Class Information & Guidelines
CLASS LOCATION:
Williamson Meadow, Lancaster County Central Park
​GPS location:* Loop Drive, Lancaster PA, 17602
​*Please use Google Maps for accurate directions.
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RESTROOMS:
​There are restrooms located on Loop Drive.
MUSIC/VIDEO LINKS:
The songs and videos for class can be downloaded/streamed at the link below:
https://www.dancingbearsmusic.com/springmedia2024
SOCIAL MEDIA:
https://www.instagram.com/dancingbearsmusiclancaster
https://www.facebook.com/dancingbearsmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@dancingbearsmusic
CLASS GUIDELINES:
​ Please:
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Bring your Class Time Rhythm Kit to every class as instruments won’t be handed out. The Rhythm Kit will be provided on your 1st day of class.
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Bring a waterproof blanket. You may also want to bring sunscreen and bug spray.
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If your child leaves your space, follow them and redirect them back to your area.
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Since we’re outside, you're welcome to wear a mask or not. We leave this decision up to each family.
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Please refrain from attending class if you or your child are feeling unwell or have been diagnosed with COVID or any contagious illness.
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Sing, dance, and have fun!!
​About DBM class
Dancing Bears Music is designed for children 6 weeks through 4 years of age. At Dancing Bears Music, we believe that musical ability is as much a basic life skill as walking and talking and that all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with pleasure and confidence. Dancing Bears Music classes nurture a child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement as we sing, dance, and play instruments in an informal setting that will lead to a lifetime of appreciation for music and movement!
​Your role in class
​Enhance your child's experience in class by participating! Your active participation is the key to your child’s learning and growing musically. Support the creation of a music-only environment while in class by not talking to your child or other adults during the 45 minutes. Since it is difficult for a young child to mask out adult conversation, please wait to socialize until after class and instead contribute to the creation of a musical environment for the children to absorb and enjoy. Try not to give verbal directions; it can be tough to restrain the impulse to give your child directives such as "do what she is doing", "hold your instrument this way”, etc. but children respond best by just seeing and hearing you doing (and enjoying) it yourself!
Always watch out for your child’s safety, but mostly your role in class is to just relax and have fun! Wandering children are fine, but If you want your child to come back to you, avoid calling from across the class area. If necessary, redirect your child physically back to you or the circle. If you notice your child throwing objects, hitting another child with an instrument, etc. please intervene and stop them immediately! As well, if your child begins to yell, scream, act out, etc. please gently take them to another area for a break and return when they feel more comfortable.
Using DBM materials
​Play the music at home and in the car as frequently as possible, especially during the first few weeks of class. Make it available to your child to listen to while playing or before nap or bedtime. Use the videos to help you remember the songs and the different instruments and movements involved with each.
Why a mixed-age class
​In each class we strive to create a musically-rich, developmentally-appropriate environment where the whole family can enjoy music and nurture skills at the level comfortable for each child. Mixed-age classes provide a rich learning environment because children of different ages thrive when they interact with each other; the babies are often fascinated by the older children, and the older children often enjoy helping and sharing with the younger ones. This approach is based on research from music education, early childhood development, and family relationships.
Cell phone use
​We love to see photos and pictures of your little ones and we understand the importance of capturing those moments. Taking photos of your child during class is OK, but please remember to set your ringer to vibrate during class. If you need to take a phone call please step out of the class area. As your full participation with your child is key, please refrain from sending and receiving text messages during class.
​Walking feet only
​Please use only walking feet during class. Always stay within arm's length of your child during class and if you notice that your child begins to run, please make sure to redirect them and encourage the use of walking feet.
​Bringing an unregistered older sibling to class
​Throughout the session, an older child may have a school holiday and it’s natural to want to bring them with you to class. An older sibling of a registered student may visit 1 class per session. Please let me know if you expect to bring your registered child's older sibling to class.
​Please - no eating during class
​Please feel comfortable nursing your child in class and bringing refreshments but we ask that you refrain from eating during class.
Who may attend class
​One or both parents, grandparents, and caregivers are welcome to attend class at any time – no need to ask. Whole family music-making in your home is extremely valuable to your child's musical development, and attending class occasionally helps the other family members feel comfortable joining in at home.
​Refund Policy
​No refunds are given after the 2nd class of the session.
​Inclement Weather
​If there's inclement weather the morning of class, a postponement announcement will be posted by 8:15 a.m. at:
www.facebook.com/dancingbearsmusic
www.instagram.com/dancingbearsmusiclancaster
Postponed classes will be held starting the week immediately following the scheduled end of the session.
Make-up classes
​A class must be made up during the session it was missed; make-up classes don’t carry forward into following sessions. To schedule a make-up class, please email us at info@dancingbearsmusic.com
Thank You!
Ms. Chrisie & Mr.Craig
Dancing Bears Music