Music Skills

• Steady beat
• Rhythm
• Melody
• Vocal development
• Movement to music
• Introduction of Book One songs (Suzuki instrumental repertoire)

Socialization

• Familiarity with the teacher and room
• Familiarity with other students and parents
• Working in a group
• Working in parent/teacher/student triangle
• Listening to and following instructions
• Responsibility for clean-up

ADVANTAGES OF THE
DAILY OR WEEKLY
PRESCHOOL CLASS

DESCRIPTION OF THE WEEKLY PRESCHOOL CLASS
Preschoolers and parent (mom or dad) meet each week for one hour to participate in various activities together with a team of 2 teachers. Art, music, language, stories and science activities are integrated in seasonal themes. A great favorite is taking part in a weekly science experiment. Whether it is making dull pennies bright and shiny or watching colors“explode” in a container of milk, the children and parents become totally involved in the process.

In music, the children are encouraged to find their own singing voice by learning simple songs – Rain Rain Go away, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Woodblocks and drums are used to keep a steady beat. Children develop skill in playing simple ostinati on the xylophone while singing their favorite songs.

Time is spent talking to parents about the importance of listening, repetition, and step by step learning. During the parent discussion the children enjoy stories with the other teacher. A handout is prepared each week. It outlines background information (supporting basic Suzuki ideas) activities to try at home, listening ideas and suggestions for children’s books to read together at home.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DAILY PRESCHOOL CLASS
Preschoolers who attend a daily program without their parents benefit from skill development and socialization in much the same way as preschoolers in the weekly class.

Suzuki educators, know that ability is firmly and gradually developed at one level before introducing the next level. An important facet of Suzuki teaching is the “education of Momma”. This does not refer to the "Mother Tongue Approach" but was used by Suzuki to point out the importance of the parents in the process. The thorough mastery of one skill will ensure success as the next skill is introduced. Parents must not hurry the child but allow for confidence before proceeding. Parents and teachers must not "give up". Just as every parent knows that their child will learn and speak their native language fluently, other abilities can be developed.

Parents are thus encrouaged to become deeply involved with the teachers and the school with regular interviews and constant monitoring of the work that is done in the preschool. Portfolios of projects and work accomplished form an ongoing documentation of the development of each child. This documentation assists both the teacher and the child in planning activities for further development at the child's own pace.

In addition to the many skills developed by children, there are numerous parenting skills developing in these classes that improve the parent child relationship

Parent Education

• The parents find more time for thorough understanding
• The parents Learn to work with the child without pressure
• The parents become excited about the small steps

The key to a successful Suzuki preschool is strong child/parent/teacher relationships, belief in the unlimited potential of all children and an approach that is both developmentally appropriate and follows the natural timetable of each child.