Tallaght native launches Children’s Summer Camp which encourages positive social development skills & self-confidence through singing Rachel O’Brien Drew has been a singer and performer for almost 20 years and discovered the positive affect that music has on young people through her own experience. The aim of Let’s Sing! is to improve self-confidence and social skills through singing while also providing a foundation of musical knowledge. She is hosting a free Community Sing-Along at St Kevin’s Community Centre in Blessington on Thursday, July 5th between 11am and 12 noon. The event, which is open to all and aimed at children aged 0-12 years [all children must be accompanied by an adult], will include singing games and activities as well as information about the Let’s Sing! Summer Camp. Rachel said: “The Community Sing-Along is a great opportunity for parents and families to experience the musical education programme and pick up some tips for singing at home with their children and encouraging positive social development skills. Music has had a huge impact on my own life and I am excited to share that with the community.”
The evidence-based programme, designed by Rachel, offers a musical experience with a foundation in academic research and practical experience which applies music education and child development theories to form a fun, informative and useful course. The Summer Camp, which is suitable for children aged 7-12 years, will run from July 23rd to July 27th in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington.
Rachel said: “Research has shown that singing can prove highly beneficial to the social, emotional and physical development of children and even adults. Students develop self-esteem through learning how to sing on their own and receiving encouragement, such as peer recognition and praise from adults, which builds their self-esteem further. All lesson plans in the Let’s Sing! programme are centred on active music-making and experimental learning for children and adults.”
Let’s Sing! teaches the foundations of music in a fun, creative and active musical environment led by an experienced music educator.
Students can improve social skills by
• Improving self-esteem and independence
• Learning to understand and regulate emotions and feelings, developing empathy
• Developing imagination • Improving non-verbal communication skills
• Learning to share & take turns
• Making new friends
• Improving interaction and working cooperatively in a group with their peers and their teachers/parents
• Learning to accept praise from their peers and their teachers/parents • Processing social information by interpreting what is going on in a social situation and acting appropriately.
Let’s Sing! also offers Toddler Music Classes (13 months to 3 years) Fridays from 10.30am11.15am as well as Family Music Classes (0 to 5 years) Saturdays from 11am to 11.45am and Wednesdays from 10.30am to 11.15am in Fight Fit Dojo, Blessington. Booking is necessary for these classes.
Although currently based in Blessington, Let’s Sing! has plans to expand into South Dublin with Tallaght Classes to be announced soon. Rachel will also be providing adult singing workshops for those who would like to pursue their passion for singing but lack the confidence to perform. For more details about Let’s Sing! come along to the FREE COMMUNITY SING-ALONG on Thursday, July 5th from 11am to 12 noon to experience singing games and activities. You can also visit www.letssing.ie for further information.
