Calling All Playgroups!!

Has your play group or moms group run out of ideas?
Are you already looking for ways to beat the cold with your group but are tired of inflatable places and fast food restaurants?

Join Kindermusik With Kathy & Friends for a fun, PRIVATE Playdate– singing, dancing, instrument play-alongs and activities to get your feet stomping and your hearts singing—my location or yours!

Events are 45 minutes long and include a take home 10 song download card to http://play.kindermusik.com, playlist card, and instrument.

$10 FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY (8 family minimum)

NOW BOOKING PRIVATE PLAY DATES FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY.

Themes Available:

Snow Day…Come in your pjs and get ready for some winter fun!
Sweetie Pie…Perfect for a Valentine’s Day Get-together!
On The Go…Hold onto your seats and get ready for a fun ride!


Contact Kathy at 832.598.SING (7464) or kmusikwithkathy@gmail.com for more details!

Music and a Mohawk

Press Release
9/8/10
Media Contacts:
Kathy Ricke, M. Ed. - Kindermusik® Educator
832.598.SING
kmusikwithkathy@gmail.com


Music and a Mohawk: Kindermusik and Pigtails & Crewcuts Team Up …to offer music and a little off the top…for the younger crowd!

Katy, TX –
Two local companies are putting a new twist on the definition of “Barbershop Quartet”.
Kindermusik with Kathy and Friends is offering music enrichment classes at Pigtails & Crewcuts, a new Katy haircutting salon for youngsters and their parents. The two businesses have joined forces since they both cater to similar age groups of children. Pigtails & Crewcuts provides the space and a discount on services to all of the music class participants, while Kindermusik with Kathy and Friends brings the music, instruments and imaginative playtime each week!

"It’s so exciting to be back in Katy doing what I love," says Kathy Ricke, a licensed Kindermusik educator in Katy TX. “Kindermusik is such a special time for parents and children! It’s a time for bonding with one another, playing with one another, laughing together, and experiencing your child’s world through her or his amazing eyes, and I love being a part of that experience!" she adds.

Pigtails and Crewcuts local franchise owner, Andrea Shepherd says, “ We are thrilled to host Kindermusik classes here ! It has been a great partnership and we look forward to more little friends (and mommies) who love music and who may need a haircut, too!”

Katy Ricke, owner of Kindermusik with Kathy and Friends, has been an active bell-shaking, scarf-waving Kindermusik participant along with all three of her children for the past eight years. She knows firsthand how invaluable Kindermusik can be in a child's development and is looking forward to sharing her passion with you and your children! She is an experienced teacher who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instructional Technology. Kathy is a licensed Kindermusik educator and a proud member of Early Childhood Music & Movement Association.

Kindermusik International www.kindermusik.com is the world’s leading publisher of music and movement curricula and products for parents and their children ages newborn to seven years old. Kindermusik educators provide tips that parents can take home from each class to help make great parenting easier in their daily routine. Kindermusik is a child-centered music and movement program for children aged 0-7. Through music, children will develop early literacy and language skills, acquire reasoning and early math skills, and increase self control-- all while having fun in the process! Kindermusik believes that the parent is a child's first teacher, so you will see parents participating right alongside their children in class--and the families are able to take this learning home with them thanks to fabulous At Home materials specifically designed to extend the learning at home! Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Kindermusik parents would recommend it to other parents according to a Harris Interactive Online Study in November 2005.

Pigtails and Crewcuts is a hair salon created exclusively to meet the needs of children and parents. Pigtails & Crewcuts offers a host of child-friendly products and services for both parent and child. Next time you are in one of our locations ask about our Mom and Dad cuts. Pigtails & Crewcuts stylists customize each style for the younger set. Our experienced stylists will walk you through each step of the haircut to ensure complete satisfaction.

Pop in Playdates (as well as weekly classes) are conveniently offered at Pigtails & Crewcuts at 5131 South Fry Road at the corner of Mason and Fry. Parents should reserve their spot by calling Kathy Ricke at 832.598.SING or e-mailing her at kmusikwithkathy@gmail.com in advance. The Kindermusik class schedule will begin September 8th. Classes are open to everybody and registrations are accepted through www.kindermusik.com.

Come All You Playmates...

KINDERMUSIK With Kathy & Friends
Kathy Ricke, M. Ed. - Kindermusik® Educator
5711 Evening Oaks Lane, Fulshear, TX 77441
kmusikwithkathy@gmail.com
832.598.SING

Play dates conveniently held at:
Pigtails & Crewcuts
5131 S. Fry Road, Suite 500
Katy, TX 77450
At the corner of Fry and Mason



Now offering Kindermusik PLAYDATE—a one-day class for parents and kids on the go!

You get the same Kindermusik fun and learning in the classroom . . . and the same high-quality take-home materials including music and an instrument . . . but a one-day class so you can try it out!
Limited to 8 children, so reserve your spot soon!

FALL 2010 REGISTRATION


STUDENT’S NAME_____________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH__________________AGE________Ο Female Ο Male


PARENT’S NAME_________________________________________
HOME PHONE (_____)____________________ CELL (_____)___________________

MAILING ADDRESS___________________________________________________________
CITY____________________________________________ZIP________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)

_________________________________________________________________________


Check the Playdate For Which This Student is Registering:

□ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD AT 10:30 AM (ages 18 months-4 years)
□ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1ST AT 9:30 AM (ages 18 months-4 years)
□ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH AT 11:00 AM (ages 18 months-4 years)

OR

ASK ABOUT OUR ON-DEMAND PLAY DATE!
You supply the location (PigTails & Crewcuts may be available) and invite at least 6 friends and your Play Date is FREE!
(This option is open to all age groups—newborn to age 5)

PAYMENT INFORMATION

$15 for one child or $20 for the whole family!
You will receive a CD of music used in class, a fun instrument/prop for each child registered, and $5 in Kindermusik Kash.
Please mail registration form and payment to Kathy Ricke to reserve your spot.

READ, SIGN, and DATE

• LIABILITY RELEASE – As the legal parent or guardian, I release and hold harmless Kathy Ricke and Pigtails & Crewcuts from any and all liability, claims, demands, and causes of action whatsoever, arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that may be sustained by the participant and/or the undersigned, while in or upon the premises or any premises under the control and supervision of Kathy Ricke.
• PRIVACY POLICY--Kindermusik With Kathy & Friends reserves the right to photograph and videotape programs and participants for training, advertising, or any other lawful business purpose. Any photographs used will not identify students by name without written permission. Customer information is for internal use only and will not be sold to outside parties. If you do NOT wish to have your child photographed or video-taped, please initial here. _________



Signature___________________________________________________________

DATE________________________________


Experiencing the magic of a Kindermusik class with NO strings attached....That, my friends.....is something to sing about!


Posted by Miss Kathy who'd really love to see you and your kiddos in a Kindermusik class soon! What are you waiting for?

Calling All Book Lovers!

Want a Book? Or Two? Or Three??

I'm placing a large order of autographed copies of my sister's books. She has three out right now: Cowboy Camp, Chicken Dance, and Mostly Monsterly. I'd like to get her to come to Katy for a whirlwind school tour, so if you're interested in having her speak at your child's school (she's really good and her travel costs would be on me because I really want to see her!), please bug her like crazy at tksauer@aol.com.


Fill out the form below to get your hands on one or more autographed copies. Each book is $16.00. (This price reflects the cost to ship the books to my sis for her coveted signature!)

Please return the completed form, along with your check, to :

Kathy Ricke, 5711 Evening Oaks Lane, Fulshear, TX 77441

DUE DATE: SEPT. 10th

Make Checks Payable to KATHY RICKE


YOUR Name:__________________________________________________
Yes, I want CHICKEN DANCE!____Number of copies needed:________________
Make CHICKEN DANCE out to:
Book 1 to:_______________________________________________________
Book 2 to:_______________________________________________________
Yes, I want COWBOY CAMP!_____Number of copies needed:________________
Make COWBOY CAMP out to:
Book 1 to:_______________________________________________________
Book 2 to:_______________________________________________________
Yes, I want MOSTLY MONSTERLY!___Number of copies needed:_____________
Make MOSTLY MONSTERLY out to:
Book 1 to:_______________________________________________________
Book 2 to:_______________________________________________________
Total number of books needed:_______Total amount enclosed:_______________

www.tammisauer.com

The Family That Spins Together….

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE having 3 kiddos of varying ages and maturity levels, but, at times, the age discrepancy gets the best of us. The toddler either destroys a perfectly fun game of Uno or the brother terrorizes his sisters’ tea party or the big sis just quite frankly wants to be left alone! Or worse…I get complacent and assume the older ones can watch the toddler for “just a second” while I do the dishes or work on the computer or vacuum. I’ve discovered the secret to Sibling Happiness. Are you ready for this? Rub your listening ears—FIND AN ACTIVITY THAT THEY CAN DO TOGETHER! The activity can’t involve a finished product because it’s a fact that someone will get irritated when another someone screws it up…

We’ve found our sense of inner joy with the Bilibo —this rather simple piece of plastic can provide minutes (not hours—get real, people!) of giggles and it’s something they all can do at their own level! You can spin on ‘em, turn ‘em over and walk on ‘em, spin balls in ‘em, wear ‘em as hats and put on a show, etc., etc. The best part of all—there are no rules, no batteries, and no extra noise!

Now, once that fun is over, try out a classic Kindermusik activity that is just as full-proof. "All Fall Down" is a must-have in your bag of Mommy Tricks. You'll need ribbon sticks/streamers/scarves and the song, of course!

The music has 3 cues, and each cue requires a specific reaction from the players (these are the rules):
To start, everyone lies on the floor.
When you hear the crank, you get up.
When you hear the music, you dance with your streamers.
When you hear the descending scale, you fall down.
Repeat until the music is over.
(Repeat again and again until everyone is worn out!)

WHY this game?
--because it’s fun.
--because anyone can do it.
--because it involves movement, and we all know that kids learn through movement, right?
--because it teaches self-control, deliberate listening, and patience in a FUN way.

Are you inspired yet? If so, you can download “All Fall Down” here. and be prepared for some giggles!


Now go and have some fun with your kids! And, that, my friends...is something to sing about!
--Posted by Miss Kathy, who can hold her own in a Bilibo-spinning competition!

Most Perfect Day Ever!

On our agenda today: a much anticipated swimming play date with some friends

The beach bag was packed, swimming suits washed and ready, and pool toys stuffed in the SUV. What’s that pitter-pattering on the roof? Could it actually be rain drops down here in South Texas? The kids were devastated that our swimming plans were snatched away just like that by Mother Nature. BUT… Kid #2 suggested we head outside to play in the rain. And, what a fabulous idea that was! After playing in the rain, the kids headed inside for warm bubble baths, put on their coziest jammies, and curled up together on the couch bed to watch Bambi. How innocent is that? Add pizza on trays in front of the TV and the fact that none of us have even brushed our teeth yet, and you have a truly perfect day!

And, yes, we did add a little Kindermusik magic to our day with the following rhyme that Kid #3 made us sing again and again and again….(Did you know that kids really do learn by repetition, so please grin and bear it, Moms!)

I hear thunder. I hear thunder.
Hear it roar. Hear it roar.
(Sing with a loud, low voice while pounding loudly on your lap.)
Pitter, pitter raindrops. Pitter, patter raindrops.
(Sing with a quiet, high voice while tapping lightly on your lap.)
I’m all wet. I’m all wet.
(Pretend you’re drying off.)

You can sing the song again while marching in a circle. March loudly for the thunder, tip-toe for the rain, and fall down when you get all wet.


So what if our breakfast dishes are still stacked in the sink and the laundry remains unfolded, this has been a perfect day, with no arguing and lots of snuggling. And that, my friends…..is something to sing about!

Kindermusik-inspired theme music: Mud Puddle Jump
(It’ll make ya want to dig the galoshes out of the shoe closet!)



Posted by Miss Kathy, who got a little wet herself today and loved every minute of it!

Bubblicious

There’s something magical and irresistible about bubbles. Here are some ideas to make bubble play even more fascinating!


DID YOU KNOW...
--Infants who can blow bubbles and lick their lips are more likely to pick up language quickly.
--Blowing helps develop kids’ diaphragms and builds muscle control necessary for singing.
--Bubble games boost hand/eye coordination and gross motor skills.



HAVE A BUBBLE CHALLENGE--

Can you catch a bubble on your tongue? elbow? nose? knee?
--Can you clap a bubble? stomp on a bubble? put your finger on a bubble? catch a bubble with 2 fingers? jump on a bubble?
-- Pretend to be bubbles. Play soft music and "float" like bubbles around the room.



SING ABOUT IT

Blow Away the Morning Dew
Blow away the morning dew,
The dew and the dew.
Blow away the morning dew,
How sweet the wind doth blow.

The Bubble Song
1 little, 2 little, 3 little bubbles
4 little, 5 little, 6 little bubbles
7 little, 8 little, 9 little bubbles
10 little bubbles go pop ,pop, pop
Pop those, pop those, pop those bubbles
Pop those, pop those, pop those bubbles
Pop those, pop those, pop those bubbles
10 little bubbles go pop, pop, pop.



BUBBLE PICASSO

Pour a small amount of bubble solution into several cups. Add 4-5 drops of food coloring to each cup (you need a good amount of coloring in the solution). Dip bubble wands into the colorful solutions and blow bubbles onto plain white paper. Allow the bubbles to settle and burst on their own. When dry, you will have beautiful note paper! (Or, frame the materpiece and hang it on the wall!)


Download a FREE bubble song by registering at http://play.kindermusik.com/
Register and then search for “bubbles”! "Bubbles On Me" is a favorite around these parts!


Ahhh, how I love the childlike innocence bubble play invokes. Come on, you know you want to pop that bubble! Go ahead..be a kid again...your secret is safe with me.

And that, my friends, is something to sing about!


posted by Miss Kathy who just can't get enough of that Pied Piper feeling every time I bring out the bubbles!

Fort Building 101
What do you get when you add two ottomans from opposite ends of the house, countless blankets and pillows, 3 flash lights, some books and my son’s portable safes (so the pirates wouldn’t find his loot)?
A very creative, somewhat lop-sided, not structurally-sound Siblings Club. And, yes, little sis sometimes forgot to duck when walking under the blankets (which caused the walls to cave in and big sis to grrr) and little bro spent way too much time protecting his loot instead of participating in the planned events (which caused big sis to grrr as she tried to conduct story time), but all in all, they had a great time without any input by me!

As luck would have it, I forgot to take a picture or incorporate a favorite Kindermusik song to add to the theme. Check out play.kindermusik.com and download a cool pirate tune. One of my favorites is http://play.kindermusik.com/tracks/3592-arrrgh/.

Three kiddos of various ages working together without mom's help to create a masterpiece without too much arguing, pouting, or crying….And, that, my friends is something to sing about!

--posted by Miss Kathy, a very proud mom who was even more thrilled that the little darlings put each and every blanket, pillow, flash light, piece of furniture and treasure back in its place when the fun was over!

Kindermusik With Kathy + Friends Summer 2010