Question of the Day Contest – Day 6 of 7
Again.. no right or wrong answer. We just want this to be a place to share ideas!! Today anyone that answers wins a set of zig zag blocks!! :)
So today’s question of the day:
KINDERMUSIK FOCUSES A LOT ON RITUAL. IN CLASS THE RITUAL OF HELLO, GOODBYE AND QUIET TIME ARE EXAMPLES OF WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD GROW DEVELOPMENTALLY WHILE FEELING SAFE IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT. WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR RITUALS AT HOME. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR RITUALS THAT YOU HAVE STARTED WITH YOUR CHILDREN? (perhaps walk us through your nighttime ritual, bathtime, etc.)
We look forward to reading and sharing!
Everyone who answers wins today!!! (if you live far away, and want a set we’ll ship them to you, just email us your address to . You are welcome to answer more than once but one prize per person!
GOOD LUCK!!!!
Our son still sleeps in our bed so our bed time routine is pretty low key. We all get ready for bed and while he drinks his milk I read him a story. After his story he brushes his teeth and goes to sleep (usually), sometimes he wants to lay there and talk though, lol.
Every morning when the boys wake up, I sing them the same "good morning song" (something simple I made up, lol). I've found that it starts the day on a positive note and has them smiling. Then we begin our daily routine of milk and breakfast. :)
We always eat dinner together as a family. We sit and discuss our days and reconnect!!!
It is not natural for me to talk all day, but labeling and constantly talking has been a huge ritual that has helped my daughter develop into a more independent child. I learned that if I talk her through something, tell her what is happening or about to happen she reacts very differently than if I don't help her understand what is going on. She was a very clingy, fearful child and although she can still be shy, she is much more open to new things now.
The morning typically starts with Jeremy waking me with, "I gotta go!" After bathroom business is done, both boys and I have breakfast together before Kyle gets started on school and Jeremy gets started on one of his many imaginative adventures!!!
After dinner each night (except for on Wednesdays when we head to music class!!!!) Caydin loves to do art stuff! We keep him in his highchair and let him explore with new things – like crayons, markers, play-doh, and paint. It's great because he knows that after his art, he gets to take a bath so no mess! We like playing his Kindermusik CDs during art times and its really fun to see him get "excited" about certain songs. A couple months ago, he started swaying in his highchair (no doubt– he learned that from the welcome song at music class) :)
We have lots of rituals.
ok- well I typed more than just that. Every morning I greet Abigail in her crib with "Good Morning Sunshine" and then sing that song. We then go to my bed and have cuddle/play time. We sing, pray, play, cuddle, read, eat & say good morning to a variety of objects (like the trees outside). It's my favorite time of day.
Ritual and routine are so very important to the development of a child. Adding music to a routine makes it even more solid! As a former preschool teacher and a graduate in vocal performance, i've found that even adding music to the smallest details of the day can be so helpful. Try adding a song to help with behavior as well! Make a "time to sit down" song, a "time to line up" song, and "time to wash your hands" song. Not only do these little routines help focus a child, but they're also great for transitioning into different activities.