Pod Classes
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The pandemic has uprooted and changed many of our routines, habits, and – in many cases – our way of life. Families of small children have been hit particularly hard in regard to childcare options and opportunities for social interaction, which is essential to child development. As a result, families began creating their own pods – little groups or “bubbles” within which they interact, educate, and care for their children.
ChiME classes for kids 0-6 years old are now available via Zoom to learning pods or groups of families. Depending on the ages of participants, we custom tailor our standard Early Childhood and Instrument Primer curriculum, choosing the best age- and skill-appropriate content for each group. For more information or to discuss setting up a class for your pod, contact Gosia Bagley, Early Childhood and Classroom Music Program Director, at gbagley@chimemusic.org.
Purchase a ChiME Time Instrument bucket for $20 ChiME Time Instrument buckets includes 2 rhythm sticks, 2 egg shakers, 1 jingle bell, 1 movement scarf. (Recommended but not required) |
Ages 6 months to 6 years 30-minute class: $60 per class 45-minute class: $90 per class 60-minute class: $120 per class |
What is a pod class?
A pod is a group of families that come together during the pandemic, mainly for childcare, schooling, or safe socializing purposes. Because participating families keep their contacts limited outside the pods, the risk of infection is decreased when children meet within the same group each time. ChiME is happy to provide Early Childhood classes remotely to pods that are physically together in one location (ChiME Teaching Artist teaching via Zoom to one room of children). We are also happy to provide these classes remotely to groups of families who maintain social interactions and know each other very well, but are not physically present in the same location for the class (everyone on Zoom).
What are the advantages of pod classes?
When you log on to ChiME’s regular Early Childhood classes, you are meeting new families and it might take some time for children to get to know one another. Online social interaction is limited during class and might be very difficult for some children. Some children may respond better to remote learning when they know their peers in the class.
When you sign up for a class as a pod, you get to decide who is in the group with you. You may already be part of a pod – it might be the childcare group your child interacts with every day or a group of friends you decided to continue to meet at the park during the pandemic. You also have the option to create a unique pod for music class only and invite those in your close circle of family and friends. Interactions within the class might feel easier, smoother, and more natural when children are surrounded by familiar faces.
When you sign up for a class as a pod, you get to decide who is in the group with you. You may already be part of a pod – it might be the childcare group your child interacts with every day or a group of friends you decided to continue to meet at the park during the pandemic. You also have the option to create a unique pod for music class only and invite those in your close circle of family and friends. Interactions within the class might feel easier, smoother, and more natural when children are surrounded by familiar faces.
where do pod classes take place?
If there are open spots in a class, you can register at any time during the session. Participants will pay tuition for only those classes that are still remaining in the session.
what is the recommended age range for pod classes?
Classes for pods are offered to children 0-6 years old. For best experience, we recommend that most children within the pod are close in age, within a range of 2 years apart, although other accommodations are also possible.
What will children do and learn in pod classes?
Classes for pods look very similar to our regular Early Childhood classes. All feature engaging, hands-on activities that build a foundation of early musicianship and develop non-musical skills at the same time. Our teaching artist pulls material from our Twinkle Tots, Beat Explorers, Rhythm Explorers, Steppin’ Up, and Instrument Primer classes to provide the best experience for your group, taking into consideration its age range, skill set, and any special accommodations. Each class guides students in playing small percussion instruments, active listening games, and musical movement activities. Repertoire of songs consists of culturally diverse and engaging folk songs, nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and familiar tunes, many of which explore seasonal themes. Through this experience-centered curriculum we help children develop the ability to keep a steady beat, perform simple rhythms, use dynamic contrast, and match pitches. We show them the path to a better life through music by developing self-confidence, inspiring self-expression, and helping them to follow directions, work together, and listen.
what materials are necessary for participation?
ChiME’s teaching artist will be using small hand-held percussion instruments during the class. Students have the option to purchase the same instruments from ChiME ($20 per pack) or to use at home instruments (kitchen utensils, like bowls, wooden spoons, and spice shakers are usually a great substitute). Instrument packs available for purchase from ChiME include 2 rhythm sticks, 2 egg shakers, 1 jingle bell, 1 movement scarf, and a one-gallon bucket that serves as a drum and a container for all other instruments.
how are pod classes invoiced?
One contact person from the pod is required to take care of the payment to ChiME on the pod’s behalf. The invoice will reflect the agreed upon number of weeks of class and class duration. Payment is required prior to the start of the first class. Each pod decides how they want to manage their own collection of fees from participating families.
