Sunday, May 27, 2018

Play and Early Learning- Part II

As promised, today I recommend some ways to provide rich and varied play experiences for your child. And just to be super clear- this early learning blog is meant for those kiddos under six. And today's article is about play experiences outside of a daycare facility or school. We're talking sandboxes, tot lots, the library children's section- and even some classes. Of course there are classes for you and your young one! For instance, I often see parents in my drop in music classes with their babies. I remember myself as a first time parent with a child their age, and I'm so happy I could offer an destination for play accessible for these parents.

To be sure, having a plan for how your day will go when you are a first time parent is helpful, but not always easily attained. I found myself wanting to connect with other parents, but I wasn't always sure how. I felt like I needed to prioritize nap times, access to sustenance, and travel methods (stroller, wrap, etc.), often over coordinating with a class time or meeting with another parent. However, I found that when I was successful in scheduling in some time to socialize for both myself and my son, our day was much happier and better overall- even if it meant not totally sticking with our usual schedule.

Here's how to get started scheduling some beneficial play experiences for your little one!

1. Get connected online- Join your local parent's Facebook or Meetup group. Look for websites that list or recommend classes in your area. If there isn't one available, consider starting one! My son and I had access to the BerkeleyParentsNetwork.org (BPN), which is an invaluable resource for parents to communicate and share information. I started my own playgroup through an announcement on BPN, and the people I met that way are some of the best friends I've ever made. Other online resources I have seen that seem particularly helpful are HilltownFamilies.org and MacaroniKid.com. Both list opportunities for parents to take their kids out and about.

2. Join a playgroup- The playgroup I started on BPN was so beneficial to both the parents and the kids! We set up times to meet at playgrounds, library storytimes, indoor play areas, and at each other's homes. The children learned so much from each other, and it was an opportunity to talk with other adults. This was by far the best thing I did for me and my young son!

3. The playground is your friend- Opportunities to gain gross motor skills and socialize abound on the playground. Get to know your local playgrounds, and consider them your second home in nice weather!


4. Learn what your local library has to offer- Ask at the check out counter if you can have a schedule of the children's librarian's offerings. You may be surprised how much your local library has to offer- not only as a place for your child to listen to, look at, and acquire language, but as a destination to socialize. There are also often toys, puzzles, and opportunities to color in the children's section.

5. Learn about your local children's museums- These are elaborate play spaces created just for young children. In Berkeley there was Habitot, and that is the museum I took my son most often. There are themed exhibits, and hands on and kid-sized everything. Your little ones will LOVE these places.

6. Get out into nature- Find out about nature centers in your area. Not only can you go for a peaceful walk in the woods and enjoy a playground away from the city, there are often indoor centers with areas designed for young children to play. Often these centers offer classes for preschool age children, so be sure to check that out as well.

7. Include the arts in your child's play- Even if it's as simple as turning on some music at home and listening during play, including music in your day is a great way to help you and your child get energized, play, or relax. Music is an excellent way to help even adults regulate mood, and as a music teacher/performer, I of course recommend finding a class to attend or an event with live music for you and your young child. You can find dance and visual art opportunities for your young child as well.

8. Play can be incorporated anywhere, anytime- Stuck in the car? Put on some music, break out the toys- your child now has a play experience. Bringing your child to yet another trip to the grocery store? When they are small enough to sit in the front part of the cart, you and your child surely have some time to chat, play peek-a-boo, etc. Grocers also LOVE to play with and talk to kids.

Wherever you are, there are many opportunities for your child to play. We know play is a valuable opportunity for your child to develop, and we know how to get started incorporating play in our busy schedules- now what to do when your child doesn't want to cooperate? Yes- no matter what we may wish for our children, they may get fussy and have different plans for us! That will be the subject of my next article. Stay tuned!

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Play and Early Learning- Part I

Today we talk about the importance of play based discovery in early learning! Observe a young child at play, and it is almost palpable the amount of energy and inner workings behind it. A young child's brain is busy developing and myelinating- this is the process where neural pathways are strengthened with a myelin sheath to promote faster travel of neural impulses. When children play, they are learning from their environment in a way that promotes myelination. So, whatever children are exposed to repeatedly, through play or otherwise, the brain responds by building a neural pathway for quick response to that stimulus.

So- why is that important- and how can play help with this brain development? Play can especially help with the development of the cortex- that's the part of the brain that is the least developed at birth. That's also the part of the brain that helps us do things like process sensory information and language, and decide things. It's the part of the brain that helps us control our impulses. When children are at play, the cortex has a chance to myelinate- or "wire up"- pathways, within the cortex and to other important parts of the brain, that will enable them first to perform these important functions- then be able to do them more quickly and easily.

Here's how- give children the chance to play on a playground, for example, and they have many choices to make. Will they swing, climb, slide? How high will they climb, and how do they need to balance to do that safely? Will they do these things with other children at the playground? Will they share the equipment? Will they be sensitive to the other children's space and desire to use the equipment as well? Will they play pretend- pretend the play equipment is a ship for example- and ponder any problems that may occur- pirates, sharks, or crocodiles, for instance?

As a parent who was a teacher first and observed many children at play- I have to admit, sometimes when I observed children struggling to make good decisions to keep themselves or others safe on the playground, to "use their words" instead of violence to express themselves, to control the impulse to keep something to themselves rather than share it, I thought to myself, "When I have my own child, they won't be this difficult." The truth is- ALL children go through this important brain development. And yes they will make what we perceive as mistakes along the way. That's how they learn!

Here's how you can help with your child's brain development through play:
1) Provide play experiences with other children- the more chances they have to play the better!
2) Provide feedback for your child to help promote good decision making- When your child is in need of assistance- with making a safe choice, using their words, sharing- help them out. Just remember, patience and practice. That's what your child needs to develop- however frustrating their behavior can sometimes seem as a young child. Also, be mindful of what your child is capable of figuring out without assistance. Sometimes doing something "all by themselves" is what a child needs to take ownership of their new skill.
3) Play with your child- channel your inner child and rediscover the world with them anew! Have fun!

Here's some other articles you can read about play and brain development:
Scientists Say Child's Play Helps Build A Better Brain
Childhood Stimulation Key to Brain Development, Study Finds
The Cognitive Benefits of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain

Since we focused on mostly the science behind the the importance of play in early learning this time, next time I'll make some recommendations for providing varied and rich opportunities for your child to play- stay tuned!




Sunday, May 13, 2018

Finding Early Learning Media You and Your Child Enjoy

Thanks everyone who's stuck with me for my second article! As promised the topic of today's article is the palatability of children's media- that includes music, visual media, etc. And by palatability I mean is it something we find to our taste or not. Sometimes adults are surprised when they enjoy something that is meant for children. Some perhaps cringe at media meant for children that they do not enjoy. Some adults love to embrace their inner child. Most adults have at least a bit of nostalgia from time to time about the media they loved when they were children.

Wherever you are on this spectrum of palatability, spending time enjoying media with your preschooler is a valuable way to bond, and a great way to introduce them to the arts! Finding something that everyone can enjoy can be difficult- but certainly not impossible! There are so many options nowadays! What I will present are just a handful, and from my own experience, but chances are something similar to what I suggest is available near you (if it's a place or a live event) or just a google away (if it's digital media).

Visual Art- MOCHA- in Oakland, CA- The Museum of Children's Art, (MOCHA), was a place I often took my preschooler. The open art sessions included a playdough table, painting station, a cut and paste table, a sticker table, a block building station- complete with examples and helpers available. Moms chatted, or helped, or made their own art, while children enjoyed hands on art activities. This was a very mellow place perfect for a low key playdate, and often included interesting art exhibits to peruse. It was a perfect introduction to a stroller trip to any art museum. Mocha.org

Books- Google your child's name- My friend gave me several children's books with my child's name in it as a shower gift, and I highly recommend trying that to see what you find. You might be surprised! Hearing their own name in the book increases engagement, and you can be proud that you chose such a clever name for them in the first place. Plus you get a random array of illustration styles to ponder.

Live Music- Your local library or preschool music class- This subject is dear to me because I now have two children's albums of my own, but when my son was a preschooler, I was finding live music opportunities for him without any children's music industry knowledge at all. I started by attending storytimes- and I will give a shout out to the lovely librarians at the Piedmont library in Oakland, CA! Sometimes libraries also invite musicians to perform- something that will be happening a bunch this summer because of the "Libraries Rock" summer reading theme. When my son was 4, we got to see Charlie Hope at the library. This was so awesome because I discovered her music on YouTube when I google searched for a children's song about trains. My son loved trains, and to be honest, I was looking for an alternative to Thomas. Preschool music classes are available at other places besides libraries- there are chains like Gymboree (I tried this)- but I would highly recommend an independent teacher- google who is in your area!

TV Shows- YouTube, and PBS.org- Yes I am skirting recommending any one TV show and recommending YouTube, and the PBS website instead. Why? Because--- wait for it--- you can find something for "You." --- I would suggest starting by googling what you remember enjoying when you were young. Watching a classic Sesame Street or Mr. Roger's clip on YouTube can be a short diversion, and something enjoyed by both of you. Gems from our childhood such as Free to Be You and Me and Schoolhouse Rock can also be found on YouTube. You can also google what your preschooler is interested in and find shows to interest them. For example, dinosaurs+ trains= "Dinosaur Train." You can also find children's performers on YouTube- Miss Nina has a popular show, and, as I mentioned before, lots of children's music is on YouTube. Childrenmusic.org and SongforTeaching.com feature recent YouTubes from artists. PBS also has great educational shows, and while some character and muppet singing voices might not appeal to everyone, you can find good humor and even your favorite adult entertainer on Sesame Street. Don't want to watch the whole Sesame Street and would rather skip to the part you enjoy? Google it and watch that part on YouTube- or at PBS.org.

Movies- Pixar- Be forewarned, I am recommending Pixar in part because my son is an "Up" production baby. However, I was a fan well before my son was even a twinkle in my eye. While we aren't affiliated with the studio anymore, I did get a chance to experience the studio in Emeryville, and see the immense and extremely well thought out care that goes into the movies. I will wager that there is at least one Pixar movie palatable to you and your family.

Music- Children's Radio Shows- There are several children's radio shows you can listen to online. DJs do a great job representing a variety of musical tastes, so you are likely to find something you like on the show. You can then learn more about that particular artist- buy their stuff, see them live. Don't hear anything you like? Contact the DJ and make a suggestion. You could also try something like Pandora for Children's Music, but I think children's shows with DJs are better at keeping up with new releases and represent more independent artists than what you might find there. For live radio I would suggest Sirius XM's "Kid's Place Live" or WXPN's "Kid's Corner." For listening online, there are more available than this, but here are five shows to start with-
Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl- sign up for PodBean and get them all in the app on your phone. https://saturdaycerealbowl.podbean.com/ 
Imagination Parade- http://wfdu.fdu.edu/imagine.html 
Radio Active Kids- https://www.ashevillefm.org/show/radio-active-kids 
Musical Merry-Go-Roundhttps://musicalmerrygoround.wordpress.com/
Hilltown Family Variety Show- HilltownFamilies.org

When you encounter new media with your preschooler, or even share something you remember from your childhood, you are engaging with them in important discovery that will help shape their future tastes. When you find something everyone enjoys, this process can be fun and an important diversion every once in a while. For my next article, I'll be talking a bit about play based discovery in general for preschool aged children- why it's so important, and ways you can help and take part. BTW- Happy Mother's Day for all moms reading this on the day it was posted:)

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Why Write New Music for Preschool Aged Children?

Hi there- you found my early learning blog! You may know me as a teacher, or as a children's singer/songwriter- or as a fellow parent. I've been teaching and making music for a while now and realize parents may want to know more about what motivates my efforts. So the topic of my blog today is- why write new music for preschool age children?

There are plenty of good old standards for preschool students song-wise- "Old MacDonald," "Wheels on the Bus," and "Twinkle, Twinkle," to name a few. When I perform for families with preschool age children, I often include these old standards. Teachers and parents request them. Adults sing along, and that creates a really nice communal, sing-along experience for families. So why not just stop there and call it a day for the preschool crowd?

To rely on tradition and time tested songs is valuable in early learning, believe me- you want to be practical in what you do and incorporate music that people know and will work well for your class or performance. However, when you have the chance to work regularly with young children and their teachers and families, you have the opportunity to teach new songs- ones that are creative, inspiring, educational, fun, and reflective of the here and now.

I've had the opportunity to work every school day with the same young children, and know they are capable of learning new songs quickly. They are excellent at copying me, and when I add movements, hand motions or sign language, the process is often faster. The result is young singers raising their voices in a confident sing along of a new song, maybe one of mine! Indulgent teachers and parents are happy to participate as well.

Young children can also participate in music that is not in a sing along style. I often model dancing, active, playful listening, and incorporate visuals to engage in the story behind the song. This widens what can be practical and educational for students beyond the traditional sing along song. Skillful performers can engage young audiences with a combination of new music and visual or kinesthetic artistry on the spot, and no one need have prior knowledge of the music at all.

There are many choices for excellent new children's music, sing along or otherwise, but when it's your song and you are sharing it, your heart and creative spark is in it, and that is passed on to listeners. Children get to observe and participate in new art being made- sparking their own developing imaginations as future innovators. They mimic you and naturally try their own hands at doing exactly what you are doing for them.

This creative modeling is a valuable gift children's singer songwriters give to young children. It is well known, but cannot be said often enough: Children in their first six years of life experience more cognitive and social development than at any other period in their lives. It makes sense, then, that this would be the time to model creativity, as well as empathy, two crucial skills needed to be successful future adults in well functioning communities.

As for the palatability of new children's music- whether or not a parent or teacher (not just the child) would enjoy the song- that's up to the individual, as is all art, really. Children's singer songwriters have essentially two spectrums they could choose to serve, the young, developing mind, and the mature one with established tastes. That will be the subject of my next blog entry- so stay tuned!