Yes, we are that family...you know the ones who don't put our kids in loads of classes, sports, or play dates. We try to live more low key and play around the house during free times...and luckily since they don't know any better, they are completely content. We sing and dance all the time...and I began to notice this last year that Max has really fallen in love with music. I often refer to music now as therapy for him. It amazes me how much it not only excites him, but soothes him. There have been several times where he has had melt downs while running errands that the only way for me to calm him down was to sing to him...let's just say that is a tad bit embarrassing since I usually sing off key :). I did a little looking and found that the Gymboree gym has music classes and just knew that was the most perfect gift for our Mr. Max! This was the first class I have every taken my kids to and I am just as in love with it as they are! It is just so stinkin' fun to play and learn together...
Zoe and Max go to music class every Thursday after Max's feeding therapy. All I have to do is say music class out loud and Zoe's smile stretches from ear to ear...
As for Max, I just need to drive up to the building and he immediately starts rocking and tapping his belt buckle signaling "let me out!!!"
The music class follows the same structure and outline each week...
but mixes up the styles of music. We have listened to jazz, prince, queen, classical, 80's rock, children's songs, latin, german, this list can go on and on. As you can see they expose the kids to a variety of music...often times to songs I typically wouldn't play for them. Today we learned about the different sounds animals make through music...
The instructor teaches Max and Zoe about different instruments, how to tap along to the beat, when to take a rest, and lets them just explore the instruments along with the song exposure.
Towards the end of class she gets out her big box, dumps it all out, and lets the kids have freedom to express themselves!
To say that my kids love this class would be a complete understatement! Ms. Laura has a beautiful voice, is so friendly and open, that the kids absolutely adore learning about music with her. Since Max loves to sing, she is even so sweet to spend time each week singing each of their favorite songs.
There are usually other families in classes, but the only slot that worked with Max's schedule ended up being empty so it's like my kids get private lessons...which they love the extra attention! Zoe's favorite part of the class is when she gets to dance with scarves...
This princess twirls and shakes her groove thang!
As for Max, well he loves to get into crawl position and rock to the music. He also loves to beat on things, so he thinks it is fun to make real loud noises...
I mean seriously, look at that face of pure determination :)...
The very last activity before we sing goodbye to everyone is to try and catch bubbles with our castanets...
Both of my munchkins giggle the whole time...
Ms. Laura isn't skimpy on the bubbles, so these two are all about popping the shower of bubbles!
So completely thankful and appreciative of family (grandparents and aunts) who has gifted both Zoe and Max the joy of music class...
As you can see, it is worth every minute!
I am so glad you like Gymboree - such a good present! I am always up for giving gifts like this anytime since our children are blessed with too much as it is :)
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