Learning
  

The world of music to the eyes and ears of a child is a combination of rhythmic movements and many different kinds of sounds: high, low, fast, slow, loud, soft and a realm of new vocabulary. 

Maraca Jacks explore this world in an original and exciting way. Young children have a natural feeling for music and love to use it as a means of expression. At Maraca Jacks they are able to have fun and learn at the same time. 

The skills developed are based on the Early Years Foundation Stage and will give a child a confident head start ready for starting school.

So what goes into a 45 minute workshop? 

Singing
During each 45 minute session, we sing nursery rhymes and simple action songs suited to the age group of the children. Some songs are even unique to Maraca Jacks. New songs are introduced throughout the term to keep older children’s interest and all their favourites get enough repetition to help even the youngest child feel confident about joining in. 

Exploring sound
Each week different hand held percussion instruments are introduced. Children are taught how to hold them correctly and encouraged to try out different types of sounds with them. 

Themes
Each week the workshop has a theme, ie. Nature, Numbers, Shapes, Animals, Transport, Everyday sounds and simple music theory, with over 200 written themes, you will see a different workshop every week for over 3 years!

Movement
We often link into each theme a short imaginative movement exercise or mime activity. Adults are encouraged to join in with us. An opportunity to get down on all fours and pretend to prowl gracefully like a tiger with your child can be fun and incredibly therapeutic!   We may use scarves, parachutes, bubbles, ribbons, balls or other imaginative and colourful props.

It is usually parents that participate with actions, singing and movement exercises that see the greatest growth in their child’s development over the weeks. A child will respond well to the workshop leaders instructions if he/she can detect your own enthusiasm. 

Story time
Towards the end of each workshop, children learn the art of sitting and listening quietly as a group. Stories develop an appreciation for rhythm and rhyme and usually expand on that weeks theme. After story time, children say goodbye to Maraca Jack and are given a colouring picture to take home.

Childrens abilities vary at every stage and we pride ourselves at Maraca Jacks as leading the way in developing your childs' best potential for 'them'.  They are encouraged to grow throughout each stage of their learning. some workshop leaders have seen many children from the same families over several years.  Because we are not a franchise we can hand pick and train our ladies to become great leaders and this shows in their friendliness towards you and your children.

What the experts say:  "This kind of stimulation from an early age assures good language skills for the future"  "Connecting rhythm, movement and bonding produces lots of brain wiring that is likely to help your child in their future development"