I was so pleased when it was the song that kick-started the Magical Music class at Habitots in Albert Park today.

Groove is in the heart…

We did a trial class (regular classes start February 2) and Millie was entranced from the get-go.

After twinkling, peek-a-booing and rowing her boat, she sat on my knee while watching the class instructor Rebecca play a tune she’d written the night before – especially for the class. It was the sweetest little song (I wish I could remember it so I could keep singing it to Millie at home!).

Fabric to swoosh around while joining in the chorus was a great way for the tots to find their rhythm. Millie, at 18 months, understood a lot more of the instructions than I thought she would and was dancing and copying the movements of the kids that were older. This particular class is geared to bubs 6 months to 2 years, but older children are welcome, especially if they want to accompany younger siblings.

Habitots has a cute shop front and cafe (with a great open space to sit out the back while your little one runs amok in the sandpit or cubby) with a dedicated craft room and music space.

Habitots has an outdoor area with sandpit, cubby and lots of space for parents to sit

Music classes, art workshops, creative play, kids yoga and a paddock to plate cooking class are some of the 23 classes run at the venue each week.

I’m thinking Millie will enjoy going to Magical Music regularly and I’ll give her a go in Messy Me, where 1-2 year olds can play with paint in a “tactical, sensory-filled art class”.

Class schedules and term fees are listed on the Habitots website.

Habitots is open 7 days a week at 146 Bridport St, Albert Park.

The post Twinkle, Twinkle, My Little Star appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.

Not sure if she could hear me or if it’s the reason she now loves it when I read her a book.

I found the little book Oh, Baby, the Places You’ll Go! which is a book designed to be read in utero.

It’s adapted from the Oh, the Places You’ll Go! story by Dr Seuss (and coincidentally, that was the book we used as a reading at our wedding) and it’s said that learning starts while bub is still in mum’s womb.

Oh, Baby, the Places You’ll Go!, adapted by Tish Rabe from the works of Dr Seuss

Once she arrived, I bought Millie a board book called Mesmerised, a black and white book of pics to help her see.

High-contrast images are much easier for babies to see when they are little. I’d prop it up beside her and soon discovered the title was apt…she would stare at the pics for ages.

Mesmerised, by Katey Love

Now I read her a nightly story – I’ve found she responds well to books with repetition – and we’re regulars at our local library’s fabulous Baby Rhyme Time sessions.

Held every couple of weeks, the free 20 minute sessions are designed introduce your child to language, literature, singing and the library.

Millie loves it. I wasn’t sure she would sit and listen but she is entranced by the singing librarian and often turns to look at me and giggles, as if to say she approves.

Humpty Dumpty, Five Little Ducks, Heads and Shoulders…they are all read or performed, often with puppets or dolls.

Enjoying Baby Rhyme Time at Brighton Library

Brighton Library

There’s toddler and preschool storytime at our local branch too, so I can keep taking Millie along until she goes to school.

Hopefully it will introduce her to a lifelong love of reading.

The post Heads & Shoulders, Knees & Toes appeared first on millie mummy melbourne.