I took this CD, along with a CD machine, to my local childminding group, turned it on and away we went - 10 childminders and about 25 children under the age of 5, and the look on their faces... the shock. Our gentle weekly song session turned chaotic - we warmed up our muscles, galloped around the room and before we knew it we were doing press ups to a song called 'Stand up, Sit Down' and the children were laughing at us.

After about 5 songs - the childminders were exhausted, we had done the exercises with such enthusiasm, and were laughing so much it was time for a break - several childminders suggested that I didn't bring it again!

The following week, I was asked "where was it", "did I bring it again - the children had loved it, "can I borrow it to practise at home first." The real secret is that it is so much harder to act out the CD in front of other adults - whereas the children are less inhibited, and we would have been all happier if we had practised at home and were really fit.

The CD was great, the songs encouraged a range of physical skills perfect for the Early Leaning Goals with focus on 'Movement', 'Sense of space', 'Health and body awareness', and creatively, it helped you move with 'music'. If you were working with topics the CD had songs for the seaside, about feelings, toys, the body, and more.

Most importantly though the booklet with the CD contained the instructions. You are told what actions to do with the songs, and it gives you ideas on how to expand the children's learning, and you don't need to use the whole CD at one time - just choose the songs you need from the 24 available.
 

Helen Renouf
Accredited Childminder