Movement & Rhythm Activities with TAIKO for early childhood
This unique method helps to develop children’s sense of grace and motor, language, cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills – plus coordination and discipline.
Children and their parents (familiar adult OK) benefit by acquiring solid music education with TAIKO in a fun group-based environment that enhances parent/child involvement. Tots and parents bond as a “Taiko music team” that carries on at home during daily practice and other family activities
Instructor: Lucy Aki Polanzi
Taiko Tots (Age 2-4)
Taiko Tots FAQ
What is the role of adults in the class?
- Parents are often the best role models for children. Taiko Tot is a class for both the adults and toddlers together. If the adults are enjoying the class activities, the sooner their children will feel comfortable to participate.
Why do we sing, dance and play games in the class?
- Singing is a good way to develop “inner hearing” which is essential to rhythm training
- Dancing and moving help students to internalize the rhythm, and also a musical way for children to develop motor skills
- Through the use of musical games, students learn music intuitively, while improving their rhythmic sense and creativity
Why is my child not participating? How would they learn if they don’t follow exactly what the teacher do?
- Taiko Tots could be their very first classroom experience. Being in a new environment, there is plenty of new information that their little mind and body is absorbing and digesting. Every young child has their own unique style and pace for learning. Even though they might not show you right away what they have learned, once they have adapted to the new environment, you’ll see how much they have actually picked up throughout the classes.
What should I do if my child is disturbing the flow of the class?
- Sometimes it’s okay if your child is not doing exactly the same with everyone else as long as they are enjoying the activities and not disturbing the other classmates. However if they do, quietly pull your child aside and explain to your child what they could do to make the experience a pleasant one for everyone. Please be patient because the last thing you want to do is to create a scene in the class.
Should I explain what the teacher is doing to my child so they could follow better?
- The best way to learn music is through experience and interaction rather than instructions. Taiko Tots is a musical experience and learning music is similar to the experience of learning a new language. When children first learn how to speak, they imitate what they are exposed to in everyday life. This applies to learning music too! Simply engage your body in listening and moving along with the music, and then let your body internalize the music.
Taiko Center of the Pacific 