Singing Bowl Love

Last week's class got us on our feet right away with "Clap Your Hands and Sing 123," which people loved stomping and singing along to. Other highlights included "Allouette," with some bigger kids leading the French, "Sticky Bubblegum" and the singing bowl as the "Instrument of the Week." The families all enjoyed figuring out how to play it on their own and the shelter staff said they would love to get their own singing bowl for the house as it's so calming!  We also had a fun and relaxing jam to Bob Marley tunes, and finished off with the parachute - everyone's favourite!

The Start of An Exciting Project for RSF

Today’s class at Ernestine was exciting for a number of reasons: first, it was great to see some familiar faces after a couple months away from the shelter, and the kids have grown very noticeably! Second, there were some new kids of various ages who brought a great energy and a lot of curiosity to the class. Last but not least, it was the first time I had split the class into two sections to highlight group participation for the younger kids, with more focused music lessons for the older kids.  The older kids really surprised me with their prior musical knowledge.  In fact, one of them already had a recorder, and was familiar with note values and some musical terms.  His sisters in the older group were a bit younger than him and not quite as advanced, but they more than made up with that in curiosity.  I worked his recorder repertoire (primarily consisting of variations on “Mary Had A Little Lamb”) into some rhythm games, and finished off with solfege, but I would definitely like to return with more recorders in the coming weeks, as these kids are definitely ready for them!

A Raucous Return!

It was so great to be back with the kids at the Plaza after a couple weeks out of town.  They were enthusiastic and ready to sing when I got in, though I did notice that it took a little longer than usual to get things focused after excited moments throughout the class.  However, the kids are clearly invested in participating in these classes (often giving commentary such as highlighting that monkeys don’t just jump, they climb too).  One of their favourite participatory parts of the class is helping to bring out the instrument bag before the jam, which ended up in a 9-kid pile up on the way back. Luckily nobody got hurt and it was all in good fun. The music bag is like a celebrity to them!

Kitchen Party!

Humewood house is always buzzing when RSF arrives on Thursdays. The staff members and mothers are excited to join in and sing. Their voices fill the circle and get the children on their feet dancing and clapping. The energy is lively and remarkable. Everyone shares instruments and takes their turn. The collaboration makes it feel like a classic kitchen party where the whole community comes together to sing and dance! 

Big energy!

This week's class was hopping! We welcomed a new family to our class with two older boys who were happy to help the younger kids out, as well as jam and drum with energy. The jam was one of the most energetic we’ve had yet! The parachute also had many hands and with more moms helping out we made it touch the ceiling, making it feel like we were all under a fun multicoloured tent!

13 Little Monkeys!

We had an absolute blast at Robertson House this week! The kids and parents alike loved dancing to our rendition of “5 Little Monkeys” as they jumped up and down and made monkey sounds. Everyone was singing along more than I’ve ever heard before. I love seeing the smiles on the parents’ faces as they observe their young ones fully expressing themselves through music and dance. This is what our program is all about! 

Jump in the Line!

Parachute time is the best time to, as Harry Belafonte says, "Shake! Shake! Shake Señora!" This adventurous group of toddlers were loving shaking to the grove under the parachute. It is always so lovely to see how they explore the music and movement when given the freedom to follow their instincts! 

Animal Fun!

This week's class was intimate and fun! Three young girls (one 9 months old!) and three mothers participated in the class, though some came in and out. I themed the class after our animal week and highlights included "Six Little Ducks," "Elephants Have Wrinkles" and singing "Listen to the Water" while we played the ocean drum as the "Instrument of the Week." It amazes me every week how one particular child who has special needs often sings along. She knows "Sleeping Bunnies," very well, for example. The co-ordinator told me this week that she started to be more verbal because of our classes!! It's incredible! We also gave a CD at the end of the class to a new mom and daughter duo in the program which was happily received! 

Here Comes The Bus!

Everyone was in such a happy mood this week at Robertson House! The class was back-to-back fun with a lot of energy in the room. One memorable moment, among many, was seeing the look of excited anticipation on a young girl’s face as we started to sing “Wheels On The Bus”. She was distracted for a moment and then whipped her head around to focus when we started singing. Great to see that the kids are engaged! 

Warming up!

Humewood house was buzzing with smiling faces as they passed by the door of our music class on Thursday. We had 5 toddlers in attendance and they were reserved but curious to start. It took them some time to warm up to the music The grown-ups were enthusiastic and patient and gave the children space to explore the class in their own way. I love seeing this because it means that the children will always feel comfortable in the class. Buy the time the jam bag was opened all of the kiddos were ready to dive in and make some music!