We here at SouthernMamas.com have long contended that Hilton Head Is. is one of the most kid-friendly vacation spots around.

The island is teeming with children’s activities such as those being offered this summer at The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum. The Sandbox celebrates summer with a Summer Fun Series of special programs and activities held each day at the Sandbox. The program calendar is as follows: Mondays, Pottery Program at 9:30 a.m. and Cupcake Decorating at 1:30 p.m.; Terrific Tuesdays: special art activity at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays: Morning Music Program at 10:30 a.m.; Thursdays: Imagination Hour at 10:30 a.m.; and Fridays: Coastal Critters hosted by the Coastal Discovery Museum 10:30 a.m.

For Terrific Tuesdays, this Tuesday, June 28th is Yosti’s Puppet Show, and the Coastal Critters Program on Friday July 1st is All About Sea Turtles.

The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum with region related exhibits, activities, and programs for children’s ages toddler through 8 years. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, 843.842.7645 or afinn@thesandbox.org, www.thesandbox.org

When it comes to summer camps, there are those for whom only tulle and tiaras will do.

If your tot falls into the frilly set, check out The Ballet School’s Perfect Princess Camps in Savannah.

Little princesses will receive an introduction to the fundamentals of both movement and classical dance techniques while learning about fun fairytale characters and famous ballet stories.

The tiny Cinderellas and Snow Whites will also have dress-up time and craft time, including decorating their own tu-tus and tiaras. Dancers may bring their favorite princess gown or costume on Monday to use throughout the week at “special dress-up times”.

The camp includes a magical tea party, princess spa and hair day. A photograph will be taken on her majestic throne. On the last day, “A ROYAL INVITATION” is offered for the family of the princess for a fabulous “Runway Show” and a short dance combination will be performed. Don’t forget your cameras!

For ages 3-5.

Perfect Princess Camps: One week sessions beginning June 13th-Aug 12th
June 13-17th
July 5-8th
July 25-29th
August 8-12th            

Times: 9:30 AM-NOON
Fee: $135 per session ( $25 deposit, applied to camp)

For the older set, The Ballet School also offers a Young Dancers Program
For Ages 6-9 years
June 27-July 1
Time: 4-7 PM
Fee: $145 ($50 deposit, applied to camp)

Enrollment is under way for both programs. Register now. Click here for more info.

The Ballet School, 10010 Abercorn St., Suite 8, Savannah, Piccadilly Square, (912) 925-0903 or email theballetschool@comcast.net, www.theballetschoolsav.com The Ballet School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Join Georgia State Railroad Museum (Roundhouse Railroad Museum) for Summer Toddler Art!

Is your child 3 years old or younger and enjoys being creative? What toddler doesn’t? Enjoy this eight-week-long adventure for your young artist! Led by Miss Rebecca, Coastal Heritage Society’s Director of Young Children’s Programming, toddler art class at the Georgia State Railroad Museum is a fun time for socialization between parents and their little ones. It’s incredible to see the creative juices flowing as toddlers work on early writing skills.

The next toddler art 8-week session begins July 15, and is held in the Georgia State Railroad Museum kids’ car on Friday mornings at 10am (with the exception of July 29, which will be held at 2pm).

Join Georgia State Railroad with your wee one in this creative discovery time.
Call or email to register now for summer classes—space is limited!
$100 for all eight classes or $12.50 per class.

Advanced registration required:
Call 912-651-6823 x3 or email info@chsgeorgia.org

Sara Jane Children’s Boutique invites you to Story Time at 11 AM Wed June 8 and 22. The group will read a story together, have snack, and create a themed craft! There will be special promotions in the store for all shoppers. Bring your imaginations and your listening ears!
http://sarajane.myshopify.com/

For more free or discounted Savannah area summer kids’ activities, visit the SouthernMamas.com Summer 2011 Deals and Freebies page here.

Starting in June: free children’s library special performances  (storytellers, musicians, animal acts, artists & more)  at various Live Oak Public library branches throughout the summer in Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

For details on performances, including times and dates, click here.

Performances include:

Pint Size Polkas
Direct from Wisconsin, accordion player and children’s polka musician Mike Schneider presents this educational program filled with music, dancing, lots of audience participation and sing-alongs. Showtimes and dates here.

Fiddlin’ Dan, the Mountain Man
This musical romp through the woods encourages children to work together to create one-of-a-kind stories and songs. The program includes storytelling, fiddling, sing-alongs and mountain lore. Showtimes and dates here.

Chad Crews, Magical Educator
Chad’s program this year, “Around the World with a Book,” is a combination of magic, storytelling, music and live animals. He’ll bring out a snake or two and feature stories and routines involving places from around the world. Showtimes and dates here.

Fun with Electricity
Mike Clemmons sparks enthusiasm about electricity using a Van der Graaf generator, Jacob’s Ladder, plasma pen, plasma globes, magnetic electric core, and high powered magnets. Showtimes and dates here.

Curious Moon Puppet Theatre
This year’s show is “A World of Puppet Stories,” a journey of folk tales from around the world — England, Russia, Africa, and South America. Audiences will cheer for their favorite dog, Skeeter, to finally get his chance to be in the show. Showtimes and dates here.

J’miah Nabawi
Multi-cultural storyteller J’miah Nabawi presents another action storytelling adventure, “There’s Rhythm in the Tellin’”. The program features children’s literature from around the world: Bruh Rabbit, Ananse the Spider and others along with gongs, drums, song and play. Many languages will be spoken and sung. Showtimes and dates here.

“Aladdin” performance
The Hampstead Players, a traveling theatre troupe from New Hampshire, will perform this classic tale based on the tales of the Arabian Nights. The play is performed by two professional actors, each playing multiple roles and with help from the audience. The story is about Aladdin, a poor young boy who must go out and earn money for his family’s survival. Showtimes and dates here.

Razzle Dazzle!
Master Storyteller Lillian Grant-Baptiste presents a magical journey into the world of storytelling with stories from around the world in her “Razzle Dazzle” program. Showtimes and dates here.

For details on performances, including times and dates, click here

Savannah Celtic’s acclaimed Early Goals 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…(read more here)

Thursday — INDOORS — June 9 to July 14 — 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Monday — June 13 to July 18 — 5:00pm to 5:45pm
Tuesday — June 28 to August 2 — 10:00am to 10:45am
Wednesday — June 29 to August 3 — 10:00am to 10:45am
Tuesday — July 19 to August 23 — 6:00pm to 6:45pm

To register, visit: HTTP://EARLYGOALS.COM

Make a Joyful Noise that will be music to your ears.

“We’re definitely registering for summer, so what do you have for us?” “She really loves this class!” “He sings all the time!” “To those parents concerned about driving 40 minutes each way for a 40 minute class… it’s so worth it! I’ve made the drive for 2 years already, and she’s turning 4 next month!” “We really love this class, and you, Ms. Vicki!” “I am so impressed with how much he can play on the keyboard in only a couple of weeks!” “Have you been working with her individually during choir? (No, why do you ask?) She’s singing so much better!”

Those are just a few parents’ comments from the 2010-2011 musical year with Make a Joyful Noise music studio!

Join Ms. Vicki of Make a Joyful Noise as the classes:
• explore Nature’s Music for 2’s & 3’s.
• bring the whole family for music making during All Together Now for babies – 5 year olds.
• sing and make music “at and about” the Seashore with 4 – 6 year olds.
• start learning and playing songs at the keyboard the very first class during Intro to the Keyboard.
• lift their voices in song during the Sounds of Praise Choir Camp for rising 1st – 9th graders (divided by age).

Sign up by May 21, and SouthernMamas.com readers can waive the $15 registration fee! Click here to download the summer schedule and registration form.

Ms. Vicki proudly uses the MusicGarten curriculum for her early childhood & keyboard instruction. Having taught music and directed choirs (school, church, and community) for over 20 years, her love and appreciation for music and teaching only increases each year. Musical opportunities abound for your family, so come be a part of a joyful, musical time during these important and critical developmental years of early childhood. For aspiring pianists, develop life-long musical and social skills in a group setting that will enhance so many areas of your child’s, and your family’s, life! Of course, what better way to spread joy to others than to sing for them. Make a Joyful Noise… it’s music to our ears.

Located on the campus of Savannah Country Day School! 824 Stillwood Drive, 31419. More info here.  Questions? Contact Vicki Mills at 920-6542 or MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net  Make A Joyful Noise is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Summer 2011 Kindermusik ‘Adventures’ sessions are  an enriching, fun way to beat the heat with some cool indoor musical learning together. Classes offered in Southside Savannah, Wilmington Island and Richmond Hill.

Some of Kindermusik Summer 2011 highlights:
-two 5-week sessions, to accomodate your Summer plans.
-afternoon classes, as well as morning and weekends.
-classes for the older age groups (ages 3-5, and 5-7).
-Family Time classes (for siblings combined, ages 0-7!). 1st child pays. All subsequent children are FREE, yes, FREE!!
-a Summer-long musical sign language class, for hearing babies, ages 6-36 months.
– Curricula for Summer Session A is DIFFERENT than for Summer Session B, so you can sign up for both sessions if you wish, and enjoy 10 weeks of non-stop Summer Kindermusik.

Summer sessions include:

Adventures for Babies (For ages newborn – 20 months):
“Busy Days” and “Peek A Boo, I Love You!”. With a little more “Bach” in your Twinkle Twinkle repertoire, you’ll love how each lesson features fun activities and songs you can enjoy in all the places you go and the things you do together. Be inspired as you discover new ways music can help your busy days with your child be easier, happier days.  In “Peek A Boo, I Love You!”, more than just a curious story, Mother Goose games like peek-a-boo help babies understand language. In this special class, uncover more ways to say “I love you” using American Sign Language, soap bubbles, and parent-baby dances. Plus, parents can meet with other newborns and families in the community and learn how music improves the child development process. For ages newborn – 20 months.

Adventures for Toddlers (For ages 1.5-3.5 and their parents)
Explore creatures all summer long, with “Creatures at the Ocean” and then “Creatures in my Backyard”. In “Creatures at the Ocean”, sing sailor songs and make the ocean count. “Five little seashells lying on the shore: Swish! Went the waves and then there were four.” In “Creatures in My Backyard”, give your children something to sing about in their own backyards. Be the flower from the “seed’s” perspective. Run and jump in rain puddles made from hula hoops. Shoo real flies and sing “Shoo Fly.” 

Adventures for Pre-Schoolers ( For ages 3-5 and their parents):
In “On the Road”, you will re-live your childhood, with your child. Every song is likely to revive a memory from your summers? past. Play ?Eye Spy? and find shapes in the clouds to pass the time. Take imaginary trips in a bus named ?Van Go? to fun-filled vacation destinations such as the carnival, a summer cottage, and the beach. In “Confetti Days”, throw a new party every day. Ride a carousel inside the classroom. Play a balancing game and walk on the web of ropes. Do a musical move and freeze. Learn colors and sing the Spanish song “De Colures,” “Pop, Goes the Weasel,” and “Looby Loo.”

Adventures for Big Children ( For ages 5-7) :
The theme is called “Tell Me A Tale”. Through storytelling, your children will develop an early awareness of rhythm, movement, singing, and drama. Each lesson features a new tale from around the world, explored through multi-instrument and multi-cultural elements. All told, it?s an around-the-imagination adventure of the greatest stories from Europe, Malaysia, South Africa, and more. 

Adventures for Families (pay for one child, all additional siblings are free):
Experience the joy of the One-Room Schoolhouse approach as “Here, There and Everywhere” invites ALL the members of a family to come enjoy a musical adventure together! This class is open to siblings of ages 0-7, all together. Pay only for the first child. All the siblings are FREE!

Adventures for Sign Language (for hearing babies ages 6-36 months):
One 10-week session of Sign and Sing, Units A and B, for hearing babies, ages 6-36 months. Learn over 150 ASL signs to use with your baby to eliminate communication frustrations for both baby AND you. Not only will you learn in a fun, musical atmosphere, but you will also be taught how to interpret YOUR baby’s version of the signs, how to engage your child to WANT to sign, and how to use music and props as “attention – getters” to GET your baby to sign.

REGISTER
All class sizes are limited, so hurry and sign up today. Session A will run from the end of May through the end of June, and Session B will run from mid July through early August. Each session lasts 5 weeks and costs include tuition PLUS all home materials.

To sign up, please visit the new website by clicking here and scroll down to the BOTTOM of the home page. You will find a Kindermusik link. Click there to get to our Kindermusik website. Online registration is available NOW. Questions? Email music@88keysga.com  or 912.988.KEYS (5397).

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.

Finding summer activities for kids 2 and younger can be tough.

But the good news is that many local preschools offer “camps” for toddlers including First Presbyterian Preschool in Ardsley Park. (Camp registration is under way. Click here for more info.)

Another interesting option: Summer Toddler Art at Georgia State Railroad Museum (Roundhouse Railroad Museum) in Savannah.

The eight-week long sessions run July 15- Sept. 2 2011. For children 2 and younger. Friday mornings at 10am*. $100 for the 8-week session or $12.50 per class. Ages 2 and under. Pre-registration required. Call 912-651-6823 x3 or email info@chsgeorgia.org *Class on July 29 will be held at 2pm. www.chsgeorgia.org

For Summer Camps 2011 options for older children in Savannah, click here.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

There’s still time to join The Ballet School’s “Mommy & Me” program, which is from 10-10:30 AM Tuesdays and Thursdays and for ages 18 months to 3 years of age.

“Mommy & Me ” is a 10-week program for $125. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

The program was such a success last session, that The Ballet School had to add a second class.

In a fun and encouraging environment, children explore their musicality, rhythm, creativity while moving in their space. This class introduces age-appropriate stretching, basic strengthening, balance, motor skill development and repeated coordination movements. It’s a wonderful way to develop their social skills.

While having a non-stop, fun-filled classtime, there is a gentle and positive discipline at all times. Over the 10-week programs, mommies will see a huge progress made by each child. This is a very rewarding program for all that attend. Check out The Ballet School’s website by clicking here to see the full array of programs from children thru adults.

The Ballet School is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Make A Joyful Noise starts a new semester of early childhood music education classes! SouthernMamas readers who register (postmark) before Jan. 22 can waive the $15 registration fee. Classes are open to the public. The Make A Joyful Noise studio is on the campus of Savannah Country Day School.

Family Music: Babies – 3 year olds: Starting Mon. Jan. 31, from 10:15 – 10:55: Sing, dance, move and play! Develop your own musical sensibilities right alongside your child! ($185 includes CD and 15 sessions. Only 4 openings remain!)

At the Keyboard: Current 1st and 2nd graders: Starting Tues. Feb. 8, from 5:30 – 6:40. ($365 includes 2 CDs, student workbook and 15 sessions.) This unique approach develops the skills needed to begin a successful musical journey toward piano playing and musicianship. The group setting allows for musical interactions with peers for music games and activities, and the aural approach has children playing folk tunes within the first couple lessons. Parents join for the last 10 minutes of every session!

Saturday classes include:
All Together Now: Mixed Ages Babies – 5 year olds:: Saturdays starting Feb. 12: 9:45 – 10:25 ($170 for 12 sessions, includes materials)

At the Keyboard: 7 – 9 year olds: Saturdays starting Feb. 12: 10:30 – 11:40. ($315 includes 2 CDs, student workbook and 12 sessions.) This unique approach develops the skills needed to begin a successful musical journey toward piano playing and musicianship. The group setting allows for musical interactions with peers for music games and activities, and the aural approach has children playing folk tunes within the first couple lessons. Parents join for the last 10 minutes of every session!

Contact Vicki Mills at 920-6542 or MakeAJoyfulNoiseMusicStudio@comcast.net for a registration form or more information. SouthernMamas readers who register (postmark) before Jan. 22 can waive the $15 registration fee! The Make A Joyful Noise Music Studio is located on the campus of Savannah Country Day School.

Make A Joyful Noise is a SouthernMamas advertiser.

Time to register your budding Picasso for art classes with Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway.

A few spots still remain the age groups below in the 2011 Winter Art Sessions for Children at Art for Little Hearts and Hands:

The Scribblin’ Squirrels (THREE SPOTS ARE OPEN)
Ages 2-3
Saturdays 10-10:45am
Jan. 22 – Feb. 26
$90 for 6 classes
The 2-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult.

The Paintin’ Pandas (THREE SPOTS ARE OPEN)
Ages 4-5
Saturdays 11:15 – Noon
Jan. 22 – Feb. 26
$100 for 6 classes

Savannah art teacher Melissa Holloway

Art supplies included. Space is limited so register now. 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. Click here for more info.

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.