All that other stuff
Archived Posts from this Category
Making Music Matters
Posted by kmwithsarah on 11 Mar 2010 | Tagged as: All that other stuff, KM Information, Useful Information
My belief in the importance of music for brain development and learning is well known. I, along with thousands of other Kindermusik teachers worldwide, have been known to “geek out” on this topic to anyone who will listen for years. Science is now catching up with what early childhood educators, musicians and moms have known for years, and the results are stunning. Not only does music matter, there is evidence that participating in music making can help maintain, even improve, brain functions in adults as well as children.
A recent article by Victoria Jaggard in San Diego, and published online by the National Geographic News provides an excellent summary of all the amazing ways making music can help with listening, language and brain function.
The article, Making Music Boosts Brain’s Language Skills, features the results of several prominent neuroscience researchers who are exploring the effects of music on the brain as part of their attempts to better understand our cognitive systems. Nina Kraus, director of the Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory at Northwestern University in Illinois in just one of many neuroscientists who believe that:
musical training, whatever the age, should be universally encouraged, since it can play a key role in education, clinical therapies, and even in protective measures for keeping the brain sharp as people age.
“Plus,” she said, “it’s just inherently wonderful.”
Science can’t really measure the joy that music brings to life, but even the most analytical of researchers acknowledge that it is an important part of how music stimulates the brain. So come to a Kindermusik class, dust off your recorder, hum on the subway, sing in the car or start a family band! Its never too early for music on the brain and, as the research proves, its never too late either.
And then, one day, she started typing again…
Posted by kmwithsarah on 11 Mar 2010 | Tagged as: All that other stuff, Family, Julia
Its been a little quiet over here on the blog for the past year.
I’ve had a lot on my plate, both personally and professionally, and its slowed me down in all kinds of ways. Those who know me, or my Kindermusik classes here in Beijing, will notice some few changes. My name has changed. The company name has changed. The number of community classes we’re offering has changed. I’m no longer the Kindermusik Area Developer here in Beijing…
Rest assured these are all really good changes. Julia and I are doing great, and have really settled into our life here in Beijing. I like living here more than ever, and plan to be here for the foreseeable future. Professionally, LaFaFa is a great place to work, and we’re working together to grow opportunities for kids to experience musical learning in China in ways I could only have dreamed about a year ago. There are some really exciting plans in the works for Summer/Fall 2010 that will relaunch our full community programme, including weekday options. And Lily, the new Kindermusik Area Developer here is continuing recruit new educators and help new programs grow in Beijing with great results.
So its all good, I promise.
And watch out, because its about to get a lot wordier over here in blogland again…
Sarah
The Luckiest Kid in the World
Posted by kmwithsarah on 12 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: All that other stuff, Julia, Only in Beijing
Before I had Julia I never won anything. I used to tell people stand next to me to increase their chance of winning. Julia, however, seems to have been born with a lucky streak. Either that or she is now the ultimate person right next me, the unluckiest person in the world.
Since Julia was born she has picked out some meagre winning on lottery tickets for her dad, had her name drawn for a Flexa bed from Beijing Kids, and today continued her streakby winning a much coveted Trek bicycle at the Green Cow Organic Farm’s Harvest Fest hosted by Mrs. Shanen (of the restaurant of the same name).
Picture to follow, as my laptop has decided to start falling apart. First the battery, then the space bar started sticking and now the card reader isn’t working? I’ve got to find a computer store . . . and take Julia with me.
Feist does Sesame Street
Posted by kmwithsarah on 16 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: All that other stuff
One, two, three, four Monsters walking cross the floor . . .
This delightful video is just the thing for a summer’s day. Hat tip to www.perezhilton.com and CBC Radio. Now go sing along!
The Joy of Kindermusik
Posted by kmwithsarah on 22 Jun 2008 | Tagged as: All that other stuff, KM Information, Useful Information
Musical learning is a joyful and enriching way of helping your child to develop to her full potential - in music, in school, and in life! Check out this wonderful video of children newborn through age seven experiencing the joy of learning with Kindermusik. This video features children in all of the age groups we offer, and does a wonderful job of showing how the Kindermusik experience grows with your child, building on previous experiences to support and encourage your child in every area of development. Its so much more than music, and something I am very proud to be a part of when I enter the classroom each day.
Hat tip to fellow Kindermusik educator Merri Williams, who has a fantastic blog devoted to her passion for music education and all things Kindermusik. While not always accessible from Beijing because it is hosted on Wordpress, its a delightful thing to read (and watch!) if you get the chance.