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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
One of the benefits of living in a town like Needham is having access to the Needham Public Library and all of the wonderful program it offers. One of the best programs for children is Music with Sarah, a music enrichment program funded by the Friends of the Needham Public Library. Sarah Gardner hosts two sessions, one from 10:00 to 10:45 for children ages two to five called “Wild!” The next one is for children from children up to age two, from 11:00 to 11:45 and is called “Chill.” While Gardner will get up and dance with the older kids, the younger ones are still working on motor functions, so there is more singing and hand moving than full on dancing.
Throughout the room, Gardner scattered a variety of fun toys-turned-instruments for the kids to use, including spoons, eggs to shake, and various other things that made some sort of noise. The older kids get the chance to play with plastic ukuleles, as well. Gardner played the drum as well as the guitar, singing songs such as “Old McDonald.” Gardner not only runs children’s programs at libraries, but also offers private piano and voice lessons in Norwood. “Learning to play music improves brain function,” she said. “Music instruction helps develop coordination with sound, proprioception, and fine motor skills.”
Sarah Gardner’s original songs for children can be purchased on her website as part of an album. She also has videos for many of them on YouTube.
