The mixed-age family music class is the essential Music Together® class, one that a child can attend from birth to kindergarten (0–5 years) and throughout all twelve song collections. Mixed-age classes follow recommendations by child development researchers: Grouping children of a variety of ages fosters natural, family-style learning. Younger children enjoy watching and imitating older ones; older children learn by leading younger ones; and adults are happy because the children in the family can go to class together. Each child can participate at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching or exploring musical instruments. Any caregivers—parents, grandparents, nannies—can bring the children. The whole family is welcome and encouraged to participate in this fun and important family music experience.
In addition, Music Together classes offer the following benefits by:
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valuing individuality. With no pressure to perform according to age or stage, children are able to learn at their own pace and are also more likely to cooperate than compete.- learning from each other. The mixed-age environment creates an atmosphere where children learn to help and to be helped by other children, because they interact consistently with children whose ages and abilities are varied.
- creating a family-style community. Mixed-age groups more closely resemble our own families. Just like families, mixed-age classrooms are special groups of people who support and take care of each other, creating a safe and comfortable space to play, explore and learn.
- supporting social and emotional development. Mixed-age classes offer opportunities for older children to develop leadership skills as they relate to younger classmates and give the younger child the opportunity to participate in play that is more complex.
Chickadee Music 