What happens at The Music Train?

Young children learn best when they feel safe and know what is happening. For this reason key parts of each class are the same every time. These repeated actions allow the children to prepare themselves for the next part of the class. However within our structure are a great variety of activities and new experiences.

A typical class

Each session starts and ends with our special hello and goodbye songs which not only ensure that every child is part of the song, but also teach tuneful singing and a regular pulse.

Now that all the children are attentive and eager for their music session, the music train, crammed full of musical instruments, is brought to the front of the group. If your child is aged two and upwards, they will listen carefully to the sound of the instruments hidden in the train carriage and try to guess the instrument of the week. If children have attended a while, they will often have immediate recognition of the sound, and know the name of the instrument - newer children can take slightly longer to guess.

Now the train starts on its journey from child to child, and there are always more than enough instruments for mum, dad, nanny or grandparents to join in the fun as well! The children use their instruments to accompany well known songs played on the guitar, and after a good sing song, the class is relaxed and happy, ready to return the instruments to the train (encouraged through our special song). The next part of our session involves moving and action.

A lot of emphasis is placed on teaching a steady pulse and co-ordination, and during this part of the session, children will take part in moving activities, marching to a beat, action songs or maybe dancing.

Babies:

Babies will now take part in activities specially designed for their level e.g. with bubbles, scarves or jigging. Our babies show us that the level of their class is pitched just right for them. We are always amazed at just how focussed and engaged such tiny babies can be!

Children from 12 months will explore their half term topic. This may be colours, transport, animals etc. Musical concepts, songs and listening activities are also presented through the topic.

Children from 2 years will not only explore a general theme as above, but also a more advanced musical theme such as Stringed Instruments or Music Around The World. We have at least 16 different musical topics that the children work through. If the topic is strings, a real cello and violin are brought into class for hands on exploration by each child. They will count the number of strings on the instruments and make their own pictures of instruments sticking on the right number of strings. Higher and lower sounds will be explored listening to recordings of each member of the string family.

It is possible for every child to learn to sing in good tune and Music Train will help your child on their way. An age appropriate key song is introduced to children over 12 months every half term and repeated each week. Parents are encouraged to repeat this song over and over at home.

Reading notes and rhythm signs:

Some of our three and four year olds will also enjoy learning the basics of crotchets, quavers, minims and rests and even start to read music. All this is carried out using a fun method, involving physical movement and play

Free exploration:

Although children aged two and above, take part in a 45 minute session, younger children break from the formal side of things after 30 minutes. Baby safe instruments, and toys related to the general topic are brought onto mats for exploration in the child`s own time. Parents can help their children with this exploration and will also find time to form new friendships. We have been told that many of these friendships formed in the early years of bringing up a child, turn out to be very special for both parents and children, even years later and still remain strong.