Parents

Parents role

Children benefit when they observe their parents’ enthusiasm and participation in the class. Parents should participate as much as they are
able in all songs and activities by moving, singing, dancing, echoing patterns, and sustaining silences between and during songs (silences
are an important component of the method applied in classes; it is during silences that we often hear children’s spontaneous responses as
they “fill in” anticipated elements of the missing song, complete a musical phrase, improvise, or create a new song).

Parents should be sensitive to their children’s learning styles and personal needs by allowing children to choose the level of participation
(some children prefer to stay close to their parents, some focus on the teacher and participate independently, some run around in circles,
and some stare out the window or look at the wall; learning takes place in all instances).

Children are encouraged to participate, but not expected to demonstrate “correct” technique, acquire a specific skill, or respond accurately
to the teacher. Please do not coach, correct, rush, or force children in any way. Verbal corrections will prevent your child from
responding naturally and spontaneously to music and movement. On the other hand, your child’s creativity, self-expression, and
confidence will blossom in a pressure-free, non-competitive, and non-threatening environment.

As we try to create a rich musical environment and cultivate musical responses,
please refrain from conversing to children and other adults during the formal part of the class. Verbal directions and chatter disrupts the
musical flow and impedes learning. When necessary, a teacher will sing directions to the class.

To ensure that everyone learns in a pleasant and safe environment, parents are asked to temporarily remove their children from the
classroom to control tantrums, crying outbursts, and dangerous behaviors. When doing so, parents demonstrate respect for others in the
class and ensure that their child will be able to enjoy the class when another child goes through a difficult time.