Lesson 13

As the end of the semester approaches, remember you can keep the fun going at home until our next class as you continue to use this semester’s materials (album, workbook, instrument, and activities you learned). Your child will think you are just having fun, but you will actually be strengthening his/her newly acquired skills.

Listening to music fires up multiple regions of the brain: muscular, auditory, visual, and linguistic. Brain studies show that hearing music triggers a multitude of ‘mirroring neurons’. This means when you watch, or even just hear, someone play an instrument, the neurons associated with the muscles required to play that instrument fire in an attempt to ‘mirror’ the action. It may result in a desire to mimic the specific action and explain why playing “air guitar” is so compelling! Neurologic mirroring may also explain the desire to move to music as well — so put on your dancing shoes!

Optional home fun activity: Color the Circus Dance coloring page on page 17 in your workbook.

(Remember, these activities are optional but can be a great bonding experience to do with your child during the week.)