Kindermusik by Sarah Flack

I've Moved!

2007-10-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Please join me over at Hey Pretty Mama!

We're Back in Texas

2007-08-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

And, our time in Texas is rapidly coming to an end. The next five or six days promise to be busy as we attend to all the details of leaving one home for another.

New York is beautiful, by the way. We feel really blessed to have found such a nice house and look forward to getting to know our new town.

If you're interested, I've posted pictures from our house hunting trip in a web album (click on the photo). You might notice that there aren't any pictures from the inside of the house; I think we were so excited to have a big backyard that we completely forgot to use the camera INSIDE the house.

2007-08-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is what a happy 4 year old looks like.

We're taking a break from frantic packing and cleaning to have a little tickle competition.

By the way,

2007-08-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

...this blog will continue since I'm rather addicted to blogging by now. Though there won't be so much information about Kindermusik in Laredo now I'll do my best to keep you entertained with stories about living with a preschooler and, eventually, a new baby. Oh, and pictures from New York, land of snow, wild turkeys that stand in the middle of the road, and huge Victorian houses that probably need some updating (my dream house!).

New Beginnings: Fall Schedule Information

2007-08-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Clair Herrera, and I am going to be taking over the registration process for Sarah Flack. As you may know, Sarah is going to be moving away to New York, but Kindermusik will stay. It will change to Kindermusik by Clair Herrera, taught by Clair Herrera, Nicole Arias, and Sarah Beth Sobek. The new website is http://clairherrera.kindermusik.net , and you can find the fall schedule, a description of the classes and prices, and the registration form. If you have any questions, my e-mail address is kmbyclair@gmail.com. Please feel free to write me with any questions or comments you have for us. Thank you so much!

Clair Herrera

Goodbye!

2007-08-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Kindermusik Friends,

Back in late 2004, I had the privilege of taking over the Laredo Kindermusik program from your former educator, the wonderful Pat Hudson. Since then we've increased the size of the program from 17 students to nearly 200 students. For the last two years, our Laredo program has been named a Maestro Award program, ranking us in the top 100 of over 5000 programs worldwide. Our staff has increased to include three other talented Kindermusik educators. Thank you, families--you have been very good to us!

Now has come the time for me to announce that my husband has been offered a transfer to upstate New York. We accepted with mixed feelings--happiness because it will put us ten hours closer to our families, sadness because we truly will miss our friends here in Laredo.

The Kindermusik tradition of musical fun and learning will continue for you. I have handed the business over to our educators, Clair, Nicole, and Sarah. Clair will be spearheading the business end of things (registration, schedules, etc.) and all three will be teaching classes. The new name will be Kindermusik by Clair, but I'll let her tell you all the details. The important thing is that she will be running morning, afternoon, and evening classes for all ages (up to seven)--mostly the same class times that you are used to. All classes will still be hosted at First Baptist Church (the same location).

I will really miss all of you but I feel like I'm leaving the program in good hands. Clair, Nicole, and Sarah are very excited to be working with you. Please feel free to e-mail me at this address--it won't change when we move--if you have any questions, or just want to say hello.

With love,

Sarah Flack
Kindermusik by Sarah Flack

Princess Movie Marathon at the Library

2007-08-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Laredo Public Library is hosting a Princess Movie Marathon starting today through Friday at 3 PM in the library's multipurpose room. They will be showing "classic Disney Princess movies."

Free popcorn and juice for attendees.

Blowing Bubbles

2007-08-15T00:56:00.001-07:00

"Bubble time" is always a favorite activity in class. But did you know that bubble-blowing has important developmental benefits? Some of the benefits are:

By reaching for (and popping) bubbles, children strengthen motor skills.
Eye-hand coordination is also developed by reaching for bubbles.
Practicing blowing bubbles helps strengthen oral motor skills and control of the breath.
Watching bubbles as they float to the floor or the sky helps strengthen the eye muscles.
The concentration needed to blow bubbles can also help build attention skills.
The rhythm of blowing bubbles and watching them float can also be very relaxing.

For more great ideas for simple "old-fashioned" ways to spend time together, visit Success Through Play.

Bargains, Preschool-Style

2007-08-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

Preschoolers have bargaining skills that would put a Hutt to shame. Case in point:

Noah and I went out on the porch to watch the rain earlier today. Noah likes to run out and stand in the rain until he is soaking wet. Sometimes I allow him to do this--if we don't have to be somewhere or I don't mind giving him a bath right away. Today was not a "standing in the rain" day.

Noah: How about I just put my shoes in the rain? Okay, I could just put my arm a little in the rain. How about I put your bottle of water in the rain? I could dump your water out and fill it with rain water. You could drink the rain water. How about I just put the cap in the rain? Okay, I'm just going to put my head in the rain a little bit. Why, mama? I could take a bath in the rain. I would be nice and clean. What if we jumped in the rain? Just a little bit? Or maybe just our fingers? And so forth....

So, anyway...

2007-08-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

This week wasn't exactly what I envisioned. Ended up on bed rest for part of the week, under the influence of some heavy duty anti-nausea medicine. I don't remember pregnancy being this difficult last time. Of course, I was a little bit younger.

Since I'm feeling somewhat better now, I seized the opportunity to update my iPod. Believe it or not, I DO listen to some non-Kindermusik recordings (occasionally). Here is a portion of my new playlist:

Rickie Lee Jones, We Belong Together
Karl Jenkins, Dies Irae, Mare Australis
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, I Shall Not Be Moved

and, because I just really like this movie for some reason, the soundtrack to Labyrinth--David Bowie in all his glory.

Semester Break

2007-08-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

Noah's Soccer Camp 2007

We traditionally take a small break in between the fun of the Kindermusik Adventure camps in the summer and the excitement of the beginning of our Fall semester (which runs through the end of January). This is our chance to practice and prepare for the new themes of the Fall classes. And, of course, it is also our chance to spend lots of quality time with our own families (even though we miss our dedicated Kindermusik families!!). Combined, the four educators here at Kindermusik by Sarah Flack have 8 children--enough for a Kindermusik class with just our own children!

Noah has been enjoying the break. He had a great time at his very first sports camp last week--a soccer camp at TAMIU. He already been planning picnics and playdates for the rest of the month so we might not be getting much rest.

Small Blessings

2007-07-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

In the fog of morning sickness, time to count the small blessings:

a surprise phone call from one of my Kindermusik kids because "I miss you, Teacher Sawah"
a homecooked meal (that I can actually eat!) from my friend Lisa
a nice long e-mail from a friend
Noah letting me cuddle with him and not wiping off my kisses for once
being able to call my mom and dad and cry about being sick even though I'm a big girl now
an incredible gift of a huge assortment of maternity clothes (really nice maternity clothes) from a friend and fellow mom here in Laredo

This could be what "they" mean when they say to "just take it one day at a time."

Just when I thought all the bases were covered...

2007-07-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

Table wiped off...check
Hands washed...check
Healthy food ordered..check

All was well for our impromptu snack time at Target. Or so I thought until I glanced across the table just in time to see my 4-year old (who really does know better) licking applesauce drips off of the table.

My Son, the Boxer

2007-07-13T18:24:00.001-07:00

Earlier in the week, Noah was playing with some friends at Vacation Bible School. Well, he managed to bump heads with another child in just the way that caused his eye to swell up (and later turn black and blue).

After the tears dried up (his and mine), he was just a bit proud of his injury and eager to show it off to his dad.

My husband finally convinced me that Noah doesn't have a concussion.

Exciting News!

2007-07-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

It's true....I'm pregnant!

We're all very excited. Noah has already put in a request for a "baby sister that is a girl" and is planning how to teach the baby to play ball.

Our little one is due at the end of February.

2007-07-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church in Laredo, TX

(5 back-to-back music classes per day) + (110 plus children) + (5 action packed days) = one tired but happy music teacher

Each summer, I have the privilege of leading music classes for the Vacation Bible School campers at First Baptist Church. This year's theme, "Game Day Central," has us singing and dancing to music about being part of God's team.

The music has lots of references to moves a person would use in playing sports, such as throwing a football or being a baseball catcher. This really serves to highlight my total lack of knowledge about sports. My football player husband has set me straight about all the different sports so I think I look fairly convincing. Just don't ask me to actually play any of these sports!

2007-07-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

I really don't like writing goodbye posts. And, this is a hard one because I have watched this little one mature from a shy baby to a happy toddler. All the while, I've had the privilege of getting to know his ever-creative, all-around cool mom.

Little friend, we will miss you and mom! Help Mom explore your exciting new city. I look forward to hearing of your adventures, especially when you become a big brother in the near future.

***Picture shamelessly borrowed from Missy Mey's blog .

2007-07-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I was a Kindermusik mom before I became a Kindermusik educator. Noah started his first classes just over three years ago as a baby in the Kindermusik Village classes. We had so much fun singing and dancing to "Aiken Drum," exploring eggshakers, and just spending time together with each other and with other families.

And, that's really why I decided to become a Kindermusik educator when our teacher moved away. Yes, we learned the music basics--children can do that quite easily when young. Kindermusik gave us so much more than a simple music class; we worked on Noah's physical skills (running was a favorite), thinking and listening skills, SOCIAL skills, and language skills. Even more than that, it gave us a special time each week to spend with friends and with one another.

Some of those friends we made that first semester continue to be part of our circle of family here in Laredo. Some we've met more recently through Kindermusik classes.

This afternoon we had the opportunity to play with one of those dear Kindermusik friends. Noah and Didi love playing together.

2007-07-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

"Shoo, fly, don't bother me!"

Circle Dance, Family Time Class

Weekly Summer Camp Updates

Baby (0 to 18 mths) Classes:Our "Busy Days" theme took us to the beach this week with plenty of beachballs, seashell instruments, the sounds of water and sand, and lots of dancing, all accompanied by the music of Handel. The babies especially enjoyed cuddling close with mom or dad during lullaby time this week.

Toddler (18 mths to 3.5 yrs) and Mixed-Age (babies to big kids) Classes: Our special guest, Mr. Squirrel (really a puppet), enjoyed chattering to our classes this week, and he loved the enthusiastic hugs from his friends. We explored large body movements such as "scampering" and "creeping" and exercised our fine motor control with fingerplays such as "My Turtle." The highlight in many classes this week was exploring some of our more unusual musical instruments during the "It's Hiding" listening exercise.

Preschooler (3.5 yrs to 5 yrs) Classes: Preschoolers also visited the beach this week using body percussion, instruments, and spoken word to recreate the sounds of a day on the shore. Rolling the beach balls in time to the music was a preschooler favorite as was learning the song, "Swimming, Swimming." Our classes this summer have wonderful imaginations--we spied pirates, sharks, mermaids, and a very friendly octopus from our boat but somehow managed to row safely to shore.

Big Kid (5 yrs to 7 yrs) Classes: Exploring the traditions of Appalachian music and storytelling using a "Jack story" as a starting point was definitely the favorite for our big kids. What beautiful confident voices made an appearance as we played the "Lazy Jack" singing game. The "Donkey Riding" dance was also a "do it again, please" activity.

REMINDER: No classes the week of July 9-13. Our host facility, First Baptist Church, will be holding Vacation Bible School.

2007-07-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again.

We're fostering a set of semi-wild kittens, preparing them for adoption. We'll probably have them for a week or two more before they head off to good families. Should anyone like a kitten, these haven't been spoken for yet.

Noah named this one "Spider-Cat." He enjoys carefully petting the kittens and singing little made-up songs to them.

More Fun for Laredo Children

2007-07-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Because we are such a fun family, we took Noah to Peter Piper Pizza yesterday. Noah loves the pizza, and we all enjoy playing games afterwards. It's a nice afternoon diversion for less than $15.

While in the restaurant yesterday I picked up a flyer for their summer activities for children:

"This summer take advantage of our interactive Kids Day program designed for children 3 to 12 years old. Kids Day consists of various interactive activities that are fun for children. Events include arts & crafts, story time, fun activities and may include speakers/presenters and educational demonstrations.

Kids Day is scheduled from June 5 to July 31 and it will be held every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The price per child is $2.99 and includes a "Summer Fun Pak" that features 2 slices of pizza from our buffet, a kid’s drink, dessert, Peter Piper Prize, and fun activity."

Dates and themes for the rest of the summer are:

July 10th-Animal Kingdom
July 17th-Christmas in July
July 24th-Our World
July 31st-Let's Make Pizza

The events are available at all three Peter Piper locations in Laredo.

Fun At Our Musical Playgroup

2007-07-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

What a fun morning! Ms. Clair and I started the Monday group of children in our Musical Playgroup today. We played (really hard), laughed, blew bubbles, did lots of singing, and learned how to use chalk for drawings. The highlight was the ABC Music & Me class (a Kindermusik curriculum designed for use in preschool settings). Ms. Clair did a wonderful job leading the class, and all the children enjoyed the activities--especially the train songs and the instrument jam.

Weekly Summer Camp Updates

2007-06-29T18:45:00.001-07:00

Baby Classes (0 to 18 mths): Dancing to "Them Bones," playing with the sensory balls, and a mini-Sign and Sing class at the end of each regular class--we certainly did have "Busy Days" this week! Special thanks to Lili for letting me dance with her five week old little guy. That was a treat!

Toddler Classes (18 mths to 3.5 years): Bees, butterflies, and caterpillars-oh my! We had fun catching our little bees as they buzzed about the room. Exploring the "butterfly wings" parachute was another highlight; remember, butterflies fly up & down, and sometimes even shake all around.

Preschooler Classes (3.5 yrs to 5 years): We've become very good at packing our bags and "driving" to our weekly destinations, with stops for red lights and school zones. It was very impressive to hear all the singing going on this week--great job! And, excellent job using the sticks this week as you flipped "pancakes."

Big Kid Classes (5 years to 7 years): Sharp, wide, skinny, round, and tall--you heard them all in the music and put the sounds to paper (see picture above from Alex in the Monday class). Your lummi stick skills have become quite good--sticks flying everywhere (in rhythm) to the sounds of "Ven Dura."

Chicago Convention Tidbit

2007-06-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Looking over the agenda for the Kindermusik Convention to be held in October in Chicago (still hoping to manage a visit my friends in Duluth, by the way!)...

I'm excited because Dr. Daniel Levitin is one of the speakers. From the convention agenda:

Daniel Levitin, Ph.D. is author of This is Your Brain on Music (Dutton/Penguin, 2006). He will lead a General Session on his book, This is Your Brain on Music, and the value of music education. Dr. Levitin earned his B.A. in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science at Stanford University and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Oregon, researching complex auditory patterns and pattern processing in expert and non-expert populations.

Visit his web site to read of his research, articles on his work, even what's on his iPod.

I'm sure his presentations will give me lots of information and ideas to share with you and our educator team.

Kindermusik in Laredo Newsletter

2007-06-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

Our newest issue of the Kindermusik in Laredo newsletter went out today. As always, e-mail or use the subscription form at the right to be added to the mailing list.

Highlights from this issue:

Babies in a Music Class? All About Village
Summer Camp Updates...Even more camps starting in July
Do You Believe In Music? An Essay Contest
VBS at First Baptist Church