August 2017 | Marguerite McNeill

TURN ON the music, add some kids and stand back.  Its a combination that is bound to light up a room.  Something special happens when small children get excited by music, even when they are very young.  Some children bounce or jiggle in time to a beat, others might dance or sing along but whatever their reaction it brightens up even the dullest of days.

Westbury mother Kristy Russell loves the mix of music and children so much that she has organised sessions dubbed ‘Moovers ‘N’ Shakers’ targeting toddlers from 0 to 5 years old.  An early childhood teacher and classically trained musician, Mrs Russell plans to combine her skills to nurture a love of music and musicality in youngsters and is convinced that exposure to music has many positive benefits in health, development and wellbeing (particularly in early childhood).  “Research shows us that music stimulates many parts of the brain and enhances all areas of learning,” she said.

The interactive Moovers ‘N’ Shakers sessions will feature 40 minutes of musical based activities for children and their parents or carers.  As well as a portable keyboard, percussion instruments such as shakers and drums will be used to help introduce beat and rhythm in a fun and structured way.

The sessions will also involve the use of parachute and puppets as well as nursery rhymes and familiar songs.

Mrs Russell will run a series of casual ‘pop up’ musical sessions for 0 – 5 years old children in Westbury and Deloraine prior to commencing regular weekly sessions in Term 4.

Term 3 sessions will be held at the Westbury Community Health Centre on Wednesday 6th and 20th September from 10.00am to 10.45am and at Deloraine House on Tuesday 12th and 26th September from 10.00am to 10.45am.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/mooversnshakers or email kristyrussell23@gmail.com.

Photo | Mike Moores