What's in a Face?

"These photographs of macaque faces were used in a study of human infants' face-processing abilities. The study found that infants can easily recognize individuals by their faces, including individuals of different species.

As most humans, grow, though, they lose this ability to discern faces of an unfamiliar type, the study says. This may explain why, for example, a person who grew up surrounded by, say, Asians might think all Caucasians look fairly similar."
Photograph courtesy PNAS

The following excerpt was taken from Hillary Mayell for National Geographic News
May 22, 2005:

"Human babies start out with the ability to recognize a wide range of faces, even among races or species different from their own, according to a new study.

The researchers focused on face processing—the ability to recognize and categorize faces, determine identity and gender, and read emotions. Their findings suggest that, in humans, this skill is a case of "use it or lose it."

In the study six-month-old infants were able to recognize the faces of individuals of a different species—in this case, monkeys. Babies who received visual training retained the ability. But those with no training lost the skill by the time they were nine months old.

Led by Olivier Pascalis, a psychologist at England's University of Sheffield, the team reported their findings this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." To read more, click: National Geographic News

Shall We Dance?

This is it Kindermusik Families!!! It is my great pleasure and honor to bring to you Tony Nguyen, an incredibly talented dancer, performer and teacher of ballroom dancing. For families signed up for Kindermusik Family Night on Saturday, June 9 @ 6PM, we'll enjoy some Kindermusik fun along with a special performance by Tony and an introductory salsa lesson, and then we'll all dance!

Sacramento Choral Society Salutes Broadway

Noah Stewart, a rising star in operatic community with an amazing tenor voice-- he nearly received several standing ovations from the audience on May 12, 2007 "Salute to Broadway" production!

Miss Buchanan (fellow Kindermusik educator) and her daughter McKenzie who came to cheer me on :)

A bird's eye view from the 2nd tier balcony of Sacramento Community Theatre

The Emotional Life of a Toddler

The Emotional Life of the Toddler by Alica F. Lieberman, Ph.D. is an excellent book! I know I've been talking this book up in class but if your child is between the ages of one and three, this is a must read-- it will help you better understand your child and her behavior from her emotional stand point. Not only does this book address the "why's" of your toddler's sometimes bewildering behavior but it's written in such a positive, encouraging and supportive voice.

Lieberman identifies four main temperament types of children in her book:
1. The Easy toddler- who is typically flexible in any type of situations,
2. The Active toddler- who is movement oriented and thrives on language,
3. The Shy toddler- who adjusts fine but needs extra time to warm up to new people and environment, and
4. The Difficult toddler-- who demonstrates intense emotions and typically finds daily routines and/or transitions extremely difficult.

Lieberman offers great insight and delightful vignettes which you will find all too familiar both at home and public setting, including the Kindermusik classroom! As you know, temperament is something each of us are born with. I appreciate Lieberman's insight that children who are "difficult" do not purposely and intentionally go out of their ways to be difficult. All children need loving and nurturing guidance, but the "difficult toddlers" need it even more! Parents of "difficult toddlers" also need more support and understanding from everyone, especially their friends and family. Unfortunately, however, the impulsive human response to "difficult toddlers" and their parents is often harsh and critical judgment...

Read this book!

Pa-Pa-Pa

Pa-Pa-Pa (Mozart - Die Zauberflote - The Magic Flute)

Though the Imagine That! child is skilled at visualizing what they hear, I wanted to share this video for the adults who may find the visuals a welcome aid in picturing the Pa-Pa-Pa duet in Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute. Have pa-pa-pa fun!

Click Suite 101 to read more about the plot summary of this classic opera.

Baby Birds Update

I wasn't sure if these helpless baby birds would make it but when I returned from my trip to Ojai last week, I was delighted to spot the pair of young birds fleeting from one tree branch to another, and dropping little baby feathers in my backyard. Their high-pitched "peeps" have now taken on a melodic whistle as they chirp about.

Chirping Baby Birds

Chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp! Two chirping and noisy baby birds recently hatched from their nest in my backyard and as 'fledglings' were wandering about on the ground and in the grass-- they're so small and vulnerable. Although I haven't spotted mama bird yet, I'm certain she's nearby keeping an eye of them, feeding them and showing them where to take refuge. For now the two have made the 3 foot Azalea bush by the fence their temporary home. I for one will be keeping an eye and a leash on Lucy and Ricky, my two Malteses, until these little birdies are ready to take flight on their own. Can you spot the two camoulflaged in the center?

Drum Circle

Get ready for a roaring night of drum gathering @ Musikandmotion on Saturday, June 2 at 6:00PM as Deborah Cardoza (drum instructor and percussion major at CSUS) leads Kinermusik families in a drum circle!

From the Book & DVD "Together in Rhythym" by Kalani DrumCircleMusic.com

Here's what Shannon Ratigan, a drum cirlce facilitator had to share about the benefits of a Drum Circle:

"It uplifts the spirits of all the participants Unity is achieved through diversity. It invigorates the body and mind. Enhances focus and clarity. It builds group cooperation skills and camaraderie. It’s proven to reduce stress, and it’s cheaper than therapy. It reduces employee routine and burnout in the workplace. It improves motor skills, and it’s a positive musical experience. It's an opportunity for self expression, and increased listening skills. It stimulates creativity, experimentation, and self confidence. It breaks down communication barriers, and celebrates the joy of life. It’s empowering, healthy, and most of all it’s Fun!

Scientific research is now validating the health benefits experienced by drumming. Across the nation, organizations are bringing together people of diverse ages, cultures, and even work teams through the community building of the drum circle.

Check out these sites for more info on some of the health benefits of group drumming:
AMC- American Music Conference
Boston.com News
The Macomb Daily