Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Red Balloons #1

 

NEED TO KNOW

Red Balloons #1: What great classes we had this week! Seriously so much fun!! Thanks to all the grownups to came to support your students. Thank you for singing along and doing the actions during class. When they see that you enjoy music, they will too!

STUDENT ONLY DAY NEXT WEEK: Parents don't come to class next week, which means totes and bells don't either. Just send your kids in with their homework booklet (no bells and no bag) and they will be ready 45 minutes later.
*If your student is nervous about coming to class without you, please don't force the issue. Tender little souls might put up some major blocks and end up dreading class because they're so anxious about time alone. Do what works for your family. If that's having you sit on my front swing or in my front room during class, that's fine. If that's having you come upstairs and sit in my loft area, that's fine. If that's having you sit with your child at the start, that's fine too. I'm used to working with anxiety-ridden kiddos (my own!) and totally get the give and take that it requires. When kids in class on non-parent days are worried and/or crying, I have them sit next to me and be a special helper, and they are usually fine long before class is over. It's a great step in independence.

ADDITIONAL EMAIL ADDRESSES: You aren't the only one who loves your kid! If there are other people (dads, grandmas, aunts, anybody!) who would like to be getting the updates about class, please let me know! I can add emails addresses or text numbers to the existing groups. Just send me a text or email with the info!

CDs: I totally forgot to do this before class, but if you requested a CD on your Parent Orientation form, I'll have one ready for your kid next week.

PRACTICE THOUGHTS: During 1st Year, the practice process is all about fun and ongoing exposure through play. Put out the bells and let your child play with them. Listen to the music every day in a natural way (in the car, background music during playtime, etc). Once a week sit down and do the theory. That's it! A piece of cake!

TUITION: Thank you for paying tuition! If you didn't get it in, I'll send a reminder and/or venmo request. I sent receipts for tuition payments. If you need one and didn't get one, let me know and I'll figure it out.

GOOD TO KNOW

LPM APP FEATURES: Instead of bells, sometimes it's fun to use an app! There is a virtual bell set on your LPM app! And an autoharp! Click the far-left music notes in the bottom menu and explore. Make sure your phone's mute button is switched off to hear the sound. These are totally optional! I just want you to know the options! Here's a visual of where they are on the LPM app.




ONLINE CLASS SERIES: Let's Play Music has adapted their in-person curriculum to include an online option for families who don't live close to live teachers. One benefit we get from that is that every class has a professionally produced video that we can use as "makeup classes" when students miss class. Every class has a lot of overlap repetition to allow the concepts to solidify, so if your student misses a class here and there it will be fine. If they miss three classes in a row, it would be worth purchasing access to the class to make sure you're on track. I believe First Year classes are $7 for access to a lesson for four weeks. But the first class in each semester is posted for free on YouTube! If you'd like to check out this week's class, click here! 



EAR TRAINING: To read why ear training is important and why it is part of the LPM curriculum, check out this article.

FUN TO KNOW

PUPPET SHOW: Get downloadable coloring pages that correlate with the Magic Lamp puppet show. You can also print some mini puppets if you'd like!

GREAT JOB!: Parenting is full of tough decisions. You made a great one to join music class!



Red Balloons #3

NEED TO KNOW Red Balloons #3: Thanks to all the grownups that came to class this week! Thanks for participating and enjoying your time toget...