The Computer Battle!!!!

As your children grow older and start to play computer games and learn how to "google" certain things need to be considered....parental supervision, child locks, no eating while on computer rules etc. But I think the most overlooked item would be.....holy cow, we need more computers!!! Now, the Paul's do not have a lot of extra money to go buying 2 more laptops so everyone can learn and have fun. But during these summer months, every morning I am stirred from my slumber by 3 kids fighting over the computer and who is going to play. Sometimes I hear problem solving skills being suggested or turn taking thrown into the loop, but mostly I just hear fighting that always seems to end up with someone getting pushed out of the way and crying to mommy (which at 7am is still me). I enjoy being woken up be hugs and snuggles, not crying and screaming.

Has anyone experienced Webkinz yet...an amazing thing..a virtual world with houses, malls, gem hunting, wishing wells, games involving matching scoops of ice cream at the ice cream parlor. There's even a fashion game. THere are easier games for 3 and 4 yr olds and harder games for 7-8 year olds. But the kicker is, once an older child wants to play..every younger child thinks it's the coolest thing since sliced bread. I had to search hard for a movie this morning that would "lure" them away from the computer. I felt like a lion hunter..finding the most juicy movie that would make them run to the couch so I could sneak in the computer to write this. I do like the computer..don't get me wrong, I'd rather them read questions and answer them than sit in front of the TV, but in the summer we try to leave the house by 10:30 everyday to get out and enjoy this gorgeous Iowa summer :)

What is Tiny Tots????

Deb Paul has been a music educator for 13 years. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1998. She received her Kindermusik training in Chicago in 1996. She taught 5th-8th grade band for 8 years at St. Augustin school in Des Moines and is currently the Music Education Coordinator at Rieman Music in Urbandale.

The Tiny Tot program originated in 2004 as a free outreach opportunity for St. Mark Lutheran Church. There are currently 4 classes per week and over 112 children are signed up for the 2009-10 school year.

Deb met her husband, Jason, in the Hawkeye Marching Band at the University of Iowa and they have 3 wonderful children. Her twins, Ryan and Emily are 7 years old and her daughter, Katie is 4. Deb loves touching the lives of so many children and bringing the magic of music to life in each of them. Deb has a gift of assessing the dynamics of each class and choosing specific activities that would excite every child.

Deb writes the Tiny Tot curriculum and uses a variety of resources and music to engage and teach children about the basic concepts of music. She uses a variety of percussion instruments to teach rhythm concepts, develop a child's internal steady beat, and work on developing a child's listening skills. The creative movement and dance used in class enhances a child's gross movement skills as well as increasing social interaction and stimulating creativity. Finger plays and motions for songs increase fine motor skills and make songs fun and easy to remember at home. Deb also tries very hard to have children find their singing voice and develop pitch-matching and increase their repetoire.

Classes are for children ages 0-5 years old. A parent/care-giver must accompany child to classes. PLease contact Deb Paul to sign up. CLasses are Thurs and Friday 9:30 and 10:30 and run 30 minutes in length with a 15 minute sharing/snack time at the end of every class.

Classes run August 13th, 2009- May 21st, 2010
NO CLASSES: Dec 24,25,31st Jan 1st and March 18 and 19th

Because Becky Told Me To....

I recently got back in touch with a friend from high school (Dowling 1993), Becky O'Brian....she was pregnant and moving back DSM from the eastcoast and was pregnant. (Insert praise to Facebook) I told her about a FREE music class I was teaching at my church. She had her daughter signed up before she even came out. Marley started Tiny Tots pretty young..considering she was an only child. Thanks for having faith in me Beck!!!! I have been putting out mass emails in my attempt to "appear" organized and professional to my Tiny Tot classes. I wanted to improve communiation and to tell moms, dads and grandparents in the area about fun things I've done with my kids and sharing info about my family.

Becky enjoyed my emails so much she told me to start a blog and since I am a co-dependant people pleaser I broke down and did it :) ENJOY!!!!