크리스티나 선생님과의 일대일 대화: 노래하고, 운율을 맞추고, 연주하세요!

"Play is one of the most important ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills." ~UNICEF

In this special one-on-one time, your learner and I will build trust and skills* at the same time.
Through a routine of singing together, stretching, and sharing books and favorite toys — in English! — we'll lowers the barriers to learning, such as anxiety and boredom, and open the mind to take in new information and skills. Your child will be having so much fun, they won't even realize they're learning!

⏰ Class Schedule:
✔️ HELLO SONG
✔️ WARM-UP
✔️ FEATURE SONG
✔️ SHARING
✔️ REWARDS
✔️ GOODBYE SONG
 
🗓 Topics by Date:
🎵 Tues. DEC 5 - Wiggle Fingers
🎵 Thurs. DEC 7 - Letter Bus with A
🎵 Tues. DEC 12 - Where Is Thumbkin?
🎵 Thurs. DEC 14 - Letter Bus with B
🎵 Tues. DEC 19 - Winter Walk
🎵 Thurs. DEC 21 - Letter Bus with C
🎵 DEC 26 + 28 - WINTER BREAK - no class

*SKILLS DEVELOPED
> Early Literacy Skills - Phonological awareness, vocabulary, letter identification, phonics, manual dexterity
> Numeracy Skills - Number identification, ordinal numbers, sequencing, counting forwards and backwards
> Social Skills - Listening, patience, taking turns
> Cognitive Skills - Problem solving, searching, making choices, positive association with reading and learning

MODEL THE BEHAVIOR YOU WANT TO SEE
One way to help your child relax is to participate alongside them, just off-camera. Let them see you following the motions, repeating the words, and having a good time. 

HOMEWORK
The homework is to read one book together with a grown-up, then read that book to a pet or stuffed animal. Reading one book every day with a grown-up—any book in any language—exposes a child to 1.8 million words per year. Reading to an animal (real or toy) is a stress-free way for kids to gain reading confidence, because children get to practice reading without judgement and even pretend to be the teacher, thus instilling a positive association with reading!

There is also a one-page coloring sheet provided the day before each meeting.

NOTE ON MUSIC
I strive to provide a welcoming and loving environment for all learners in my class. I research the history and origins of all the songs I use in my classes and don't use any I find to have hidden or harmful messaging, associations, or history. My own original songs are written with diversity, inclusion, and love for all children in mind.

TEACHING METHOD
You'll notice I keep the class focused on my face, voice, and physical visual aids, such as magnets, flannel pieces, and books. Studies show kids in their formative years learn best through face-to-face interaction, so I don't use slides or virtual graphics that make my screen small. Learning in my class is centered on human-to-human connection, which creates a deeper learning experience. Come see for yourself!

NOTE ON INCLUSION
I am an LGBTQ+ND mom and spouse and my classes are safe for all families and learners of all neurotypes.

I make my classes safe for LGBTQ+ families by saying "grown-up" instead of "mom" or "dad." I also don't assume gender based on a learner's name or appearance; I try to use "they" until their preferred pronouns are specified.

I make my classes safe for neuodivergent (ND) learners by making participation optional. Learners may participate as much or as little as they are comfortable — they will never be pressured to speak, share, or sit still. Movement is encouraged!