Frequently Asked Questions Before we begin Q:  My child and I have never attended a Kindermusik class, it is possible to observe one before we decide whether or not to enroll? Come visit a one-time complimentary class anytime! It usually takes 2-3 classes for children to find their comfort zone in a new class. By participating in the lesson and watching the enrolled children who are more familiar with the activities, you will be able to get an idea as to how the children's skills develop throughout the semester. Q: I would like to register but classes have already started. Is it too late to join? Enrollment is on going, so you can join anytime! You may still register even if the start date has passed. Tuition will be pro-rated. Q: I have twins/two children who will be in the same class. Do I get a discount? Yes, the price for the 1st child is the regular fee and there is a discount for the 2nd child. Part of this discount is because they will receive a "Sibling Kit"of At Home Materials which excludes products from the kit that can be shared (eg. CD's). There is also a discount if you have 2 or more children enrolled in different programs eg. baby in a Village class + preschooler in Imagine That! class. Please enquire at time of enrollment. About the classes Q:  How big are the Kindermusik classes at Sonia Begonia Studios? Our classes are small and intimate. The teachers really get to know the children and their parents very well. Class sizes range from 3 - 10 children. Q:  What do we wear for Kindermusik class? Wear loose comfortable clothing that lets you move and groove. Children do not wear shoes during class. Q:  What if I need to miss a class? Can I make it up? You are always welcome to take a make-up class at an alternate day & time if you need to miss a class. You can view the class schedule on our website. Make-ups do not transfer into the next semester. My child and Kindermusik Q: My toddler is very active and doesn't always seem to be listening to the activity. He prefers to move around the class. What should I do? Children are primarily kinesthetic learners and learn best through movement. A toddler loves to exercise his newfound freedom in self-propelled movement, and we encourage this. These classes are not about just sitting and listening. Children learn peripherally, meaning that they are absorbing information like sponges through all 5 senses even if it appears to us that they are not actively engaged. Parents often tell us that their child repeated a song or activity at home, although they appeared distracted during class. They are learning their own way, and we respect each child's needs and differences. By using the At-Home Materials, you can be sure that your child is learning in class, and at home. Q:  How do I know that it is time for my child to progress to the next level? How do the teachers assess this? Our teachers work closely with children and parents to assess how each child is developing. We follow the general age guidelines for each curriculum, but we look at individual skills as well. Our staff has a list of physical, verbal, intellectual, and social characteristics that help us determine when a child is ready to move forward. You may request to see these guidelines and go over them with the teacher. It is important to remember that our primary goal is to foster musical confidence and joy in each child. Expecting too much too soon from a child is a sure way to destroy a child's natural, innate love of music. Q:  My child is very shy and introverted, I'm not sure if they will join in with the class activities. That's the great thing about Kindermusik. It's not performance based, so there is no pressure and all children are encouraged to participate in their own way. Children are all different little beings and our classes cater for all energy levels, moods and personalities. Some children like to sit back and observe what's going on around them and that's how they learn, others 'dig in' and want to experience everything! Children who are shy often find it's a great environment to build their social skills by doing circle dances, interacting during instrument exploration time with other children and on the flipside a very busy child can benefit from rocking time, learning to relax and just 'be'. What can I do to help my child learn? Q:  As a parent, how do I participate in class? Parent/caregiver participation is required for the Toddler “Our Time” class, and optional for the Pre-schooler “Imagine That” and “Music for the Young Child” classes. During class, the most important thing you can do for your child is to be an active and patient role model. While it may seem as if your child is not "getting into the class" at first, you'd be surprised at what they are actually learning. Let your child have the time he/she needs to adjust, adapt, and absorb the class environment. The understanding and consistency of the parent or caregiver in class and at home are key to facilitating musical learning and growth. Q:  What do I do with the At Home materials? The At Home Materials are an important element of the Kindermusik experience. These 'materials' become part of your child's life and they learn the songs we sing and dance to in class, enjoy reading their story books and doing the activities in their activity book as well as playing with their percussion instrument! Children who frequently reinforce and enjoy activities in their home environment will feel more secure in class and will participate more.