Music group for pre-schoolers

A music group for young families is being offered at the Beachside Family Centre in Umina to improve and encourage children's cognitive, physical, social and emotional development.

"Parents and carers may not realise that singing with their children and moving to music can make a huge difference to their child's development," centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara said.

"If they take part in small group musical activities, this also adds to their experience.

"Practising listening skills and concentration can start the brain developing well which will help with all of the child's future learning.

"Children develop physical skills such as a sense of rhythm, gross motor co-ordination skills and also their listening and speaking skills.

"Socially children learn to co-operate with others, practise self-discipline and to appreciate respect for others.

"Emotionally children become confident through their singing, movement and playing musical instruments.

"Their happy experience of success translates to increased self-esteem.

"And of course it is just great for parents and carers to share in the fun with their children, bringing them closer together.

"We have not only mothers and fathers but grandparents who also bring their grandchildren along."

Lollipop Music Playgroup runs at Beachside Family Centre on Fridays for one to four year olds and on Wednesday morning for one to two year olds.

For more information, call 4343 1929.

Press release, 11 Jun 2010 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre