kindermusik class

We're looking at the kindermusik class as a structured fun time- I know the kids will love it if it's what it seems to be. Has anyone here completed a series of classes and have any info on them? Would you recommend it? Why or why not?
Thx in advance!

http://www.kindermusik.com/Classes/ClassesFind.aspx

 

Most Kindermusik places let you do a trial class for free. I highly recommend doing that. We have done 2 different Kindermusik sessions. I did one last summer in WA and it was wonderful and a great experience. I did one this past spring in TX and it was a total waste of our money. We were often the only kids in class and the "teacher" had no control over the kids. So I think the program can vary widely depending on who is running it. So definitely try it out before committing to it!

 

We are planning on starting when Jack and Lily drop their pm nap and we move their am nap a little later. I would have done it previously (they are 13.5 months now); however, the class for 0-10 months was at 11am and that was nap time for us at that age and now the class is at 9:15 and we nap at 9:30. I am also going to do the free trial first.

 

I agree with PP that a free trial class is a good idea, because the success of the program will really depend on the teacher. Also looking for some kind of out of the house structured activity, we tried Kindermusik and Gymboree. The Gymboree teacher for the only class that fit our schedule was just annoying and clearly had no idea how to relate to one year olds. The program might have been good (and the equipment was very fun), but the teacher made it no fun.

On the other hand, the Kindermusik teacher was wonderful! She was so great with the kids, very easy going if kids weren't doing what they were 'supposed' to be doing at every moment. And we love the at home materials. We listen to Kindermusik music every night when we're getting ready for bed, and the boys love it. They also get 'instruments', board books, and wall posters that go with the music unit, and they love it all. We're off for the summer, and I miss it so much. I can't wait until our classes start up again in September.

ETA: It's also important to test out the teacher if you're planning to take the twins by yourself. My husband and I actually meet up at Kindermusik so we can be one on one with the boys, but our teacher would also be more than willing to take one of them for the one on one type of activities if we needed her to. I'm guessing some teachers aren't as accommodating.

 

I also did a Kindermusik class this spring. I guess I lucked out, cuz our teacher was great and the class was great. The girls loved it and I can still sing the songs and they get excited. There wasn't any for the summer and when we move, there won't be any in the UP, but oh well.

It was kinda expensive in my book - but make sure you ask for a twin discount - my group gave 10% off for the second twin, not much, but at least it was something.

My DH also met me there because it was just so much easier to have two adults - there is a lot of dancing and lifting, etc. The teacher would help too, but I just felt better having my DH there. I did do it by myself a couple of times.

Have fun. I've also heard My Gym is a good program.

 

QUOTE(YooperMom @ Jul 17 2008, 10:02 AM) [snapback]881571[/snapback]
I also did a Kindermusik class this spring. I guess I lucked out, cuz our teacher was great and the class was great. The girls loved it and I can still sing the songs and they get excited. There wasn't any for the summer and when we move, there won't be any in the UP, but oh well.

It was kinda expensive in my book - but make sure you ask for a twin discount - my group gave 10% off for the second twin, not much, but at least it was something.

My DH also met me there because it was just so much easier to have two adults - there is a lot of dancing and lifting, etc. The teacher would help too, but I just felt better having my DH there. I did do it by myself a couple of times.

Have fun. I've also heard My Gym is a good program.

Yes, definitely ask for a discount (I think we got 15% off, and no registration fee for the 2nd). Another way to save is just to buy one set of home materials. Normally they require you to buy a set for each kid, but then they also have a 'sibling kit' that comes with another 'instrument' and a different cd. We went ahead and bought the sibling kit, but we really didn't need it. One set of materials between the two would have been plenty.

As for them getting hooked on the songs, I had to add that we still sing the pick-up song every day. The only thing that will get my boys to pick up their toys is if I start in with the Kindermusik put your things away song. Then they get all excited and start doing just what the song says.

 

We LOVE it! And yes, you can go to their site for a free trial class coupon (or just talk to the teacher.) Ours gives a multiple child discount, which helps (though it still is pricey!) We did the Village last spring, and the teacher was really good at taking one while I worked w/ the other. I've definitely heard the teacher is what makes/breaks the class, so you really just have to go and try it! But I highly recommend it! We're doing sign and sing soon!

 

We've been taking KM since mine were 9 months old (twins) and 5 months old (Elizabeth). We even did a KM "camp" this summer. We have a great teacher and mine have always loved it. Village is the class for babies and then Our Time is the 18 month and up class. If you are anywhere close to 18 months when the class starts I would see if you can do Our Time instead of Village. Village is pretty babyish. HTH

 

We took the baby class (Village?) from age 9-12 months and it was good but not the greatest. The songs were kind of annoying to me... like traditional British nursery rhyme-type songs. But, the teacher was great! We won't be doing it this fall but maybe in the future.


Off topic: We take My Gym classes and they incorporate music & "gymnastics"... my boys & I really like that one!

 

We did Our Time this past spring starting when the twins were about 19 months old. In my opinion they were a little too young to "get" a lot of the activities, but for the most part they enjoyed it. Emily is a bit more outgoing, so she didn't have any probelms with leaving mommy or daddy (BTW I highly recommend having 2 adults there with you so each twin can have someone to help them and guide them) to join in the ativities, but Sam was always stuck to my side, so he didn't get into it near as much as Emily. I guess the enjoyment level of the child depends on their temperment and comfort level in those types of situations. I was fasanating to see how my kids react in thoses situations, kinda like I got to know them a little more. I think overall it is a great experience.

It was a lot of fun, a bit expensive, but we also got a sibling discount and the discount on the sibling materials. Sam LOVES the harmonica that comes with the Our Time materials. And be forwarned - YOU have to sing and do silly dances too!!!

 

We are going to go to Kindermusik in August. They have dates everymonth for those who are in EI...or the program here is called "Help Me Grow". I think it is free on those dates because of EI.

April

 

My boys love music but, did not really enjoy the Kindermusik class. We just finished up a five week session where we just decided not to go the last two sessions. I found the boys and other kids would get frustrated because they would be given props to do songs and within a minute or two they would take them away causing chaos.

 

I did a Kindermusik Sign and Sing class and my DD loved it. I would definitely recommend it.