Hop Easter Bunnies, hop hop hop!

I think some of the kids had a bit too much Easter chocolate this week, as the energy was at an all time high. While this made for excellent jumping and bouncing songs, focusing exercises were a little bit more difficult compared to other weeks. We were in the playroom this week, which provided some distractions of toys and craft supplies. However, I tried to incorporate these things into the song (like a toy bus that we used for Wheels on the Bus, and a toy frog for Little Green Frog). The kids particularly loved What Are You Wearing This Week, as did the grown-ups, and everyone had a great time passing around the bean bag.

Shouting Out Colours!

Today I arrived to the kids eagerly sitting in a circle, ready for Rainbow Songs Foundation's class to begin. Everyone was participating, and some of the kids who were more familiar with certain songs gestured towards their newer friends and siblings. Though we didn’t have as many parents today, the kids were still thoroughly engaged and excited. The highlight of today was What Are You Wearing? which had the kids shouting out every colour they could think of, and even a few rhymes. The kids also responded particularly well to the train songs today, and one of them told me that she sings them in the morning. It’s nice to know that the kids take the music with them after classes end.

Getting Our Silly On!

Our friends were in a silly mood this week, which led to some hilarious antics. We ended up with no fewer than five rounds of Sleeping Bunnies. ("One more time, Lindaaaaa!" will get me pretty much every time.) Later in our time together we sang a raucous rendition of Down By the Bay, with everyone taking turns coming up with silly rhymes or, in some cases, even just a silly pairing. What better way to top it off than with a silly instrument-that's-not-really-an-instrument: the spoons!

Hop Hop Hop!

Our little bunnies were happily hopping today at Robertson House! With great attendance and energy, our last class of the session was a great success. Participants were really excited to receive a certificate of attendance along with a few musical gifts at the end of the class. I was really impressed with the overall enthusiasm from this group all session. That’s a wrap at Robertson House for Winter 2018! 

Thunder Pounding!

Today I brought the thunder tube to demonstrate for the instrument of the week. The kids loved taking turns shaking the tube and making the coil vibrate and roar like thunder. We sang Thunder Pounding all together while we passed the thunder tube around. Afterwards we shook out our sillies and I taught them the difference between their rights and lefts as we did the Hokey Pokey. I have some serious dancers in my group. 

Growing Together

At Redwood, there are a few families that have been coming consistently, and we've been able to see their children grow and develop. Our smallest friends showed off how they've learned to jump and dance, while the older kids were beyond sweet – wanting to help with everything, passing instruments around to everyone, as well as looking out for the little ones in the circle. It's always a great feeling to see our participants grow and change, and I think it's also a wonderful testament to what Redwood does and the progress made by their families.

Spring Forward!

Today was a joyous one at Ernestine. Not only did we have a couple of new friends join the group, but we also had participation from some slightly older siblings who used to come out last year. The older kids displayed a ton of enthusiasm, and even helped the youngest ones with movement and dancing! There was also more singing than usual from some of the parents today, especially during a parachute rendition of Baby Beluga. The kids are getting better with their clapping and sharing every week. Looking forward to the weeks ahead!

All Smiles!

Everyone was very excited for RSF at the Plaza after a week off for March break. The kids this week reacted to the humour in a lot of the songs, especially when exaggerating their signs and gestures. I brought a thumb piano as the instrument of the week, which received a lukewarm response, but that was turned upside down by the instrument bag. The kids tended to gravitate to the drums this week, and their sense of rhythm is astounding.

E-I-E-I-O!!

Such a fun class at Robertson House this week! Loved seeing all the young ones singing along to Old MacDonald! There was one boy in particular who has not yet begun to talk but was singing very clearly along to the lyrics “E-I-E-I-O!” It’s always great to see music transcend age and language. Lots of fun with the clave sticks as well, singing All The Children Love Bananas. Looking forward to our last class next week!

March Break Extravaganza!!

It was so nice to be reunited with the kids and caregivers today at Birkdale. Many kids who are usually in daycare or school were able to attend and participate today. It was nice to see them and have a nice big class again. We worked on more complicated rhythms today and everyone had a great time clapping out the beats.