Harrison teacher adapts to pandemic with outdoor Kindermusik classes

Beck described Kindermusik as “interactive music and movement classes that focus on whole-child development using music.”

She feels strongly that children need such programs — even when widespread restrictions and social distancing guidelines have made it impossible to operate her business as usual.

“Seeing what Kindermusik has done for families in this community, I’m unwilling to give that up right now,” said Beck, who lives in Harrison.

In March, she moved the classes to an online format. But by June, she realized the screens were hardly a perfect substitute for in-person engagement.

“I really believe that children need social interaction, that children need stimulation from people outside of their own families and that children can only handle a certain amount of screen time,” Beck said.

So she moved the classes outdoors, where medical experts agree covid-19 transmission is less likely. Plus, there’s more room for the kids to move.

Beck is hosting outdoor classes at First Presbyterian Church in Tarentum, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sarver and Townsend Park in Murrysville.

“I just think the outdoors feels the most comfortable to us,” Beck said. “Since we are all about embracing the growth of children, we want to do that in the safest way possible.”

The outdoor classes are 45 minutes long and abide by physical distancing guidelines while encouraging kids to be active and social, Beck said.

Families are separated, giving children room to move around while maintaining distance from other families. Beck said the parents are monitoring distance between families. She noted that some families socialize together outside of Kindermusik, so they may allow their children to interact more closely.

Even from 6 or more feet apart, Beck said children can socialize with others better in person than they might via virtual classes. Many of the families involved in the program seem to agree.

“We had lots of parents who still wanted the social experience that the Kindermusik classroom offered, and the way we felt most comfortable doing that was outdoors,” she said, noting the outdoor classes fill up within minutes.

Beck is offering four or five outdoor classes per week, along with five online options. She plans to continue outdoor classes through the fall, weather permitting.

“We are trying to offer as many classes as we can to encourage new families to join and to meet the needs of our current families,” she said.

For more information or to join the program, visit Kindermusik with Christa Beck’s website.