Alex’s information below and get in touch if you’re looking for a special cake for your little one or another friend or family member.

Shadow Cakes

Hi, my name is Alex and I love making bespoke cakes and bakes for your special occasions.

As a child, my mum always handmade my birthday cakes and this is where my love of baking began. I began baking with my mum at an early age and continued making occasional cakes and bakes for family and friends until my boys were born, when I decided to start ‘Shadow Cakes’. Although professionally a part-time primary school teacher and mother of two, I really enjoy creating new designs of fondant and buttercream cakes for all occasions.

All my bakes are made from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

I have a 5star food hygiene rating and hold a level 2 food hygiene certificate, an allergy awareness certificate and am a member of the British Sugarcraft Guild.

You can get in touch with Alex below:

website – www.shadowcakes.co.uk

email – shadowcakes22@gmail.com

fb/instagram – @shadowcakes22

Row’s book – The Earth Moved

I was in the Nepal 2015 earthquake 8 years ago on the 25^th April 2015. The earthquake was devastating and many tourists and locals that we had met on our trip sadly died. Every year since the earthquake I like to raise awareness for Nepal and continue my efforts to raise money to help rebuild. I decided to write a book a year after my return, all funds raised go directly to community action Nepal (CAN) who have promised that all of the funds will go directly to Langtang (where we were!). So far we have built a small residential home to house 11 people and my funds are continuously going towards other projects for Langtang. You can read about my experience and purchase my book on amazon using the link below. There is a paper back or kindle version.

Thank you for your support.

Dates for the diary:

Bank holiday Mondays: Monday 1^st May AND Monday 8^th May– no classes. If you usually attend our Monday classes, Row has emailed you with your options and information for these dates.

May half term: Monday 29^th May to Friday 2^rd June (no classes this week).

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Lynfa

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March at Kindermusik by Jan

Sing into Spring!

Hello and welcome to our March blog! We’ve been loving the sunshine we’ve finally been having – Spring is definitely in the air! This month on the blog we’re looking ahead to Easter and sharing some more small businesses!

News from Kindermusik!

Kindermusik have just introduced activities for home to help with your little one’s development, sign up to receive them weekly by clicking below, all instructions are on the link: https://try.kindermusik.com/kids-activities/

Small business shout outs!

We are continuing showing some love and appreciation to local small businesses this month. This week, we have an exclusive 10% discount on some fantastic activity packs and an Easter Holiday Art club for older children.

Busy Brains Activity Packs

Busy Brains Activity Packs are sets of simple, educational activity ideas for parents of babies, toddlers and children under 5.
Grounded in science and created by a local, experienced Primary School Deputy Headteacher and mum of three young children, Busy Brains Activity Packs was created to support parents with easy, inexpensive play ideas to enjoy with their kids.

Each set contains 30 cards packed with ideas alongside clear explanations of why and how they help children learn and develop. This includes a milestone guide, details of the typical developmental changes to expect as children grow and lots of specifically targeted ideas and fun activities designed to support their development at every stage.

Lauren has kindly offered all of our families a 10% discount, which is fab! Just quote Kindermusik10 and order from www.busybrainsactivitypacks.co.uk

Art Studios Easter Art Club

Easter fun!

There are so many lovely things to do in West Sussex for Easter. Take a look at our Easter Round up for some ‘EGGcellent’ ideas of what to do with your little ones this Easter!

Easter Trails:

Ludo’s Easter Race at Borde Hill Garden

There are so many lovely Easter Trails but we particularly like the one at Borde Hill Garden. They have a different theme every year and this year they have ‘Ludo’s Easter Race’ where you follow the story of Ludo the lamb aa he prepares to enter the lamb national race! Running from 1^st to the 16^th April, we give this trail a huge thumbs up! (£4 per trail plus admission to the gardens – includes a mini egg ice cream from Latchetts Farm). Ludo’s Easter Race – Kids Trail – Borde Hill

Superworm at Wakehurst

The evil Wizard Lizard has lost his magical flower! Can you help Superworm and his friends find it before Wizard Lizard does? Interactive activities help lead the way on your mission but watch out for the Crow! There is also daily story telling. All included in admission price. Bookable extras (at an extra cost) include the Mighty Microbes Mission and the Wormery Workshop, all bookable online. Running daily from 30^th March to 23^rd April. Superworm at Wakehurst | Kew

National trust (various locations)

The National Trust are offering a variety of trails, crafting activities and Spring fun this Easter! Click on the link for more information Easter trails and Easter egg hunts | National Trust

Down on the farm

Coombes Farm

One of our favourite Spring activities is to see baby animals and where better to do this by visiting the lambs at Coombes Farm! With over 600 ewes lambing, you might be lucky enough to see one being born or to have a go at feeding them! Take a relaxing walk/tractor ride to the top of the downs through the ewes and lambs and see the spectacular views too! The main lambing times are 11^th March to 16^th April and you can book online. Coombes Farm – Sussex Working Farm Experience

Easter baking

Baking is a lovely activity to do with your little ones (and a great idea to use up any leftover Easter chocolate!) and we love these delicious chocolate nests! (Although we like to crush our mini eggs on top or replace with white chocolate buttons so they are safe for little mouths to eat!) Chocolate Easter nests recipe – BBC Food

Colouring in printable

Activity Village have some gorgeous free Easter Printables to include templates, playdough mats, crafting activities and decorations. Take a look and enjoy!

Easter Printables (activityvillage.co.uk)

Dates for the diary:

Easter break (no classes for two weeks): Monday 3^rd to Friday 14^nd April (classes back WB Monday 17^th April)

Reminder that on Monday 17^th April only, we are at Centre Church, Leylands Road due to Kings Church being shut. We are back at Kings on Tuesday 18th^th April as usual.

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Lynfa

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February at Kindermusik by Jan

Daffodils blooming, chocolate eggs appearing and a peep of some sunshine – Spring is definitely in the air this month! We hope you all had a restful half term and are looking forward to some hopefully brighter, sunnier days ahead!

Spotlight on our Kindermusik small business owners!

We know first hand how difficult running a small business can be in the current financial climate so we want to champion our Kindermusik parents that have small businesses. From now on, each month, we will be sharing a small business run by one of our families to help spread the word!

If you have a small business and would like to be featured, email us at kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com with the name of your business and some more information about it, any photos and contact details/social media links for you. Take a look at our first featured small business below…

Ivy Grace Jewellery (run by Caroline – one of our Wiggle and Grow mums)

A message from Caroline “Ivy Grace (named after my daughter) was started in 2021 after I rediscovered my love of jewellery making whilst at home with two young children. When younger I loved making and mending jewellery and would spend hours in bead shops admiring anything shiny and thinking of the next thing I could create.

Now, after making jewellery for family and friends, my aim is to create delicate and unique jewellery that is fun and affordable for anyone to enjoy. I buy my materials from UK sources and it is important to me to keep my products and packaging as environmentally friendly as possible.

I hope you can enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoy making it!

Caroline x”

Some of our Kindermusik team have bought some of Caroline’s jewellery and can say first-hand how beautiful it all is and how light and easy her pieces are to wear, they are also a perfect gift for Mother’s Day! Have a look at some of her gorgeous pieces and check out her Etsy shop or socials for more info.
You can find Ivy Grace Jewellery on Etsy at ivygracejewellery.etsy.com or on Instagram and Facebook at @ivygracejewellery.

Celebrating Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday 19^th March. Know a dad who is unsure what to get one of your mum friends?! We are offering both one off trial class vouchers and monthly class vouchers. Email kindermusikbyjan@outlook.com for more info and for prices. Giving the gift of music – the perfect present for any mum this Mother’s Day!

Kindermusik benefits: what are they and why do our educators tell us about them?!

Helps social skills like working together, sharing and taking turns
Improves early maths and literacy development
Develops fine and gross motor skills
Improves listening skills
Helps develop balance and a sense of rhythm
Helps develop vocabulary
Develops spatial awareness

Dates for the diary:

Easter break (no classes for two weeks): Monday 3^rd to Friday 14^th April (classes back WB Monday 17^th April)

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class! (We know this can be tricky to do as our classes are designed to give you time to focus on being with your little ones without distractions so we really appreciate you sharing any quick photos you take if you do!) You might spot Row coming into classes at the moment to take a few photos to share on our socials – let her know if you would rather you and your little one aren’t included in any photos!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Lynfa

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January at Kindermusik by Jan

Happy New Year!

Where has this month gone?! We were so excited to be back in class with you all this January – your little ones all grew so much over the Christmas break! We have been having lots of fun back in class with themes revolving around transport, family and friends and routines. We we’re also so pleased to welcome Antony back to teaching after his stint in Panto in November and December (oh no we’re not… couldn’t resist!) and we are so excited to welcome Lynfa our brand new educator.

Our Christmas break!

As it was so popular when we came back after the summer, we thought we would give you a little insight into what the Kindermusik team have been up to over our Christmas break, as well as some new Year’s Resolutions from us!

Row: I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and new year! It has been lovely to see some of you at Kings. I don’t usually believe in New Years Resolutions, so I don’t really make set changes as such, as I believe in continuous change, development, and growth. If I am to think about things, I would like to improve this year it would be to try and make more time for ‘ME’ as I am often focused on my own children, family and the business. As parents we know that a lot of our time and energy is easily absorbed with the daily life of managing work and caring for our children, so I plan to try and fit in some exercise and some well-deserved me time such as seeing my friends more and enjoying hobbies such as craft activities and even enjoy the odd pamper. As a family we want to explore different days out in London a lot more as there is so much to see. The children are getting older so we are feeling we can explore further which is super exciting! Last year a lot of our weekends were consumed with decorating the house and going to children’s parties, time just swept away! So we want to make a bit more time to go sight-seeing and spend more time making memories together.

Antony: My Christmas was extremely busy. I thoroughly enjoyed my stint as an Ugly Sister in Cinderella (oh yes I did!!) at the Capitol Theatre, Horsham but it meant 12 shows a week and only the one day off – Christmas Day! It was lovely to see so many Kindermusik families in the audience too. Thank you for the support. In early December I had a few Christmas singing gigs at Care Homes and the Cuckfield Christmas Tree Festival so I’m now completely ‘over’ Christmas songs. Until next year of course!! Amongst all the decorating and wrapping of gifts I managed to fit in a trip to the cinema with my son to see ‘Matilda’ (a fabulous film) and my annual viewing of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on Christmas Eve! Christmas Day was spent with Jennifer (my wife), Louis (my 8 y/o son) and my wife’s family, who did the hosting this year. I missed cooking Xmas dinner this year but it was nice not having to do all that work for a change. I’m now looking forward to teaching Kindermusik and getting back to some sense of normality!

Becca: I had a really lovely Christmas break with my husband Andy and our two boys! We packed in lots of Christmassy fun – we went on a magical light trail at Leonardslee Gardens, met Father Christmas at Godstone Farm and even took a trip to the Capitol Theatre in Horsham to see a certain Ugly Sister performing in Cinderella! It was my little boy’s 6^th Birthday on Christmas Day too so double the celebrations with lots of family members! My New Year’s Resolution is to spend lots of time with my boys this year and to continue to make lots of memories with them, family and friends.

Lynfa: My Christmas break was spent building IKEA flatpack furniture (my guilty pleasure ?), spending time with family, and continuing my music therapy work with adults. I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, more a New Year’s ‘focus’, and this year, I’m focusing on getting into a routine with my two new jobs: working on a music therapy research project, and Kindermusik!

Where is bear?

Our 1-2 year olds have started their brand new theme this week – On the town with bear. That cheeky bear has been exploring Kings Church – can you spot him in each picture below?!

Dates for the diary:

February Half Term Break (no classes all week): Monday 13^st to Friday 17^th February.

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Lynfa

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December at Kindermusik by Jan

Merry Christmas from all of us!

Merry Christmas everyone! We can’t believe that it’s nearly Christmas! Where has this year gone! We have had a very exciting time over at Kindermusik by Jan this month! We started December with a week of our new exciting themes and then had a very special Christmas week where the children became Santa’s reindeer, played in some ‘snow’, had lots of fun with jingle bells and were even left a special Christmas present from Father Christmas himself! Have a look at some of the fun we had…

From all of us here at Kindermusik by Jan, we wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

A Christmas message from Kindermusik:

Goodbye to our lovely Hannah!

We are so sad that Hannah has taught her last classes with us. Hannah joined us in Summer 2021 and has taught all classes from babies right up to our Young Child programme. We will miss her so much.

A message from Row: I wanted to wish Hannah all the best for her future plans but naturally I am so sad to see her go. Hannah has been with us from the beginning, when I took the business over from Scott and Jan and it feels like a huge shift for us. Hannah will be so missed by us all at Kindermusik as well as all of the families she has taught.

I have said to Hannah when she is a famous pop star to give us a big shout out and she can come back to us to recruit for her background singers and band, we will be the perfect match ?

Good luck Hannah we will miss you!

A message from Hannah: As my time at Kindermusik by Jan comes to an end, I am very excited to start my journey to train as a speech therapist, but very sad to be leaving all the families I’ve been lucky enough to see in class every week. Thank you all for making my job so special, and a huge thank you to Row, Becca and Antony for being such wonderful people to work with – it truly doesn’t feel like work when you’re having so much fun! Good luck to everyone at Kindermusik…and Merry Christmas!

A little snap shot from our goodbye coffee for Hannah with two little Kindermusik rascals joining us (Antony came too but we forgot to take a photo before he left!)

Introducing our brand new Kindermusik educator Lynfa!

We are very excited to introduce to you our new educator Lynfa!

Hi I’m Lynfa. I was a Kindermusik mum for 7 years with my two children, so I know first-hand what a brilliant programme it is! I am very excited to be sharing Kindermusik with more families. A bit about me: I studied music at university and later trained as a music therapist. I then worked in special schools before becoming a mum. Since becoming a mum, I have discovered women’s singing circles, and now run one of my own. Singing is such a powerful tool, for ourselves, and for our children. I couldn’t have survived early motherhood without a song in my pocket! I look forward to putting a few songs in yours…

We asked Lynfa some questions to help us get to know her better and here’s what she said:

Q1 – Describe yourself in 3 words

Open-minded, contemplative, optimistic

Q2 – Tell us about your life before training to be a Kindermusik educator

I am married with two children. I work part-time as a music therapist, and I run a women’s singing group where children are welcome.

Q3 – Why did you decide to train to be a Kindermusik educator?

I was a Kindermusik mum for 7 years! I loved the programme and missed it when my children finished. Training with Kindermusik has given me a second chance to stay connected and continue this journey with new families!

Q4 – What are you looking forward to the most with regards to teaching Kindermusik?

Meeting all the families and getting to know the children.

Q5 – What do you like to do outside of teaching Kindermusik?

I like to walk in nature with my family, sing in groups, have cosy movie nights in with the kids, and go for the occasional run!

We are so excited to have Lynfa join the team once we come back in January! Lynfa will be taking over Hannah’s classes.

Dates for the diary:

We are back in class Monday 9^th January 2023.

Have a musical Christmas, we can’t wait until we see how much your little ones have grown in the New Year!

Row, Becca, Antony, Hannah and Lynfa ???

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November at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello November!

Brrrrr the temperature is definitely dropping and Christmas is just around the corner! We hope you have had a lovely cosy November. We have been very busy at Kindermusik by Jan this month and are hard at work prepping all the classes for our Christmas Special next week! We have also started some very exciting themes this week. Our babies are learning all about morning rituals and routines in Rise and Shine, our toddlers are zooming along learning all about things that go in Zoom, our older toddlers are celebrating all the people that love them in Family and Friends and our 3 and 4 year olds are doing rain dances, making sunshine music and having lots of pretend snowball fun in Outside my window!

He’s behind you!!!

A reminder that our lovely Antony is back in Panto this year playing an Ugly Sister in Cinderella at The Capitol Theatre in Horsham. You can get your tickets here!

Antony will be back teaching his usual classes from January.

Give the gift of music this Christmas:

Christmas crafting

We’ve got a lovely idea for Christmas ornament making with your little ones, take a look below!

Dates for the diary

WB Monday 5^th December: Christmas Special week – Christmas jumpers/ outfits encouraged!

Classes finish on Friday 9^th December 2022 and resume on Monday 9^th January 2023.

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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October at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello! It is officially Autumn! We hope you all had a restful half term and enjoyed lots of Autumnal fun with your little ones! Read on to find out some ways we’ve been celebrating Autumn so far!

Spooky goings on as Kindermusik celebrates Halloween!

We have had so much fun at Kindermusik by Jan for our Halloween week! Lots of our families enjoyed dressing up and our classes were attended by cats, spiders, pumpkins and witches as well as favourite characters like superheroes! Our educators also enjoyed some spooky fun and you might have even been taught by a wizard or cat!

We had so much fun celebrating Halloween. Our educators added a spooky twist to their lessons, making scarves twirl like ghosts, rolling around like pumpkins, flying on our broomsticks like witches, creeping like spiders and jumping around like warty toads! We hope you had lots of fun too! Here are some highlights from our Spooktacular week!

Autumn crafts

We’ve rounded up our favourite Autumnal and Halloween crafts for you to enjoy making together at home. There is a leaf suncatcher, ghost footprints and pumpkin tic tac toe!

He’s behind you!!!

A reminder that our lovely Antony is back in Panto this year playing an Ugly Sister in Cinderella at The Capitol Theatre in Horsham. You can get your tickets here!

If Antony is your usual Kindermusik educator, don’t worry – Hannah and Becca will be covering all of Antony’s classes so your usual lessons won’t be affected at all. Antony’s last week teaching is 7^th – 11^th November and he will be back teaching as usual in January!

Dates for the diary:

Christmas special week: WB 5^th December (Christmas jumpers/dress up optional!)

Christmas Break: We break up for Christmas on Friday 9^th December 2022 and are back Monday 9^th January 2023.

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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September at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello! Welcome to the start of our brand new term! We’ve loved seeing you all and cannot believe how much your little ones have grown!!!

Goodbye to our lovely Hannah

You may have seen that our Hannah will be leaving us to embark on a new exciting career as a speech therapist. Her last week teaching will be our last week of term in December. Don’t worry, we are hard at work recruiting for a replacement for her so none of your classes will be affected. I’m sure you will agree with Row, Becca and Antony that Hannah will be really really missed.

Very exciting news for Hannah though, she has released her debut single “Sleepless Nights” and we love it! It’s available to download on all streaming platforms now!

Oh no he isn’t…… Antony’s back in panto!

Antony will be back at the Capitol Theatre in Horsham this Christmas playing an Ugly Sister in Cinderella (we think he looks lovely!) Don’t panic because Hannah and Becca will be covering in late November and December so your classes will stay the same as usual!

For more information and to book your tickets, click here and don’t forget to LOOK BEHIND YOU!

Kindermusik app

Did you know we have a Kindermusik app for phones?!

The Kindermusik’s app features include:

Lots of your favourite Kindermusik songs (organised into different themes like animals, weather, our bodies, colours and instruments)

Digital instruments

Make your own music by playing along to different tracks

Craft ideas

Recipes

Class demo videos

Nursery Rhymes

Your story books from your Kindermusik class

Download it today and enjoy your favourite Kindermusik activities on the go!

Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to log into your usual Kindermusik account.

On the horizon…

We have been loving our new themes so far this month! Our babies have been enjoying some laundry basket train rides, our younger toddlers have been having lots of fun moving all around the Kindermusik house, our older toddlers have been exploring lots of instruments in our pet parade and our pre schoolers have been roarrring and stomping about pretending to be wild animals! We have some more very exciting themes coming up next, as well as our spoooooky Halloween week at the end of October! New themes coming up in November include topics such as farms, modes of transportation, birds and woodland animals!

Dates for the diary:

October half term: Monday 24^th till Friday 28^th October

Halloween week (fancy dress optional!): Monday 31^st October till Friday 4^th November

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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August at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello! Welcome to the start of our brand new term! We hope you’ve had a lovely summer! We’re kicking off our new term with a mini blog all about what we’ve been up to this summer and can’t wait to hear what you’ve all been up to too!

Our Summer!

We’ve all been enjoying spending time relaxing in different ways this summer. Read on to find out how our educators have been spending their well earned break…

Row

We’ve been non stop and had so much fun together as a family! I was able to switch off for a little bit and be present with my family. I am feeling very rested! We went Camping in France for 2 weeks and different locations, lots of swimming, cycling and horse riding and eating lots of croissants and French bread ?

Lots of day trips since being back:

Lego land – Amber and Hugo officially got their driving licence!
Howletts Zoo – our highlight was a cheetah coming very close to us – it was amazing!
The British Wildlife Centre
Wakehurst
Nymans (fun play event)
Blackberry Farm
Borde Hill Gardens trail
Fire Station open day
Bowling
Cinema
Sea Life Centre
Paradise Park

We are ending the holiday and travelling to Switzerland to see family for 5 nights before Amber goes back to school and Hugo starts nursery. It’s been full on but we’ve had so much fun! Hugo had an accident and had a suspected broken foot, after a visit to the hospital we got the all clear but he has a severe sprain. He is still limping but is on the mend now ?

I don’t want the holidays to end however I am excited to see you all again!

Becca
What a summer it’s been! I have been very busy with my two little boys (Noah and Oscar) and husband Andy having lots of adventures! We went to Butlins and spent 4 days splashing in the swimming pool, racing around the fun fair, watching fantastic shows and eating lots of ice creams!

Then once we were back, we spent lots of time enjoying the sunshine at the beach and in our paddling pool and we had a few days out with family and friends.

We finished our summer with a week at Centre Parcs in Holland with some family and friends, which was amazing! We cycled, spent lots of time outside, swam in the lake and the pool, went down the rapids and slides, went rock climbing, paddle boarding and bowling! It was an action packed week and we were very tired but very happy when we came back!

It was a wonderful summer break but I’m so excited to get back to class and catch up with you all and see what you’ve all been up to! I can’t wait to see how much your children have grown and to welcome new families to class. See you soon!

Antony

Highlights of the summer were a couple of days out in London. One was for our son’s 8th birthday. We went to The Bright Land Exhibition at Somerset House followed by a visit to The Globe Theatre on the South Bank to watch As You Like It (kids version) and a climb up The Monument (all 311 steps!) We also went to London another day to visit the Natural History Museum and Princess Di’s Memorial Fountain.
My wife is studying for a Master’s degree so Louis and I went to Cambridge for a few days to visit friends and do some sightseeing inc punting on the Backs. Great fun.
My wife, Jennifer, was given tickets to Glyndebourne (Don Pasquale) as a gift for leaving her last job, so we had a great day getting glammed up, watching a fantastic production of the opera and having a champagne picnic in the grounds.
I’ve had a handful of singing gigs at garden parties and care homes, we’ve had friends over to stay, Louis had friends over for his first sleepover (very little sleep was had may I add!), watched an open air production of Jungle Book at Wakehurst Place, ‘Pooh Sticks’ at Ashdown Forest, Kite Flying, beach trips, a few cinema trips, meals out etc etc. Altogether a thoroughly satisfying summer was had by all! ?☀️

Hannah

This summer has been filled with laughter, fun and adventure! I travelled to Gran Canaria and Norfolk (two very different places but both with beautiful beaches!) and loved spending time with friends and family discovering new places or celebrating familiar favourites locally. The best part was, of course, listening to and creating lots of music, like my debut single which I’m releasing at the end of September. I’m so excited to share more musical experiences with everybody at Kindermusik this term!

On the horizon…

We have some exciting themes this Autumn! Our babies will be going full steam ahead into our train theme, our younger toddlers will be thinking about all the fun things we can do around our house, our older toddlers will be meowing, woofing and chirping away pretending to be all kinds of pets and UH OH, LOOK OUT… our 3-4 year olds will be becoming wild animals! We also have our spooktacular Halloween week coming up W/C 31^st October and would love to see you and your little ones in fancy dress!

Dates for the diary:

Autumn term starts: WC Monday 12^th September (next week – woohoo!!!)

October half term: Monday 24^th till Friday 28^th October

Halloween week: Monday 31^st October till Friday 4^th November

We can’t wait to see you next week!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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July at Kindermusik by Jan

Goodbye to our lovely Young Child 4’s!

It’s always so bittersweet when our Young Child class graduate. They are ready for more formal music lessons but it’s always so sad to see them go. They are such superstars and will really be missed. Here is what their educator Antony had to say about their special graduation “My highlight of the year happened today! Giving YC4 their medals and certificates made me so proud of them. I’ve been on their Kindermusik journey from 2 years ago when they started the Young Child programme. They’ve all come such a long way.” Please keep in touch – we’re so excited to see what your little ones get up to next!

Our yearly highlights!

We’ve been thinking back over the last year and wanted to share with you our top moments!

Row: “I can’t believe we have completed our first year since taking over the business from Scott and Jan last year. It’s honestly been so lovely meeting you all and just seeing your little ones developing and growing each week. I feel so blessed you have chosen Kindermusik by Jan to be a big part of your baby’s journey, its truly an honour! It’s been so lovely not only watching our families develop but also our educators. It’s been a tough first year for everyone since Covid, so seeing everyone’s confidence grow each week and seeing everyone settle back into normality and having fun again has been my personal highlight of the year. Long may it continue!”

Antony: “As well as celebrating with my Young Child 4 class, another highlight happened quite by accident in the Laugh and Learn classes. I decided to get the class to sing the Hello song as the parents join for the last 15 minutes of the class. It’s so sweet to hear them all singing out loud and proud that I’ve decided to keep it in my lesson structure. It’s lovely to hear them sing other songs as well.”

Hannah: “My main highlight of this year at Kindermusik was seeing how much the children benefit from coming to class each week. The joy they experience is amazing, and it’s a pleasure to watch the growth that shows over the course of the year or even in just a few weeks!!”

Becca: “My yearly highlight has to be getting to know you and your little ones! It has been such a privilege to see them grow and develop this year and I’ve loved seeing you and catching up each week. The fact that I’ve been a part of such special moments like your children’s first words and first steps has been such an honour – thank you”

Celebrating the end of term!

We bet this is a sight you never thought you’d see… all three educators and Row together in the same place! We celebrated the end of term in style and spent some time reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to all the exciting things we would like to do next year. Watch this space!

Looking ahead to Autumn…

It seems a way off at the moment but Autumn is just round the corner and bringing with it, some exciting themes! Our babies will be going full steam ahead into our train theme, our younger toddlers will be thinking about all the fun things we can do around our house, our older toddlers will be meowing, woofing and chirping away pretending to be all kinds of pets and uh oh look out… our 3-4 year olds will be becoming wild animals! We also have our spooktacular Halloween week coming up W/C 31^st October!

Dates for the diary:

Autumn term starts: WC Monday 12^th September

October half term: Monday 24^th till Friday 28^th October

Halloween week: Monday 31^st October till Friday 4^th November

We hope you have a wonderful summer and can’t wait to see you in September!

Have a musical summer!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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June at Kindermusik by Jan

How is it already June?! Summer has finally arrived and we’re having a brilliant time for the second half of our summer term with themes celebrating our love of music, yummy food, farms and all the things our toddlers can do by themselves! This month on the blog, we’re celebrating a very special achievement, picnicking with bears and putting Becca into the spotlight in the final instalment of our ‘getting to know your educators’ series.

Exciting news!

We are delighted to announce that Kindermusik by Jan has been named a Top Program in the world by Kindermusik International, the world’s leading provider of music-based education for infants, toddlers, and young children. Kindermusik by Jan joins the elite company of the top 200 early childhood music programs who offer Kindermusik classes around the world. We would personally like to thank all of our wonderful Kindermusik families for supporting our small business, it really means the world to us and is such a privilege that you have chosen us to be part of your child’s journey. We love watching your children grow with us each week.

Burgess Hill Teddy Bear’s Picnic!

While Becca was busy at the Kings teaching our usual Monday morning classes, Row, Antony and Hannah had lots of fun in St Johns Park at the Teddy Bears picnic! It was great to see so many families having fun and enjoying our classes!

Spotlight on Becca!

What better way to finish our series of ‘getting to know’ the team behind Kindermusik by Jan than with Becca, who is also celebrating her one year anniversary as a Kindermusik educator this month!

Q1 – Describe yourself in 3 words

Organised, kind, creative

Q2 – Why did you decide to train to be a Kindermusik educator?

I came across the advert for a new Kindermusik educator last Easter when I had just handed my notice in as a primary school teacher. I loved teaching and working with children and felt like it was time to move on from my school setting but wasn’t sure what my next step was going to be. When I saw the job advert, I realised that I could combine my love of teaching with my love of music and I lept at the chance to apply!

Q3 – What is your favourite thing about teaching Kindermusik?

Seeing the children grow! I have babies in my classes that I met at only a few weeks old and now they’re crawling and babbling away and it has been such a privilege to see them grow and develop each week. I have had children saying their first words, rolling over for the first time and taking their first steps in my classes and it has been absolutely magical to be a part of those special moments.

Q4 – What do you think has been your greatest challenge with teaching Kindermusik?

Keeping my energy levels up! Teaching classes are so much fun but by the end of each class I am absolutely exhausted! Teaching back to back classes can be really tricky when you’re tired and need to find that extra energy boost from somewhere but as soon as I see the infectious energy the children bring into the classroom, I’m racing and bouncing around the room (the delicious coffee at Home coffee house helps too!!)

Q5 – What is your favourite song or activity from our classes?

Oh there’s so many! I love ‘It’s a beautiful morning’ from our 1-2 Hello Day class, it’s such an uplifting song and we do lots of fun things like play with hoops and balls to it. I also really love the Barnyard Lullaby that we have our relaxation time to in our various farm themes, it’s such a lovely calm song. Lastly, Epo I Tai Tai E always makes me smile. It was one of the first songs I learnt while I was training and it means ‘I will be happy’, which is absolutely true!

Q6 – What do you like to do outside of teaching Kindermusik?

I am a mum to two boys aged 5 and 3 and so you will usually find me and my husband tearing after them or being a taxi service to one of their various extra curricular activities (one of which is, of course, Kindermusik!) or Birthday parties – they have better social lives than me! I also am a member of BHMTS am dram society and we put on various shows and musicals each year. I also love going to the theatre and curling up with a good book (if I don’t fall asleep into it!)

Dates for the diary:

We break for summer on Friday 15^th July and start back on Monday 12^th September.

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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May at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello and happy May! We’re very excited to celebrate the Jubilee this week and hope you all have a lovely bank holiday planned. This month on the blog, we’re celebrating our lovely Row’s one year anniversary with us and putting the brilliant Hannah into the spotlight in the next instalment of our ‘getting to know your educators’ series.

Celebrating music!

We were so honoured when Alex, one of our Young Child superstars, was asked to do a speech on something he was an expert at in school and he chose music! He showed his class forte, piano, crescendo and the notes he has learnt with Hannah. He then played ‘Lucy Locket’ on his glockenspiel! Great work Alex!

Please get in touch if your little one has something special to share, it would be lovely to celebrate their musical achievements!

Happy Kindermusik anniversary to Row!

Queen Elizabeth isn’t the only one celebrating a milestone this month! Our Kindermusik Queen Bee Row is celebrating her one year anniversary as a Kindermusik educator and business owner this month! Row’s enthusiasm for all things Kindermusik is amazing, she has so much passion and energy for our classes and her warm and friendly personality shines through. Here’s to the next year!

Spotlight on Hannah!

We are continuing our series of ‘getting to know’ the team behind Kindermusik by Jan with our lovely Hannah – make sure you keep your eyes out for her debut single being released later this year!

Q1 – Describe yourself in 3 words

Creative, enthusiastic, insightful

Q2 – Why did you decide to train to be a Kindermusik educator?

I decided to train as a Kindermusik educator because music is my biggest passion, and it always has been. It’s something that we all have the ability to take part in by singing, dancing, or playing an instrument, not to mention the multitude of benefits it has for children’s development. Kindermusik is structured so thoughtfully to include all children and a variety of activities. There’s nothing else like it!

Q3 – What is your favourite thing about teaching Kindermusik?

One word: connection! I love connecting with the families who come to Kindermusik as well as the incredible team I get to work with. But, watching the support between all the families in and out of class is also very rewarding, along with seeing the children grow as they make their own connections.

Q4 – What do you think has been your greatest challenge with teaching Kindermusik?

My biggest challenge is staying energetic when there are lots of classes to teach throughout one day! The dynamic of each class is very different, but always busy, fun, and jam packed with multi-sensory activities. It can get tiring to maintain my own energy and the children’s, but when we all come to Kindermusik to sing and dance together I always feel joyful and excited!

Q5 – What is your favourite song or activity from our classes?

My favourite activity is ‘Che Che Koolay’ – a game that children play in Ghana which has a song and actions to go with it. The children love doing the routine in echoes and taking turns to be the leader! And of course, anything that involves bubbles!!!

Q6 – What do you like to do outside of teaching Kindermusik?

I love to sing, so you’ll usually find me singing along to music and dancing (terribly!) or writing my own songs; I’m very excited to be releasing my debut single this year. I enjoy working on lots of musical projects like teaching private singing lessons and writing music review articles for an online blog. I also spend my weekends running or doing yoga, going out to eat with friends and cosying up reading a book.

Dates for the diary:

May half term: Monday 30^th May to Friday 3^rd June (no classes this week)

We break for summer on Friday 15^th July and start back on Monday 12^th September.

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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April at Kindermusik by Jan

Happy Easter!

Hello and welcome to our April blog. We hope you all had a very happy Easter and had lots of fun hunting for those eggs! We are really excited to be back for our Summer Term and we hope you’re all looking forward to the sunny bank holiday weekend ahead!

Easter fun!

We had a lovely Easter week and really loved to see some of the fab outfits your little ones came in. Our classes were attended by little bunnies and chicks and we saw some beautiful Easter bonnets! Our educators even joined in on the fun and were Easter Bunnies for the week. We put an Easter spin on some of our activities and were rolling like Easter Eggs, flying like chicks and hopping and bouncing like bunnies – the Easter Bunny even visited us and gave all our families an Easter treat! We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Ideas to use up all that leftover chocolate (if you have any….)

We don’t know about you, but even after spending all Easter Weekend eating chocolate for every meal, we still seem to have lots left over! Why not turn some of that chocolate into a delicious bake that you and your little one can do together? BBC Good Food have some brilliant ideas for using up any of that leftover chocolate, we especially love the Crispy Chocolate Fridge cake!

Using up Easter chocolate with kids | BBC Good Food

Spotted…. New tshirts

Some of our more eagle eyed parents might have spotted that our educators are all sporting some new tshirts! We took the plunge and ordered sparkly new tshirts and jumpers with our Kindermusik logo on with your educators names on! We think it helps us stand out when new parents come and join our classes (and it’s also helpful in case we forget our own names!)

Happy Kindermusik anniversary to Hannah!

Our lovely Hannah is celebrating her one year anniversary as a Kindermusik educator this month! Hannah has brought such joy to so many families with her gentle, kind nature. She is also our most versatile educator as she teaches all ages from babies right up to our big kids! Keep your eyes on next month’s blog as we will be putting Hannah into the spotlight with the next instalment in our ‘getting to know your educators’ series.

Dates for the diary:

Bank holiday Monday: Monday 2^nd May – no classes. If you usually attend our Monday classes, Row has emailed you with your options for this date.

May half term: Monday 30^th May to Friday 3^rd June (no classes this week)

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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March at Kindermusik by Jan

Sing into Spring!

Hello and welcome to our March blog! We’ve been loving the sunshine we’ve been having – Spring is definitely in the air! This month on the blog we’re looking ahead to Easter and putting our lovely Antony into the spotlight!

Easter fun!

There are so many lovely things to do in West Sussex for Easter. Take a look at our Easter Round up for some ‘EGGcellent’ ideas of what to do with your little ones this Easter!

Easter Trails

Hetty’s Easter Adventure at Borde Hill Garden

There are so many lovely Easter Trails but we particularly like the one at Borde Hill Garden. They have a different theme every year and this year they have ‘Hetty’s Easter Adventure’ where you have to help Hetty the Hen find her missing chicks by following the story trail around the beautiful garden. Running from 9^th to the 24^th April, we give this trail a huge thumbs up! (£3 per trail plus admission to the gardens). Events – Borde Hill Garden

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Wakehurst

Wakehurst have two brilliant Easter hunt options this year! The Very hungry caterpillar trial, which is included with the admission price, is an interactive trial through the garden where you learn fun facts along the way! They also have a Caterpillar picnic scavenger hunt (costing £4.50 per participant plus admission) which includes a prize at the end – can you collect all 10 items?! Running daily from 9.30 till 4.30pm from 2^nd to the 24^th April. The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Wakehurst | Kew

National Trust (various locations)

The National Trust are offering a variety of trails, crafting activities and Spring fun this Easter! Click on the link for more information Things to do in the UK | National Trust

Down on the farm

Coombes Farm

One of our favourite Spring activities is to see baby animals and where better to do this by visiting the lambs at Coombes Farm! With over 600 ewes lambing, you might be lucky enough to see one being born or to have a go at feeding them! Take a relaxing walk/tractor ride to the top of the downs through the ewes and lambs and see the spectacular views too! The main lambing times are 19^th March to 24^th April. Coombes Farm – Sussex Working Farm Experience

Easter baking

Baking is a lovely activity to do with your little ones (and a great idea to use up any leftover Easter chocolate!) and we love these delicious chocolate nests! (Although we like to crush our mini eggs on top or replace with white chocolate buttons so they are safe for little mouths to eat!) Chocolate Easter nests recipe – BBC Food

Easter printables

Activity Village have some gorgeous free Easter Printables to include templates, playdough mats, crafting activities and decorations. Take a look and enjoy!

Easter Printables (activityvillage.co.uk)

Spotlight on Antony!

We are continuing our series of ‘getting to know’ the team behind Kindermusik by Jan with our longest running Educator, the wonderful Antony!

Q1 – Describe yourself in 3 words

Thoughtful, Young-at-heart and coffee-addict!!!

Q2 – Why did you decide to train to be a Kindermusik educator?

I decided to train to be a Kindermusik teacher for a number of reasons. I loved the programme, having seen my son do it from age 1 to 7. When he was very young I wanted him to do some sort of music classes and nothing compared to Kindermusik. Most were just sing-a-long classes with a few actions thrown in! Kindermusik is a well thought out, progressive programme of classes that really teach the fundamentals of music. Kindermusik also fits in with my work schedule as an actor and a parent of a young child (my partner works full time). Kindermusik also utilises my teacher training (I have a PGCE in primary school teaching), teaching experience and music education (BA honours in Music and Drama).

Q3 – What is your favourite thing about teaching Kindermusik?

My favourite thing about teaching Kindermusik (that I haven’t mentioned in Q2) is the joy of seeing the children fully engaged in an activity. It’s also great seeing that reflected on the faces of the parents and carers too!

Q4 – What do you think has been your greatest challenge with teaching Kindermusik?

My greatest challenge is keeping the interest and engagement of children (without their parents/carers present) throughout a 30 minute or 45 min session. This can be particularly challenging in the ‘Laugh and Learn’ and ‘Young Child 1’ classes who aren’t used to a prolonged class of listening to one person. They don’t have the experience of concentrating for that length of time! I find the best way of combating this is keeping the class moving from activity to activity and maintaining a high energy. This can be particularly tiring!!!!

Q5 – What is your favourite song or activity from our classes?

I think my favourite song is Skinnamarink from ‘Marvellous Me’ in Wiggle and Grow. It brings a smile to my face whenever I hear it and it’s great to dance to and tap along to on a percussion instrument. I’ve also enjoyed tap dancing in Young Child 3 and the Hawaiian rhythm stick ‘dance’ called Kapula Kane in Young Child 4.

Q6 – What do you like to do outside of teaching Kindermusik?

My favourite things outside of Kindermusik is spending time with my family. We love getting out for long walks (sometimes going on a treasure hunt), going to a coffee shop or having Sunday lunch at a country pub. I also love playing the piano at home, going to the theatre or cinema and reading a good thriller. I have recently joined a swing band (I play the trumpet) and often sing at care homes in the Sussex area (I love swing music and the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and the like).

My passion, however, is the theatre. I have a 30 year career as an actor (mainly in Musical Theatre) performing in the West End and all over the world.

Dates for the diary:

Easter week – WB 4^th April – feel free to dress your little ones up as bunnies, chicks or in spring colours for the week before the end of term!

Easter break (no classes for two weeks): Monday 11^th to Friday 22^nd April (classes back WB Monday 25^th April)

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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February at Kindermusik by Jan

Goodbye and huge congratulations to our Young Child 4 class!

Our Young Child 4 class graduated before half term, sadly due to the storm, their very last Kindermusik lesson was a zoom lesson rather than in person, but they should still be tremendously proud of themselves for all they have achieved.

Their educator Hannah said “Congratulations to our Young Child 4 class who graduated from the programme in February! This semester, we’ve had lots of fun exploring music from around the world and picking up a new instrument: the recorder. Learning through music, the children gained skills in a multi sensory learning environment as they played games, learned dances, and explored their own creative ideas.”

From all of us here at Kindermusik by Jan, we would like to say well done to the children for all their hard work and wish them the best of luck in both their musical and academic journeys. Please stay in touch, we would love to hear what adventures your children get up to in the future!

Feelin’ the love!

We were really feeling the love at Kindermusik by Jan during our Valentines week, with educators planning in extra activities to promote bonding and of course allowing plenty of time for some extra cuddles between you and your little ones! Have a look to see some of the things we got up to!

A stormy day!

Due to the storm, we had to hold our classes on zoom due to the red weather warning. Once again, we would like to say a huge thank you to our families who attend classes on a Friday for being so understanding! The high winds meant that it wasn’t safe for the venue to open or our families and educators to travel. Thank you to all those that attended classes at home, we hope you still had lots of fun! Here is a photo of one of our families enjoying a ‘boat ride’ using wooden spoons as oars during their lesson – we just loved their creativity!

Kindermusik benefits: what are they and why do our educators tell us about them?!

Helps social skills like working together, sharing and taking turns
Improves early maths and literacy development
Develops fine and gross motor skills
Improves listening skills
Helps develop balance and a sense of rhythm
Gives children a tool for self expression
Helps develop vocabulary
Develops spatial awareness

Dates for the diary:

Easter break (no classes for two weeks): Monday 11^th to Friday 22^nd April (classes back WB Monday 25^th April)

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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January at Kindermusik by Jan

Happy New Year!

Where has this month gone?! We were so excited to be back in class with you all this January – your little ones all grew so much over the Christmas break! We have been having lots of fun back in class with themes revolving around transport, family and friends and routines. We we’re also so pleased to welcome Antony back to teaching after his stint in Panto in November and December (oh no we’re not… couldn’t resist!) We have lots of plans for Kindermusik by Jan here at HQ this year, including adding lots of new classes so watch this space!

Covid update

We were so pleased that we were able to be back live teaching during this Omicron wave – thank you very much for your continued help in keeping us all safe by wearing masks. Our educators have been continuing sanitising all materials you use in class, keeping windows open and ensuring you are spaced out by using mats. The only thing we can’t sanitise is scarves so please can you continue to remember to bring your scarves to class – thank you.

Spotlight on Row!

We are starting a new series of ‘getting to know’ the team behind Kindermusik by Jan so you can get to know us a little more so who better to start with than our lovely leader Row!

Q – Why did you decide to take on Kindermusik by Jan?

Both of my children started classes when they were 8 weeks old and have benefited hugely from the programme and I didn’t want it to end! I am extremely passionate about Kindermusik and couldn’t bear the thought of other families in our community being unable to benefit from the classes in the way that my own children have.

Q – Describe yourself in 3 words:

Friendly, organised, outgoing.

Q – What is your favourite part of running Kindermusik by Jan?

(Row thought I said ‘favourite park’ – in case anyone is interested, her favourite park is the Dinosaur park in Horsham…)

My favourite PART is meeting all the families that come to class. I feel like I have a purpose! I love continuing to help the community by offering our music classes and seeing all the positive feedback from our classes and the happy faces of the children when they leave.

Q – What is the biggest challenge that you have faced since taking Kindermusik on?

COVID! My biggest challenge has been keeping all our families and educators safe. It has been tricky at times to encourage new families in the current climate to start classes so it’s been such a learning curve for me.

Q – What are your plans for the future of Kindermusik by Jan?

I would love to expand to other towns like Brighton or Lewes and grow to offer our classes in other communities.

Q – What is your favourite song or activity from our classes?

My favourite song is ‘Epo E Tai Tai E’, it is such a lovely uplifting song! I love any physical activity that we do in class too such as using hoops, balls or the parachute – the kids love it! I also really enjoy the relaxation part of class, the bonding and connection between a parent and child is so lovely to see and I love that it is a moment that forces you to stop and just be in the moment with your child.

Thanks Row – we hope that has given a little insight into the owner of Kindermusik by Jan! Row is always at the end of the phone or email and you can often find her working away in the café area at The Kings (when she isn’t at the Dinosaur park of course…) so stop and say hello!

Dates for the diary:

February Half Term Break (no classes all week): Monday 21^st to Friday 25^th February

As always, if you take any photos in class, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and facebook at Kindermusikbyjan – it really helps others to see all the fun we get up to in class!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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December at Kindermusik by Jan

Merry Christmas from all of us!

Merry Christmas everyone! We can’t believe that it’s already December, where has this year gone! We have had a very exciting time over at Kindermusik by Jan this month! We started December with a week of our new exciting themes and then had a very special Christmas week where the children became Santa’s reindeer, played in some ‘snow’, had lots of fun with jingle bells and were even left a special Christmas present from Father Christmas himself!

From all of us here at Kindermusik by Jan, we wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you and goodbye to Centre Church

From January 2022, all of our classes will be at the Kings Church in Burgess Hill so just before Christmas, we said goodbye to our other venue – Centre Church. We would like to thank everyone there for being so wonderful to us, we will miss all the staff there very much.

Christmas crafting!

Here is a brilliant idea to create some beautiful Christmas ornaments for your tree with your little ones!

Dates for the diary:

Our last day of term is Friday 10^th December 2021
We are back in class week commencing Monday 10^th January 2022

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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November at Kindermusik by Jan

Hello November!

Brrrrr the temperature is definitely dropping and Christmas is just around the corner! We hope you are having a lovely cosy November. We have been very busy at Kindermusik by Jan this month and are hard at work prepping all the classes for our new themes to start. We have some very exciting themes coming up – our babies will be learning all about morning rituals and routines in Rise and Shine, our toddlers will be zooming along learning all about things that go in Zoom, our older toddlers will be celebrating all the people that love them in Family and Friends and our 3 and 4 year olds will be doing rain dances, making sunshine music and having lots of pretend snowball fun in Outside my window!

Diary of a new Kindermusik educator

Becca has now been with us for three months (yay!) so we thought we would ask her to provide some insights to what it is like to be a new Kindermusik educator and what she has learnt in her first term at Kindermusik!

“These three months have absolutely flown by! I can’t believe that it is the end of November! I have absolutely loved teaching Kindermusik, it honestly is the best job in the world. My favourite thing has been getting to know all our families and seeing the children grow and change so much – it is amazing how fast they grow!

It was a bit of a challenge initially to make sure I learnt all the songs and activities but I soon got into the swing of it and found it to be so much fun. The rest of the Kindermusik team have been so amazing to work with too – Antony and Hannah have been so helpful with advice and I honestly could not ask for a better “boss” (sorry – I know you hate that word!) in Row – what a team! Thank you to all the parents for bearing with me as a new Kindermusik educator, you are all so lovely. I can’t wait to see what the next term brings!”

Wishing Antony luck in Panto (Oh no we don’t!)

Our lovely Antony will be taking a little break from classes for the end of November and start of December as he will be playing the Sultan in Aladdin at the Capitol Theatre in Horsham (don’t worry – Becca and Hannah will be covering for him so your classes will not be affected!) Book your tickets to see him in action at Panto (thecapitolhorsham.com) Antony will be back in class in January.

Dates for the diary:

WB 6^th December: Christmas jumper week

Classes finish on Friday 10^th December 2021 and resume on Monday 10^th January 2022.

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah

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October at Kindermusik by Jan

Welcome to our new monthly blog!

Hello and happy October! We hope you all had a restful half term and enjoyed lots of Autumnal fun with your little ones. Welcome to our new monthly blog! We are going to be compiling lots of exciting things that we have been up to over the past month, sharing craft and days out ideas and some of our favourite photos from our classes, as well as giving you an opportunity to get to know the Kindermusik by Jan team a little bit better. We will also be talking about some of the things our families have been getting up to in our weekly classes, as well as sharing some of the benefits of our activities and how they are helping your little one’s development.

Spooky goings on as Kindermusik celebrates Halloween!

We have had so much fun at Kindermusik by Jan this month, in particular our Halloween week! Lots of our families enjoyed dressing up and our classes were attended by cats, pumpkins and witches as well as favourite characters like Buzz Lightyear and Superman! Our educators also enjoyed some spooky fun and you might have even been taught by an alien or cat!

We had so much fun celebrating Halloween. Our educators added a spooky twist to their lessons, making scarves twirl like ghosts, rolling around like pumpkins, zooming on our broomsticks like witches, tiptoeing like cats and jumping around like warty toads! We hope you had lots of fun too! Here are some highlights from our Spooktacular week.

Autumn crafts

We’ve rounded up our favourite Autumnal and Halloween crafts for you to enjoy making together at home. There is a leaf suncatcher, ghost footprints and pumpkin tic tac toe!

Have a musical day!

Row, Becca, Antony and Hannah