Wheeee!  Bet your toddler loves going for rides in your laundry basket.  What you may not know are all the developmental benefits you are giving your child in these moments, and some of the ways you can make this an even more beneficial experience for you and your little one.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 – Kindermusik (@growandsingstudios)

First, notice how these parents work smarter, not harder, by having a scarf or rope attached to the basket enabling them to stand up and protect their back muscles. (These are the kind of parenting tips our experienced Kindermusik educators share to set you up for success.)

Second, each parent is respecting their baby’s needs during this activity.  Some little ones are enchanted by being pulled in the basket, others want to be close and cuddle as they are parading around the room. Toddlers who are totally focused on walking may want to put their favorite stuffed animal in the basket and push it around themselves!

So let’s highlight some of the benefits of this traveling laundry basket experience.

Balance and Coordination

Sitting upright in a laundry basket as it is moving forward and side to side activates and strengthens your child’s core muscles, and is a delightful exercise for developing balance and coordination.  So if they are old enough to sit up by themselves, place them in the center so they are less inclined to lean back.  Don’t worry too much if they do.

Spatial Awareness

As your child sees and feels themselves traveling through the room, they are becoming more aware of where they are in relation to the space around them.  Your child is developing the spatial awareness they need to navigate the world around them.

Sensory Stimulation

Whether your child is sitting directly on the grooves in the bottom of the laundry basket, or a soft towel or blanket on the bottom, they  are getting sensory input from the density and textures on their skin as their body moves around on top.  Try it with a load of warm laundry for additional sensory input.  Both the warmth of the clothes and the scent of the fabric softener strengthens the building of strong neural connections.

As your toddler’s eyes see objects move past them, they are becoming more observant of their environment and how things look from different perspectives.  To activate the same effect with their hearing, have music playing in one room, and move past the door to that room so your child’s ears hear the changing location of the sound.

Imaginative Play

Does your child love trains?  Create chugging sounds and train whistles, and maybe even listen to songs about trains on your laundry basket adventure.  Pretend to make scheduled stops and announce the location loudly.  There are so many ways to stimulate their ability for imaginative play on a topic they love.  If your child loves their stuffed animals, set them up around the house and pretend to be a train traveling around the zoo and talking about each animal.  Maybe they can be the zoo expert after your many repetitions.  Start by becoming acutely aware of what your child is most fascinated by in this moment, and initiate pretend play accordingly.  Then watch as your child starts to initiate it in their own.

ADD Social Interaction

Some of these suggestions are extras you can add that we can’t include in our Kindermusik classes.  But your mommy and me time (or daddy and me, grandma and me, nanny and me…) during class provides you with a continual supply activities, music, and information to level up your daily play at home.  You will both meet new friends with your classmates, adding the benefit of socialization and interpersonal connection.

It is so easy to sign up and preview one of our classes full of music and movement with your child.  Our unique programs for each age (infancy, early toddlerhood and early preschool ages) ensures you are both  gaining what you need for each stage of their development.

Let’s nurture these young minds together.  Wheee!

What a wonderful testimonial and peak into our Kindermusik classroom!
******************************************************************
“Thank you to Grow and Sing Studios for inviting us to experience Kindermusik in Lake Nona, connecting through the magic of music! {Hosted}

As a mama, I’m always nervous with how my toddlers will react in new spaces. Seriously, you never know what you’ll get! Today, Ms. Grace welcomed us with open arms and an open heart. She quickly recognized that MJ had strong emotions, and met her where she was. Through music and movement, it was beautiful to see the curiosity and wonder light up in MJs eyes as she engaged a safe distance away. 🥰

🎶 Kindermusik takes musical learning to the next level. In every Kindermusik class, babies and toddlers are welcomed into a playful and nurturing environment where they will sing, move, play instruments, and hear stories—all while developing social skills, problem-solving skills, pre-math skills, and a foundation for reading.
Their research-based curriculum focuses on whole-child development and helps caregivers understand how their child is developing musically, cognitively, and socially.

Classes are available for babies and toddlers.

Summer 2024 Kindermusik Registration is OPEN! Check out the link in stories.
If you’re looking for a safe and educational indoor activity this summer for your babies and toddlers, we recommend checking them out.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Johnson Family | Travel • Family • Finds (@funwiththejohnsons)

Things to do Orlando, baby activities, toddler activities

Scarf play with music for a newborn?  OH YES! Discover the magic of scarf play with music for your newborn and how it can engage their senses and promote development.

Multi-Sensory Stimulation:

As your baby feels, touches and sees the scarf moving, and hears the music match the movements, so many of their senses are sending messages to the brain all at the same time. In turn, your baby’s brain is absorbing and integrating this sensory information, building neural connections that can become automated awareness, leaves their brain energy for new things to learn.

Interactive Play for Development:

Because infants rely on interactive play with a loving family member to stimulate them,  calm them,  and enable them feel joy… all which are key to optimal infant development, scarves offer a gentle way to accent your play and spark creativity.

Incorporating Scarf Play in Family Time:

Mommy and me music playtime with a scarf can provide all of that…  moving the scarf along with vocal play, describing words, upbeat tunes or sweet lullabies.   Daddy and me activities can be a bit more robust, holding baby up to their chest facing out, and marching through the room with a scarf hanging over their legs… swishing on their skin with the movement.   Siblings can lay down in front of Baby, facing them for some delightful infant tummy time playing peek-a-boo, or bouncing the scarf to the beat of rhymes they chant.  Scarves are actually a wonderful prop for infant play with your whole family seated in a circle around them tossing the scarf to each other and peeking out at baby in turn.

Understanding Your Baby’s Sensory Sensitivity:

Be aware, each baby has their own sensory sensitivity.  Now is a good time to carefully watch to see what your baby is communication to you and adjust accordingly.  When your baby seems to avoid or whimper during scarf play, you may need to slow down, start with just visual play or only gently touch extremities.  Often young babies can become averse to scarf play when it is immediately used on their face and it may freak them out since they don’t understand it.   Any peekaboo play should start with your own face, and they will love it.  Once your baby knows what to expect, and enjoys this multi-sensory play, they may be eager for more close to the face movement and robust movements.

Enhancing Scarf Playtime:

Try this:  Start with vocalizing on “aah” or “ooh” going higher or lower in pitch MATCHING the movements of the scarf above them as they are laying on the floor.  (They love your voice, even if you don’t.)   You may include describing words to add the benefit of language development.  Use directional words such as up-down, around, over-under, in-out, or action words like swoop, swish, swirl, hop,  jump, etc.

Add a personal touch by singing your baby’s name.  As you slowly move the scarf upward, focus on the first vowel in their name as the pitch in your voice slowly climbs higher before finishing their name in a playful way.  Enjoy the same going lower until the scarf rests on their belly.  If they reach for it, let them bat it around and maybe even grab it and pull it in toward the center of their body.

Enhance your play by playing some instrumental music and move the scarf along with the flow of pitch, with small movements for quiet music and bigger movements for louder music.

Benefits of Scarf Play:

As a tiny infant, your baby may not be moving their head side to side yet, so seeing the bright blurry scarf flow above them, and hearing the pitch of your voice sync with the scarf movement is an incredible learning experience.  As your baby starts to move their head side to side, they are eager to practice and develop their independent eye tracking to watch the scarf glide across their vision.

As your baby reaches for the scarf, they are practicing their ability to extend their extremities, and as they grab at it and pull it in, they are practicing their ability to flex and hold, critical gross motor skills for infants.  Stephanie Johnson, in her book “Baby Bare” calls the first three months of a baby’s life the “Squishies” stage, and these specific visual and motor skills are the first most important aspects of their critical  early development.

Before babies can try to imitate anything, their brain is programmed to learn quite complex concepts from their experiences.  Babies’ brains are primed to create neural pathways for intervals and math through the more rich classical and jazz music.  Simply listening is a delightful background for their daily experiences, but interactive play while listening is when the real learning occurs. Once a child begins to try to imitate, we adapt it for their singing range  and capabilities.

Choosing the Right Music:

The barbershop quartet version of “Home Sweet Home” on the free Kindermusik APP (available for any mobile device) is found in the Theme: Relaxation, and has a wonderful high and low flow, perfect for scarf play.  For a delightful song with verbal directions, enjoy “Up, Up in the Sky” with your little bird.  Download the APP today for music YOU will love to listen to repeatedly as well.

Next Step….Kindermusik!

For an ongoing supply of new ideas and music you can use together with your baby, join us anytime during your infant’s first three months with our special Newborn Offer.  If your baby is older, sign up today to Preview a Class and see the musical magic in action with other families with newborn infants, and babies up to walking.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 🌷𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀🐇 (@growandsingstudios)

We hope this inspires you to embrace scarf play with music as a valuable tool for newborn sensory development, fostering a strong bond and providing enriching experiences for your baby.

With Music and Magic,
Team Grow and Sing Studios

By Debbie Mondale, Accredited Kindermusik Educator

Do you wonder why it is so important for our babies to rock and roll – move freely… and why toddlers love repeatedly falling over on purpose or preschool-age children spin themselves silly?

Balancing is not a skill we are born with, it must be trained in coordination with our body and brain.  The good news, training for this cognitive development is natural and FUN, and this is a skill that impacts us every day of our entire lives, even essential for our survival.  Encouraging children to move creatively is a good start, AND there are many mommy and me type activities that enhance this process.

The movements of our little one’s bodies train their brain to know how their body is positioned in the space around them, where UP is, and how to balance.   The video below shows a pretty cool way to demonstrate this vestibular system as it occurs in the inner ear and sends messages to train the brain for balance and so much more.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 🌷𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀🐇 (@growandsingstudios)

Usborne – How Your Body Works – 1975

The inner ear is a curled up tube with three extra loops which are filled with a liquid, somewhat like the balloon in the video.  These loops are also filled with nerves, that go with the flow as we move around and send messages to the brain.  As the head and body moves, the liquid stays level with the ground, and the nerve endings tilt from their secured end as the liquid moves.  Messages about HOW these nerve endings move are sent to the brain to create neural connections that allow us to subconsciously balance and move through space effectively.

When rolling and spinning round and round, the liquid in the ear whirls around too, even for a little while after stopping, which leaves a bit of a dizzying feeling which children LOVE (adults?… not so much).   Spinning sends totally unique messages about balance to the brain and improves focus since coordinating both sides of the body and brain are required.

The more your child’s body moves, in every which way, the more they will be able to coordinate their actions to dance, ride a bike, play sports, and problem solve situations in which they become off balance, stuck, or disoriented.

Usborne – How Your Body Works – 1975

Think about the last time your body instinctively recovered after you stumbled on uneven ground.  Have you ever been disoriented under water after a wave knocked you over?   These are the moments when all this vestibular training kicks in to save the day.

Movements you do with them, such as  rocking, dancing with mom, wrestling with dad, and even fun pillow fights with the family are training the brain.  I remember when my son was young, he loved being carried upside down.  He insisted for almost a year that THAT is how he wanted to be taken to the bathroom to brush his teeth!

Dear Families,

It’s time for Kindermusik International’s annual  “We Love Kindermusik” week ALL around the world. Kindermusik is enjoyed by so many, and once again we can all share our experiences and love for this amazing enrichment program together.

“WE LOVE KINDERMUSIK” week is truly intended to be a week of happy reminders of why we all love Kindermusik and most importantly, of all the special people – educators, families, and children – who come together every week to change the world through music…. one child and one song at a time.

Read below for details on how to share the love, and enter to one of our exciting prizes! We are giving away $100 of CLASSES AT GROW AND SING STUDIOS and also an INSTRUMENT AND PROP GIFT PACK.

We hope you enjoy sharing the love, and good luck! — The Grow and Sing Team

Here are all the different ways to get an entry into our SHARE THE LOVE GIVEAWAY. (entries are unlimited, so have fun!)

1. Color a “We Love Kindermusik” coloring sheet complete including a testimonial of WHY your family loves Kindermusik classes. Not in Kindermusik yet? That’s okay, tell us how you incorporate music at home with your kids. (THIS PART IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY). Take a photo of your coloring sheet and post to one of our socials (IG, FB, or TIKTOK) or you can even email it to . Be sure it’s set to public so we can see it. Use #growandsing Click here to print coloring sheet.
2. Comment on any of our posts, reels or tiktoks and be sure to tag us so we see (each comment is an entry)
3. Tag us in a REEL, POST, or STORY. Be sure to use tag @growandsingstudios or we may not see it (each tag is an entry)

FOLLOW US:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK

We will be keeping close track of entries, and submit your name accordingly. However, you are welcome to email us your entry count. If you choose to do so, please be sure you let us know exactly how many and WHERE your entries are, so we can verify and get your amount right! Do not send us several emails to verify, just wait until you are done and then send us one complete email listing all the ways you entered (and how your name appears on social media!). Thank you! The contest begins Monday, February 12, 2024 and will close at 11:59pm Sunday, February 18, 2024. Prizes may be gifted to someone else if you are not able to use it. $100 credit prize can be redeemed for ANY service offered by Grow and Sing Studios including lessons or birthday party. Winners for our giveaway will be chosen by random draw. Winners will be announced sometime during February on our socials once we tally up all the votes, so be sure to like our social media accounts and select get notifications so you don’t miss the announcement of winners.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH KINDERMUSIK INTERNATIONAL, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLET.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

This goes out to all the new parents and grandparents out there!
If you have a friend or family member with a new baby, please forward this invitation to them. Thank you!
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! As fellow parents, we understand the joy, challenges, and occasional isolation that come with the beautiful journey of parenthood. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone, especially in those early days.

At Grow and Sing Studios, we’ve created a warm and welcoming musical community through our Kindermusik classes. We recognize that large group activities can be intimidating, which is why our classes are intentionally small, ensuring a cozy and supportive environment for you and your little one.

Join us for our Special Baby Days offer from November 27 to December 1, 2023!

For just $1, you and your baby (newborn to walking) can experience the magic of our Kindermusik Foundations class. This exclusive offer is our way of reaching out to parents like you, providing a space where you can connect with others who are navigating the same exciting, yet challenging, parenthood journey.

Why Choose Kindermusik at Grow and Sing Studios?
Intimate Community: Our small class sizes foster genuine connections, allowing you to build a supportive network of fellow parents.
Expert Guidance: Led by accredited instructors, our Kindermusik Foundations class introduces your baby to the joy of music while offering valuable insights on early childhood development.
Multiple Locations: With classes in Oviedo/UCF, Winter Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, and Winter Garden, we’re conveniently located to serve families across Central Florida.
How to Sign Up:

Click here and follow the instructions.
Select the Foundations class in your preferred location.

Use code BABYDAYS23 in the additional information section to unlock this special $1 offer.

Don’t let the isolation of early parenthood overshadow the joy it brings. Join us at Grow and Sing Studios, where every note is a step towards building a supportive community for you and your baby.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Kindermusik family!

P.S If you have a toddler, we invite you to come preview anytime! : )
All the very best,
Holly and Will Lesnick, Owners
Grow and Sing Studios

Birthdays are special occasions that fill our hearts with joy and create lasting memories. When it comes to celebrating your little one’s big day, why settle for ordinary when you can make it extraordinary with Kindermusik Birthday Parties? Grow and Sing Studios offers an interactive and musical party experience that is guaranteed to bring laughter, smiles, and unforgettable moments for babies through age 7.

There are so many amazing benefits of having a Kindermusik Birthday Party:

• Engaging Activities and Age-Appropriate Instruments: During a Kindermusik party by Grow and Sing Studios, children and their guests are invited to sing, dance, and participate in a variety of engaging activities. Led by one of our amazing accredited Kindermusik Educators who are also musicians, these parties provide a unique opportunity for children to explore music in a fun and interactive way. From instrument play and dancing to bubbles, parachute play, scarf play, and puppet play, the activities are carefully designed to captivate and entertain young minds. Moreover, the instruments used during the parties are age-appropriate, ensuring that each child can fully participate and enjoy the experience.
• Involvement of Parents and Guests: Our Kindermusik Birthday Parties actively involve parents and guests, creating an inclusive and memorable celebration for everyone. The parties are designed with the guests’ ages in mind, ensuring that all attendees, regardless of their age, can join in on the fun. Whether it’s singing along, playing instruments, or dancing together, the interactive nature of these parties fosters a sense of togetherness and creates a joyful atmosphere. Parents can bond with their children through music, creating beautiful memories that will be cherished for years to come.
• Multi-Age Entertainment Expertise: Grow and Sing Studios understands that birthdays often bring together children of different ages. Our expertise lies in providing multi-age entertainment, ensuring that all guests, regardless of their age, can have a great time. Our Kindermusik Educators have the skills and knowledge to engage and entertain children of varying developmental stages, creating a harmonious and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
• Flexible Locations and Travel Services: To make your child’s birthday celebration as convenient as possible, Grow and Sing Studios offers flexible location options. They can come to your home or a venue of your choosing within the Central Florida area. This traveling minstrel-style service allows you to create a personalized party atmosphere wherever you desire. If you need assistance in finding a suitable venue, they may also be able to provide suggestions. Additionally, the studio strives to match you with an educator closest to your location, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Please note that travel fees may apply, depending on the distance.

In addition to the birthday party services, Grow and Sing Studios also offers Kindermusik classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers near UCF, Oviedo, Winter Park, Downtown Orlando, Baldwin Park, Winter Garden, Lake Nona and Port Orange. These classes provide a nurturing environment for children to explore music, movement, and early literacy skills. Led by accredited Kindermusik Educators, the classes follow a research-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development. By enrolling your child in Kindermusik classes, you can extend the joy of music beyond the birthday party and provide them with an enriching musical experience.

To learn more about our Kindermusik Parties and Kindermusik classes, visit our website or contact us to book your party date. Let the music and celebration begin!

Dear parents of babies and toddlers in Central Florida,

As a parent, you know that raising a little one can be both incredibly rewarding and downright challenging at times. From sleepless nights to feeding difficulties, you’ve likely experienced a variety of stressors that come with the territory of new parenthood. But did you know that there’s a fun and effective way to help your little one’s development and provide some much-needed unplugged quality time together? Enter Kindermusik music and movement classes.

Kindermusik is a research-based program that uses music and movement to stimulate your child’s brain and promote development in a variety of areas. From language and social skills to gross and fine motor coordination, Kindermusik classes offer a well-rounded approach to early childhood education that is both enjoyable and effective.

But Kindermusik isn’t just beneficial for your child’s development. It also offers a valuable opportunity for parents to unplug from the distractions of daily life and connect with their little one in a meaningful way. In today’s world of screens and constant stimulation, taking a break from technology and focusing on your child’s growth can be a much-needed breath of fresh air.

At Grow and Sing Studios, we offer Kindermusik classes for babies and toddlers in various locations around Central Florida, including Winter Park, Oviedo – UCF, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, Baldwin Park – Orlando and Volusia County. Our program has been recognized as a top Kindermusik program 16 times, so you can trust that you and your child will be in good hands.

Enrolling for a $5 preview class, or even for our 6 week summer Kindermusik session is a fantastic way to try out this program and see firsthand the benefits it can provide. Not only will you and your little one get to enjoy the fun and engaging activities that Kindermusik has to offer, but you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with other parents in your community and form lasting friendships.

If you’re looking for a way to help your child’s development and spend some quality time together, we highly recommend trying out a one of our Kindermusik classes led by an Accredited Kindermusik Educator. Enroll now and watch your child thrive. We can’t wait to make music with you and your little one!

Learn more by visiting our website. There are quick links at the top once you click, and deeper menu options as well.

Holly Lesnick
Founder / Owner / Director
Grow and Sing Studios

As a parent, you may be tempted to keep your baby cocooned in the safety of your own home, away from the germ-ridden playgrounds and other children. However, research shows that socializing with other babies and children can provide numerous benefits for your little one. Lets explore the benefits of babies socializing with each other.

1.    Boosts Cognitive Development

Interacting with other babies and children can help your baby develop their cognitive skills. When babies engage with other children, they learn how to communicate nonverbally, make eye contact, and use their own voice to communicate. This helps them develop their language skills and improve their social and emotional intelligence.

2.    Enhances Motor Skills

Playing with other babies can help enhance your baby’s motor skills. When babies are around each other, they learn how to crawl, walk, and move around in different ways. They also learn to grasp objects, throw things, and manipulate toys. These physical interactions help build their fine and gross motor skills.

3.    Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem

When your baby socializes with other babies, they learn how to interact with different personalities and temperaments. They learn how to share, take turns, and cooperate. This helps build their confidence and self-esteem, and they feel more comfortable around others.

4.    Encourages Empathy and Compassion

As babies grow and learn to socialize with others, they begin to develop empathy and compassion. They learn to recognize and respond to the emotions of others. This can help them develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion that will serve them well throughout their lives.

5.    Builds a Strong Social Foundation

Socializing with other babies and children helps your baby build a strong social foundation that will benefit them throughout their lives. As they learn to interact with others, they develop communication skills, social skills, and emotional intelligence. These skills will help them build healthy relationships with others and navigate the complexities of social situations.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 🍀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 (@growandsingstudios)

So, don’t hesitate to take your baby out to meet other babies and children, and let them develop their social skills from an early age. Of course, Kindermusik is such a great option for this socialization.

Try a Kindermusik class for your baby or toddler at Grow and Sing Studios for only $5.
CLICK HERE FOR A $5 IN-PERSON PREVIEW
CLICK HERE FOR A $5 VIRTUAL PREVIEW

We can’t wait to meet you!

Joyful experiences stick with us—including educational ones! Build confidence, strengthen family connection, and help your child meet developmental milestones through the power of music.

Summer 2023 Kindermusik registration is open for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
UCF/Oviedo – Winter Park – Baldwin Park – Lake Nona – Winter Garden – Port Orange

We are proud to announce our Summer 2023 program offerings. This summer we are offering ONE 6 week session for babies through age 5 in various locations around Central Florida, as well as virtual. Registration is open for both in-person in Central FL and virtual for everyone everywhere (or both). Spaces in Summer typically fill very fast because many people enroll multiple children. As always, we limit class size based on the size of the space to ensure you have a safe, beautiful experience. This is our 19th Summer and we can’t wait to see you for another amazing Summer of Music!

Kindermusik Foundations – For babies newborn to walking

Kindermusik Mixed Ages – For babies to 5 years old

Kindermusik Virtual program – For children newborn – 7 years old

CLICK HERE TO
Enroll now for Summer 2023

Our mission:
Grow and Sing Studios is dedicated
to connecting families through the magic of music.