Wait...wait...wait....NOW!

Watch this really short clip to catch a glimpse of many developmental building blocks we are working on in all age groups of Kindermusik.

Our work with this song includes:
1. Exploring the drums  

2. Pretend play

3. Playing along with a steady beat

4.Math patterns and measuring time

5. Eye/hand coordination

6. Developing our proprioceptive sense

7. Self control  

8. Fun!

If you saw my earlier post on "School readiness and reading readiness: Is it just for preschool?", you'll know that we've been working a LOT self control. The above video is a snapshot of budding musicians learning how to wait for the perfect moment to play a single tap on the drum. There are 3 children playing drums and they all stepping on the path to self control. First, of course is exploration (drums are fun and can make all kinds of sounds, mostly fast and loud!) and understanding their body (specifically for this activity knowing where their arms are and how to make them do exactly what you want them to do--this is part of the proprioceptive sense). Then, waiting (self control); a skill highly developed by musicians especially in any ensemble work like playing in an orchestra, woodwind quintet or rock and roll band. In our little video the drum is part of the simple ensemble. The children's brains have computed the length of the first phrase and have noted that it matches the second phrase. Some predict that the third phrase will also match but when it turns out to be a much longer phrase they have to work against the urge to tap in the middle of the phrase! Wait...wait...wait....NOW! That's pretty complex work for these little ones! But these are the tools they need to be successful as adults.

 Nolan jumps on the last beat of each phrase of Hickory Dickory Dock. At first children will learn that the length of the 2nd phrase matches the first. Then the predict the third one will also be the same size. You have to give them credit when they make that educated guess!  BUT the first  2 phrases are short and the third one is long so Nolan has learned to measure the time for each phrase and the pattern that this creates. Jumping is a gross motor activity and takes a lot more control than tapping or clapping.

Just below I've put a link to an article of interest from the New Yorker about self control as a predictor of success. The author says towards the end that it's sad that we know this but when we see a student who can not wait their turn, or shouts out the answers without raising their hands, the only thing we do about it is complain. There are ways to learn this self control. And, well..., what could be more fun than Kindermusik! It's a valuable way to invest in your child!Don’t!

The secret of self-control.

by Jonah Lehrer May 18, 2009

Children who are able to pass the marshmallow test enjoy greater success as adults.