Mar.'s Workshops
(Titles are below)
For School-age workshops, click here.
For Workshop Handouts, click here.
   *Based on over 35 yrs classroom experience (preK through college)
    *Holistic in nature - because of her dual degrees (BA Music / MA Education)
    *Combines brain research findings with music/movement
    *Multiculturalism is always considered - addressing those who are ELL
    *Inclusion for children of all abilities
    *Philosophy is not to teach music - but to "use music to teach"
    *Can be presented for ALL levels - preK - College

Mar. Singing with families Gioia, Mar. Sally and Becky at NAEYC
As teachers, we do so much more than give the tools for learning basic skills.
It is important we are aware of the impact we make on children's lives.
When we know that children learn best by modeling, than we must model good behavior.
When we know children need to be hugged and smiled at, we must hug and smile.
(Isn't that a wonderful job description?) Sing-cerely, Mar.

Please ask for other topics as Mar. presents workshops on literacy, communication skills and teaching it all through music (basic skills). Mar.'s philosophy is centered around the importance of making adults comfortable using music with children.

For insight on brain research and its implication in child development, book a workshop!
For fun and entertainment (with learning included), have a concert, party or host a Music with Mar. class!

Fees

Conference Keynote: $2000.00
(Plus travel/overnight stay)
Includes up to 2 workshops per day and one keynote address
during the conference, regardless of length
Ask about including FREE concert!

Concert: $600.00
(if equipment is there)
               Center Certification: $2000
                             (Plus travel/overnight stay)
                                  Includes 6 hours of training plus materials

Head Start Training in Birmingham, AL

To schedule a workshop or concert call
727-781-4MAR or send an e-mail.

To read article Mar. wrote for Early Childhood News, please click here.

Workshop Titles

The Brain LOVES A Song!
Come get energized about what you do while becoming engaged with stimulating lecture and activities. Mar. will share brain research findings and give you ways to use them that will help you meet State standards while having fun. Make learning enjoyable for you and the children!

Using Fingerplays to Enhance Learning Skills
Using fingerplays puts skills in place that help children with calculus and regulating behavior. After seeing the teacher lead, these activities easily become child directed. Have fun with Mar. and her song/stories.

Concert in Alabama

Getting Math Skills in Place Through Music
Using fingerplays and singing counting songs is the most developmentally appropriate way to put the fundamentals of math skills in place. Participants in this workshop will learn songs and music activities to help them accomplish this. Using fingerplays puts skills in place that help children with calculus and regulating behavior. Have fun with Mar. and her song/stories!

The Harmony of Books and Music
Why do books and music go together so well? Brain research shows that music has a direct impact on learning abilities in ALL subject areas. Come enjoy this informative, brain-based fun workshop on how to integrate music with books in all curriculum areas – reading, math, science, social studies and leisure reading! Learn how Mar’s songs make the learning environment fun!

Singing Science!!! OR Science is FUNdamental
Awaken curiosity in children. Every child is a natural scientist, questioning the world around them. Make each lesson memorable by having children sing and move. Get children engaged in science by scatting habitats, pretending to be a flower, or learning about magnets through swing dancing. This workshop recommended for PreK - grade 2. Variation can be done for "Awakening the Little Scientist" and gearing workshop to specifically 4 year olds.

And, That's Why Music's Important!
This workshop focuses on the importance of music in the development for a child. Simple explanations of left/right brain functions demonstrate why music is so functional in the education of a child making it easy for the non-musically trained teacher. Socialization, motor and basic skills are enhanced through fun music activities. Participants leave anxious to try music in their classrooms/homes. Classroom teachers should not worry about 'teaching music' BUT, they should "use music to teach".

"The Wide-Mouthed Bullfrog" is on the recording of the same name.
Stories I Love to Sing
There are many traditional stories and books teachers, children and adults love to share. This workshop ties together the book and activities with song. Brain research proves that people learn best through music because it involves the whole brain in the process.
Come and learn a fun way to teach a traditional tale or valuable lesson through a song. Using stories with morals, like “Slow and Steady” or “Chicken Little”, or stories that are fun, like “The Wide-mouthed Bullfrog” or "Hi. My Name is Jo!" make learning interactive and enjoyable. Books together with a song / dramatic activity activate more areas of the brain and aid in better comprehension/retention. Add drama to your storytelling and music by acting out "The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything" or other stories such as "The Little Red Hen".

Everybody Speaks Music   Ask about package discounts!
    Children come into our lives speaking many languages. One of the primary goals of education is to make everyone fluent in English, which is our national language. We are safer when we know we can communicate. We can accomplish this by bringing the various languages our children speak into our classrooms and making them know their culture will always be a part of who they are.
      Multiculturalism should be incorporated into the daily routine and not treated as something special/different. It is a way of life, not a special week, book or instrument. Remember Ella Jenkins comparison to a "salad bowl" and not a melting pot. We must teach ACCEPTANCE over tolerance.
     The importance of music is evident in all cultures. Music aids in brain development, retention, builds an appreciation and respect for others and creates a sense of community and pleasure. It is difficult to be angry with someone while dancing. Within our own country, we have various cultures--Appalachian, Hawaiian, Inuit, Cajun and including varying ages and abilities.
Gioia gets to sing with Ella -1994      Click here to see sign language for "How Many Ways" song

Using Music, Books & Puppets to Enhance Learning
As we draw more senses to the learning experience, children retain more. Participants will be shown how to enhance learning by combining music and movement with puppets for visual, aural and tactile stimulation. The importance of using props with music and movement will be discussed and validated. How to physically involve children in playful storytelling will be a focal point and demonstrated. How the brain works during these activities will also be examined and demonstrated.

Separating the Myths of Mozart from the Magic of Music
Much has been publicized about Mozart, music and its affect. There’s an unclear picture of what’s myth and what’s real. This workshop brings together a clear, concise picture of the information about music and brain research that’s been distorted. Participants will leave with an understanding of the value music plays in education and tools to put the information into practical use.

What We Give Them Today, They Will Keep Forever!
     What we provide in the first few years of life are the tools children will use into adulthood. We must make sure we provide the following: a healthy attitude, a strong value system, basic skills, communication skills, the ability to love and be loved, tolerance and acceptance of others, the ability to laugh and a sense of safety.
     Smiling, dancing and singing all help a child’s development. What simple, fun things to do! These first three to six years are the most important years in a person’s life. It is during these years a human learns how to give and get love, how to use their body and collects the tools necessary for life. We are given a very important role when entrusted with a young child. We must use our time with children wisely, nurturing them and loving them while teaching them. This is truly a rewarding profession! This workshop demonstrates how to use music and movement activities to enhance a child’s development in all four main areas – social, motor, language and cognitive.

An unFROGettable Workshop
     Using the frog theme, Mar. engages you with songs that teach math, science, social studies, language and social skills. All the songs are based on the brain research findings. This is a fun, one-hour workshop that you will not FROGet!

Body, Heart and Mind
As educators, we must concern ourselves with teaching the whole child – the body, the heart and the mind. To be an efficient adult, all components of a person need to be nurtured. A person’s intellect is enhanced when the heart and body are also healthy.
This workshop validates the teacher’s importance in the total development of each child. A teacher is more important than just teaching the basic skills. A teacher must also teach about respect for one’s body and having the ability to love and be loved. Educating the mind is easier when the total person is healthy. Songs will be taught to enhance the lessons about exercising, making good choices and learning the basic skills we need for life.

Safety Issues Through Song
Use music to teach children safety issues. These songs were written for Pati Gross, a retired St. Petersburg Police Officer who now writes children's books. The content of the songs deal with the issues police officers believe young children need to be aware of to protect themselves. Mar. has received a plaque of recognition from the DARE officers of the State of Florida for her work on these songs.

Buy Quad Box and receive 4 CDs for price of 3!! $45

Totally Tods!
This workshop focuses on the special needs of our youngest children. Most of the music out there is too long or wordy for children ages birth through three. Songs for this age should be short enough and simple enough to keep the attention of the infant/toddler. They are also best if they invite interaction with an adult. One-on-one activities are best for this age group. Dr. Becky Bailey's I Love You Rituals are perfect for this age group.

Engaging a child in face-to-face activities, helps to produce dopamine which in turn strengthens the development of the frontal lobe. A strong frontal lobe helps in impulse control. Babies watch the faces of their caregivers and listen to the tone of voice. Each time you rock a baby, feed a baby or look at and sing to a baby, that child receives the message, "You are loved!" The more that message is received, the more that child's self-esteem is strengthened.

Songs also engage both sides of the brain.   The songs used with very young children should be simple melodies as well as simple lyrics. This makes it easier to remember. Clap babies hands together and say words. As you clap, they feel the rhythm of the language. Babies most likely cannot hear the syncopated sounds, so clap each sound in a straight rhythm. Rocking a baby and dancing helps to internalize rhythm enabling the body to align together the inner workings of the various systems which are developing (ie, vestibular, proprioceptors). This alignment produces a child, who at 24 months, can walk, talk and have motor skills.   The ability to function well is directly linked to self-esteem. A child who is delayed in these beginning steps, will have future educational problems. It is important to make these first steps enjoyable, functional and productive.
Developmentally Appropriate Activities are key in a toddler program. What's most important is bonding and one-on-one interaction.   Smile, talk, sing, dance! Its fun and it really does a toddler worlds of good!

                                     Vestibular system must be activated to learn!!!!

Suggested Music for Toddlers:
    Tunes for Tiny Tots
    Start the Music
    Playing & Learning with Music
    Music with Mar.
    Songs at My Fingertips
    Uh-oh!                                        Peter Alsop (w/Mar. & Bill Harley)
    Paddycakes and Lullabyes            Tickle Tune Typhoon|
    Can You Sound Just Like Me?       Red Grammer
    Rock the Baby                             Mr. Al
    I Love You Rituals (Vol 1 & 2)      Becky Bailey & Mar. Harman
    Baby Songs                                  Hap Palmer

Suggested Books:
Ghosts from the Nursery (Tracing the Roots of Violence) - Robin Karr-Morse & Meredith S. Wiley
I Love You Rituals - Dr. Becky Bailey
Activities That Build the Young Child's Brain - Suzanne Gellens
Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in the Head - Dr. Carla Hannaford
Start Smart - Dr. Pam Schiller
The Mozart Effect for Children - Don Campbell
Baby Games - Jackie Silberg
Boys and Girls Learn Differently - Michael Gurian
Secrets of the Teenage Brain - Sheryl Feinstein
Your Active Child - Rae Pica
Spark - Dr. John Ratey

Ft. Walton Bch, FL Debbie Akos, infant toddler specialist with Okaloosa-Walton Child Care services, and coordinator for the 3^rd Annual Infant and Toddler Conference, shares a “fun” moment during the event, with keynote speaker, Maryann “Mar.” Harman. Harman, a nationally known speaker and musician, who presented her unique “Music with Mar.” program.

If there is a song you'd like to recommend, please let us know.
We love to learn new songs and share! If there's a particular recording you use with toddlers, e-mail me and I will review it.

Concert in Buffalo, NY Ctr Certification Trng - MO

Concert in NYC at PS 225, 2005. Thanks for coming, Bob.
It was a 'wonderful day in my neighborhood'.
Fun day with Bob McGrath!!!

Thanks Sonny for making this possible.

What others say about Mar.

"I could listen to her for another hour." Port Charlotte Early Childhood Specialist

"Mar. Harman combines her degrees in music education and early childhood education with her talented voice and gift of reaching children to inspire and teach us all how to enjoy music and learning. Her work is a gift to children and those who care for them." Dr. Becky Bailey

"You are a real professional and the last person sitting still got your best. I was most impressed." Suzanne Gellens, Exec. Dir ECAF/President SECA

"You are to be commended for all the time and energy you give to children. The payoffs are quite evident. You can be very proud." Dt Lynn Thomson, FL DARE

"Thank you for helping us remember how special is is to be a parent." Kelley Cheek

"Mar. Harman touches the hearts of children with her music. She educates about important issues in the very best way, with laughter and song, encouraging the children to participate in the joy of the process." Dr. Peter Alsop, children's musician

If there's a comment you'd like to make about Music with Mar., please visit our guest book. Remember, when you share an idea with others you pass that joy onto other children!

Recommended list of Multi-cultural Music

Title	Artist
Miss Mary Mack	Ella Jenkins
Choo Choo Boogaloo	Buckwheat Zydeco
Catfish Pond	Catfish Hodge (Cajun)
Cada Nino	Tish Hinojosa (Tex-Mex)
Smiling Island of Song	Cedella Marley (Bob's mom! - Reggae)
Hello World!	Red Grammer
Shake it to the One	Sweet Honey in the Rock (African/African-American)
Mi Casa es su Casa	Maria Valente (Latin/South America)
I Got Shoes	Sweet Honey in the Rock
Shake Sugaree	Taj Mahal
Fiesta Musical	Luis Delgado (Latin/South America)
A Child's Celebration of Lullaby	Music for Little People (various)
Hug the Earth	Tickle Tune Typhoon
Family Folk Festival	Music for Little People
A Child's Celebration of the World	Music for Little People (various - contains "Pata Pata") 800-346-4445 or musicforlittlepeople@mflp.com

Thanks for sharing!
Mar.
Top of page