Joanie Calem

Programs for Pre-Schoolers (ages 1 - 5) and Parents/Caregivers
(Classes can easily be adapted to one-time (or more) programs for day-care centers, pre-schools, play-groups, or libraries)

HUGS AND HUMS (For ages 1-3):
A gentle introduction to the fun of music led by Joanie and her many animal puppet friends, consisting of:

• simple folk songs and poems for language development.
• finger-plays for fine motor development,
• movement-songs for free movement play,
• rhythm instruments for instrument experimentation and rhythm development, and
• creative movement to instrumental music. 
• Activities are suited to a small child’s attention span and desire to move and explore. 

Classes can easily be adapted to one-time (or more) programs for day-care centers, pre-schools, play-groups, or libraries.

SING-ALONG AND DANCE-ALONG (For ages 1-5):
An active introduction to music, led by Joanie and her many puppet friends.  Focusing on the contrasts in music that are easy for children to feel kinesthetically, Joanie introduces musical terms and explores what those contrasts sound and feel like through complementary poems, folk songs, instrumental music, and rhythm games.  The class is interactive and movement oriented, and well suited to this age’s energy level!  The classes incorporate the seasons and local holidays, connecting the child’s natural world to the songs we are singing and dancing. 

Joanie and her animal puppet friends tour the world and learn about various countries through their folk songs, dances, and instrumental music.  These classes are a great way to introduce your child to other languages through the simplest of their children’s songs.  As with all of Joanie’s programs, the class combines poems, songs, rhythm play, and creative movement.   

Exploring some of classical music’s most famous musical stories (and some lesser known gems), this class gives children a chance to combine music, literature, and drama as we act out the stories with the musical background.  Everyone gets a part, and everyone gets the part that they want!  (For example, sometimes we have four Peters when we do Peter and the Wolf.)  Some plays we dramatize with puppets, others with minor props and costumes, and yet others with rhythmic musical accompaniment.