Ralph reports about singing, dancing and having fun at MAD Academy music and dance classes

MAD Academy...
music & dance and a whole lot of fun!

Ralph Reports

Did You Know that MAD Academy helps children develop in the following ways...

Singing …

Develops Children’s Speech - Before learning to speak, children need to develop a wide range of sounds. Babies begin by cooing long vowel sounds, then gradually add consonants. Children’s songs, like Old McDonald, use these simple sounds and encourage children to mimic them, thus giving them ample opportunity to hear and practice these basic sounds themselves.

Develops Children’s Social Skills- Young children need to learn social skills. Meeting regularly with others in a safe and happy setting helps them to do this. They learn to greet each other, to share instruments, to sing together, and to be aware of each other when moving about. They are experiencing participation, listening, consideration and co-operation – all fantastic social skills!

Develops Children’s Self Confidence - Self-confidence is key to a child developing into a happy individual who fulfils their potential. Participating in fun, stimulating activities and successfully learning new skills, as they do in MAD classes, gives a fantastic boost to a child’s confidence!

Dancing ...

Teaches Children To Follow Instructions - It is extremely important that children learn to follow instructions. It will help them to succeed at school, to learn new skills and to keep safe. In MAD classes children learn to listen to and follow simple instructions to create fun dance routines and actions.

Gets Children Active - With today’s sedentary lifestyle, it is more important than ever to get children involved in physical exercise at an early age, and to make it fun. Dance is a great way to do this as it gets children active and they really enjoy it too! After all, dance comes naturally to small children!

Develops Children’s Knowledge - Children learn through moving, that’s why they are always on the go! They understand far more about the world if they move and engage with it, for e.g. they understand the concepts of big and small far better if they make shapes with their bodies, rather than looking at pictures; So any activity which gets kids moving, also gets kids learning!

Ralph's Top Tips

Remember to give your child lots of praise and positive reinforcement, and encourage them to try new things. Play games with your child that involves them following instructions.

Provide opportunities for your child to play with children they don’t know. Soft play areas or playgrounds are great as children can go off and meet others on their own, whilst you can watch from a safe distance.

When your child makes a sound, respond by repeating it back to them. They will be delighted to have initiated a ‘conversation’ and you will be reinforcing the sounds for them, whilst encouraging them to make more sounds.

To find out more about the developmental benefits of music and dance, click here>>>