sparkle

This is probably not much help, but the music groups I've been running in East Dulwich (on Fridays!) are based on the Kodaly method. Within that I use some colourstrings songs too. I started these classes because I couldn't find anything locally that used these 'methods' either. Hall hire is expensive, and I think a lot of people are looking for music classes that entertain, rather than teach, so classes of this sort are harder to sustain. Anyhoo, at the moment I'm having to stop the classes for other work. I hope to start them again sometime soon, hopefully September. The classes are divided into different age groups. I'm not sure of your musical background but have you thought about teaching it yourself if you can t find anything local? It's ideal to go to a class in many ways, as there are lots of nice games the children play together etc, but with the lack of local classes, I've been doing it at home with my children. If your interested, there are lots of good resources out there I'd be happy to tell you about, and some fantastic teachers to get into contact with too. edited to add: The Kodaly method is indeed a fantastic way of teaching music. It is based around games/ movement/ singing, which the children really enjoy, and through this the children not only learn the core skills of music, but learn them so well. They will gain better musicianship skills than many adult musicians have! There is a nice group in West Dulwich I think only on Tuesdays though, called 'sound sense'

Thanks so much for all the useful information, lots of leads to follow. How did you all get to these places? Did any of you drive? If so did you stop over? catgirl when you booked direct with the campsite did you end up in an area with other English holiday makers (am all up for trying out my gcse french, but hope the small ones can make a few friends, and imagine that's a little easier with the same language!) Also can you tell me about the campsites you went to in the Loire? Do the campsites have much shade? thanks!

Have any of you been on a Eurocamp holiday on the continent? Or another similar style holiday? Would you recommend it? Or would anyone recommend a different type of summer holiday for a family with under 10s? any thoughts gratefully received!

Sue, The Sunday event was fantastic- such talented musicians. It really was a great afternoon for both our children and us. Just like nunheadmum says, it's hard to get out in the evening, so live music events in the day our whole family can enjoy are very welcome. The cake was great too!

What a fantastic idea! I'd love to come, but I can't do Mondays. Please do another day too!

hello there, I run 'Sparkle Music' on Fridays- lots of singing, moving, actions and instruments to enable young children to explore the wonderful world of music in a fun way. All my classes run on Fridays: I do a baby class at 10:30, a 2-3 year old class at 9:45 and a 3-4 year old class at 2pm. All in East Dulwich. Anna www.sparkle-music.co.uk

Just to add as some people have been asking- it's absolutely fine to stay with your child at the class, I just wanted to let you know that if you and you're child are happy, you'd be welcome to leave them too! Anna

Dear David, Yes, looks like there is enough interest, so the class will start on Friday 16th September. Please let me know if you'd like to come along to that, so I can hold you a space. Many thanks Anna

You're very welcome to join in January. Or, I also run a class for 2 year olds (see thread in the family classified section) which lead onto the 3 year old class. It's Friday mornings, at Dulwich Library maybe that could suit for the mean time? Anna

Thanks for your interest! I'm hoping to use the Goose Green Centre. Would that suit you?

Thanks Pebbles! Pippa and catgirl I've sent you pms. Thanks Anna

Thanks for the reply. I had hoped to have a later slot because of nap time issues, but unfortunately this is the only slot I can find so far, in a hall which has a piano. Drop in is a bit difficult for my classes, as I teach songs and skills over the weeks, children need to be there as many weeks as they can get the best from the classes. Thanks for the ideas, and giving me another perspective- I need to know who's out there! Anna

Something I forgot to add to the initial post was that I'm hoping that once children feel settled in the class, parents would be able to drop them off for the half hour. Would that help persuade a couple more of you?! Please do let me know if there is anything you are unsure about in my description or if you have any further questions.... For anyone interested in music education theory, classes are based around the ideas of Kodaly and Dalcroze. The first class is free, so come on, give it a try! Thanks! Anna

Hello all, I am a primary school teacher, and I run Sparkle Music here in East Dulwich, which currently includes classes for babies and 2 and 3 year olds. I'd like to start up a class for 3 and 4 year olds. I have a small number of children moving up from the 2/ 3 year old class, but need a few more to make the class viable. Would any of you lovely ed'ers be interested? The classes will probably run Fridays, 2-2:30 at a hall in East Dulwich- am hoping the afternoon would suit most people as it seems most put their children in nursery in the mornings. The classes: They will teach children essential music skills such as pulse, rhythm and pitch, all through action songs, musical role play and musical games. There will be singing, moving to music and playing percussion instruments. Some weeks may be themed, others just a bunch of fun muscial games! All activities are tailored specifically for 3 and 4 year olds, and will start them on the road to musical literacy and the skills necessary to learn an instrument. ALl in all they will learn music musically! Please let me know if you'd be interested. I'd love to run these classes if I can. Or if you have any questions. thanks Anna www.sparkle-music.co.uk

Make snakes out of egg boxes- cut around the egg cup bits, paint/ put upside down so flat bit is at the top and piece hole through the sides, put string through them all like making a necklace, maybe some stick on eyes for the front... hope that makes sense. It worked really well in our house, and you can add more egg box bits as the weeks go by and make it as long as you like! make your own playdough- really simple- think we do something like 2 cups of plain flour, 1 cup salt, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil, 1 cup boiling water. lasts for ages in an air tight cup. cornflour gloop- as nappy lady suggested- so much fun!- don't think it really matters how much water to cornflour you use, then add colour we also make this slime which is like the slime you can buy- doensn't leave fingers sticky and can be easily wiped up. can look up the recipe if anyone interested? Includes pva and also borax (Which by itself is an irritant, but is fine all mixed in- you can buy it from a j farmer) those big cardboard crates they store the fruit in at Sainsburys are great for using as cars/ boats to move around on the floor making a den with bed sheets and tables and chairs making hats/ crowns out of old cereal boxes

The Tiger That Came to Tea is a fab book- it is a picture book, but is written very well (by Judith Kerr). I've happily read it many a time! As for chapter books mine really enjoyed The Faraway Tree- an adventure in every chapter! Is a bit old fashioned and maybe not the best written(?) but fun stories, and the chapters are short enough to keep a 5 year old interested.

We used to go to the Plough when little sparkle was a baby, was a nice place to hang out then. They still, I think, have a box of toys there are seem pretty happy to have mums and little ones in, and on a Friday afternoon I don't htink it's that busy, so I'm sure a bunch of us could meet informally there even if the 'official' group isn't running. Although I'm not sure how many running toddlers could fit in there before it got too much. We'd be up for meeting there to see how it goes, or the park if the weather is good.

Surely one of the biggest issues is the possibility of having your baby away? Of course it's unlikely your baby will be born pre-term, but if it is, perhaps it would be wise to find out if your insurance would cover the delivery, or special baby care?

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thanks for the replies. Toddler World is great- big space to let off steam, things to climb on, go through, slide on, bounce on.... and you can have a cup of coffee at the edge! Some days are fantastic, sometimes they don't get much stuff out though, so it's luck.

Does anyone go to Toddler World at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre on public transport from East Dulwich? Is there a good train route from East Dulwich or something else simple? thanks!

yes, there was a 10 year old there who came to demonstrate. He was really enjoying it and was in all sorts of bands and orchestras- apparently there is always a demand for bass players!

A while ago 'Chris-Purplemusic' advertised a new group she's doing called 'crazy basses'. It's a Saturday morning 1 hour class teaching mini-bass (ie double bass, but small sized versions for the kids). The classes are a mix of learning the instrument and musicianship skills. The age range, I think, is 5-11. Anyway, we went on Saturday and thought it was great- a real opportunity to learn an (unusual) instrument right here in East Dulwich. Chris is a professional player and really lovely. I'm not related in any way to her, but just wanted more people to hear about it, so please contact her direct, not me!

sorry just realised I'm writing from someone else's computer and have forgotton to change the log in! Will try and edit it out, if I can get back into MFP's log in. But the message is mine: Having read back thorugh this thread I want to say I'm sorry if I upset anyone who has had a difficult experience. I understand it varies enormously between women, and births, and of course support networks are invaluble. My intention (and I didn't put it very well) was to add a different experience to the thread, just in case anyone who was pregnant for the first time was reading this.

It is tiring and a massive life change and at times exhausting and stressful having a baby. However, it is also fantastic (someone who will call you mum, will smile and giggle, grab your leg for security in public etc). Also all the physical symptoms described here may not apply to you, they didn't to me. I'm just concerned that telling people horrific things that happen to you, especially on a public forum can be really scary, and if you've not had a baby put you off, or if you're pregnant give you false expectations.