Murphy – Tiny laughter could be heard coming from a meeting room in the public library on March 16, when parents and their tots came out for the Music & Movement program presented by Monica Matthews.
About 30 people were in attendance as little ones jumped, giggled and danced to music, games and storytelling by Matthews. One such game included several instruments hidden under a cloth, which the children tried to identify by sound.
Danielle Olsen came out with her 2-year-old daughter, Luna.
“This is awesome,” she said. “We love Monica. She does great things for our community, and we appreciate her.”
Leslie Cartwright brought her 3-year-old little girl, Birdie, who appeared to be having lots of fun.
About the Music & Movement group, mom said, “I love it. It’s a great opportunity to get socialization for the kids when they’re so young.”
Parents seemed to be having as much fun with their children as the kids were with the class itself.
Gigi Snow and her mom, Rachel, have been coming to the group for about a year.
“It’s so interactive and engaging,” Snow said. “It’s great for children, and we love it.”
Matthews is a certified teacher in special education and elementary education. She teaches free Music & Movement sessions at the public libraries in Andrews, Hayesville and Murphy.
Each session includes songs from the Appalachian Mountains, as Matthews also plays banjo and dulcimer. For details, call Matthews at 828-541-1317.