Little Quavers is a ‘turn up and play’ group for babies and pre-schoolers giving them the opportunity to explore music, singing and dancing. It is also great for learning Makaton signs. Liz and Anne do a new sign to learn every week. My son George (2.5 yrs.) loves to join in with this and practices Makaton at home. Liz and Anne play their own instruments during the session; it’s a wonderful introduction to music for children.
Liz and Anne are so welcoming and create a wonderful informal, sociable atmosphere. We love how relaxed the group is, there is no pressure for the children to join in with the actions and they are free to move around during the session. Some sessions George feels shy and prefers to just sit on my lap, other days he loves to run around and join in the moves with Anne and Liz.
Anne and Liz start the class with their ‘Hello’ song; big waves to everyone and shout your name ‘after three!’ Lively action songs follow this. Anne and Liz present very easy to follow moves and the whole group join in. The first song was a favourite of mine, ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’.
Everyone danced round in a circle and the children had to wash their face, brush their teeth, comb their hair, and put on their clothes. This is a great song to learn for the morning routine at home. Then we did the scarecrow song. George loves to be the dingle dangle scarecrow! This is followed by another action song called ‘Can You Freeze’ and ‘My Hands and Feet are Chilly’.
For the next songs Anne sits on the floor with children gathered around her to copy her actions. She sings the magical ‘All Aboard the Shush Train’ song, which is so useful to get children to listen. I now use this at home as well. Then we sing ‘5 Autumn Leaves’ and ‘Twinkle Twinkle’. George loves being able to sit next to Anne; he loves the interaction she provides him. As we go to the group quite a lot George has developed a bond with both Liz and Anne.
Next the children are all given a band of rainbow ribbons to use for the ‘Rainbow’ song. This song teaches children different colours as well as being really fun to wave around!
George’s favourite part of the hour is when Liz and Anne get all the musical toys out. Two big boxes filled, with different types of shakers, drums, xylophones, are poured onto the ground for the children to help themselves to. George loves to try out different instruments. Liz and Anne play instruments along to ‘Beat the Drum’ and ‘Freeze’.
At the end of the session, the children have to search the room for the hidden Little Quavers mouse. All the children run around trying to spot him and then we sing the goodbye song. They are given a drink and a biscuit at the end (the part my son really loves!), and there are hot drinks available for adults. I love to have a coffee and a chat with other mums at the end, while George runs around the room with the other children.
Sessions are £7 plus £3 for a sibling, which includes the refreshments at the end. There is free parking at the Hockey club (Reviewed Jan 2023)
There’s a lovely little park you can play in afterwards at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground.
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