Fun, music and movement for little movers and shakers

Fiona Hardman & Timmy Ted

Timmy Ted?

I have been involved with Presma in various ways since 1994, having first come to Christine’s classes when my daughter was two, then becoming a member of the parents’ voluntary committee, and finally as a teacher running my own classes when my daughter started school.  September 2006 sees my 10th anniversary as a Presma teacher.

I was originally a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages in Norfolk high schools, which I did for 14 years after leaving Sheffield University.  I came to Norfolk in 1976 when I got married, but there’s still a little bit of the North East left in me!  I have two teenage children, both very involved in performing arts.

Becoming a Presma teacher was a wonderful opportunity to turn what was a hobby into a new career after having children; a natural development from a life-long interest in music, particularly choral singing, and a love of working with children. I trained in the Kodaly approach to music education, attended numerous singing courses and worked with very experienced colleagues before setting out on my own.

I especially like meeting all the different people who come to classes, both children and adults, watching the small steps of progress made by the children as they become more confident, and knowing that I am sharing with them a really special experience – hopefully passing on my own love of music-making.  It is also very satisfying to be able to plan my own sessions and decide when and where I work.

My own taste in music is fairly wide ranging, from folk to rock to classical, with a bit of jazz thrown in.  One of my long time favourites is John Martin, but my car CD’s currently include the Kaiser Chiefs, the Sixteen and Lionel Richie!

I have been involved with the training side of Presma since 1999, developing training days and forging links with practitioners around the country, using my experience as a teacher to plan and present practical and stimulating courses for anyone wanting to learn more about pre-school music.  I have been part of several funded projects to extend and improve pre-school music provision in Norfolk and Suffolk, and am often invited to run workshops for music education services and other groups elsewhere in the UK. I also produce a termly newsletter for Presma Associate Members and provide an advice service for member teachers.

At present I run 6 groups each week in Sprowston and Thorpe St Andrew, and assist at Music Babies run by Christine.  Timmy Teddy and I were first introduced by my daughter, and he loves to see and be cuddled by all the children, although he’s not so keen on being carried by one leg! I look forward to meeting many more adults and children wanting to have fun with music.

Testimonials

“We enjoy music groups because they provide play activities with a small group of children of similar ages. Robbie has been developing social skills such as turn taking, listening to or watching others and responding appropriately. He also has to focus on instructions and comply, which he has struggled against on occasions, but he has shown marked improvement over time with ever greater participation levels.

He has always loved music and singing, and learns complete tunes very quickly. PRESMA helps him to pick up the words with accompanying actions to reinforce the meanings. Whilst Robbie does not always join in with all the actions in class, I know that he enjoys the sessions and learns from them, as he rehearses at home enthusiastically.”