Finding the perfect art class with the perfect art teacher for your toddler or preschooler is a challenge.

Which is why we’re thrilled to tell you about art classes with Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway, who has a special knack for teaching art to young children. Melissa makes the art classes fun and educational by first reading a different art book for kids each class, then doing art projects based on the book. 

Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway

Sign up for the May Art Sessions for Children at Melissa’s Art for Little Hearts and Hands studio. Mention SouthernMamas.com to receive a 10 percent discount.

May 2011 Classes
The Scribblin’ Squirrels
Ages 2-3
Saturdays 10 – 10:45am
May 7 – May 28

The Paintin’ Pandas
Ages 4-5
Saturdays 11:15 – Noon
May 7 – May 28

Prices
$70 for 4 classes
$37 for 2 classes
$20 for a drop-in

If you sign 2 children up you get 10% off the second child

Art supplies included.
Space is limited. Classes are small in-order to provide individualized attention.
For more information or to sign up, e-mail Melissa at melissaminerholloway@gmail.com  or call 228-424-2415. Art for Little Hearts and Hands studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Summer Music Lessons

Are you looking for summer activities for your young musician? Would you like to prepare them for the upcoming year of school band? Come see what so many Savannah music students have already discovered: Ms. Amy’s School of Music.

Call 912-659-0993 and mention SouthernMamas.com to schedule a one-time half price private lesson! All band instrument lessons are taught as well as piano, guitar, and voice. This offer expires at the end of May, so don’t delay.

Weekly ensemble sessions
Does your child excel in his/her instrument? Are you looking for a fun and challenging small ensemble for them to play in? If so, join us at Ms. Amy’s every Friday morning starting in June. Call for more information: 912-659-0993.

Parent-and-me preschooler sessions
Do you have a young preschool age student? Come join Ms. Amy’s  Toddler Tunes, Musical Beans, or Music Makers class.  Every Wednesday or Saturday join this wildly popular group parent-and-me classes that are always musical and fun. Join other parents and children to play drums, sing and dance the morning away. Sign up for a 6-week term ($60) and receive 6 classes! Even if they are not consecutive. Call for more information: 912-659-0993.

No time to make sure your little is getting enough exercise? JumpBunch – an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India – is offering a 10 week session beginning on April 13 through June 15.

The class will be at 10:30 AM Wednesdays at New Life Church at 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA. Cost for the 10 weeks: $65 (10 percent military discount)

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. The goal is to build confidence and coordination.

JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations

JumpBunch offers a FREE Introductory class to daycares, MOPS groups and Church organizations

Some of the fun sports JumpBunch offers: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games. Best of all, equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

“Like” JumpBunch of Greater Savannah on on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected and be updated about new classes.

Questions? Please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312. JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Several SouthernMamas.com readers have asked for information on Savannah-area soccer camps for summer 2011.

So we’re happy to tell you about JEREMY AVEN ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP, which will be June 13 – June 17 2011 on Whitemarsh Island. The camp includes five days of great technical instruction working on juggling, dribbling, passing, shooting, finishing, and much more. All training is conducted by full time staff coaches from Savannah Soccer Academy. For ages 7 and older.

LOCATION
Islands YMCA, 66 Johnny Mercer Blvd. Savannah, 31410 on Whitemarsh Island
TIMES
FULL DAY
9 AM – 4 PM
½ DAY
9 AM – 12 PM
COST
*FULL DAY CAMP (M/T/W/TH/F)
$250.00
Ages 7 and older only
**½ DAY CAMP (M/T/W/TH/F)
$125.00
*Cost includes camp shirt and ball.
**Cost includes camp shirt.

REGISTER ONLINE AT www.jaacademy.com . Click on Camps.

ALL PLAYERS WILL NEED:
• CLEATS AND INDOOR/TENNIS SHOES
• WATER BOTTLE & BALL
• SNACK (1/2 DAY) LUNCH (FULL DAY)
• APPROPRIATE CLOTHING FOR OUTDOOR WEATHER

For more info or to register, click here. JA Academy Summer Camp is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Performance Initiatives is now accepting participants for the following classes:

Contact Kerri Goodrich (912) 507-7106 or performanceinitiatives_kg@comcast.net. Or visit www.performanceinitiatives.org  to learn more about youth programs

Adult Classes:
M-W-F open/co-ed 7:30am-8:30am Boot Camp taught by Crossfit certified trainers

M-W-F 8:30-9:30am Women’s Only Boot Camp

Th-8:30-9:30 Coed/Open Boot Camp

M & F 6pm-7:15pm Kickboxing

Cost:
Kickboxing-$50/members or $70 for non-members
Morning Boot Camp Adult classes-$55/mth for members, $80/mth for non-members

Youth Programs:
After school programs M-F 3pm-6pm (ages 6+ )offering tutoring, fitness, athletic training, art, life skills classes
Includes a teen/adult Jiu Jitsu Class Mondays 6:30pm-8pm
$20 a month individual / $35 a month for a family
Youth Taekwondo Classes:
T & Th 6pm-7pm
Cost $35 monthly for members / $65 monthly for non-members

You’ve been meaning to sign up your child for musical instrument lessons. But you wanted to find a Savannah music school that accepts payments per session before committing longterm.

We have the perfect children’s Savannah music school for you. Savannah Musicians Institute offers lessons in piano, voice, violin, electric guitar and bass, drums and percussion, classical guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, woodwinds and brass.

Rates are $20 for a 30 minute lesson. No registration fees. Savannah Musicians Institute is the only school in town that accepts payments per session or monthly. Classes are offered to ages 5 and up. Normal business hours are 3-7 pm Mon – Fri and 10am-6 pm Saturdays. Optional hours are offered per instructor.

Savannah Musicians Institute also specializes in guitar repair and set-up and amplifier and electronics diagnosis and repair.

Savannah Musicians Institute is also perfect for students who are taking music in school and want to keep up with their instrument during the summer so their skills won’t lapse.

Instructors at Savannah Musicians Institute include: Jesse Jordan, Joe Flanders, Jon Willis and Audrey Allgaier. Amp and guitar tech is John Pappas.

“Like” Savannah Musicians Institute on Facebook by clicking here to stay updated on classes and summer workshops. To register for classes or learn more, call (912) 692-8055 or email smisavannah@gmail.com

Savannah Musicians Institute, 7041 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA, 31406. Call (912) 692-8055, email smisavannah@gmail.com On Facebook here. Savannah Musicians Institute is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Swimming days are almost here. Here are some swim classes offered at the Chatham Aquatic Center. Click here for the April 2011 schedule.

Each session consists of 8 lessons

Session Fees
Non-Member:$ 50.00 Member: $38.00
Non-Member Consecutive Session: $45.00 Member Consecutive Session: $33.00
Second Child:$45.00 Second Child: $33.00
Star Babies: $25 Out of county fees: $60

StarBabies (Ages 6 months – 36 months)
The purpose of this course is to build off of the skills and love of the water learned in StarBabies. The course does not teach children to be accomplished swimmers; it does prepare young children for the SeaSprites level of the Starfish Swim School. One parent or trusted caregiver must be in the water with each child. Swim diapers are required.

SeaSprites (Ages 3-5)
Designed to meet the needs of pre-schoolers, this class will develop a high comfort in the water, a readiness to swim, and for those children who are developmentally ready, teach beginning swim skills. Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level patches for each achievement. Approaches teaching skills through creative, fun activities.

SeaStars (Ages 6-8)
Students work toward development of the five core swimming competencies and receive color level patches for each achievement. The color levels are used to divide students into broad ability groups. Children progress at individual rates with the opportunity to learn the core swimming skills and progress to advanced strokes. Learning is self-paced but challenging.

SwimStars (Ages 9 & Older)
Students are divided by age group (Ages 9 – 14, Adults) Classes are taught along the same philosophy as SeaStars.

StrokeStars (Any age that meets skill prerequisite)
Swimmers refine freestyle and learn stroke technique for backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and more!

AngelFish
The AngelFish program is designed to meet the needs of your special needs child. These classes are taught along the same philosophy as the Starfish Swim School. The classes will provide necessary teaching adaptations and or adaptive equipment that may be required to make your child as independent and successful in the water as possible. Private lessons are available for children and adults of all ages.

Click here to register for any of the above classes.

Savannah Yoga Center at 1319 Bull St. believes that moms and dads should be able to grow a yoga practice while raising kids. While you find your center, your kiddo will be enjoying structured activities with other children right in the other room. Childcare at Savannah Yoga Center provides organized learning, yoga, & skill development projects for ages 6mo – 5yrs. Cost is $5 per child, $3 per additional sibling.

Child Care Times:
Tuesday 10am-11:45am
Wednesday10:30am-12:15pm
Thursday 10am-11:45am
Friday 10:15am-12:00pm

Please reserve childcare 24hrs in advanced via email: savannahyoga@gmail.com. For more info. on childcare at Savannah Yoga Center, click here.

Savannah Yoga Center also wants to encourage practicing yoga WITH your child. Which is why Savannah Yoga Center offers a Mommy and Baby (for babies 9 – 14 months old.) yoga class at 10:15 am Mondays and a Mommy and Infants (for Infants 6wks to 8-9 months old; pre-crawling) yoga class at 11:45 am Mondays. Click here for more info on those classes.

Savannah Yoga Center, 1319 Bull Street, Savannah, 31401, email: savannahyoga@gmail.com, (912) 232-2994, www.savannahyoga.com Savannah Yoga Center is a SouthernMamas.com sponsor

Art classes with Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway are a big hit with toddlers and preschoolers. Melissa makes the art classes fun and educational by first reading a different art book for kids each class, then doing art projects based on the book. 

It’s time to sign up for the 2011 Spring Art Sessions for Children at Melissa’s Art for Little Hearts and Hands studio.

Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway

New Spring 2011 Classes include:

The Scribblin’ Squirrels
Ages 2-3
Saturdays 10 – 10:45am
March 26 – April 19th
$60 for 4 classes
The two’s must be accompanied by an adult

The Paintin’ Pandas
Ages 4-5
Saturdays 11:15 – Noon
March 26 – April 19th
$70 for 4 classes

The Creative Crickets
Ages 6-7
Saturdays 1:30 – 2:30
March 26 – April 19th
$80 for 4 classes

Art supplies included. Space is limited. Classes are small in-order to provide individualized attention. For more information or to register for a class, e-mail Melissa at melissaminerholloway@gmail.com . The classes will be held at 2323 Barnard.

Melissa Holloway received a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Art Education at Ole Miss. For the past five years she lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico where she earned a Masters in Art Therapy. Melissa currently works part-time at a local pre-school and also volunteers at Backus Children’s Hospital.

Art for Little Hearts and Hands is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Spring 8 week classes schedule starts week of March 21st!

Mondays …4-5:30pm …ages 5-8 …. Intro into 3D-Things!

Tuesdays …4-530pm… ages 5-6 …. Intro into 3D-Things!

Wednesdays… 4-5pm… ages 9-11…. Intro into Painting with Acrylics! (Outdoor painting included)

Thursdays… 4-530pm… ages 5-7 …. Intro into 3D-Things!

Private classes available year-round for ages 3-18 and now available on select Saturdays! Portfolio Development always available for students applying art magnet schools!

Enroll Today! Classes are small so space is limited!

——————————————————————————–

Save the Date!!!!!!

Summer Fine Arts Camps

Messy Mornins’
June 6-10 or June 20-24 for ages 5-7
9:00am-12:30pm
Special for Southernmamas readers: register before April 1st and receive $30 off the regular registration fee!!

Drawing Workshop
June 13-16 for ages 8-11
10am-12pm
Special for Southernmamas readers: register before April 1st and receive $30 off the regular registration fee!!

For curriculum details and pricing ….CONTACT Torrey Kist, MFA at 354-5988 or tskart@yahoo.com

Savannah Artist and art instructor Carrie Christian is hosting a Spring Art show exhibiting her young students’ art work Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St., Savannah, GA 31405.

Feel free to drop by the Spring Art Show at 6 PM Sat. March 12 to check out the type of work Carrie has her students doing. If you like what you see, you might want to consider signing your little one up for Spring Classes at Scribble Art Studio.

To sign up for any of the classes below, contact Carrie at 912-323-0123 or email carrieachristian@hotmail.com

Watercolor for Beginners
8 classes for $160
Starts: Friday, April 1, 3:00-4:30
Dates: April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27
ages 8 and up
This class starts with the basics of watercolor and SLOWLY moves into more advanced techniques. Students practice using watercolor as a means to explore color and shape in a dynamic way!
Cost of supplies $45, this includes high quality: Brushes (set of three), Block of Watercolor Paper, Watercolor Paints, and Palette

Drawing Class
8 classes for $160, includes all supplies
Starts: Tuesday,March 15, 6:30-8
Dates: March 15, 22, 29, April 2, 12, 19, 26, May 3
ages 10 and up
This class is a comprehensive introduction to drawing for young artists. Each week’s lesson includes a new technique or material. Landscape, still life, and figure studies will completed using pencil, charcoal, and pastel. Beneficial to those preparing for the Audition/Portfolio for Savannah Arts Academy.

Group Art Lesson
Limited Availability
8 classes for $160, includes all supplies
Starts: March 18, 4:30-5:50
Dates: March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13
Ages 6-7
Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture are a few of the techniques we will be exploring! Classes kept small to ensure lots of personal attention!

Art Workshops
Scribble Art Studio now offers Art Workshops during School Holidays and Breaks!
Reserve an art workshop for your children and their friends during holidays and school breaks. Perfect for the busy family!
Art workshops run 2 hours and include painting and craft
$95 for up to 6 children
ages 5 and up

Don’t forget. Scribble Art Studio is a perfect spot to host your child’s birthday art party. Visit Scribble Art Studio on Facebook by clicking here to see photos of children’s art parties. Parties work for all ages. Cost: $150 for two hours and up to 10 guests. Party includes painting/mural/craft tailored to the theme picked by the birthday boy or girl.

To sign up for any of the above classes or book a birthday party, contact Carrie at 912-323-0123 or email carrieachristian@hotmail.com. Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.

Saturday Mommy and Me dates are as scheduled at the newly renovated UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium on Skidaway Island, 30 Ocean Science Circle.

Pre-registration required. For pricing info, visit www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium and click on community programs.

Sat. March 26, 2011 9 am – 9:45 am

Sat. April 2, 2011 10 am – 10:45 am

Next Thurs. March 3 at 9 AM, the Aquarium will begin the 4 week, weekday session of Mommy and Me  titled Ocean Locomotion. If you have not already registered please do so. The Aquarium only has 8 spots remaining for next Thursdays program and 12 spots remaining for the other Thursdays in March.

Questions? Contact Karin Paquin at 912-598-2356 or email kpaquin@uga.edu

For info about the newly renovated Aquarium’s grand re-opening tours this weekend, click here.

The deadline is quickly approaching to receive a discount on Ms. Amy School of Music  early childhood music education classes 

Register before March 1, 2011 for one of Ms. Amy’s School of Music’s classes and you will receive one free class and only pay $50 for the 6-week term! Mention SouthernMamas to receive the deal. Start date is March 2 for Wednesday morning classes and March 5 for Saturday morning classes. Click here for more info.

For class descriptions, click here. Contact Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah via email at msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com with any questions. Payment is accepted for the term at the first class. Classes are held at 2421 Waters Ave. near Daffin Park. For a schedule of available class times, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com.

“Like” Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected about class information.

Toddler and Children’s Spanish Classes – offered by Bilingual Speech Therapy L.L.C – start again March 11, 2011.

Register your child now for Spanish class!
• Classes meet 1 time weekly for 45 minutes
• Class consists of bilingual music followed by an activity/game or craft
• Introductory rate of $60 dollars monthly fee
• Toddlers 3yrs and older meet Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15p.m.
• Young toddler class 1 ½ yrs to 2 ½ yrs meets Fridays 10:30 to 11:15
• School age kids ages 5-12 years meet Fridays 4:30-5:15

Learning a second language is fun and easy if introduced to your child at a young age. Classes utilize music, fun and games to make learning a second language easy.

Class Location:
106A Oglethorpe Professional Ct
Savannah, GA 31406

To reserve a spot and confirm your attendance, please contact Bilingual Speech Pathologist Lorena Luna-Bradfield M.S. CCC/SLP via email at llbradfield@gmail.com or call work cell: 956-561-1576. Bilingual Speech Therapy L.L.C. is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Early Goals Toddler Soccer, Savannah Celtic’s toddler soccer program,  is back

Registration now OPEN.

Give your child’s soccer future a kick start and sign up for Savannah’s largest program for the smallest kids. Since 2006 Early Goals has been Savannah’s choice for training future soccer stars. Early Goals is a fun, engaging, action-packed soccer program specifically designed to cater for the youngest players ages 30 months to 4 years old. Coaches will work on simple coordination, ball familiarity, listening skills, teamwork and hopefully plant the seed for a lifetime of soccer enjoyment.

With one session a week, Early Goals is a safe, non-competitive environment which focuses on the fundamentals of the ’beautiful game’. The season ends with a scrimmage and selection of fun activities. Every session will be overseen by one of Savannah Celtic’s professional club coaches.

Cost: $55 for 6 sessions over 6 weeks

To register your child, click here . If you have questions, call Savannah Celtic at 912-344-6198 or email matt@earlygoals.com.

Sessions include:

NEW SATURDAY SESSION – April 9-May 14 – at the Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex.
Friday — March 18 to March 22 — 2:00pm to 2:45pm
Sunday — March 20 to May 1 — 2:00pm to 2:45pm
Thursday — March 24 to April 28 — 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Monday — April 4 to May 9 — 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Thursday — April 7 to May 12 — 10:00am to 10:45am
Tuesday — April 12 to May 17 — 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Wednesday — April 20 to May 25 — 10:00am to 10:45am

Modern Young Masters After School Art classes provide a space for children, artists and creative minds to express themselves.

Children can explore the world of art and art history and create their own masterpieces with different materials and techniques in a fun environment instructed by local art educator Nancy Oosterhoudt. Collage, drawing, painting, pottery, printing, sculpting and photography.

Here’s the class schedule:
3:45-5:00pm

Art teacher Nancy Oosterhoudt

March 1-29/Tuesday; April 5-26/Tuesday; May 3-24/Tuesday;
March 2-30/Wednesday; April 6-27/Wednesday; May 4-25/Wednesday
No classes week of March 13

Limit 6 Students per Class. Open to ages 1st Grade-5th Grade. Cost: $85 per session

Start planning now for Nancy Oosterhoudt’s Studio 222 Summer Camps: June 13-17; June 20-14; June 27-July 1.

Register for classes by emailing at nooster212@yahoo.com or call Nancy Oosterhoudt at 912-220-1754.

Studio 222 is in Ardsley Park at 222 E. 53rd St. east of Habersham St. Studio 222 is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Ms. Amy School of Music has a new Web site that clearly states the variety of children’s music lessons and parent-and-me music classes she offers. Check it out here.

Register before March 1, 2011 for one of Ms. Amy’s School of Music’s early childhood music education classes and you will receive one free class and only pay $50 for the 6-week term! Mention SouthernMamas to receive the deal. Start date is March 2 for Wednesday morning classes and March 5 for Saturday morning classes. Click here for more info.

Ms. Amy’s School of Music is a hit with kids. After taking Ms. Amy’s toddler class, my 2-year-old now loves to pretend she IS Ms. Amy. This game usually involves strumming a play banjo (and pretending it’s Ms. Amy’s guitar), tapping her foot and singing one of the many kiddie-hits Ms. Amy sings in class. Then she starts talking about how she wants to see Ms. Amy again.

For class descriptions, click here. Contact Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah via email at msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com with any questions. Payment is accepted for the term at the first class. Classes are held at 2421 Waters Ave. near Daffin Park. For a schedule of available class times, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com.

“Like” Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected about class information.

Popular artist and easy-going art instructor Carrie Christian is gearing up for Savannah spring art classes for CHILDREN at Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St., at the corner of 37th St. and Abercorn St. directly behind Sara Jane Children’s Boutique.

To sign up for any of the classes below, contact Carrie at 912-323-0123 or email carrieachristian@hotmail.com

Watercolor for Beginners
8 classes for $160
Starts: Friday, April 1, 3:00-4:30
Dates: April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27
ages 8 and up
This class starts with the basics of watercolor and SLOWLY moves into more advanced techniques. Students practice using watercolor as a means to explore color and shape in a dynamic way!
Cost of supplies $45, this includes high quality: Brushes (set of three), Block of Watercolor Paper, Watercolor Paints, and Palette

Drawing Class
8 classes for $160, includes all supplies
Starts: Tuesday,March 15, 6:30-8
Dates: March 15, 22, 29, April 2, 12, 19, 26, May 3
ages 10 and up
This class is a comprehensive introduction to drawing for young artists. Each week’s lesson includes a new technique or material. Landscape, still life, and figure studies will completed using pencil, charcoal, and pastel. Beneficial to those preparing for the Audition/Portfolio for Savannah Arts Academy.

Group Art Lesson
Limited Availability
8 classes for $160, includes all supplies
Starts: March 18, 4:30-5:50
Dates: March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13
Ages 6-7
Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture are a few of the techniques we will be exploring! Classes kept small to ensure lots of personal attention!

Art Workshops
Scribble Art Studio now offers Art Workshops during School Holidays and Breaks!
Reserve an art workshop for your children and their friends during holidays and school breaks. Perfect for the busy family!
Art workshops run 2 hours and include painting and craft
$95 for up to 6 children
ages 5 and up

To sign up for any of the above classes, contact Carrie at 912-323-0123 or email carrieachristian@hotmail.com. Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.

Add this to your list of fun and educational things-to-do with kids in the Savannah area: Take a Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trip led by marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson.

A trip to the beach isn’t complete without your kids asking you a barrage of questions about the shells, tides and animals. Wouldn’t it be ideal to have a marine biologist along to give them some answers and make your next beach trip a valuable experience discovering and learning? Take one of Dr. Joe’s beach ecology trips. School groups from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida regularly ask Dr. Joe to lead their Tybee Island beach trips. Read a list of activities and topics the beach ecology walk covers by clicking here.

There are still some available dates and times between now and mid-summer, but contact Joe soon as he is already booking many family, scout, school and tour group trips for the next few months. Call (912) 596-5362 or email  joe@ceasurf.com to set up a beach walk.

For updates regarding what Dr. Joe is finding and doing on his ecology beach walks, check out (and “like”) the “Tybee Beach Ecology Trips” FACEBOOK page by clicking here.
Cost varies depending on group size and with age. Special family rates and small group rates are available. Read more by clicking here. 

Tybee Beach Ecology Trips is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Kids these days. Toddlers can TiVo and first graders can school you in how to use your iPad. Sure, they have technology know-how. But what about learning the classic stuff – such as how to play a musical instrument?

A common question SouthernMamas.com receives from readers is “Where can I find Suzuki musical instrument lessons for my child?” Which is why we’re thrilled to introduce Katherine G. De Freitas, a Suzuki Piano Teacher and new SouthernMamas sponsor. Katherine offers piano lessons for Hilton Head Island Mondays through Fridays in home and at a Hilton Head Island studio. She offers piano lessons for Savannah on Saturdays.

Katherine G. De Freitas

Katherine’s Suzuki piano lessons are for ages are 4 and up. Adult lessons also available. Parents are required to attend children’s lessons.

For more information including rates, email Katherine at suzukipiano@hiltonhead.com or call 843-247-9631.

Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah has early childhood music education classes that start in March on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

SouthernMamas readers who register before March 1, 2011 will receive one free class and only pay $50 for the 6-week term! Start date is March 2 for Wednesday classes and March 5 for Saturday classes.

Ms Amy is a SouthernMamas sponsor and we can tell you from personal experience, she has a true knack when it comes to teaching music to preschoolers. For class descriptions, click here. Contact Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah via email at msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com with any questions or if you would like a registration form. Payment is accepted for the term at the first class. Classes are held at 2421 Waters Ave. near Daffin Park. For a schedule of available class times, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com.

Ms. Amy will host a music class for ages this weekend at Music of the Heart at the Roundhouse Railroad Museum, 10-11:30 AM Sat. Feb. 5. Make your own musical instruments and parade around the Roundhouse. Learn about the unique sounds musical instruments make. Ms. Amy will lead the music class which will include stories, instrument making, music fun, cookie decorating and eating. $6 per child with regular adult admission. Reservations strongly encouraged to ensure there is enough snack for everyone To RSVP, email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org or call 912-651-6823 x 3

For more things to do in Savannah this week with kids, click here.

Pre-registration is available now for the popular Mommy and Me Thursday morning program at the newly renovated University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island

The program will start in March after being on hiatus during the renovation of the aquarium, which reopens with two fun public events Feb. 25-26. Registration is for FOUR Weeks March 3-March 24, 2011. The class will be Thursdays only 9- 9:45 AM and is limited to 20 children (ages 1-4). Pre-registration is required. Closed-toed, closedheel shoes are required for both kids and participating adults. Meet at the Aquarium entrance at 8:50 a.m.  The program begins promptly at 9 AM.

PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED

Cost for Aquarium Season Pass Holders

1 class: $8/”Mommy and Me” pair ($4/extra child)

5 Classes, 15 percent discount: $28/“Mommy and Me” pair ($12/extra child)

Cost for Non-Aquarium Season Pass Holders

1 Class: $10/“Mommy and Me” pair ($5/extra child)

5 Classes, 15 percent discount: $35/“Mommy and Me” pair ($15/extra child)

 UGA’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium , 30 Ocean Science Circle, Skidaway Island, 912-598-2496, email fish@uga.edu.