Note-worthy

Teaching a child to love music is easy—it soothes them right from day one. But nurturing that natural instinct is up to you. The trick? Expose Jack and Jill to a range of brain developing melodies (especially while you still have control over their musical selections).

You can start by belting out at-home tunes since your children are likely to be the only people to fully appreciate that diva voice of yours. Then sign them up for early socialization opportunities in one of Calgary’s many music classes.

We admit there is a huge pool of classes to choose from for babies, toddlers and young school-age children but, if Do, Re, Mi has you singing in the rain, we highly recommend Sing Move Play. Sing Move Play is located in the central SW community of North Glenmore Park and is run by Debra Giebelhaus-Maloney, affectionately known as Ms. Debra by students (and parents).

The program is based upon the Orff Music for Children Program and focuses on singing, dramatic movement and role-playing. Expect your child to experience age-appropriate stories (Eric Carle figures prominently), accompanied by puppets, poems and percussion instruments such as drums, sticks and shakers.

Kids start at age three (although they can hop into the program at any age) and wrap up by nine. Ms. Debra leads them through early musical literacy and they graduate from the program with the ability to read basic notes, compose and understand pitch and rhythm (all bonuses when it comes to formal musical training if they continue). Early musical literacy is also beneficial in fine motor skill development and learning to read.

With that said, the highlight of the Sing Move Play program is Ms. Debra herself. Kids love her and you will too, because not only is she a highly educated and competent entrepreneur and educator (her bio tells all), but she clearly values children and is moved by their ability to learn. Children inevitably walk out the door feeling good about themselves and their achievements due to Ms. Debra’s enthusiasm and encouragement.

Now that’s news for moms that will make your heart sing.

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