Cultural Awareness and You

One of the first observations I had when I moved to Capitol Hill was that a simple neighborhood playground adventure was filled with international diplomacy! Within 15 minutes of play, I heard five different languages spoken, but the children in their busy-ness didn’t seem to find it a distraction to their games.

Likewise, the music we share at our Rhythm, Rhyme, and Storytime are a blend of cultural rhythms and melodies created in diverse cultures. In a small way, our class sessions encourage families to experience the world through growth in musical expressions. To be culturally curious is life-long!

A common critique of Western Music offered for children is that although it is filled with repetition and rhyme that appeals to young children, it is often sung in voices that mimic chrildren and can be construed as insulting and bland. Musical selections taken from folk songs accompanied by the instruments of their particular area, offer a deeper depth of richness and respect.

At Rhythm, Rhyme and Storytime we take extra care to match musical offerings and literature selections to match the needs of our local families in attendance which brings deep joy as we join together in singing, dancing, celebrating our diversity.

Our Fall Session Schedule for 2024 is

August 15, 23,30

September 13, 20, 27

October 4, 11, 18

Sharing music along with stories that depict our cultural awareness and diversity give us historical context to our current experience Tapping into the natural curiosity of children, we believe in the value of expositing our youngest children to music that has complex rhythm and tonalities. Offering music and literature that represents more of our global community right here in Capitol Hill is a top priority for us!