August 31, 2007

Mercy Offers New Music and Movement Class for Kids and Parents

Mercy Medical Center—Sioux City is introducing a new music and movement class for infants, toddlers and their caregivers.

The class series, “Move to the Musik,” will convene at Mercy once each Wednesday for 10 consecutive weeks starting Sept. 12. Parents or grandparents can sign up for a daytime session from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., an evening session from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., or a second evening session from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

Using the acclaimed Musikgarten curricula, Mercy’s classes are geared for children from birth to age 4.

“Move to the Musik uses music and movement programs to stimulate the brain, help develop memory and math skills, enhance social skills and enrich abstract thinking,” explains Beth Sitzmann, community education coordinator for Mercy. “From birth, children love music. This class will help them channel their energy and focus their attention as they embrace music and learning.”

“The class also teaches parents and other caregivers how to play with their children purposefully and joyfully,” Sitzmann adds.

Amanda VandeZande, a certified, licensed Musikgarten instructor who holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in music, will lead the classes by sharing fun and education with children and their caregivers through singing, dancing, focused listening, chanting and playing simple instruments.

The cost for each 10-week session is $95 per child. Mercy will offer special rates for those with more than one child.

Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. For more information, or to pre-register your child, call Mercy at (712) 279-2989.