How To Make the Week of the Young Child Simple and Successful

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Ms. Carissa

The National Association for the Education of Young Children has established an entire month each year to spread awareness to the incredible importance of high quality experiences for young children. Every April, purple can be seen in high quality Early Childhood programs all over, showing support for the field and the families served. One week in April is known as the Week of the Young Child. During April 23rd-27th 2012, Early Childhood programs are challenged to focus their efforts towards celebrating children through educating families, staff and children about how important early development is.

One way to have a simple, successful Week of the Young Child is organizing a spirit week! Using each to focus on one part of the curriculum is a fun way to educate families, bring unity to your program as a whole, and involve children as well. Check out this simple calendar…
• 4/23: Bring your favorite stuffed animal to school today!
(Curriculum area: language and literacy) 
Suggested Activities: Make time to work one-on-one with preschoolers to write a story about their favorite stuffed friend! With younger children, encourage some role playing and use pictures to share any stories the group creates with families.
• 4/24: Mix and Match, Crazy Hat, Opposite Day! (Curriculum area: math) Suggested Activities: Encourage children to each bring in a pair of socks to use for matching, painting, puppet making, etc…This is just another fun way to share mathematic experiences with children in your program while also involving families!
• 
4:25: Music Celebration Day! (Curriculum area: Art) Suggested Activities: Invite a local musician (high school band members, parent, maybe even Music with Ms. Carissa) to perform at your center for an inspiring, uplifting and engaging music experience!
• 4/26: Wear your purple today! Purple Parade!
(Curriculum Area: Social Studies) Suggested Activities: Share with children historical parades and marches using video, pictures, and books. Invite families to wear purple and parade around your community (or just your school) to show your pride for the progress the field of Early Childhood has made for itself and for your young child!
• 4/27: Pajama Day!
(Curriculum area: Social Emotional Development) Suggested Activities: Invite your program director, principal or other leader to read Llama Llama, Red Pajama to the class. Ask children to share their experiences about bed time, including fears, joys and how they cope.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure to send home information to families about what you’re doing and invite them to participate! This is a fun way to celebrate what we as educators and families are doing for the littles ones we love! For more ideas visit http://www.naeyc.org/woyc.

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Families Joining in to Celebrate Reading Month!

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Ms. Carissa

Reading is so important for young children that the entire month of March has been deemed “Reading Month.” Early Childhood Centers, Schools, Restaurants and a wide variety of other organizations will participate in activities that support Early Literacy and Reading skills even more so than the average curriculum allows. One center in Lake Orion, MI is not only inviting local authors, community helpers and Education Specialists to come share a story with students, but also came up with a Pizza Read-A event! This month long project gets the families of Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center involved in acknowledging and celebrating the power of reading with young children.
Each week in March, families are provided with a “pizza topping” (paper die cut shape). As they read with their children, they write down the title and author of a book they read at home with their child, as well as their family’s name, on a topping. As new toppings are added to the pizza in the school lobby each week, children can identify their own family’s contributions, helping them build school to home connections. This act says to children, “We are your family. We acknowledge, trust and care about your school family, too.” Since research proves that reading aloud to young children beginning at infancy increases future written, oral and comprehension skills, it’s not a bad idea to read as a family even when it’s not reading month!
For more information on reading aloud with young children, visit http://journal.naeyc.org/btj/200303/readingaloud.pdf. Also, to check out more of what’s happening at Heartfelt Impressions learning center, take a look at www.heartfeltimpressions.net. Remember the words of Sir Richard Steel this March and every month to follow, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Enjoy!

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Merging Music and Academics

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Ms. Carissa

Music is a great way to review some math and language concepts after a long break!  The brain is hard-wired to process information at its best when such information is presented in rhythm, pattern, and/or rhyme.  The brain also stores that information in what many people call “the vault,” which their long term memory cells.  So, if information is presented to children in such a way that it is appealing to the brain, then they should not only remember it, but eventually use what they have learned through play.

For example, try this repetitive rhyme with your child or your class (3-7 years with typical verbal development).  Have them repeat each line after you and mimic the same movements.  Coupling words with simple movements, as done with infants using baby sign, increases memory retention as well as motor control.  Research also proves that language acquisition occurs when 3 nerve pathways to the auditory, visual and the motor center are simulated simultaneously.  As children hear the rhyme, watch your movements and then move themselves, this activity and others like is are supporting children’s language development as you interact playfully. 

Say together with child while clapping a steady beat, “Do you know which hand your left one is, do you know which hand is right? If you can repeat this little rhyme you’ll figure it out all right.”
Now, children repeat after you.
Holding up left hand to make an “L”, “The left one makes an L.” (Children repeat)
“Do you use it to spell?” (Children repeat, imitate writing with left hand)
“And I hope it doesn’t smell!” (Children repeat, holding nose with left hand)
“Yeah the left hand makes an L.” (Children repeat, making L again with left hand)
“The right one is the other.” (Children repeat, holding up right hand)
“Do you use it to color?” (Children repeat, imitating wide drawing strokes in the air with right hand)
“Can you clap with one another?” (Children repeat and slap the right hand of someone nearby)
“Yeah the right one is the other.”  (Children repeat, holding up right hand)
(Say together with child while clapping a steady beat) “Do you know which hand your left one is, do you know which hand is right? If you can repeat this little rhyme you’ll figure it out all right.”
*Visit www.musicwithmscarissa.com to contact Ms. Carissa for your copy of this song and many other on the Dreaming Monster Pre-Releas CD!
Try singing that with your child or class each day for about 4 days. The fifth day, say, “Show me your right hand,” then, “Show me your left.”  They may even be able to tell you how they know!  Keep on using music to teach. The possibilities are endless! 

Feel free to post any topics you’re looking to teach about using song (counting, letters, negotiating, biting, etc…) and I’ll be sure to get back to you.

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Michigan is Climbing the Ladder to Future Success!

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Ms. Carissa

In a race to receive some grant funding for Early Childhood programs, Michigan has done wonders to revamp standards for Early Learning Centers, curriculum and teacher accreditation. In a state where neither Preschool nor Kindergarten are mandatory steps in a child’s educational ladder, it is nothing short of a miracle that there is any emphasis placed on Early Education at all. Not only has Michigan set Early Learning Expectations (ELE’s) for Early Childhood programs, but they go as far as to include creative development amongst other academic standards. Strides such as these continue to steer Early Childhood Education into the direction of achieving the professional recognition it deserves.

It is important to recognize that music education is as important as other classic components such as math, science, and language. Music lends itself to all curriculum areas, which Michigan has reiterated by including the Early Learning Expectation that states ‘Children show how they feel, what they think, and what they are learning through listening, participating in, and creating instrumental and vocal music experiences.” This statement truly exhibits how children learn- through playful, but meaningful experiences. Writing songs with children using familiar melodies, inviting them to explore instruments and how they work, and challenging children to use description words to talk about music are all ways caregivers can assess learning and learn more about children. Such activities are memorable and enriching experiences for young children to share.
Michigan is working hard to re-evaluate the definition of quality for Early Childhood Programs. Thankfully, they are taking a step in the right direction by continuing to include the arts as an expectation for excellence.

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Under the Boardwalk

Posted on December 15, 2011 by admin

This summer, Jake played bass for an Ultimate Do Wop Show produced by Canterbury Productions at the Little River Casino in Manistee, Michigan. I always enjoy going to these shows. Two of our good friends work at the venue, we know everyone in the orchestra and I love the music. The artists often perform songs that I remember hearing on the Friday night oldies radio special when I was a kid. I remember learning the words to songs like “Under the Boardwalk” and “Save the Last Dance for Me” so that I could sing along when they came on. I never imagined while I was dancing around the living room that I would actually end up eating dinner with the guy who was responsible for singing those songs with The Drifters years before I was born. Well that is exactly what happened this past July in Northern Michigan…

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Artist Charlie Thomas

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Artist Charlie Thomas

The headlining act that night was Charlie Thomas’ Drifters. He’s the original singer from the group responsible for recording all those great hits like “On Broadway”, “This Magic Moment“, “There Goes My Baby” and “Up on the Roof“. Charlie & the Drifters were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame back in 1988.

While we ate a fantastic dinner, we chatted about our passions for traveling the world, playing music and Charlie kept calling me “Sugar”. It made me giggle and smile alot. I got a kick out of hearing about his experiences touring to Thailand when he was younger. Charlie said that since he couldn’t read the signs, when he went to the McDonald’s, he always kept one eye on the hotel. We had a good laugh over that. It sounds like some of our experiences from earlier this year on the cruise ship (especially my first time in Columbia).

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MDAEYC Offers Educational Opportunity for Early Childhood Educators and Families

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Ms. Carissa

Quality early childhood programs are becoming a hot topic amongst parents, now more than ever. According to the publication “Michigan in Brief: 7th edition,” 3 of every 5 children under age 5 are enrolled in some time of childcare program in the United States. While there are many types of childcare such as before/after school care, childcare center, group home daycare, and home daycare, the bottom line is that children are spending more time in such programs than at home. Parents and educators of young children should want to provide the highest quality experiences for the young children they know and love. One opportunity for both families and educators to learn more about developmentally appropriate practice and high-quality care is by attending the Early Childhood Conference sponsored by the Metro Detroit Association for the Education of Young Children (MDAEYC) on October 15th, 2011.

MDAEYC is a chapter of NAEYC based out of the Lake Orion area. The chapter sponsors conferences, parent workshops, and other events to support the development of educators, families and children in Metro Detroit communities. Workshop topics include “Five Sure Fire Ways to Increase Enrollment” and “Understanding Your Budget” both presented by Rhonda Meyers, a MDAEYC board member and a valued leader in the field Early Childhood. A “Music with Ms. Carissa” workshop will also be offered, inspiring families and educators to use music and movement in the classroom in simple, but enriching new ways. Schoolcraft Professor Elizabeth Grace will also be in attendance, presenting a workshop titled “Curious Creative Toddlers! Activities to Spark Creativity in the Toddler Classroom.” This year, in addition to the variety of 90 minute workshops provided, MDAEYC is also offering the option to earn CEU’s by attending one of four day long sessions. With 3 of every 5 children in childcare in the US, educators owe it to the future minds of America to better their teaching strategies and rejuvenate their passion for teaching by attending this great workshop and others like it.

MDAEYC Early Childhood Conference
October 15th, 2011
22211 Pontiac Lake Road
Waterford MI 48328
For registration information, visit http://www.metrodetroitaeyc.org/conferences/

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Cleaning Up the Potty Mouth

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Ms. Carissa

    “Let’s name the giraffe — —- and the gorilla —-. My Mommy and Daddy say those names. I like them. Then they can be the Mommy and Daddy animals and we can name the kids Sweetie and Cutie, ok?” Feel free to fill in the blanks. This long-winded 4-year-old innocently plays with a peer, whose eyes are as wide as saucers as he looks around the room to see if a teacher has heard what many children refer to as “potty words.” Between the ages of 18 and 24 months, children go from knowing approximately 15 words to 150! The question is, how do children learn include such inappropriate language and what does one do to stop it? As found in the article “Children Are Swearing More Often, At an Earlier Age,” (Psych Central News, 2010) Psychologist Timothy Jay conducted a study concluding that nearly two-thirds of adults that have rules about their children swearing break their own rules in front of their young ones.  In fact, .03- .07 percent of an adult’s daily speech is filled with 1 of the 70 common taboo words in the English language. As one can conclude from the observation of the 2 preschoolers naming their animals, such “potty words” are no longer only for Mommy and Daddy. “By the time kids go to school now, they’re saying all the words that we try to protect them from on television. We find their swearing really takes off between (ages) three and four,” says Jay.

    What’s a parent to do? First and foremost, stop swearing! Child Development research tells us that children are learning and exploring constantly, especially under the age of 5. As parents, you are your child’s first teacher- no matter how much you spend on their education! One parent shares that any time anyone in the house says a “bad word,” they have to drop a quarter in a jar. While that may be an appropriate consequence for a teenager dropping quarters from their weekend pay check, a 4-year-old’s primary source of income is coming from Mom and Dad’s own wallet. A 5-year-old shares with his teacher, “When I say bad words, I get hot stuff in my mouth and I go to time out.” That sort of “Do as I say, not as I do” mentality sends mixed messages. Children learn through observing the behaviors of the world and those in it. They want to be “just like” those they look up to, which is typically those who love and care for them at such young ages. It may not just be Mom or Dad, but even “Uncle Joe” who comes over every holiday with presents and a whole mouthful of new vocabulary to share! Never be afraid to enforce the quarter rule on those “potty mouths” visiting for the day! After all, it’s your child’s mind at stake!

    Luckily, Jay concludes the previously mentioned article by stating that while children are using the same swear words they hear from the adults who love them, they do not know all that adults know. In short, they often misuse them because they do not understand the meaning. Take advantage of every teachable moment with the special children in your life by teaching them words worth knowing. It won’t be long before they are in high school and know the meaning of words you have never heard of. Flush those “potty words!” Keep it clean!

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Family Fun in Your Own Backyard

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Ms. Carissa

    Looking for something free and fun to do with the whole family in the Downriver Michigan area?  Bring your family and friends to Allen Park’s “Every Friday” or Farmer’s Market event each and every Friday now through October!  These Friday extravaganzas were introduced to Allen Park last year by the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  The DDA schedules these programs and others like it in an effort to stimulate the local economy in downtown Allen Park.  Every Friday, around the cross streets of Allen Road and White Street, free horse drawn carriage rides and a clown and balloon animals are available in addition to live entertainment at three different locations.  “We provide entertainment in an effort to draw folks to Allen Park to visit the local restaurants and bars” said Tom Gunderson who is a member of the DDA and a Chairman of the “Every Friday” event for the past two years.  In addition to the “Every Friday” events, the DDA has also featured live entertainment at the AP Farmers Market.  The market is located on Park Avenue (across from Weiss Funeral Home) in the Church parking lot.  This event also features live entertainment from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  The Market has grown to include over 20 vendors each Friday from 2:00pm-7:00pm.  This Farmers Market isn’t packed with only Fruits/Veggies/Plants but is more like a mini street fair with vendors selling jewelry, handbags, honey, bread, coffee and many more items. 

    The “Every Friday” events, as well as the Farmers Market, bring together some of the areas hottest talent. Some include: Bodine & Jay, Jimmy Auquier, Painted White, and Clyde Brown & The Savoy Brothers. Carissa Knoles from “Music with Ms. Carissa” also provides live entertainment for children and families at all the hot-spots on Allen Park, playing anything and everything from “If You’re Happy and You know It” to cover songs from Sheryl Crow, Pink and Pat Benatar!  “We have gotten rave reviews from these acts and we try to rotate them throughout the downtown area”, said Gundersonn. Currently there are three different venues to catch live entertainment every Friday from 6:00pm-9:00pm.  Check out the live music in front of Tina’s Place, Broadcast Booth and in the Pocket Park (next to the former Park Cove) every Friday in August.  If you miss the August events, don’t worry!  The Farmer’s Market is open every Friday through October from 2:00pm-7:00pm!  Be sure to stop by the most popular day at the AP Farmer’s Market: Kid’s Day on Friday in August 26th, 2011.  In addition to the clowns, musicians and vendors normally featured at the market, face painters, balloon artists, and a moon walk will also be available for families visiting Downtown Allen Park.  Music with Ms. Carissa will be providing 2 hours worth of children’s music and movement activities sure to get the young and the young at heart moving and grooving!
            “We say come to the Market, have some fun, buy some unique items and grab a snack.  Then head downtown for the Every Friday event and have some dinner, ride the horse and carriage and listen to some great music,” says Estheimer.  Sounds like the perfect night right in your own backyard.  For more information, please visit www.cityofallenpark.org.

Music with Ms. Carissa Allen Park Performance Dates 

Friday August 12th, 2011 6:30pm-9:00pm  at Pocket Park (corner of Allen Rd. and White Street) Allen Park, MI Friday August 26th 5:00pm-7:00pm

Allen Park Farmer’s Market Kid’s Day! 7107 Park Avenue Allen Park, MI

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Helping Couples Get Engaged One Love Song at a Time

Posted on July 27, 2011 by admin

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True North Radio Network’s Summer Concert Series

Posted on July 23, 2011 by admin

True North Radio Network’s 2011 Summer Concert Series
Featuring 7 Million Jigawatts
Live at the Bay View Park Amphitheater in Alpena
Saturday July 30, 2011

Alpena MI – True North Radio Network announces their 2011 Summer Concert Series line up featuring a performance on Saturday, July 30 by 7 Million Jigawatts at the Bay View Amphitheater in Alpena. Don’t miss the chance to hear Alpena native, Melissa Behring, as she returns home after spending three months on tour for Princess Cruises.

Celebrate the peak of summer in Northern Michigan with a beautiful evening in the park overlooking lovely Lake Huron and listening to 7 Million Jigawatts (7MJ) own brand rock and soul infused music. 7MJ has recently been making quite a name for themselves. In July, the members of 7MJ will have just returned home from their performance on board the Coral Princess touring the Panama Canal, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska for Princess Cruises. Their uniquely original sound caught the eye of Ford Motor Company when they featured the 7MJ song, “I’ve Got You Covered” in their 2010 Mustang online advertising campaign. In 2009, they had a very successful release of their first original CD “Taking Flight”, which is available online at ITunes, Last FM, Digstation, and CD Baby.

Melissa Behring & Jake Tobias

Melissa Behring & Jake Tobias

Featured vocalist in the 7MJ line up is Alpena native, Melissa Behring. Upon graduation from Alpena High School studied voice performance at Central Michigan University and relocated to Metro-Detroit. Behring is now pursuing her masters at Berklee College of Music and working on the next 7MJ original album.

For more info visit Alpena Now.

The 7 Million Jigawatts (7MJ) True North Radio Network Summer Concert will take place at the Bay View Park Amphitheater on State Street in Alpena MI on Saturday, July 30 from 6pm – 9pm. Admission is Free. There will be of free giveaways and fun for the entire family.

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