What to expect at your first class.

Every child is different and will respond differently to this new environment. * Some children will roam the classroom and "check everything out." That is fine and perfectly normal.  I encourage you to follow your child and quietly discuss what they see. I do ask that you not allow them to get instruments out except what we may be using at the time.  * Some children will not want to participate. That is also fine and perfectly normal. Even after several classes some children prefer to "asborb" things in class and do these new activities at home, where they are more comfortable. That is one reason for the home materials. Play the CD often and watch.  You will probably see them doing the activities from class, even if they didn't participate at the time. 

Dress comfortably--your child and yourself.  All participants are encouraged to remove their shoes (and socks if desired) for each class. We will be sitting, crawling, rolling, and jumping so please dress appropriately.

Please enter through the basement door--which can be accessed from the backyard.

Newborn – 18 months

I suggest bringing a blanket for floor activities, especially if your baby is not yet crawling. Please wear comfortable clothes and both parent and child should remove shoes for class. Plan to arrive about 5 minutes early to get settled in before class begins.  We will begin each class with “Gathering Time,” which is time to come together, share ideas, and explore instruments.  During class you should adapt the activities to meet YOUR baby’s needs.  It is best if siblings do not attend class so your attention can be focused on your baby. Babies love and learn from repetition, so we will repeat most activities for several weeks. Materials will be sent home at the first class, but do not need to be brought back each week.  

MY BEST ADVICE:  Actively participate in class and at home.  Listen to the CD often and read to your baby every day.  Make the most out of this time together.

3 - 5 years old

Plan to arrive no more than 5 minutes early to get settled in and go to the bathroom before class begins.  All children should remove their shoes before class begins.  For some children, being in class without a parent is a new experience.  Encourage her to stay in class alone, but feel free to stay with her until she is ready to try it on her own.  A Parent or Caregiver should be present to join us for the last 10-15 minutes of class each week.  This is an important time for your child to share what we have done and participate together in new activities.  Siblings are welcome to join us for this part of the class.  Materials will be sent home at the first class.  Please send the back-pack and Family Activity Book with your child to class each week.  MY BEST ADVICE:  Be an active and enthusiastic role model, gently guiding and encouraging your child to participate in his/her own way.  Make time at home to enjoy your CD and do the at-home activities each week.

18 months-3 ½ years old

Our Time classes are designed to assist you in creating a learning and growing environment for your child. Please wear comfortable clothes and both parent and child should remove shoes for class. Plan to arrive no more than 5 min. early to get settled in before class begins.  It is best if siblings do not attend class so your attention can be focused and this can truly become “Our Time” together.  Materials will be sent home at the first class, but do not need to be brought back each week. Children love repetition.  Doing things the same way many times creates the excitement of anticipation. We will repeat activities for several weeks, adding new concepts to each activity.  MY BEST ADVICE:  Enjoy this memorable time with your child as you enter their world of wonder, interacting with them in class and at home.  Listen to the CD often.  Do the fun activities suggested in your Home Activity Book—they greatly enhance the classroom experience.

Newborn – age 7

Whether your family consists of one parent/child in class, two parents and two children, one parent and four children, or somewhere in between, we welcome you in Family Time.  This class was created for YOU!  You will see that even with a variety of ages all in one room, our

activities will be such that all of the children can participate at their own level. Suggestions will be provided at how each age group can do each activity.  For more information about each age group, read the above description for the age-specific classes.

MY BEST ADVICE:  Actively participate in class and at home.  Listen to the CD often.  Read the literature books and do the activities from your Family Activity Book with your children at home.  Play your instruments together.  Create puppet shows with your puppets.  Make the most out of this time together.

4-6 years old

Plan to arrive no more than 5 minutes early to get settled in and go to the bathroom before class begins.  All children should remove their shoes before class begins.  For some children, being in class without a parent is a new experience.  Encourage her to stay in class alone, but feel free to stay with her until she is ready to try it on her own.  A Parent or Caregiver should be present to join us for the last 10 minutes of class each week.  This is an important time for your child to share what we have done and participate together in new activities.  Siblings are welcome to join us for this part of the class.  Materials will be sent home at the first class.  These do not need to be returned unless specific directions are given in class.  MY BEST ADVICE: Be an active and enthusiastic role model, gently guiding and encouraging your child to participate in his/her own way.  Make time at home to enjoy your CD and do the at-home activities each week.

5-7 years old

Plan to arrive no more than 5 minutes early to get settled in and go to the bathroom before class begins.  All children should remove their shoes before class begins.  A Parent or Caregiver should be present to join us for the last 15 minutes of class each week.  This is an important time for your child to share what we have done and participate together in new activities.  Siblings are welcome to join us for this part of the class.  Materials will be sent home at the first class.  You will be told which items will need to be brought back each week.  MY BEST ADVICE: Be an active and enthusiastic role model, gently guiding and encouraging your child to participate in his/her own way.  Make time at home to enjoy your CD and do the at-home activities each week.