Ann Arborite Robin Robinson

continued

For the grand finale, Robinson brings out colorful percussion instruments for everyone to bang on. Even the babies hold them. Robinson encourages the kids to find their own beat rather than follow hers. A rhythm free-for-all ensues, with toddlers bouncing around to the noise.

Lullaby time ends the class. Lights dimmed, parents and kids lie down while Robinson plays her acoustic guitar and sings a song called "Sleepyhead."

"It's a lot of stimulus," says Robinson. "Some of them are exhausted afterwards." Indeed, by the end of class, at least one baby has fallen fast asleep in his stroller.   

[Originally published in September, 2010.]