STEP

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn Osborne here...As many of you know I was provided with the wonderful opportunity to attend the 12th Biennial Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference held in Minneapolis at the end of May. Not only did I give a paper, hear many intriguing presentations and amazing performances but was also able to take a teacher training course for Early Childhood Education or "Baby" Suzuki.

This wonderful idea was started by Dr. Suzuki himself who advocated beginning musical education very early up to "nine months prior to the birth of the parents!" :-)

The classes are based on the Suzuki philosophy and particularly on the idea that "every child can learn."

ECE classes are aimed at infants and toddlers from 0-3 years old and help create a bond between the parent and child as well as develop many useful skills for the young student through music and movement. These are multi-age classes in which students have a chance to interact and learn from one another, for as we all observe children learn from other children quickly and eagerly.

The concept of children learning from each other is one of the founding principles of the Suzuki philosophy and reasons for its success.

We have decided to offer an introduction to the ECE classes at camp next week and open it up only to STEP families. Considering the late date of this decision it will only run if there are enough people interested and a small fee will be charged (separate from other ACSI fees).

Interested families should contact me personally at 726-7258 or evelyn_osborne@yahoo.com We would like to know by Friday at 5pm at the latest so that I have time to do preparation and scheduling.

I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely Evelyn Osborne

Labels: Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute