MUSIC TALKS

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO BOOK THE FINAL PLACES FOR THIS EXCITING ACTIVITY BEING OFFERED THROUGH THE TOY LIBRARY!

Next week sees the start of our music talks sessions where we have invited local childminders and early years practitioners to join staff and volunteers at the toy library in this exciting series of sessions.

Music Talks will be delivered by our local Musical Bumps organiser - Angela Bogie and will help build confidence and the repertoire of adults working with children to help their speech and language development.

The course details are as follows -
Location - Shepshed Toy Library, Hind Leys Campus, Shepshed, LE12 9DB
6 week accredited course on promoting communication through music for under 5’s.

Course dates: 16 / 23 / 30 Jan. & 20 / 27 Feb. / 6 Mar.

Wednesday afternoons 1.30 – 2.30

Open to childminders, early years practitioners and child care students, with children aged between 2 – 4 years - with their minded children!

Maximum 12 children permitted.

So please book to reserve a space.

Must attend all 6 weeks.

Toy Library Members Free. Others £10.

Contact: Shepshed Toy Library 01509 601146. / email: shepshedtoylib@tiscali.co.uk

This is what Musical Bumps has to say about it's course-
A unique six week programme for pre-school settings supporting the development of speech and language through music.

It is well known that musical activities support the development of speech and language – but choosing the right activities to plan for progression is key to success. Music talks helps to ensure that every child is a talker.

The Music talks programme:

• An experienced and skilled teacher delivers weekly music sessions focusing on speech and language.

• Learning is through playful activities and supports circle time as well as free play.

• Staff are actively involved in each session and encouraged to use the songs and games between visits.

• Best practice is modelled and demonstrated – offering practical CPD appropriate to each individual setting.

• Time for additional support; additional follow-up sessions may also be arranged.



Curriculum matters… Activities and repertoire are carefully chosen to support the

development of oral motor skills and incorporate the use of puppets, resources and

percussion. The songs and games provide practical support for delivering phases one and two

of the ‘Letters and Sounds’ phonics strategy. Transactional singing provides opportunities

for the development of conversational skills; in addition skills of listening, turn-taking and

team-work are reinforced and practised. Gross and fine motor skills, co-ordination, spatial

awareness, sequencing and patterning also feature as part of the programme, along with the

development of fundamental musical skills for both children and staff.

Resources matter… Our children deserve excellent resources. Clarity of sound from real

wooden percussion is incomparable. Good quality, versatile puppets (as opposed to commercial

characters) reflect a child’s real world and can persuade even the most reluctant child to

participate. Such resources also motivate and encourage practitioners – helping them to

enter into activities wholeheartedly.

Songs matter … A core repertoire of simple songs and rhymes is essential; it is vital to use

these with innovative and exciting activities. Music talks material includes traditional songs,

rhymes and melodies; new ways with old tunes, and always uses music appropriate for young

voices.

Music talks is devised and written by Sarah Carling, an advisory teacher for primary and

EYFS music, and draws on her extensive experience in settings across the UK.

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE OFF OPPORTUNITY

NEW YEAR - NEW YOU!

Happy New Year to all our members, followers and supporters.

We are starting the new year off with a concentration towards healthy bodies, healthy lifestyles and healthy children!

Over the next five weeks leading up to half term we are looking at -
Healthy Eating
Doctors / Hospitals
Dentists / Teeth
People Who help us
Sports and Physical fun

Our stay and play sessions will have activities to support these themes with role play and crafts.  The lending library will promote associated toys and games especially our "Play and Share" story sacks.

The sacks have all now been fully revised, updated and filled with toys, games, puzzles, books and pretend play items to support the themes or books they are centered around.  You may like to try

The Selfish Crocodile (Dentists)
Food fun - cooking with your little ones!
Handa's surprise - all that healthy fruit...
I can do it - encouraging independence and self skills
People who help us
Sports for fun
The Very Hungry Caterpillar

There are now 50 sacks to choose from - if you have never tried one - take advantage of our JANUARY SALE OFFER - All Play and Share sacks only £2 for pay as you go / £1 for pay in advance members and they count as only one of your toy choices!

See the full list of available sacks in the page - "Play & Share sacks"