Kindermusik Summer Program

After attempting a previous music and movement class and not quite succeeding, we're trying a different music class called Kindermusik. I had been eyeing it before but cost for the class during the regular schoolyear was a deterrent. In the summer though, they have a summer program that only goes for five days. This year, it's from June 8 to 12, from 10-11 am each day for kids 18 months to 3 years old.

The premise of the Kindermusik class, for those who are not familiar, is that the singing, playing, moving, and interaction in the ABC Music & Me class enhance young children's "emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth. Inhibitions fall away, self-esteem grows, and social skills develop. Through moving, dancing, and playing instruments, children also develop muscle control and coordination. It helps children to learn how to learn and have fun while they're at it." It's really much like the goals of the other class.

Both Kindermusik and the other music class are good programs. The difference lies in structure and set-up. In Kindermusik, I stay with Matthew - sing the songs and move around with him - during the hour-long class. In the other class, he was assigned a buddy during the 30-minute class while I waited in another room. The fact that I stay with him is key for his success in the class - no melt-downs because of separation anxiety.

We've only attended one class so far but it already feels like a good fit for Matthew. He and I participated in most of the activities and it was a very positive experience for him despite being the only 20-month old toddler in the class who wasn't walking independently yet. He was also the only one in the class with special needs, ie Down syndrome. But no one seemed to know that except the instructor and a friend (and neighbor), who was in the class with her adorable little girl.

I prefer not to tell people who don't know us unless I think they should know or if I'm asked specifically. It's not because I dread any possible awkward reaction, but it's simply because I want them to get to know Matthew for who he is first, as Matthew, not "the Down syndrome kid". Many times I wonder if people who don't know us can tell at first or even second glance. Through my eyes, I think Matthew looks so much like me that the slanted eyes and flat nose bridge just seem like features he inherited from me and not from having an extra 21st chromosome.

If my eyes were a pair of eyeglasses, I'd happily lend them to everyone so they could see what I see when I look at Matthew -- a makes-me-laugh-drives-me-crazy-sometimes-heaven-sent-biter-smarter-than-he-lets-on-wonderful-wouldn't change him for the world-blessing little boy.