Honoring a Special Lady This Holidays

Hi all! If you've read my blog before, or even if you've just stumbled upon it, welcome! This year has been a momentous one for me- I started this blog- all about my reflections as a children's artist, as a music teacher, as a former preschool and Kindergarten teacher, and as a parent of a now ten year old. I also released my second children's album and started a YouTube channel (please subscribe)- with music videos of my original songs, music videos for early language learning, and music videos just for fun.

This year I also started studying to become a educational leader- hopefully specializing in arts integration or arts in schools, which leads me to my topic today. I'd like to honor a very special lady who inspired me along a path to education, my recently deceased Great Aunt Bim. Please read her obituary here.

Aunt Bim was a pioneering educational leader in Lansing, MI. She started the gifted and talented program there, and rose from being a Kindergarten teacher to supervising the elementary education program there in a career that spanned over 25 years. I was very lucky to have her in my life.

As a little girl, I had chronic ear infections that led to a severe language delay. I could sense that adults around me were worried and wanted me to work on my speech. I felt bad- like I was doing something wrong, and I didn't know how to fix it.

Aunt Bim was one of those adults that tried to help. Whenever she would visit, she would get me to talk with her in a fun way- in a way that made me feel important, not ashamed. She would read me stories, sing songs with me, get me to share stories with her. She always told me how smart she thought I was and encouraged me in every way.

People like my Aunt Bim are the kind of inspiring, often unsung, leaders that gently nurture children into adulthood. They prepare them to overcome obstacles, think creatively, and develop confidence. They also specialize in preparing others to do so. Aunt Bim inspired me, and I aspire to be as accomplished in helping children as she lived her life to be.

To all those who have found my blog this year- have a Happy Holidays and may 2019 bring more opportunities to nurture our children to find joy and peace!

Thankful

Hi everyone! I'm writing after taking a couple of weeks off- I've been very busy, but incredibly thankful for the new opportunities I've had this autumn. I have a couple of new YouTubes to share today, and in the true spirit of the "blog," I want to let you know what I've been up to.

This school year I started a new teaching position. I'm working as a music teacher in a special education setting, and I'm loving it! Simply put, my students help me understand how music can lift us up. I'm enjoying preparing students for a concert- I think it will be among the best I've taken part in over the years.

I also started taking classes to get a Master's in Educational Leadership. I'm learning about leadership skills and what it means to be a culturally proficient leader- interesting stuff, and the opportunity to contemplate and imagine myself in a position where I could have a positive effect on education is exciting!

Starting in September, I have also been traveling around the country, participating in library performer showcases. I travelled to Oklahoma, Oregon, Delaware, and Texas. I also have the opportunity to do a showcase in Northern California- it will be the first time I've had the opportunity to return there after having moved to Maryland 6 years ago. I can't wait!

I also travelled to Ohio for the Children's Music Network Annual Conference. I got a chance to reconnect with children's performer friends, and to bring my son along. As the star of some of my videos, he was met with fans for the first time. He has always been shy, but I think seeing people respond positively to him has been so helpful to him. For example, he came up with all of the ideas for the kid joke video below. Check it out! (PS- we also got to visit Oberlin, my alma mater- I've got a future Obie for sure!)

Starting my Youtube channel is also something new this fall. The two videos I put up today are in the spirit of Thanksgiving. As ever, I'm thankful for the chance to share my music. I've had a busy year in promoting my album, "I am 4, 5, 6." Hearing it played on the radio, having people listen and respond, working with a distributer and publicist, spending countless hours preparing emails and sending out copies- I'm thankful for all of it!

I've been working pretty hard, as all parents do- driven by the idea that children are our next innovators, problem solvers, and compassionate adults- especially my own. I'm thankful for the opportunity to talk about all of that work to other caring adults through this blog. I've enjoyed connecting with other parents and educators- and as sappy as this sounds- I mean every word- I believe together we can make a difference for our kids. Happy Thanksgiving!

Early Learning on my YouTube Channel

This week I'm writing my blog about the work I am doing on my YouTube channel. Each week I have been releasing new learning videos. Didn't know about that? That's OK- now's your chance to go check it out, AND I'm going to tell you all about it- including what is special about this week's video. I'm putting out a few different kinds of early learning videos on my YouTube channel- sing and sign, early Spanish language learning through song, kid humor, and kid's music videos.

The sing and sign videos are the result of my work as a co-teacher for an American Sign Language class for preschool, kindergarten, and first and second grade students. My colleague taught me everything I know- she is a fluent speaker, and as a deaf person, she explained some of the subtleties of communicating through sign. Although I'm definitely still not an expert, we were able to combine our skills a bit to prepare sing and sign experiences for our students- we hope that you'll use them too!

The Spanish language learning songs are songs I learned over the years to combine language learning and music in my early childhood and elementary classes. I have worked as a music teacher in a Spanish language immersion program in a charter school, lived in places where Spanish was the predominant language spoken, and love performing the songs I'm sharing!

The kid humor videos started with my son's stuffed animals. I wrote a song about them, "Make-Believe Zoo." He helped me make a music video for that song, and performed some of the voices of the stuffed animals on the recording. As we were doing this, he started using his snake puppet to tell me jokes, and I thought they were so funny that I asked if we could record them- maybe brighten somebody else's day with a little laughter. He said yes!

The kid's music videos are of my original songs for children. I have two albums- "One and Two is Three," and "I am 4, 5, 6," which was released this year. The first album was the product of having written songs over the years for my students and my family, and the second one was an intensive project to write songs for young children about imagination, creative problem solving, and empathy. 

This week I'm releasing the music video to "From There to Here." It's a song about using your imagination as a young child, how children might experience or think about things in ways that are a bit different than adults. The urge to question and learn about themselves and their surroundings is forefront in the song, as well as rhymes from familiar children's literature.

You can find "From There to Here," as well as several of my other children's songs on my YouTube Channel- my songs, in addition to the sing and sign, Spanish song and kid joke videos, are all a taste of what I do as an educator and performer. Please check them out and share them with some little ones you may know! Here's the link to my YouTube, and here is my new video!

Fall Songs for Early Childhood

As promised, here my favorite songs for fall. A reader also shared one! Videos (where I could find them) again are approximate to the words I provided (the way I do these songs). Enjoy, use, comment, and share!

Gray Squirrel-

Gray Squirrel, gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail
Gray squirrel, gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail
Wrinkle up your little nose, hide a nut between your toes
Gray Squirrel, gray squirrel, swish your bushy tail

Leaves are Falling- (from Music Together)

Leaves are falling softly floating tumbling to the ground
Leaves are falling softly floating tumbling to the ground
Orange, red, brown, yellow, orange, tumbling to the ground
Orange, red, brown, yellow, orange, tumbling to the ground

Way Up High in the Apple Tree-

Way up high in the apple tree
Two little apples were smiling at me
I shook that tree as hard as I could
Down cam the apples- mmmm they were good

5 Little Apples- (shared by Nancy Hershatter)- a fall fingerplay

5 little apples, juicy to the core, 1 tumbled down and then there were 4.
4 little apples, swaying on the tree, 1 tumbled down and then there were 3.
3 little apples, shiny and new, 1 tumbled down and then there were 2.
2 little apples, shining in the sun, 1 tumbled down and then there was 1.
1 little apple ready to roll, let's reach and knock it down with our apple picking pole!

Pumpkin Patch- (solfeggi syllables provided)- can be played as a circle game

Pumpkin patch, the pumpkin patch (sol-sol-mi-la-sol-sol-mi)
I'm looking for a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch (fa-sol-sol-sol-sol-la-la-la-sol-sol-mi)
And I'll find one, that's nice and fat (mi-fa-fa-re-mi-fa-fa-re)
To turn into a jack-o-lantern just like that (re-sol-sol-sol-sol-la-la-la-la-sol-sol-mi)

H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N- (a song from when I was little- I'm not sure who wrote it)!

(Sung to the tune from Dance Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens)

H, A, double L, O, W, double E, N spells Halloween
H, A, double L, O, W, double E, N spells Halloween

verse: (these words are made up by me)
Halloween mean ghosts and goblins
Witches and vampires and spooky bats
Trick or treating, candy eating
Pumpkins with faces and big black cats

Pumpkin BOO!- (I'm also not sure who wrote this one, but the kids LOVE it)!

To scare someone on Halloween
I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll hide behind this pumpkin mask and
Then I'll holler, "BOO!"

Not sure what I'll write about next week- I just attended the Children's Music Network Annual Conference though, so a few ideas are swirling--- stay tuned!!

Counting- V

The leaves are starting to change color here in Maryland- creating a beautiful context in which children can learn. Seasons are a wonderful way to draw from children's awareness of their surroundings to make learning abstract concepts like numbers more relevant. Here are a couple of autumn number songs- one you'll probably know- "5 Little Pumpkins," and one maybe not- "5 Little Leaves."

"5 Little Pumpkins"
5 little pumpkins sitting on a gate
The first one said, "Oh my it's getting late!"
The second one said, "There are witches in the air!"
The third one said, "But I don't care!"
The fourth one said, "Let's run! Let's run!"
The fifth one said, "It's just Halloween fun!"
Then, "OOOooooooo," went the wind, and out went the light
And 5 little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

"5 Little Leaves"
5 little leaves, dancing in the tree
5 little leaves, happy as can be!
Along came the wind-
"OOoooooooooo!"
1 leaf came tumbling down.
4 little leaves, dancing in the tree...
(Repeat until you get to- "No little leaves," - I usually do that verse in a whisper).

In these videos, you'll find slight variations on the words above- the way I do these songs. I also do both songs as a chant, except for "'OOoooooooo!' 1 leaf came tumbling down," for which I sing a little minor-sounding melody. I like the way the videos demonstrate movements to do with the songs. I also use a felt board with 5 pumpkins and leaves so children can have a visual way to keep track of the quantity. Stay tuned for next time- I'll have more autumn songs for you- making this the last number song article (for now). Happy autumn!

Counting- IV

Well, I just got back from a music trip out west, (flew there and back in one day!) and I'm feeling fine (relatively)!! So, today I'm going to write about a number song called Dr. Knickerbocker. Here is the way I've done this song with kids:

Dr. Knickerbocker, Knickerbocker, number nine
I just got back and I'm feeling fine.
Let's put the rhythm in our ________.*
*Repeat until you "put the rhythm" in your hands (clap), shoulders (alternate shoulders up and down),  feet (walk in place to the beat), head (nod), and hips (shift hips right and left).

I've always said the words as a rhythmic chant, and kept the movement going until it changes to a different body part. The words were fun to say and made pretty much no sense at all- kids loved to move and say the words! Sometimes children asked- who is Dr. Knickerbocker? I had no clear answer.

After some searching I found out that Knickerbockers are a type of colonial style pants worn just over the knee, and a man wearing this style of pants (Mr. Knickerbocker) was a symbol of New York- (a la the New York Knicks baseball team). And apparently there were nine original New York Knickerbockers (later shortened to Knicks).

Maybe "getting back" means getting back to home plate? I'm still unsure how "Mr. Knickerbocker" got changed to "Dr. Knickerbocker," but the point is- this is a fun song with lots of movement AND there's more!!!

I just discovered that you can practice counting to the number nine with this song, and that is extra exciting because that makes it a great activity for getting those kids with a lot of energy to focus and count with you. To do this, you "put the rhythm" in the "number nine" itself. Here are two examples of this- one from the Wiggles and one from Alina Celeste.

Here is also a new one by Liz Buchanan that is a counting backwards from 9 song.

More fun with number songs next week!

Counting- III

This week I'm ahead of the game time-wise (yay!), and I'd like to share my favorite number song for children with you. It's called "Bye-m, Bye." I learned about it from a compilation called "American Folk Songs for Children," by Ruth Crawford Seeger.

As a music composition student at Oberlin Conservatory, being a "woman" composer was still a "thing." While I surely hope it isn't a "thing" anymore, I bring it up now because Ruth Crawford Seeger was a visionary composer- not just as a woman but in general. I learned about her there, and I admired her. You see, the question was, "Why are there so few women composers (that we know about)?" An answer was, (I kid you not) "Men have more time to focus on music because childcare is less of a concern/expectation for them."

Missing from that conversation was the importance of music for a young child's development, and the role woman have played as innovators and conveyors of that music over time. I think Ruth Crawford Seeger recognized this, and although the way to be "established" as a composer at the time was to produce avant-garde orchestral music (which she also did), she produced her truly one of a kind collections of folk songs for children anyway- all the while raising her own family and most definitely singing the songs from her books to her own children (one of whom was Pete Seeger).

If you are reading this article, you are probably someone who might sing for children- whether as a parent, grandparent, caretaker or teacher. If you are someone who does this, you might know what it feels like when you find a song that just "works." It feels great to sing- it "speaks to you." "Bye-m, Bye" is one of those songs for me, and while I sing it differently than the recording below (as appropriate to the folk tradition), when I sing it, I know I pass that feeling on to young children, comfortably nestling those numbers into their minds and fingers. (One of these days I'll record my version)!

Play the video below to hear what the song sounds like, and stay tuned next week for more number song fun!

Learn more about Ruth Crawford Seeger!

Counting- II

I’m a little late posting today- I had a busy weekend. We all struggle with time sometimes- moments when time is just not on our side. We get “out of sync,” cranky, and a little bit mixed up until we can regain our “rhythm” once again. As adults, this could be a struggle to accomplish all that we set out to do at work- as well as at home. As little ones, this could be our sleep cycle, our need for sustenance- and even those young minds have goals they’d like to accomplish, getting a little out of sorts when/if they run out of time. 

As busy people, this is our lot, but there are ways to cope with this for sure. I believe this begins with establishing natural rhythms- day/night, meal times, etc- and with experiencing music as a reflection of those rhythms. If we feel “out of sync,” a way to quickly get back “in sync,” is surely with music, a reflection of balanced time. 

This is kind of a philosophical way to start this blog about counting songs, but it really makes sense to me at times like this how much music can help us hold on to balance and stay anchored within time, instead of feeling set adrift in our more chaotic moments. Here are some simple counting songs you can try with your little one (shown as videos because that it probably the best way to learn them). What is interesting about the first two of these songs is that they also involve a bit of a problem- the birds and ducks go away, but then they come back- and all is right again. Who knows, maybe songs like this will be a foundation for your little one's future ability to regain order in their lives- as well as knowing how to count to 5?

2 Little Blackbirds-

5 Little Ducks-

5 Green and Speckled Frogs-

These are just three of these types of songs. There are many, many more- not all of which you can find online (as of now). Like I said last week, number/time songs are a big topic, and I will be writing more about them over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Counting- I

Anyone else feel a little tired after the first week of school? This is understandable- it's a big transition with a lot to consider. As a teacher, I learned about my new students, learned how to best meet their needs. As a parent, I talked with my son to see how his day was, and tried to assess if he was transitioning well- and this process will continue. For early childhood education, the goal is often to meet the child where they are developmentally and to help them acquire skills in a way they can manage. This requires knowing each child and how to best help them- I believe this is a goal to which all who are involved in education can aspire.

This week I said I would talk a bit about numbers. If you are familiar with my children's music, you know I enjoy a bit of word play involving numbers. From my first album- "If one and one is two, I'll be there with you- If one and two is three, you'll be there with me." From my second album- "I am 1-2-3, going on a million, I'm a million moments going by- I am 4, 5, 6, 7 and a billion, I'm just working out the reason why."

Learning numbers as a young child is an important skill- fortunately there are a lot of ways to approach the skill in ways that are both hands on and a bit more conceptual. Here are some ways to help your child learn to count and use numerical concepts such as time.

Hands on learning-literally!- Using our fingers to count is a powerful way for young minds to associate numbers with quantities- 2 hands, 5 fingers on each hand, and 10 fingers. However, one of the best counting activities I have seen for young children is a Montessori style matching the number to the same amount of small objects (see below). Picking up small objects and counting them develops a one-to-one correspondence of numbers to objects. Ask children to "touch one, count one," and your child will soon learn to be intentional and concrete when counting.

Time concepts- Learning about time can be tricky for youngsters. We can't really see time, even if we use clocks and calendars. Birthdays definitely help with learning that we measure time in years- I would suggest that music can also help demonstrate how time can be measured. Rhythmic patterns demonstrate ratios and mathematical patterns long before children will study fractions and sequences, however, being exposed to music at a young age is much like being exposed to language. Children will be able to speak this "language" their whole lives. In addition, using music to learn about time makes it hands on learning- just think about counting to 4 as you hit a drum to the beat. This can often make the concept of time more easily acquired for little ones.

There are a lot of good songs for little ones to help memorize time concepts like days of the week, etc. So much in fact they will be the subjects of  future blogs. We'll start with finger plays that use five fingers when I post next week. Stay tuned!

Learning to Read

Well, it’s back to school for me and my son tomorrow. Last week, I said I would write about creative ways to help your little one learn to read. I will keep that promise, although make an shorter post so I can get back to making sure all my ducks are in a row for tomorrow. Here are some tips on how to have a language rich environment to encourage early literacy.

Letters everywhere- Letter magnets, letters for the bathtub, letters on blocks, letters on puzzles- there are lots of ways to include letters in your child’s play area. I remember my son had a gizmo that sang a song and said the sound the the letter made. You can also use the letters when you play with your child and sing the song yourself. (The sound will be more clear that way).

Read every day- Find a time- bedtime, after school- to read with your child. Interact with your child, and talk about the book your are reading as well. Get a little silly- find books in which your child is interested. The more fun you have, the more your child will want to read.

Expose your child to media that celebrates reading- For my generation, it was Reading Rainbow. Nowadays it might be Super Why or Word World. There are plentiful choices here- do a little digging and you’ll be sure to find something you both enjoy.

Beginner readers- I highly recommend Bob Books for those little ones who are making some headway in recognizing letter sounds. There are different sets, and if you use them in order, careful to only move to the next book once your child has mastered the book they are on, your child will learn how to read.

I haven’t done this much up until now, but I’m going to go ahead and plug my own work. (This makes two weeks in a row of doing this). Here’s my new video about learning to read and the joy of reading- aptly based on my experience teaching my son to read. Hope you like it! Tune in next week for more tips on teaching early childhood skills- how about numbers? 

Back to School "Inside Out"

Today, I'll discuss the back to school process from the "Inside Out"- the reference to the Disney/Pixar movie being intentional. As I try to give you some insight on how to partner with teachers this year to get your school year off to a good start, I'll also incorporate links to articles and some of the responses I got from teachers on social media when I asked what they did to help families who might be having a hard time with the transition.

What I loved about "Inside Out" was that it made tangible our emotions- made them cute animated characters in fact- and it showed the important parts they played in the girl's transition to a new school. Not only that, it showed how all of our feelings have value, even ones that are sometimes more difficult to process- like sadness and anxiety. Acknowledging those feelings can be the first step we need to take to process a difficult situation. 

For young children, those difficult feelings can arise upon separation from a parent. This separation anxiety is normal for young children. Little ones' brains are still developing, and regulating their emotions is not something they are necessarily able to do well yet. Part of their development includes learning to deal with separation- trusting the new adult taking care of them, trusting that a parent will return, learning that the feelings they have are ok, learning how to calm down.  

On my son's first day of preschool, he cried. The second day, he cried. By the second week, he finally started to calm down. I followed his teacher's advice to say my goodbyes, reassured him that I would be back, and then let them handle the situation- which was hard to do because I was working in the same building and could hear my son's loud crying from pretty much anywhere. It helped me that I knew and trusted his teacher as a coworker- but that isn't usually the case for families. 

Visiting the school with your young ones before the first day of school is a good way for both of you to warm up to the idea and establish trust. Most schools have "Back to School" nights, but if not, most schools would be happy to accommodate an advance visit or even a "trial" day before the first day of school. Getting through that first week can be tough- but give it a week or so. Expect to have an adjustment period. Make sure to check in with your child's teacher, especially after some time has passed, if your are still concerned with the anxiety. Here are more tips from PBS Parent to help you both adjust.

Early childhood educators are generally well versed in helping families with separation anxiety. I take my hat off to preschool teachers who may need to help several crying children (and parents) adjust. Most of the response I got when I talked to early childhood teachers online involved the importance of communicating with and reassuring parents. Establishing a quick, routine goodbye and using transitional objects were also suggested. (My son had a DIY board book filled with pictures of people who loved him that he kept in his cubby.) Here's a link to more ways teachers can help with separation anxiety.

I don't always do this on my blog, but I want to tell you about a couple of resources I have for parents experiencing separation anxiety with their children. One is a book you can color together- your child could then use it as a transitional object. It has a place for pictures of the two of you together at the end. You can listen to the music that goes with the book here. Another is my song "Heart, Pencils, and Crayons." This might be a good one if you are a parent that likes to leave love notes in lunch boxes. You could use the song to help start a conversation about how separation will occur, but that the notes will help remind your child that you love them and will be back to pick them up. You might even talk about how they could draw pictures or write notes for you in school. Check out the video of the song below. See you next week for my suggestions on creative ways to help your child learn to read!

Self Care for Parents of Young Children

I'm writing this article today as an advocate for new parents. I know how hard it can be- I became a single parent when my son was just about a year old, and I struggled with health issues throughout his early childhood. However, I persevered and got through it with a little help from my friends, family, and doctors- all of whom helped me care for myself as much as I did my son.

I know that self care can be elusive in the midst of caring for a young child. Being a parent can be very demanding of our time, energy, and patience, and can seem like there is no time left for anything else. It's pretty crucial that we do take some time for self care, however- we're able to do much more as parents if we aren't constantly fatigued or sick. Here are some ways to incorporate self care in your busy schedule.

Early Bedtime- For them, not you. My son was in bed from 7-8pm each day. (He also woke up at 7am each day). Having that time at night to myself was really what kept me going the most. This was the time I had to catch up on the things I wasn't able to get to during the day, as well as to relax a bit- finally.

Exercise- This is something you can definitely incorporate during the day- I used to walk or hike with my son (in a stroller or carrier- or with him toddling along) daily. Another way you could do this is find a gym with a childcare room. This might be difficult if your young one gets upset separating from you, however.

Find your community- If you can help it at all, try not to be alone with your kids all day. Everyone needs help from time to time, whether it's with childcare or with moral support- both are pretty important. Social media can be good for moral support, but it really can't take the place of spending time with other people in person. There are lots of ways to do this- for us it was playgroups, moving closer to family, being a part of an early childhood education community, and getting out to activities and places for young ones as much as possible.

Find a confidant- Please also don't hesitate to set up counseling for yourself- no matter what your income level is, there is always a trained professional to talk to. This can often be a better option than talking to family or friends. It's just the way our brain works- it often takes an objective person to be the sounding board we need to move past what may be in the way of our ability to be at peace with ourselves. It goes without saying that we are then able to pass on that inner peace to our children. Call 211 or visit 211.org to find counseling services near you.

Do what you enjoy- Take that precious time you have to yourself to treat yourself. Nuff said!

Hopefully this article, if not offering you new information, will inspire you to be sure to incorporate some time for self care daily. I need to remind myself of that as well! Here in Maryland, school starts the day after Labor Day. Even though my son will be turning 10 this year, our summers have been much like that time when he was very young and we spent every day together. However, I'll be going back to school soon to get ready for a new year, and so will my son! Next week, I'll give you a little insight about being a teacher and how you can work with your child's teacher to make the most of their time at school this year. Stay tuned!

The Dog Days of Summer- With Young Children

You've spent lots of quality time with your youngster this summer already- lots and lots- and there are still three weeks until school starts again? Welcome to the dog days of summer with a young child! Today's article is about what to do when it seems like your kiddos are too hot, bored, or (insert descriptor here), to make it through the day as happy campers. You both need to stay occupied, a change of scene, or perhaps both, to make it through the next few weeks. Here are a few things to try!

Take a hike- The forest has a magic way of calming down even the most restless of us- there is now even a big thing about tree therapy going around the internet. It has worked like a charm for my son and I- we go in a bit cranky, then we leave relaxed. Make sure to check the difficulty of the trails you use before you go- keep it to easy if you are a beginner or will be baby wearing.

Think cool- This may seem like a no brainer, but we've all been stuck in heat for too long (even if it was our own idea) and suffered the effects. A hot toddler at the zoo, amusement park, or even the beach- is a sad toddler. Dog days are a good time to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (the afternoon) or if the air quality is bad (code red). It might seem cliche, but let's just go over all our "cool" options- air conditioning, ice cream, popsicles, lemonade, water play. You get the idea.

Find your Zen- Being inside is the cool choice in the dog days, but the same old indoor activities can be difficult for young children who need constant monitoring. Be prepared- keep your home stocked with toys, books, art supplies, calming music, and movies. Come up with a list of places to go, friends/family to visit, and things you could do and stick to it. This is your mantra. When in doubt-

Go for a Drive- If you haven't tried this mom trick before, this may be the time to start! The drive itself can help calm the kids down- then you are suddenly somewhere different, and that could play to your favor as well. Even if you just go to the grocery store, on a dog day it could be the highlight of the day if you leave with ice cream.

One last recommendation for the dog days is to let yourself be aimless for a little while. No need to make an agenda or to try to squeeze in one more trip for the summer. Focus on getting through the day relatively unscathed. Definitely make time for self care as well- more on that topic next week! Stay tuned!

Early Language Learning- Part III

Today I'll conclude my writing about learning language, especially a second language, in early childhood. I've already written about how we learn language in our early years, and some research about the benefits of learning a second language (see my two previous blog entries to read up on those topics), so today I'll recommend resources and programs to accomplish this goal with your tot.  I'll give a brief summary- each title links to more information as well.

Berlitz- This is the company that publishes all those second language dictionaries you had to buy for your foreign language classes. They are an older company, and offer conversational classes in multiple languages nationally for kids and teens.

Little Pim- This early language program is designed with your little ones in mind. It covers multiple languages, including ESL- the only drawback I see is that it's all video based with some supplementary lessons and activities.

Muzzy- Parents might remember Muzzy from learning a second language in school. After checking out the website, I was impressed with the extensive lesson plans and learning materials you could get to supplement this video-based series. Muzzy also emphasizes and includes learning songs.

Language Tree- This program is the last video based program I'll recommend looking into. The types of videos include live action and nature (as opposed to animated), so that may be a plus depending on what you are looking for.

Private Lessons- If your family is serious about learning a second language, you may want to invest in a private teacher for you and your little one. Similar to hiring someone to help you learn to play a musical instrument, you'll get individualized attention and a live person to talk to. You may end up using the programs listed above (such as Muzzy), except with someone already fluent in the language, someone who could help you accomplish the supplemental lessons.

Music based programs- If you've been following my blog, you know that I stress the benefits of music in early childhood education often. I have quite a list of musician friends and acquaintances who have online content, and perform or teach as well. Please check them out!
Canta y Baila Conmigo
Cantale a Tu Bebe
Moozica
Moo Moo Muzica
Musica Lingua
Mi Amigo Hamlet
123 Andres
Mister G
Alina Celeste
Jose Luiz Orozco
Nathalia
Sonia De Los Santos
Flor Bromley
Mama Lisa

Remember learning a language often requires immersion. Young children learn language in fun, social settings- and it doesn't happen overnight. A combination of practice, persistence, and continuity should lead to lasting results. Good luck, and have fun! For next week's blog, I'll write about what you can do with your kids in the late summer. Any parent of children who don't attend a school program during the summer will know what I'm talking about. What can you do after you've already done the usual summer things (vacation, camp, day trips)- to keep your children busy (and yourself sane)? My recommendations will all be low cost to free as well. Stay tuned!

Early Language Learning- Part II

As I'm still compiling the many resources parents and educators have for providing early second language learning experiences for their children, this week I thought I would share some articles about the benefits of learning a second language in early childhood. Today, I'll summarize each one- give you a bit of food for thought before I recommend more resources in next week's article.

Learning a Second Language is Good Child Mind Medicine, Studies Find- This article from the Cornell Chronicle shares findings that young children who learn a second language also often develop an ability to maintain focus despite distractions. It also shares that native language proficiency is earned faster in many cases. It recommends immersion as the method for learning- in engaging social ways- including music.

Second-Language Acquisition and Bilingualism at an Early Age and the Impact on Early Childhood Development- Addressing the fear that learning more than one language at a time in early childhood interferes with normal language development is the main idea of this article from the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. The studies cited found that the most prevalent outcome for early bilingualism is, again, an enhancement of the executive function (that brain function that allows us to focus and plan), although is wasn't the only possible outcome.

Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age- This article from Lead With Languages is less focused on the science behind early language development, and more on encouraging parents and educators to go ahead and get started. For those who are already converted to the idea- by all means start here! There are links from this article to online resources for self starters. 

Because there isn't a second language spoken in my family, I found it difficult to provide much immersive experiences for my son when he was young. The best ways I found to give him a boost in this area were in consistent, live music settings, however, that doesn't mean that music is the only way to go with early language learning. Check out my article next week when I'll be a bit more comprehensive and perhaps carve out a path for you to try immersing your little one in an early second language learning opportunity!

Early Language Learning- Part I

Last week I mentioned I would write today about young children learning a different language. As I thought about that prospect, however, I realized before I talk specifically about that (more next week), I should talk about language development in general- so here goes! 

Some of my most interesting conversations have been with children ages six and under. And I mean interesting. I had a five year old student who loved to tell me stories, but the events came out in a different order. I've talked to preschoolers about one thing, then it ended up we were talking about two or three other different things. I've had many fairly one sided conversations with toddlers in which children contribute a word or two, maybe some unintelligible sentences- much like talking to oneself, but you kind of think they might be getting some of what you're saying as well. And I've talked a good deal with babies- who you like to think totally understand what you are saying- at least I do!

Studies on language development show that young children acquire language as part of their cognitive and social development. Physical speech development- muscle coordination, etc.- also comes into play. This means that as the brain and body develop, hopefully in an environment where a young child hears and can participate in a lot of language- hearing it socially- a young child learns how to "use their words" and join the conversation. 

A young child's language often develops in fits and starts- growth spurts- so it can be difficult to know for sure if they are developmentally "on track" or not. I had an unusual speech development. (I didn't start talking until I was five, while most babies have their first words at around age one). This was because of a few different things- chronic ear infections, a physical "tongue tie"- but here I am anyway, making music for young children and writing about my experience with them. The bottom line is, young children are built for language development, so even if it seems like they aren't quite there yet, as long as there isn't something else going on (hearing or other physical difference), they will be able to talk with you soon.

The part we can play as parents, caregivers, and teachers is to provide that rich social environment, loaded with opportunities to both hear language socially and to speak it to the best of their ability. As you'll see below, you can do this in all kinds of different ways. Click each subject heading to link to an article to find out a little more if you'd like. 

Talk to your children- Holding an often one-sided conversation can take some imagination and practice, but it's the key to early language development. Just remember your role in the conversation is to encourage speech, not necessarily to judge it. 

Read to your child every day- Make a habit of reading to your child- all the way from infancy to 6 and beyond. I did this every day for my son before bed, and often times throughout the day. The benefits of hearing language in this way prime children to both read and speak later on.

Sing, play music, or attend a live music event- Having had speech issues myself, I know that singing often slows down and evens out the rhythm of language so that it's easier to understand and vocalize. There are also studies on how music stimulates the brain in ways normal speech does not- check it out (click the subject heading to link to an article about this)!

Attend library storytimes- Here's an event where people are attending to live language- from these fascinating things called books! That is, one person is saying something, and other people are making an effort to listen. If this isn't giving young children the opportunity to hone their focus on language in a social setting, I don't know what is. 

TV or not TV?- That is the question. There is a ton of excellent children's programming- rich with language, music, and engaging visuals. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend TV for babies 18 months and younger, however. It recommends watching TV together with children 18 months to 5 years so you can talk about what you are watching. 

Talk to any young child, and you'll discover their perspective pretty quickly, even if their only way to communicate with you yet is to smile, cry, or laugh! It also turns out you can talk "normally" (you don't have to "baby talk" or simplify your language) to young children- although it helps to be direct and expressive. 

I leave you today with a picture of my son (you'll see his baby pictures a lot on my blog). He's pointing at a bird, and he's also telling me it's a bird. (This was one of his first words)! Don't forget, more next week on learning different languages in early childhood!

Considering Preschools for Your Early Learner

As a continuation of my writing about childcare, today I'll talk options for children ages 2-6. Any preschool teacher would argue, however, that they are less childcare provider, more teacher- so I did want to make that distinction before I start. As someone who has trained as a teacher, including in early childhood, I can say that dedicated preschool teachers have studied their craft, know about early childhood development, and some are experts in the various philosophies of teaching as described below. They are typically required to take classes periodically for Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and are some of the most patient, hardworking people you'll ever meet. (So are childcare providers)!

When planning for preschool, you'll also want to consider the difference between childcare and "class time." Teachers plan learning time for children, most often during the hours of 9am-noon. Those who are dropped off early are in a "morning care" program, which is childcare. Those who stay after lunch are invited to nap. After nap time, it's usually dismissal, however, if children need to stay longer, there is often an afternoon program, again a more childcare type situation. Your child will "learn" in any situation, but a teacher usually focuses on those morning hours.

Need childcare for your preschooler during the summer? No problem! Most preschools offer daycare or "camps" that offer a similar structure as what is offered to early learners during the school year.

I also wanted to point out that some schools offer an early learning classroom for children ages 2-3, while others do not. This is the same for children ages 5-6- sometimes you'll find a Kindergarten age group within the early learning program as well.

Finally, maybe most importantly, you'll want to look at different types of preschools. From Montessori to Reggio Emilia, there is variety in what private preschools have to offer. Public preschools (yes public as in you don't have to pay for it) are also becoming more common, so make sure you check out that option as well! Below I give a description of my experience or what I have learned about each different type of preschool and a link to check it out further.

Montessori- My son attended Montessori from age 2-3. He enjoyed the freedom of movement in the classroom, and kept himself busy with the different types of "work" available. "Work" was individual, student-driven time with Montessori "materials." There was also circle time, where a focused, community, lesson was given.

Reggio Emilia- My son attended this type of school when he was 4. (We moved from California to Maryland that year). Exploration within different themes was encouraged. Lessons were planned based on student ideas and questions. I have a ton of pictures from his time at this school (they liked to document discoveries and learning).

Arts Integrated- If you are lucky to find a preschool that touts arts integration, I definitely suggest checking it out. Studying the arts though music, movement, dramatic play, and visual art is a powerful form of self discovery for any age, but at this age is particularly helpful in developing fine and gross motor skills, language development and coordination.

Waldorf- I don't know much about this type of program except that it emphasizes the arts and handicrafts. Those who find a good Waldorf school will usually share the unique ways it has helped their children.

Academic- Academic preschools are those that focus on preparing children for Kindergarten. There is often more focused, teacher-led lessons, drills, and desk work. Think of them as Kindergarten classrooms but with activities and classwork focused on pre-reading, pre-math, and general knowledge.

Play-based- Students in a play based program are offered time to play and explore, usually within different themes (very similar to Reggio Emilia). Teachers help students work out any problems or questions that arise.

Religious- Preschools that are part of churches, parochial schools, temples, or Jewish Community Centers are often a mixture of academic and play-based, but with a sprinkle of introduction to the family's faith tradition.

Outdoor- These schools focus on outdoor exploration and environmental education. They are a newer type of play-based program that looks to Mother Nature to nurture young learners.

Cooperative- Parents take turns helping out the teachers in a parent preschool co-op. If your child acts differently (and not in a good way) when they are around you, this option may not be for you. (I have tried this too). (It wasn't the best option for me and my son).

Public- Depending on where you live, there may be a public preschool available for your son or daughter. There may even be a public charter option that may take on an early learning philosophy such as Montessori.

I hope that this overview of the different types of childcare and preschools available for your 2-6 year old was helpful! The key to finding the preschool that's right for your child is much the same as finding childcare for your baby- find what seems most comfortable for you and your child. There are lots of options to consider, but you'll know when you find what will work for you and your family. Next week I'll be writing about finding opportunities for your young one to learn different languages- a practice that can enhance their overall language development. Stay tuned!

Finding Childcare For Your Very Young Children

Parenting a young child is a job you have around the clock, 24/7. In fact, the younger your children are, the more often you might be awake 24/7. Everyone needs a breather now and then, and most parents also need to work- so where can one find good, reliable care that will also nurture early learning? It's often easier than you might think- even if money is tight! For today's article I'll focus on finding childcare for babies 2 and under. Baby care for working adults is a must, but for this age, I found it the most difficult to work out. To help you consider childcare that is comfortable for you and your child, I'll share my experience with a few different options and offer some pros and cons of each.

Leave Them With Your Family- Grandma and Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles, family loves family, and if there are cousins around the same age, this is a great opportunity for some play based learning as well. Just remember that even though there is typically no charge for this type of childcare, it can be taxing, so be kind to those family members who offer to watch your little ones- set up care about which you both feel comfortable. Talk about their experience- offer support and be generous with your gratitude! Pros- FREE, can include elusive overnight babysitting. Cons- Might not work for long term care or care while you work.

Childcare Exchanges- This is something I did when I wasn't living close to my family. It works best if you have established relationships with other moms that have children of a similar age (maybe from a mom's group or a playgroup). We would work out times we needed help and tried to keep the amount of times we watched each other's kids even. This was great because our kids could play with each other as well, keeping each other occupied and less fussy. I highly recommend trying this because it doesn't cost a dime and helps build relationships between you and other parents, and between your kids! Pros- You and your child will make awesome friends! Cons- It can take time to find a good friend to partner with, one with which you feel comfortable.

Work From Home- If your family situation allows, you can work from home and take care of an infant. I'm not saying it's easy to do this, but it is possible, and might make things easi- er/more financially viable for you. I did some of this myself- just remember, it's only temporary- or if you like it way more than commuting somewhere, it could be the start of something new- something more comfortable for your lifestyle! Pros- No stressful commuting issues (no rush for you and for your baby to be ready in the morning, no more long commutes). Cons- You might not actually be able to get as much work done, and you might get paid less.

Nannies- If you can afford a nanny, and if you feel comfortable with this option- go for it! Experienced nannies have often looked after many, many babies in their time, so they have a good idea how to tend to your baby's needs, even if said baby can't speak for themselves yet. When I was with my son on weekdays, I would often see groups of nannies out at the park with their charges happily playing or napping in strollers. They would ask me if my son was the only baby I looked after. (I think they thought I was also a nanny)! Now I often see nannies out at my music shows as well- so go nannies! Pros- Your child gets individualized attention! Cons- Expense.

In Home Daycares- Some brave parents, most often while starting their own families, become momtrepreneurs or dadtrepreneurs, get licensed, and use their homes as daycares. Make sure you are comfortable with the mom or dad who has set up shop, their space, and the amount of children at the daycare. Find at least three to compare and contrast. A positive benefit of an in home daycare are that the ages of the children there may vary like a family and offer valuable socialization. I have visited, and I've also seen groups from in home daycares out at my music classes as well. Pros- Bonus "brothers and sisters." Cons- Less individualized attention.

Brick and Mortar Daycares- There are many daycares that accept babies- find one about which you feel comfortable. Do the babies there appear happy? Do the childcare workers look like they enjoy working with the babies? Would my baby get held/attended to if he or she was fussing? Are there play spaces and enrichment opportunities (music) designed to support infant development? These are all questions I would ask. Pros- Centers must maintain strict licensing requirements. Cons- Less individualized attention.

Below I've included some links to do some research on your childcare choices- remember the main word here is- you guessed it- comfortable. You'll know after checking out your options, doing some interviews, going on some site visits, checking references and reviews- what type of childcare to go with and when. This is where your parenting instincts kick in- you'll know what's safe and the best way to be resourceful for your children. Good luck- and see you next week for an article on childcare and preschool for children ages 2-5!

References-
National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Care.com
Child Care Aware hotline (800-424-2246)

Inspiring Stories for the Superhero Parent

Parents- do you ever feel like you are in a rut- living only to maintain stability and nothing more? I have felt that way- I have struggled as a parent many times over, striving for stability, yet dreaming for something more. A little inspiration has worked wonders for me, however, steeled me to find the strength when necessary- to somehow do more than I thought possible for my son.

This week I went in search of inspiring stories of parents who overcame great obstacles to provide a better life for their children. I believe there is something of a superhero in all committed parents, though these stories are often not told. Their efforts are apparent in the successes of their children, however, and luckily for our future, there are countless examples of parents coming through for their children every day.

I learned a couple of new stories of heroic parents as the result of my search, and revisited stories of parents by which I have been inspired before. To stay within the context of this early learning blog, the stories below all involve children 6 and under at some point- their committed parents and the way their actions won the day for their children in the end.

Ana Chavarin- Ana is a Latina woman, a Mexican immigrant who conquered trauma and poverty to provide a better life for her children. She is a champion for adult education, and she and her 4 children are all, at the time of the article, one degree away from accomplishing their goals. Hers is a story you might not know about, but one that will inspire you to know that access to education, employment, and justice can and will help all parent heroes along their way.

Chris Gardener- You might know something about Chris's story from the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness." This is the story of a father of a young child who found himself homeless in San Francisco. Imagine trying to shelter your young child for the night in a BART station bathroom, and you have the gist of Chris's story. Both father and son are hugely successfull businessmen now. Want to know how they did it? Read their story or watch the movie!

Cathy Hughes- Cathy was a teen mother who ended up being the first black woman to own a publicly traded company. She lost her home in her struggle to own/operate a radio station, (now Urban One) bringing her young son to sleep with her at the station. However, she was able to build her business up, branching out to TV as well. Cathy Hughes is an inspiring, self made success who's business-savvy son now also plays a big part in her company.

Erin Brokovich- Erin's story was also made into a film. Julia Roberts won an Academy Award for her portrayal of her. What appeals to me about Erin's story was her willingness to fight. With three young children to care for on her own without child support, that is not easy to do. Add on top of that a major car accident, and you have the setting for where begins her effort to stop PG&E from polluting her family's tap water. Check out this featured post on Erin's Facebook page, and you'll see her with her adult children- that is the success for me.

Josh Shipp- Josh's story isn't necessarily of the parents he had when he was a young child. It's more of a story of the foster parents who didn't give up on him when he was a teenager, and of the parent Josh is now to his young children. Josh is a motivational speaker for teens and parents, and his advice is universal-  provide consistency and consequences, his main support for this assertion being that if it worked for him, it could work for anyone. Josh's story is one worth reading- his tagline is "One caring adult," and those adults are very much the parent superheroes that are the topic of this article today.

I hope these stories are as inspirational for you as they are for me- I could totally get more cheesy with the superhero metaphor for parents, but I won't. Just keep doing your best with one of the hardest, most rewarding jobs in the world, and you will easily have a superhero parent story of your own to tell one day, if not already! Next week, I'll get back to more practical advice for parents- how to find a good babysitter!

Summer Fun for You and Your Young Kids!

Hey there families! My article today will be a short but sweet run down of summer family fun suggestions, activities geared toward the 6 and under group, most of which will allow parents to catch a breather and soak in some sun (or escape it) as well. In lieu of suggesting specific places, I offer general categories, which if googled in combination with your location- or your vacation destination- are sure to turn up results for your area.

Swimming Lessons- This is at the top of my list because at some point, unless you have access to a pool and can teach them yourself, this is a life skill you are going to want your children to learn. Mommy or Daddy and me baby swim classes and preschool classes can introduce your children to the water and create muscle memories that will allow them to stay afloat (even if it just seems like they are having fun in- or warming up to- the water).
Pint-sized amusement parks- I use "pint-size" here because there is a difference in the type of park your young children will have more fun at- those which have rides and attractions that are their size. I know I said I wouldn't suggest specific places, but Children's Fairyland in Oakland, CA, is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. This is opposed to- say Six Flags. These parks tend to be smaller, and less well known (arguably what you want with young children because there will be less crowds), so you might have to do some digging to find one of these spots close to you, but it's well worth it!
Day Camps- For a usually reasonable fee, your preschooler or Kindergartener can enjoy nature, art, music, science, or even engineering with Legos. I found it was well worth the price of these camps to keep my son engaged, give him practice in socialization, and to give me a breather in planning the activities. Notice I don't suggest sleep away camps for children this age (unless maybe they are at Grandma's house), but morning or afternoon camps are just enough time to do the trick for children and parent alike.
Museums- Air conditioning, a change of scene, friendly staff who are happy to show you around, stroller friendly buildings- these are all reasons why a museum is a great summer destination on a hot or rainy day. There are a good deal of children's museums, but even those with exhibits the kiddos may not totally "get" yet are okay. It can inspire thoughtful conversation between you and your little one to try and explain things at their level!
Indoor play areas- Does your child have extra energy, but it's 100 degrees or rainy with a chance of thunderstorms outside? Indoor play areas might be the way to go. Bouncy houses, slides, swings, big blocks to move around- I've been in ones that are less "fancy," and ones that literally look like they were inspired by a Euro-pop Rave party. Your child will enjoy the freedom of getting to run around these safe play areas. You might even get a chance to finish your coffee, check your email- etc.
Your Library's Summer Reading Program- Libraries really make an effort to offer programs for families during the summer. Your pre-reading child can even get a card full of learning activities they can do to earn prizes. You can attend storytimes, learn to hula hoop, see live music, nature, science or magic programs, and pick up some new picture books to read before bedtime- all for FREE!!!
Aquariums and Zoos- On a hot day, I recommend the aquarium- there is nothing more mellow than watching fish swim with dream like music playing and a Sigourney Weaver type voice gently explaining the details of the exhibits. On a nicer day, I recommend the zoo- there is also nothing better than watching your young children get excited about seeing zoo animals- maybe even for the first time! Even if your child has been before, there is always something "new" to see at the zoo- maybe the panda is awake or closer this time, etc.
Day trips into to nature- Spending time in nature can be such a welcome change of scene! On a hot day, taking a hike under a forest of trees, or spending time near any type of water, is almost like being in air conditioning. From pebbles to bugs, your child will love taking in all the tiny details around you!
Backyard Camping- Do you love to camp but are not sure about taking your young child with you on a camping adventure yet? Try setting up a tent in your backyard- (and if possible, have a grill or fire to roast marshmallows). My young one was often asleep before the sky was dark in the summer- but for the 5 and 6 year olds- staying up just a little later to enjoy the stars (maybe even fireflies) is an experience well worth the perils of missed sleep. Don't have a backyard? It doesn't have to be yours! This is something you can do in combination with a visit to family and friends as well!
Music, music, music- Summer "down" time can give you a chance to find ways to incorporate music into your daily routine- to liven up indoor play on a rainy day, for soothing, for long car rides. Attend live music events, and find music (and other media) you both enjoy- (see my previous blog posts for suggestions on this)!

As a parent and teacher I know (and I know that you know) there are many activities for your young children, but maybe, depending on the day, it can be more difficult get motivated or to get out and about. My hope is that lists like this can inspire ideas (and perhaps bravery), and allow you to do more than you might have thought you could do. You can do it! We are our children's superheroes! Next week I'll write more on that topic- parents overcoming obstacles to provide the very best they can for their young children. Stay tuned!

Using Music to Soothe Young Children- Part II

Hi there- and happy father's day (video of a father soothing a baby with music)! Today I'm going to conclude my talk about using music to soothe young children. Most of what I will share today is the result of asking preschool teachers (through Facebook teacher's groups) what music they use during nap time. Their answers were interesting to me because most of the studies that I've seen on the effects of music on young children are done on babies in controlled hospital environments. Many also focus on the beneficial effects of the mother's voice. Preschoolers are older, may not nap anymore at home, and are away from their home environment and access to familiar voices- they are arguably more difficult to settle than babies at times. However, any preschool teacher will tell you that a quiet rest time is necessary- usually from around 1-3pm each day. It speaks to the genuine power of music to soothe- even if it's recorded, not sung live or by the parents- that it is universally used for nap time by preschool teachers.

Soothing music creates the quiet rest environment so necessary for these youngsters, and many of the preschool teachers that responded to my query swear by certain recordings. They use the same ones year after year because they observe the beneficial effect the music has on helping their students nap. They wear out CDs- purchase new ones- or search for it online- because it's so essential to their nap time. After having having been present at many a nap time over the years, I can understand why a teacher would appreciate such a useful tool, and want to use it time and again. Remember preschoolers are experiencing so much by way of cognitive and social development- having some time to rest and recharge during the day can help those young minds cope and make it to the end of the day as happy campers. 

When sharing their nap time music, most teachers also commented on their own experience with the music as well. Was it something they could tolerate listening to over and over again? Some teachers shared that they had a few different types of music they played for variety- but that they all had a similar effect. A teacher with many, many years of experience shared that in lieu of her usual lullaby recordings, she was playing the relaxing instrumental music she had found that was on her favorite TV show instead (When Calls the Heart- the instrumental version of Christina Perri's A Thousand Years), and was happy with the results. With so many options, albums and ways to listen online, as you'll see below, whatever your musical tastes, finding something that will work for both you and child or children is easier than ever. 

Teacher Recommended Albums-

Rockabye- Lullaby Renditions of your Favorite Band

Jewel Lullabies

Return to Pooh Corner- Kenny Loggins

Putamayo World Lullabies

Fisher Price Lullaby Playlist- Dreamy Renditions of Today's Hits

Fisher Price Christmas Lullabies

Classical Piano Music with Ocean Sounds

Laurie Berkner Lullabies

Sleepy in Seattle

Baby Lullaby- Relaxing Piano Lullabies- Einstein Baby Lullaby Academy

Lullaby River

Teacher Recommended Online Streaming (YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, IHeart Radio, Online Radio)*- 

Search for these artists or types of music- Preschool Nap Time, Lullaby, Delta Wave, Meditation or Spa, Disney Lullaby, Disney Instrumental, Native American Flute, Enya, Piano Guys, Gregorian Chant, Relaxing Music for Deep Sleep, Coral Reef Aquarium Collection, Mindful Kids, Quiet Guitar, Violin or Harp, Brahms's Lullaby for Babies, Caribbean Steel Drums, Jack Johnson (lullabies), George Winston (piano), John Tesh (piano), Marconi Union, Ludovico Einaudi

Classic Radio (online streaming)

Star Wars Piano

Before I go, I wanted to give you a list of some other links to check out. These are artists and projects I recommend learning more about if you are interested in soothing music for children and families, including music in Spanish! Tune in next week for my article on early learning adventures to do during the summer!

Vered 

Sing to your Baby or Cantale a tu bebe 

La Luna- 123 Andres

The Lullaby Project

*I recommend finding something that doesn't have ads (they can startle).

Using Music to Soothe Young Children- Part I

To prepare for my article this week, I asked other parents, teachers, and musicians- what is the best music to soothe children ages 6 and under? I got a terrific response with a lot of input, so for today's article, I'll talk a bit about why music has the power to soothe, give a few examples, and next week I'll go more into the great variety of options you have to play or sing to children. So- why does music have the power to calm children down? Scientists are still making theories about how lullabies evolved- here is some of what science has shown us:*

• Babies know and respond to their mother's voice, even before they are born.
• Lullabies can lower heart rate, increase blood oxygen and sucking response, and release pain-coping endorphins for the baby, particularly if sung by the mother.
• Recorded, soothing music can have a similar effect, but live music has been shown to be more effective, even if it isn't sung by the mother.

Before we go any further- what is a lullaby? A lullaby is defined as a soothing song or a piece of music that is usually played for children. The articles to which I refer you will tell you most lullabies are in 6/8 meter, which is not necessarily the case, but they are songs to which you can rock your baby, if not every 3 beats, then every 2 beats. They are songs that replicate the rhythm of both mom's heartbeat, and of being rocked while mom walked with baby in the womb. A heartbeat at rest is around 60 beats per minute, the same as one per second, and that is also around the speed that the baby can be rocked to a lullaby. Lullabies have been argued to be one of the earliest forms of both music and language, and are at their most primal form sung by a single voice- that of the mother being the most prevalent throughout human development.

Lullabies also reflect a daily rhythm- they are part of a routine for daily care which includes (hopefully) a nap time, and promotes learning a regular, daily bedtime. A lullaby taken out of context may not have the same effect that it would have at the time of day that the body is becoming accustomed to calming down. However, soothing music can be introduced at other times of day as well- early childhood teachers routinely do this to promote smooth transitioning to different activities throughout the day.

Traditional lullabies also give us a glimpse at what it has been like to be a mother over the ages. The words to traditional lullabies can be pretty tragic, and more reflective of the mother coping with sadness and strain taking care of one or many children in a world of peril. The best lullabies can help soothe both the adult caregiver and the baby- a win win for the promotion of our species for sure. 

For examples, I'll start with my own lullaby story, which is so simple but a good example of what both music and consistency can do. I sang, from birth to about age six, to my son, "All the Pretty Little Horses," (a modified version, without the part about butterflies and bees), at nap time and bedtime, every day. I found the lullaby in a book I had been given, and I just really liked the melody. Always the same- I kept singing it, over and over, until he went to sleep. When he was very young, I would sing it to him in a rocking chair or a swing as he rocked. When he was older, he would lie in bed and I would sit by him and sing. It was the final part of a bedtime routine, dinner, bath, reading, song. I would sing, and he would always go to sleep- no matter how crazy our day had been, (believe me we had some doozies), or how sick he might have felt, it might've taken a little longer on some days- but it always worked.

Parents who responded to my original inquiry had similar reports of finding something that worked well- but slightly different stories about how they found the songs. Some reported singing a lullaby they remembered parents singing to them. Some introduced lullabies later that were the result of the child's preference after having seen children's television shows, and some made up their own lullabies. And speaking of the totally made up ones- I had several musician/teacher/parents share their original, soothing music with me. You can link to find out more about their work below.** (I also included a link to my original songs that are more on the soothing side).

Lullabies and soothing music are some of the oldest types of music and communication known to us. We are wired for this type of music to speak to us- to tell us everything will be ok. That's a message we all need, young and old alike! To incorporate more soothing music into your daily routine, I suggest picking three selections to try and sticking with the one that seems like it works the best. If you don't sing normally, try singing (or even humming) with a recording first until you get the hang of the song. You can do it! More on the plethora of soothing music choices next week!

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The Science of Lullabies- Baby Care- Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine

Why do lullabies work?- HowStuffWorks

Lullabies May Be a Product of Battle Between Parents and Babies- Inside Science

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Patricia Shih, Lovabyes: Gentle Songs for Gentle Children (Amazon link)
Gari Stein, Little-folks-music.com Gari suggests a simple verse to the tune of "Go Tell Aunt Rhody." 

Hush little (children) (3)

It's time to go to sleep.

The (chickens) are sleeping

They do not make a peep. (These words can be substituted).

Jean Young, teacher- Jean suggests an easy and soothing song she wrote:

It's time for bed, it's time for sleep.

It's time for (bunnies) and breathing deep.

Mmm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

(wiggling nose as you hum)

So close your eyes and go to sleep. (You can change animals and movements).
Liz Hannan, teacher- Liz suggests using simple, mi, re, do, melody patterns, sung or played on a Wuyou drum, Harmony Grisman's "Breathing Peace," and Betsy Rose's "I Am Breathing."

Brook Packard, www.sleepytimeclub.com Brook suggests playing a pentatonic flute.

Kari Kovick, www.heartofthechildmusic.com Kari recommends, "It's You I Like," and "Calm Down."

Alison Cromie, www.alisoncromie.com Alison recommends, "Hush Now My Baby."

Dorothy Cresswell, DorothyCresswell.org Dorothy recommends "Morning Winds," "Aria: A Lullaby," "Mary Manatee,""Swift River Paddling Song," "Dreams, Dreams," and "Home is Where the Heart Is."

Stuart Stotts, Stuartstotts.com Stuart recommends, "Sing Through the Storm."

Pam Donkin, PamDonkin.com Pam recommends the "Water Cycle Song," "Planting the Seeds of Love," and "Say Goodnight."

Scott Kepnes, (Facebook Page) Scott suggests relaxing guitar or drumming.

Margot Bevington Lullaby & Swinging