Learning made fun

My 4th Child - Musical Minis

This year 2014 is the 25th anniversary of the launch of Musical Minis.

When Musical Minis began in Autumn 1989, I set it up as a group where my 1 year old son, Matthew, could enjoy attending along with some of his friends. He loved music and whilst I could appreciate how music could enhance language, social and cognitive development, I didn't want him at such a young age to actually be taught music. I felt music should be fun and not something imposed on children.

Since Musical Minis was established I have had 2 more children but Musical Minis has remained my 4th child. Just as with my own children it is hard to know where all those years have gone, it seems only yesterday they were babies, it is the same with Musical Minis.

It's hard to appreciate that a group started for a few friends has developed into a franchised business with groups throughout the UK. I can clearly remember the first Musical Minis class in our local Girl Guides Hall, supported by a handful of my friends.

As with my 3 children, I can't spend a day without wondering what is going on with Musical Minis. Those reading this who are parents will know that whatever age your children are, you still always look out and worry about them. In this respect Musical Minis is no different for me.

A 25th anniversary is a time to plan ahead for the future as well as looking back to the past. With my 3 children looking ahead involves them pursuing a career and perhaps settling down and having their own families but their future is in their own hands with my guidance. With Musical Minis the future is primarily dictated by me. I would like to see the Musical Minis franchise network grow, so more children can benefit from its structured programme. At the same time I want to remain the focal point for all my franchisees so the growth will never prevent me from having hands on involvement. I take a parental role with my franchisees, offering them help, advice and guidance whenever they need.

I look forward with optimism to continued success with Musical Minis. In so many ways it is a grown up business, but unlike my other children, I am still able to nurture it as if it was still my baby. With both my 3 children and Musical Minis I will always have their best interests at heart.

Find Out About The Musical Minis Franchise

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run your own Musical Minis franchise?

To have a flexible, profitable business that you could fit in around your family?

Watch the video to hear from Oxfordshire franchisee Leena Thakker, who made back her investment within the her first year of trading and Karen Sherr the founder and Director of Musical Minis.

If you would like more information contact us [email protected]

 

 

Musical Minis South Wales Summer Classes 2014

South Wales Musical Minis are holding special Summer classes this year - come and join in the fun!

These classes need to be both pre-booked and pre-paid and are being held at:-

All Saints Church Hall, Barry
Monday 21st and 28th July
Monday 4th and 11th August
10.30 – 11.15am

Once Upon a Playtime, Bridgend
Tuesday 22nd and 29th July
Tuesday 5th and 12th August
10-30 – 11.15am
(These sessions include free stay and play in the activity centre.)

To book a place or to find out more details please email [email protected] or phone  01446 733788

Musical Minis And Visually Impaired Children

A while ago I wrote a blog post about 'Including Visually Impaired Children Into Pre-School Activity Groups' based in part on my own experiences with my daughter, Emily.

At Musical Minis our programme is all inclusive and children of all abilities and cultures can join in. Over the years we have had a number of children attend who do have problems with their eyesight.

Below is a summary of one Mums experiences at Musical Minis with her son, Ethan (photo opposite). Ethan is now 3 years old and started attending Musical Minis shortly after his 1st birthday.

Guest post by Jessica a Mum in the South Wales Musical Minis classes.

My son was diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplaisia at 7 months which meant he is severely sight impaired. Due to his sight impairment my little boy was terrified of loud noisy situations but enjoyed music immensely. My Mum decided to do some research into some pre school classes which incorporated Ethan's love of music and socialising.

We came across Musical Minis and from the very first session I knew this was the class for him. With some guidance from Ethan's teacher for the visually impaired, Jo Weaving, the South Wales franchisee, and her assistant Kate slowly introduced Ethan to the loud noisy fun which is Musical Minis. 

Jo and her team tell Ethan when a loud noise is coming and by being vocal with instructions and stating what is coming next Ethan feels included and completely part of the group. He knows exactly what is going on and now has come to recognise the different music for the different sections and often beats Jo to saying " big noise coming."

Ethan now has no issues with loud situations and I believe this is due to Musical Minis showing him that noise is fun and to join in rather than shy away. Ethan's confidence has grown and grown I believe as a direct result of Musical Minis encouragement.

We are very grateful to Jessica for taking the time to share her experience with us.

Oxfordshire 5th Anniversary Summer Celebrations

Come and help celebrate a momentous occasion as Musical Minis Oxfordshire celebrates its 5th Anniversary of running Musical Minis classes in the area.

There will be plenty of singing, dancing, bubbles, parachutes, stories and instrumental time.

All parties will run 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on:

Tuesday 5 August – BICESTER

Wednesday 6th August - WOODSTOCK

Thursday 7th August – CALVERT GREEN (BUCKS)

Friday 8th August – ADDERBURY, (NR BANBURY)

Cost is £7.00 per child which must be pre-booked and pre-paid. Older siblings welcome and please bring a picnic.

Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!

To book a place call Leena on 01296 738652 or email: [email protected]