Who We Are

 

A NOTE FROM JENNIFER NEALES (OWNER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR):

It is with great joy that I have been teaching children for over 20 years here in Canada and abroad, and I am continually in awe of the tiny humans I have been fortunate to spend time with every day. I have learned so much throughout my years, and one thing that supersedes everything else is that when children feel safe, heard, and loved – they are capable of incredible things.

Little Rebels began in 2016. Since then, I have cultivated a team of like-minded, talented teachers, musicians, and administrators who work with me across Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Newmarket, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, London, and Ottawa to bring our classes to as many families as we can.

Our music classes are carefully crafted and stage-specific. We have classes for infants (2 months to 6 months), babies (7 months to 14 months), toddlers (15 months to 24 months), and big kids (2 years to 5 years). Our classes encourage cognitive learning, muscle development, and creative play through music and movement.

Not your average music class or song circle – this is music for kids with a twist! Our classes get kids moving, grooving, and learning – independently! We use renditions of Broadway, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop, and Motown songs along with a few kids classics. We integrate movement and props into our classes to make it fun for the whole family. We all learn differently, which is why we use several techniques, approaches, and teaching methods so that everyone can thrive in our classes.

We believe that changing the world begins with our littlest citizens, and that is why we are committed to helping you raise kind, compassionate, and inclusive tiny humans.

Testimonials from our families:

“I cannot say enough positive things about Little Rebels and the classes they offer. Jen is a ray of light and the classes she has developed are not only fun and entertaining, but also help with my little one’s physical and cognitive development. As a first-time mom, I found that so helpful! Her tips and explanations of why the moves are important for your kiddo’s development is invaluable. The songs are upbeat and fun and she does such a wonderful job engaging with each kid individually, even while being remote.”

– Amy

 

“Little Rebels is the BEST music class. It is more than "just" a music class. Jen, the owner (and my favourite teacher) truly engages each child in a loving and caring way, ensuring each one is included. I love that the program is more than just music. She works on motor development, speech, and just having fun. I love that my daughter was able to engage at 6 months old and even now at 18 months old. I HIGHLY recommend Little Rebels for children of all ages.”

– Jessica

How We Roll

 
big kids on parachute with balls.jpeg

the basics:

  • All classes are 45 minutes

  • Our standard session is an 8-week session

  • All virtual classes are on Instagram Live

  • All in-person classes from November to April are indoors in homes and commercial spaces

  • In-person classes from May to October are outdoors in backyards and indoors in commercial spaces

The Little Rebels Curriculum:

We put together our curriculum with extensive research on cognitive learning and muscle development in children from 2 months to 5 years.

We found that one of the most important factors in a child’s growth at these ages (both cognitively and physically) is repetition mixed with a bit of creativity!

Usually, children should have about 10 weeks of the same lineup of songs and activities to help them feel settled, predict what is coming next (and feel confident they know what to expect), and help them feel brave to try a new skill.

For books, too! We have a couple of books we rotate because – from our research – we learned that kids are more likely to develop their verbal skills more quickly if shown the same stories and pictures over time.

We change 80% of our song lineup each 8-week session (our calendar works best with an 8-week session). But 20% of our songs always stay the same because these are the favourite songs of our families and kiddos!

 

Programs We Offer:

REBEL INFANTS: Music Classes for Infants (2 Months to 6 Months)

  • Action songs to work on tummy, neck, and arm muscles as well as working toward solo sitting

  • Rolling and leg songs to work on hip flexors and spine mobility 

  • Tummy and mirror time to work on arm and neck strength and to develop a sense of self, which helps with symptoms of separation anxiety

  • Tactile object work using scarves, balls, and shakers to develop hand-eye coordination, tracking, and reaching – with early exposure to the alphabet, counting, colours, and more!

REBEL BABIES: Music Classes for Babies (7 Months to 14 Months)

  • Action songs to work on tummy, neck, and arm muscles

  • Crawling, walking, and balancing activities to help with direction and following instructions

  • Tactile object work using scarves, balls, and shakers to develop hand-eye coordination, listening skills, sharing, and taking turns – with early exposure to the alphabet, counting, colours, routines, and more!

REBEL TODDLERS: Music Classes for Toddlers (15 Months to 24 Months)

  • Action songs to work on walking and building balance and centre of gravity

  • Following rhythms and patterns to aid with speech development and language skills

  • Tactile object work to improve hand/foot-eye coordination

  • Following instructions, solving problems, sharing, and taking turns

  • Storytelling – working on turning pages, reading books, and more!

REBEL KIDS: Music Classes for Big Kids (2 years +)

  • Action songs and tactile object work to build and improve balance and centre of gravity – and overall coordination 

  • Following rhythms, patterns, and instructions 

  • Creative play, adventure play, storytelling, storytime, and more!