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09 September 2012

The REvolution

Those of you enrolled in our toddler and preschool classes know what I mean.  We've rocked your world a little bit and maybe even your boat too.  Wiggle & Grow and Laugh & Learn families (those are the curriculum names of our classes for ages 1 1/2 -3 years and 3-4 years) are joining the revolution of the evolution of our awesome new Digital Home Materials.

my.kindermusik.com

So what does that mean and how does it affect you?  It means that Kindermusik International has done it again.  They've made the magic, learning, and music they're known for new once more...and this time it's easier, more convenient, and more applicable than ever before.  Through rigorous research, planning, thought, love, and care, Kindermusik International has created a digital delivery system that will bring music, literature, home activities, videos, and up-to-date research on child development into your hands anytime and anywhere.  These materials are accessible on your home computer, tablet, or smartphone.  (Um, yep.  You heard that right.  Standing in the grocery line, anyone?  Waiting at the doctor's office?)  They bring you everything you love about Kindermusik in an eco-friendly digital format that will never get lost, left behind, chewed up, used up, or need to be trucked there to here wasting-fossil-fuels-up.

It's an exciting time to be part of the Kindermusik family.  We hope you love Kindermusik @Home as much we do!

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Digital Home Materials FAQ

Have some questions?  We want to answer them!  If you don't find what you're looking for below, give us a ring at 515.221.2948 or email us at info@piedpiperstudios.org.

How do I find or access my materials?
From your desktop, tablet, or smartphone, visit my.kindermusik.com  (notice there's no www).  Enter your email address and log in as a new user to set your password.  Once you've set up your account, you'll be directed to your home page where you'll find your child's unit of materials waiting for you. (Wiggle & Grow: "Time for Lunch" or Laugh & Learn: "Out and About").  Just click the unit icon to start exploring!

Every four weeks a new unit will automatically be delivered to your account.  The units you already own will remain in your account forever growing your library of music, activities, and books!

I'm having trouble accessing my materials.  What do I do?
If you experience any difficulty logging in or accessing your current unit, please contact us immediately.  We are working directly with our friends at Kindermusik International to make sure you have a hassle-free experience.  We appreciate knowing about any trouble you encounter as soon as possible so we can troubleshoot and uncover the solution quickly.   
 
How do I get the music for the class?
The music for your child's class is available in the orange-colored Download Center on the unit homepage for your child's curriculum.  Simply click to download the music to your computer and then burn a CD, import to iTunes, or save and listen in whichever way your prefer to organize your music!

Wait- I think I know that kid?!
Yep.  You probably do!  As you and your child watch and enjoy many of the videos in your growing collection, you may recognize some of the children and families who participated in filming them.  Miss Jenn has been honored and privileged to work alongside Kindermusik International in the creation of some of the components in these materials and she'll be working on filming activities for upcoming units over the coming year.  If you and your child are interested in participating and seeing your faces in these materials (which will be enjoyed by children and families around the world!), please contact us to raise your hand!

Our family has rules about screen time.  How can we use these materials?
Kindermusik International knows and respects that each family gets to decide what's best for them when it comes to this issue.  In creating this digital resource, Kindermusik has read about and researched this topic thoroughly.  We have aligned our stance with that of the highly respected NAEYC and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning, recognizing that children can benefit from a responsible and age-appropriate use of technology in combination with hands-on experiences and in partnership with an actively involved caregiver.  We are proud to bring these high-quality materials to your family which truly embody the very best of both worlds- a responsible introduction to technology AND lots of hands-on, movement-rich, in-your-lap, down-on-the-floor learning. 

These materials are designed for you and your child to use cooperatively, engaging with one another as you read, watch, discuss, and discover.  Most of the videos are less than 2 minutes in length.  The book can be used as an e-book or can be printed from the Download Center and enjoyed traditionally.  Activities can be printed from the Dowload Center and enjoyed over and over again.  Parents can read, watch, and learn about the latest research in early childhood education and their child's development.  They are truly a rich and exciting tool that's now available to you anytime and anywhere!

Why is my monthly payment different from last Spring?
One of the benefits of going digital is that we're now able to offer families enrolled in Wiggle & Grow and Laugh & Learn an overall COST SAVINGS on Kindermusik.  Even though you'll now be receiving MORE music, MORE literature, and MORE activity ideas, the digital delivery allows us to save on expensive shipping and handling costs.  That translates to a significant savings for you and a greener more eco-friendly practice for the globe.  Plus, there are no more up-front materials charges.  Just one low monthly payment that bundles your tuition and Digital Home Materials into one.  Payments are due the first of each month with the exception of January, June, July, and August while our classes are on break.  

But my child is enrolled in Village or Young Child.  When do I get Digital Home Materials?
Digital Home Materials are currently not available for these classes.  I know.  We're sorry, but our fingers and toes are crossed that they're coming very, very soon!  And you can bet that as soon as they're available, we'll be delivering them directly to you!  In the meantime, you get to continue enjoying Kindermusik's award-winning physical Home Materials.  

  











- Posted by Miss Jenn

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