Nancy Stewart

The importance of music and singing in early childhood development from birth on cannot be overstated. In this workshop participants will learn the six early reading skills, and how singing is vital in building them.

Learn how to enhance storytimes and build early literacy skills through the use of simple songs and props.

Through group singing and small group demonstrations, participants will:

• ▸ Learn 20 simple songs for ages 2–7, and specific ways to adapt them to different ages and abilities
• ▸ Homemade instruments and ways to use them
• ▸ Tips on organizing your music collection
• ▸ Simple props to use with songs

Through group singing and small group demonstrations, participants will learn to use the many resources provided free on Nancy's website. No internet experience necessary.

• ▸ Some of the almost 50 songs found on Nancy's website
• ▸ How to make many of the song props
• ▸ Nancy's pick of other great free educational websites
• ▸ Basic internet skills and how to use Nancy's site to learn them

Through group singing and small group demonstrations, participants will learn:

• ▸ How to make 6 rhythm instruments
• ▸ Specific ways to use rhythm instruments in stories and songs
• ▸ How to use rhythm instruments to improve listening skills
• ▸ How to create a "music kit"

The workshop culminates with participants breaking into small groups, each creating a song or story using rhythm instruments, then sharing their work with the group.

We all know how important it is to sing with young children — but what if you feel you can't, or aren't comfortable singing? This workshop is limited to 20 participants and is designed to help each person identify and create personal strategies for dealing with their own issues around singing.

• ▸ Fill out questionnaires about personal experiences with singing, followed by group discussion
• ▸ Meet with Nancy individually to identify vocal range and address concerns
• ▸ Learn specific ways to improve vocal skills and increase confidence
• ▸ Receive a list of resources including books and websites for follow-up

This group has very real and specific needs, and is by nature a tough group to reach. Often required to attend parenting classes, they are typically resistant to help. Through focusing first on their own needs and experiences, Nancy has found a way to break through the barriers and get teen parents excited about providing simple music for their children.

• ▸ Fill out questionnaires relating to their experiences with music in their own childhoods and adolescence
• ▸ Listen to a sampling of music and write down their emotional responses — discussion follows
• ▸ Learn about how age-appropriate music helps babies grow and develop
• ▸ Learn specific ways to use music every day, including how to use the library and other free resources

Parents are invited to bring their babies and young children as we explore the role music plays in early childhood development.

• ▸ Sing and play five familiar children's songs
• ▸ Sing each song five different ways to show how they help build literacy, listening, music, and core concept skills
• ▸ Take home handouts filled with resources and ideas for sharing music with children at home

Through songs and stories, Nancy explores the many ways music encourages and strengthens early childhood development. Participants gain specific ideas on how and why to use music in the classroom every day.

Using five traditional children's songs, Nancy discusses the incredible benefits of including these simple songs in your everyday world. From brain growth and development to comforting and connecting — learn why nothing beats a simple song!

Give your staff the gift of music that's just for them! Though primarily entertainment, participants will leave feeling motivated, rejuvenated, and appreciated. This concert is intended primarily for women — if your staff includes men, adjustments will be made to include them.