What happens during a session?
Each session will start and finish with Yo Baby! songs and actions that are repeated every week. In the first half of the session we look at a particular part of the world and explore the music associated with that country. The children will hear traditional music, play games, sing songs and use percussion instruments related to that part of the world. The world theme changes every six weeks therefore introducing your child to different styles of sound, rhythm and instruments from around the globe. The rest of the class involves popular percussion instruments with rhythm activities, imaginative games and songs involving colourful and fun props (anything from bricks to leaves to handmade miniature kites). Various genres of music will also feature from classical to jazz to hip-hop. You may recognise the songs or rhymes or if you don't lyrics are displayed for parents/carers to join in and learn for themselves.
How will my child benefit from Yo Baby!?
Yo Baby's main aims are to give children the opportunity to discover sounds from around the world and develop:
- Musical enjoyment through exposure to an eclectic range of music and percussion instruments to encourage their taste and love for music.
- Language skills through songs, voice finding, rhymes, reciting and rhythm vocal games.
- Social and personal skills by turn taking, participation, leadership, group games and awareness of others and themselves.
- Imagination and creativity through role playing and visual props.
- Physical skills through movement and action games.
Musical sessions are also known to encourage:
- Listening
- Memorising
- Recognition
- Repeating
- A sense of achievement
- Attention span
- Decision making
How many children will be in a session?
Each Yo Baby! session is limited to 12 children. Children benefit more in groups this size as it's large enough for a great atmosphere and small enough for each child to receive individual attention. This group size is more personal - children may find it easier to create friendships and remember faces. This helps them to relax and enjoy the session.
How do I get involved during the class?
We all know how our little ones copy everything we do. We, the parents are their biggest idols. No-one else looks up to you more than your children. Therefore if you have fun and join in with Yo Baby!, the more fun your child will have. The more you attend the sessions the more familiar you and your child will be with the games and songs and the more you will both benefit from them.
Not a music lesson.
Rather than a music lesson you should view Yo Baby! as a session where children HAVE FUN through music! Like most music sessions, you will sit in a circle with your child on your lap or next to you. If your child really does not want to sit down then please do not worry. It would help if you could encourage them to stay in the circle especially at the beginning of each game. Some children really get involved in activities and some just like to watch - this is fine! This doesn't mean they are not enjoying the session, it just might mean they are not ready for full participation yet.
Yo Baby! relies heavily on your feedback and welcomes all comments, positive and negative. Please feel free to suggest any styles of music you would like to see introduced.
© 2005 - 2008 Yo Baby!
