Teacher Aids are always fun.  I thought you might be interested in this video.

Cheryl is a piano teacher using Classroom KinderBach with group preschool classes.  See the video link where she shows how she uses velcro and magnets to make the activity pages of KinderBach fun for little ones.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mjqqkb5BIdc&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/Mjqqkb5BIdc&rel=1</a>

Enjoy!

Thanks for the review kizudo!  Anybody interested in some more information?  We have a facebook page for Home Educating and Classroom versions of KinderBach as well as a You Tube channel to preview video and, of course, curriculum info on the KinderBach website.

KinderBach is the subject of our local paper in today's edition:
http://qctimes.com/business/bettendorf-woman-s-piano-lessons-circle-globe/article_e4ff5086-dc0d-11e0-9321-001cc4c002e0.html

Please feel free to ask any questions!

We really like the TOS team reviews.  This is our 3rd year submitting KinderBach Online Music Lessons to their pens ... or computer keyboards     Honest and positive.  The Crew really take the projects seriously because many families will be reading their recommendations.  Hope you do well!

Here is the link to the homeschool families reviews of the KinderBach preschool piano program.
http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783796/

You can download a free sample music book at www.KinderBach.com  - for kids 3 and up.

Move it or lose it!  The moto is true.  I can't say that I love to work out but I do.  Nobody else will do it for me.  I have an elliptical machine for the winter, some workout DVDs and my dog Jake.  Jake loves to walk in any weather.  Well he resists 20 below, but who doesn't?  Somewhere in all of that I attempt to keep healthy. 

Make it part of your routine, a habit you can't shake.  I'm doing something 6 days a week.  I've seen what an unhealthy lifestyle can do to a family.  Be encouraged.  You are not just doing it for yourself; you are doing it for your kids and future grandkids.

Karri

PS:  You can see Jake on the KinderBach videos on YouTube.  He is the 'music pattern dog' 

All excellent suggestions so far!  Sing to him and with him.  Play rhythms when you say nursery rhymes.  Dance!  Then, if he shows interest and apptitude, start him on an instrument-based curriculum. 

KinderBach can be used with children as young as two because it is totally paced by the individual child.

KinderBach reviews by parents!

I posted it in another topic but it may be helpful to have it under this thread.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine: http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783796/
Actual review links: http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=79583&type=thumbnail

Hope you find it helpful!
Karri

Would you like to read what families think of KinderBach?  We recently were the subject of parent reviews through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  They give their honest opinion - good and bad.  Here is the link if you want to check them out: http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783796/

Actual blog links are posted on this webpage (I'm putting in the link because it's kind of hard to see): http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=79583&type=thumbnail

There is 72 listed now, should be 100 in a month or so.

Keep making music together!
Karri

I just ran across this video on babies and language.  Very informative.  Parents are SO important!!

http://www.ted.com/talks/patricia_kuhl_the_linguistic_genius_of_babies.html

Karri
KinderBach

New composing with young children  - Tip #2 is posted on KinderBach's facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/KinderBach/50186823555

Happy music making all!
Karri

When my oldest was 3, she was task oriented, motivated by reward and I had a newborn.  I drew each of her bedtime tasks (brushing teeth, putting on pjs, giving water to the dog) on a strip of cardboard.  I hung a sheet of paper underneath to make a chart.  For each task completed, she could put a sticker or something in the square under the picture.  I think we added up the stickers and she got a few pennies for doing her 'jobs'.  Face it, it is work to get her ready for bed.  I didn't mind that she got the credit.

The tasks changed but we kept the practice for several years.  She still loves lists at 21 years old ... and her teeth are great, only one cavity after all this time 

Check out KinderBach's facebook page for Tips on getting started.  The results aren't important, the activity is.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/KinderBach/50186823555

Keep making music together!
Karri

I think you need to decide what you want your daughter to get out of the music lessons.  A 5 year old is a great age to start any of the programs suggested.  Are you after social interaction with a little music knowledge or do you want her to start on an instrument?

Either way, KinderBach sounds like it would fit your goals.  You can go through the program on your own at home or make your own music class with another family.  5 years old is a perfect age to get started with basic keyboard and use it to spring board into other instruments.

Here is a link to an outline of the KinderBach curriculum:  http://www.kinderbach.com/Classroom/curriculum.html

Happy hunting.  I wish you many blessings as you choose what is right for your child.

Karri

Hi TmS,

I think I ran into you on another thread!  Thanks for the comments here. 

I am dismayed at the way traditional music is taught so it robs children of their creativity.  We teach children to read language and expect them to make up sentences.  We teach children how to mix colors and expect them to make a picture.  Somehow traditional lessons teach children to read music and then only expect them to play what someone else has composed.  Silly, isn't it?

KinderBach has a different approach.  Composition is foundational and woven throughout the program.  It is just as important as ear training and sight reading.

I hope many BrillKids enter the draw.  We will be looking for your boy's creation .