Kindermusik in Columbus Brings Music to Day Care
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Kindermusik has become a globally trusted name in music and movement classes for children up to age 7.
A total of 150 children are currently enrolled in nine different Kindermusik classes in Columbus day care facilities. The music program has been available in the city since 2006.
“Research shows that music helps children become better learners, and that even newborns respond to music,” says Cathy Portele, a spokeswoman for the Kindermusik program in Columbus. “It is truly amazing to watch the joy in a child’s face as they sing and dance in a class, then can bring their music to their home and learn there, too.”
Children enrolled in Kindermusik usually attend a one-hour class once a week to learn new songs and dances, make new friends, play instruments and have a good time with the help of a trained educator.
“Every student receives at-home materials as part of the class, including CDs, an instrument and a family guide book,” Portele says. “Each song, dance and instrument we use in class is chosen for a very specific reason. We work on social, cognitive, language, emotional, listening and physical development through our activities.”
Child experts say Kindermusik helps children develop by preparing them for the skills they will use later in life. It helps young kids play with others, learn self-control, develop self-confidence and lengthen attention spans.
Experts add that most children participating in Kindermusik improved 25-35 more percentile points in their standard intelligence tests compared with children without Kindermusik.
“For parents, we explain to them that the lessons we teach are all tied into foundations of learning,” Portele says. “We also point out to parents how they can further work on these developmental activities at home.”
The costs of weekly Kindermusik classes can vary, but the average price is about $20 a month.
Story by Kevin Litwin
