Kindermusik Classes - the Continuation

Kindermusik Classes – the Continuation

Since attending his first Kindermusik class, Gavin has been back twice. Although he still doesn’t really participate in the activities in class, at least he doesn’t make a fuss about being in class and doesn’t mind sitting near the other kids.

Last week, I got him to class early so that he would be the first one in the room (besides the teacher). Then I brought out his trains to encourage him to stay in the room and it worked a treat (except for the part when the other kid wouldn’t return the trains he borrowed to play with).

This week, Gavin attended class with my friend’s daughter, C. This time, he kept wanting to leave the class to wash his hands (from the class there is a clear view of the wash basin). Although he wasn’t kicking up a stink about it, I still had to get creative to distract him from the wash basin. I’m not really sure if washing his hands was an excuse to get out of the room or simply an attempt to play with water (an activity he has always enjoyed).

He doesn’t participate in any of the activities, although he might take up the instruments that are passed around. I end up carrying him for most of the movement activities, after which, I’m the one who’s exhausted by the end of the class.

The whole intention of taking him to classes in the first place was to expose him to more children and slowly ease him into the idea of going to school – especially since he seems to balk at the structured nature of the classes. According to Baby Center (also confirmed by my BFF who is well researched on parenting), it seems we might be getting a little ahead of ourselves because they say:

“As for social development, go slow. Your toddler will get all the stimulation she needs from unstructured play, so steer clear of formal lessons, such as dance or music, until she’s at least 3.”

If we want to encourage social development, the best bet at this stage is to take Gavin for play dates. Well, with classes at RM40 a pop, play dates are definitely a more economical option, too!

About the author

Shen-Li is a stay-home mum to two boys who have been the inspiration for her interest in early childhood development and early child education. She searches for the balance in child development methods and the educational philosophies that will enable the nurture of happy, confident and successful children. She shares her views and findings at Figur8.