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BOOGIE MITES IN
SLOVAKIA
Practitioner’s feedback
“We have found the user-friendly music and movement activities of Boogie Mites have helped all our children develop their bodies and brains. We follow the phonic scheme ‘Letters and Sounds’ and since we began using Boogie Mites it has transformed the scheme into an energetic, musical and, most importantly, enjoyable circle time activity for our Nursery classes. For many of the children in our care, this is often the first time they have been left by their parents and sometimes their first exposure to English. The original songs are very appealing and encourage children to join in and build confidence as they settle into their new environment, at the same time enriching and extending their vocabulary. Even children without any English can take part, and in my experience, the adults in the setting are usually enjoying themselves, too!
We also use Boogie Mites with Reception age children as part of an after-school club. They are always enthusiastic about taking part and it is a great way of reinforcing in an enjoyable way. The teacher notes that accompany the CD provide the practitioners with a short, simple explanation of what to do as well as suggestions for extension and support. The instructions are ‘stand-alone’ and not part of a book so can be referred to without being cumbersome. I am delighted with the music and activities Boogie Mites has to offer and look forward to future songs as Boogie Mites becomes a valued part of our International classroom.”
Jude Marriott Early Years Leader, British International School Bratislava, Slovakia
“The Boogie Mites School Ready and Minis programmes bring active learning of sounds, words and phrases which the children really enjoy. Using the rhythm sticks has given the children confidence to participate in our sessions and repeat phrases and words, which they were not always able to do during our circle activities. It has helped our non-English speaking children in particular.
From my observations, the rhythm sticks allow the children to participate initially without having to say anything. The children can happily tap and make sounds and rhythms, which goes hand in hand with developing linguistic skills. As they become more confident, the children start to join in with the songs.
It has been wonderful to engage the children in such fun activities, which teach through multiple intelligences – musical, kinesthetic, spatial, visual, interpersonal and logical – this makes it accessible to all our nationalities here. Our aim at the British International School Bratislava is to provide an engaging play based curriculum through the medium of English and Boogie Mites has been a fantastic addition to our programme of Early Years education”
Kate King, The British International School, Bratislava, Slovakia