Throughout the month of September, First Note staff delivered program materials, sat in several very small chairs, and trained those that would be teaching the classes.

 

 

Most importantly, we wanted to be sure that they knew we were there to serve them in teaching our youngest learners.

   

 

Demonstrating First Note  

 

 

The manual mirrors the video portion of the program

    

Filling out pre-program surveys 

"We began our lessons!  We are all loving using the First Note program in our Honeybees (5 year old) class and also in the Crickets (4's) class.  We have found that we like doing about half of a lesson in a session, and that's about what their attention span is, so it takes the week (we see the Crickets 3 times a week and the Honeybees 4 times a week) to get through a lesson.  Because of when we see each group we have now done 3 lessons with our Honeybees and 2 lessons with our Crickets.  The children have been responsive and parents have heard their children come home and tell them about Miss Melody and the Frankie dance.  The kids are all loving using the rhythm sticks and they have loved meeting the High and Low puppets, who Donna helped us name "Heinrich" (the mouse) and "Lois" (the elephant).  We all really appreciate the frequent pauses so that we can work with the children ourselves and break from the "screen time".  We find that the program also provides us with a great management tool in that we can have one teacher take half of the class (about 8 children) into our Movement Room where the TV is to conduct the music lesson while the other children work with a teacher in the classroom in a quieter atmosphere than when all the children are together.  The children seem to like this, too, and we can also choose our groups to take into account the dynamics of the children (those who need time apart can be put into separate groups).  Each teacher on the staff has taken a turn at leading the music lesson and all seem to feel comfortable with it.  What could be better?!"    Children's Garden School

Music is the Language of the World 

It's hard to find a school that doesn't have a rich mix of cultures and languages.  We were greeted by the sign below as we entered one of our Seattle schools. The opportunities for learning music together are endless!

First Note Store Coming Soon   

Teachers have been asking us where they can purchase additional CDs, rhythm  sticks and egg shakers. We offer a set number of rhythm sticks and egg shakers with the program.  These are intended to be given to students to keep.  Some teachers have experienced the number of their students increased during the school year.  If it occurs, they want to be able to purchase additional items to make sure that no student is left out. First Note is proud to announce that the online store will be opening later this month where you can purchase these items and more.     

If you would like more information about how you offer First Note in your school, you can contact us at info@firstnote.com or 425.250.2385.