PROPS

Rhyme Time is able to visit your setting so that the children in your care can enjoy all the fun and benefits of quality music making activities. We can provide all the instruments and props or make use of those you have in the setting, which will give you fresh ideas of how to make the most of what you already have available.

SPACE

All you need to do to prepare is to clear as big an area as possible. We are used to squeezing into corners but the more space the better, as it gives the children freedom of movement for some of the more creative activities. You may choose to use a separate area from your main room, where the noise will not disturb others or perhaps you would like your workshop to take place outdoors - maybe even in the forest.

NUMBERS

Sessions can cater for a maximum of 20 children, though a smaller group is preferable if possible, especially with younger children. In the case of Reception classes, groups can be up to 30 in number. Sessions are normally 30 to 45 minutes long.

FLEXIBLE BOOKING

Many settings have found that including regular specialist music workshops, run by a qualified Early Years teacher in their curriculum, increases the popularity of those nursery sessions. A four to six week block of visits works especially well and allows practitioners to see the progress the children make over that time in many areas of learning. Some Nurseries ask parents for a small weekly contribution to pay for these regular Rhyme Time visits.

It is also possible to arrange less frequent visits; say once every six weeks across the year. Rhyme Time can even visit as a one-off. To get the most out of a one-off visit, why not book a workshop for each age range within the setting. This provides carers with lots of new ideas and works particularly well with the addition of a training session for staff at the end of the day. You can even choose to record your workshops on camera to use as reference at a later date.

TRAINING FOR STAFF

All training sessions are based on the “Early Years Foundation Stage” framework.

• Rhyme Time Musical training sessions involve lots of practical activities and include an introduction to a wealth of suitable resources to provide fresh motivation for staff. Sessions are aimed at building staff confidence and skills in providing suitable musical play opportunites. Training includes ideas for delivery of Phase 1 of the "Letters and Sounds" strategy and will also help with delivery of the "Every Child a Talker" strategy.
  
• Storytelling training sessions, “Bringing a Book to Life”, are aimed at Early years staff and KS1 teachers. This session looks at the value of sharing stories, how to select a suitable story, storytelling techniques and the use of story sacks and props. We will also look at how to develop related follow-on activities for children so that they can also develop their storytelling skills.

However sessions can be individually tailored to suit the particular needs of your setting.