Kindermusik, an internationally recognized program that promotes childhood development through music, will be offered by the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center beginning June 13.
Every lesson is embedded with developmental milestones children should be aiming toward, according to Carrie Wellman, licensed Kindermusik teacher and a 2013 graduate of the university’s Department of Communication Disorders.
“When you walk into a Kindermusik classroom, it looks like we are having a lot of fun, but in fact, we are challenging the brain to develop at a faster rate through music and movement,” Wellman said. “Research has shown that thirty minutes of Kindermusik a week is linked to a 32 percent literacy gain.”
Wellman said Kindermusik has not been offered at Marshall University since 2007 and she hopes to continue the program into the fall and spring semesters.
“This program is unlike any other – we allow the children to express themselves without a rigorous, structured setting while encouraging activity and independent thinking,” Wellman said. “Kindermusik is so successful because we do not worry about the child fitting the lesson plan, but rather, the lesson plan fitting the child so they can have fun and learn at same time.”
Pam Holland, clinical director for the Speech and Hearing Center, said she realized the benefits of Kindermusik firsthand after enrolling her own children in the program.
“This program facilitates socialization, develops language through music and play and teaches parents strategies to utilize at home with their children,” Holland said. “I hope the families learn to see the world of language through the eyes and ears of their children as I did.”
As director, Holland also hopes Kindermusik will encourage more families to take advantage of the services offered through the Marshall Speech and Hearing Center.
Kindermusik classes are used by over 2 million families in over 70 countries, according to the program’s website. The cost for the Marshall University Kindermusik program will be $95 per child, which includes tuition and take-home materials for parents to use outside of the classroom.
A free class will be offered at 11 a.m. June 6, in the Speech and Hearing Center on Marshall’s Huntington campus. The seven-week Kindermusik program will begin June 13 and end Aug. 1 with three classes offered at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. and only 12 students allowed per class. To learn more about Kindermusik and how you can enroll your child, contact Wellman at 304-730-2837, e-mail kindermusikwithcarrie@gmail.com or visit www.kindermusik.com online.
To learn more about the Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center and the services they offer for children, contact Holland at holland@marshall.edu or visit www.marshall.edu/cohp online.
