We aim to be child centered and to tailor our programme to the individual needs of the children attending. We therefore liaise closely with the parents, ensuring that we incorporate activities to help with particular skills that parents are currently emphasizing and can include the following categories:

Personal, social and emotional skills such as learning to sit down with the other children, share instruments, take turns, learning about feelings, concentrating for a longer period of time and integrating with other children.

Mathematical skills such as learning to count through the use of number rhymes and songs or learning shapes and colours through songs and movement activities involving coloured shapes or bricks.

Language skills such as speaking more clearly, forming words or sounds while singing repetitive songs and rhymes and using sign language as a form of communication.

Creative skills such as using imagination through role play in songs or movement.

Physical skills such as being aware of their own bodies and personal space through movement activities, using ribbons and scarves or just learning to stand up to a large drum or use physical coordination to play an instrument or sticks.

Additional areas including, standing, socialising, sharing, language development, engaging one to one, sign language, following short instructions, concentration span, colours, understanding emotions and to generally gain in confidence.

Parents/carers are encouraged to sing along, learning new songs with their children, giving the adults the confidence to ‘find their voice’ in a non critical environment. We encourage parents to repeat at home, songs and activities relative to their child’s needs, learned in the session.

During the 30 minute refreshment break parents are able to speak to staff, offer each other mutual support and build networks. The children and mothers often form friendships carried on outside of the MK group. They meet together as individual families or meet as mothers/carers for social activities, often sharing helpful information with one another. Parents use sign language at home as a result of attending the group and sign language courses which have been made available by Musical Keys.

Siblings

Siblings are able to socialize with other siblings and support each other, have a listening sympathetic ear from our staff or simply have the freedom to ‘chill’