When Are Kids Too Old For Music Together?
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I found the following Facebook conversation about older children in Music Together classes not seeming as engaged as younger ones.
At what age do you guys notice kids getting less into class? My 3 year old loves the music, but is starting to be a little too wild and not-as-into it as previous sessions. Do kids age out???
Great question about Music Together. Sorry it took me a little bit to get back to you. I asked one of our Teacher Trainers o address your question, and here is what she said:
The playful, non-formal approach used in Music Together classes is developmentally appropriate through the age of four or five; children don't really "age out" until they're ready for formal instruction. But it is common for children around the age of three to suddenly appear less interested in Music Together class. Paradoxically, this can be a critical time for them to keep attending!
One reason for a shift in attention is that the older child has new abilities for and interest in social connection, and often begins attending more to the community aspect of class. Another important thing that is happening is that the child is on the cusp of basic music competence.
Younger children are happy to wiggle, jump, sing or chant without any notion or concern about doing things "correctly." The closer a child gets to being able to sing in tune and move with accurate rhythm, however, the more he notices the ways his musical expression doesn't quite match that of the adults in class. Because he notices for the first time that he's a little off, he may feel less inclined to put himself in the spotlight and step back a little in class.
It's important for you as a parent to realize that this is a crucial time when your child is mentally "putting it all together." Keeping him in class will help him integrate his musical and his social development. There are a few ways you can help him at this delicate time: offer him some affirmation by mentioning the musical growth you've noticed in him, and also play the CD frequently at home. This will reinforce the sound of in-tune singing, and give him the opportunity to practice in the privacy of his home. Once your child has passed through this stage, he will likely become an enthusiastic participant once again, as he enjoys his new-found music competence.
At what age do you guys notice kids getting less into class? My 3 year old loves the music, but is starting to be a little too wild and not-as-into it as previous sessions. Do kids age out???
Great question about Music Together. Sorry it took me a little bit to get back to you. I asked one of our Teacher Trainers o address your question, and here is what she said:
The playful, non-formal approach used in Music Together classes is developmentally appropriate through the age of four or five; children don't really "age out" until they're ready for formal instruction. But it is common for children around the age of three to suddenly appear less interested in Music Together class. Paradoxically, this can be a critical time for them to keep attending!
One reason for a shift in attention is that the older child has new abilities for and interest in social connection, and often begins attending more to the community aspect of class. Another important thing that is happening is that the child is on the cusp of basic music competence.
Younger children are happy to wiggle, jump, sing or chant without any notion or concern about doing things "correctly." The closer a child gets to being able to sing in tune and move with accurate rhythm, however, the more he notices the ways his musical expression doesn't quite match that of the adults in class. Because he notices for the first time that he's a little off, he may feel less inclined to put himself in the spotlight and step back a little in class.
It's important for you as a parent to realize that this is a crucial time when your child is mentally "putting it all together." Keeping him in class will help him integrate his musical and his social development. There are a few ways you can help him at this delicate time: offer him some affirmation by mentioning the musical growth you've noticed in him, and also play the CD frequently at home. This will reinforce the sound of in-tune singing, and give him the opportunity to practice in the privacy of his home. Once your child has passed through this stage, he will likely become an enthusiastic participant once again, as he enjoys his new-found music competence.
