Kellie's Suggestions for Starting Your Own Cherubs Group

Hey Ladies--
I'm so excited that you're starting your cherubs. I think it's worth the effort. I’ve written up some notes time to time for different people, so I hope that you can understand them and adapt to your own needs and situation. Hooray!
LOCATION: Before coming to ______ we did Cherubs at the church. We were able to get permission and also used it as a good friendship opportunity. I know a couple years ago there was a new policy that no home school type classes could be held in the church, so some leaders might not allow it even though it is not home school. Depending on your group, it seems like the perfect playgroup. Community center, library, other churches seem to be great places. I also read about a Kindermusik group that does their music classes in a rest home and lets the residence watch or participate. There’s an idea! You could also do it in your home, but I'm never organized enough for that and it’s a BIG commitment every week. Space would also definitely be an issue.
MUSIC: There's so much music out there to choose from. Not all kid music and arrangements are easy to sing with in a large group with little children if you’re planning on using the music as your accompaniment. Check for easy tempo, shorter length, and not too many tricky words. I’ve collected different music over time from personal finds, school, library, other people, and I’m finding more and more on itunes. Here are a few of my favorites:
Brite Music--Watch Me Sing vol. 1(La, La, La/See Me Run/Marching Feet...) You can go online to this website and download songs for 99 cents—what a steal!
Raffi--Singable Songs for the Very Young (Down By the Bay, 5 Little Frogs, Bumping Up and Down in the Red Wagon, Must Be Santa, Spider on the Floor, Going to the Zoo, Five Little Pumpkins, Mr. Sun)--I guess I use this one a lot! (I think they’re all on itunes or amazon downloads)
Hap Palmer --Easy Does It--Beanbag song…He has several on itunes that are pretty good. The most popular ones are your best bets. One I just came across that I think is a cute yearly theme is “Oh What a Miracle!”
Wee Sing--A lot of songs--I watch for these to go on sale at Sam's or Costco seasonally. Good traditional/short songs—a lot of songs on each cd with accompanying music.
Primary Book--never can go wrong
Dr Jean Anderson--She has a lot--many of her ideas and songs are fun
Jim Gill--A favorite for activity time. I can't remember if my favorite is Sneezing & Lauging out Loud, or Something from Boise, ID. (those aren't exact names)--you can go on the Jim Gill website to find more info. There are about 2-3 songs on each cd that are real keepers, the others not so much.
Do Re Mi and You--I've just been introduced to some their music. It's expensive, but some of the songs have been fun to use.
It seemed like this last year everyone just came up with their own songs. We didn't even use a lot with the tape recorder (everyone else has a lot more talent than me!)
I know in my sister's group they go at the first of the year and sign up for the sections they want to teach for the entire year. Each person is in charge of finding their own songs and props, etc. It seems to take the stress off of her and work quite well. Some helpers want a little more guidance. Just make sure that responsibilities are clearly outlined and understood so that you’re not dumped with everything if they don’t show, etc.
SUPPLIES:
Radio, CD Player/ipod—a must
Instruments—Collections from Little Tikes, Garage Sale finds, Target clearance, and Oriental Trading. The drums from Oriental Trading did not last long, but the symbols and triangles have been favorites. You can also do the old fashion make your own drum out of oatmeal container or the easiest is to have everyone bring their own each week (faster, lighter load for you, and no fighting over the favorite)
Puppets--I found puppets at Costco once for a stealer deal, garage sales if you're willing to do the search, (or ebay,) you could have a sock-puppet making party, or again the easier—have everyone bring their own.
Rhythm sticks—I cut dowels and sanded the ends…I later realized that you can buy them in packs of 5 in the perfect size at craft stores. (You can use chopsticks, but I think the chunkier ones are actually easier for little hands to hold on to and less likely to poke out an eye.
Other favorite props: windwands (I have instructions if you want), scarfs (cut fabric into strips or squares and sew/serge around the edge..I noticed Oriental Trading sold some for not to bad a price as well. Beanbags—no set rule—sew a bag and feel with beans.)
I think additional props are fun to involve the kids—especially if they help involve the children, but don’t take too long to disperse. Tongue depressers come in handy for any visual…make them out of cardstock…it holds up to slobber a little better. I love my xyron laminator, but even regular cardstock has held up for many years with a lot of my props (although many of them have seen better days!)
ROUTINE/SCHEDULE
There is no right or wrong. Set up things how you like them. Remember that consistency and repetition is what little ones like best (even if it gets old for adults). You could have less structure, but I find it harder to pull off. It really helps to have all the parents understand the goal and get involved. It’s harder if you feel like you are putting on a performance…keep on encouraging involvement. It’s always a tricky balance to have parents have enough fun interaction as well, but not be distracting to the activities—letting everyone be involved and have a part helps with this.
There you have it--my extra two bits and more. Ask any questions or give suggestions of your own. It’s fun to see what everyone else is doing and finding.
Best of LUCK!!!

Kellie