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Babies and toddlers in Bahrain will soon be rocking to the beat of an international music programme.
South African Mianda Stark has introduced Kindermusik for the first time in three schools on the island: Budaiya Preschool in Budaiya, Ajyaal Montessori in Hamala and Bright Beginnings Daycare in Adliya.
"Kindermusik transcends beyond a typical music programme. It is aimed at newborn babies up to young children of seven and combines music therapy, stimulation, music and movement to develop the brain and build the foundation of various musical instruments and music as a whole," said Ms Stark, a qualified Kindermusik educator, trained musician and music teacher.
The Kindermusik programme is a gently structured flexible curriculum which allows the child to learn and develop through vocal play, object exploration, and creative movement through music. It was developed in America by specialists in speech and language, reading, child psychology, movement, dance and neurology and the principles of world renowned thinkers and teachers Kodaly, Dalcroze, Suzuki and Orff have been integrated into the programme.
Kindermusik is run successfully worldwide and was referred to as the 'top class childhood music stimulation and music movement programme' in the American magazine, The Wall Street Journal. Ms Stark is initially introducing two facets of the programme in the schools.
"The Kindermusik programme helps with language development and maths concepts through music, rhythm and movement. We have music as part of our curriculum at the school and the aim of introducing Kindermusik programme as an afternoon activity is to make learning fun," said Janeann Mohseni, Principal of Budaiya Preschool.
