All Around This World

All Around This World -- http://www.allaroundthisworld.com-- is a unique, interactive music program -- both "real world" and online! --for children 0-9 years old that encourages kids and their families to explore the world by enjoying great global melodies, rhythms and movement. In All Around This World classes, kids and their parents/caregivers/educators sing, dance and explore oh so many countries and cultures, “traveling” around the globe region by region. I, Jay Sand, guitarist and children’s music teacher, dad of three girls (7-12 years old) and world traveler (much more so before I became the dad of three girls), developed the All Around This World curriculum with my children as a way to introduce them to the countries I've already visited and the many more I plan to visit with them. I held my first All Around This World classes in 2009 in my West Philadelphia living room and have since taught kids of all ages in parent/child classes, schools, at libraries and children's museums and parties and house concerts and, most recently, online in weekly video classes.

I have fun when I teach! I love the music, I get a kick out of the dances, and I really, really believe in the power of experience and engagement to inspire kids' to embrace their innate curiosity. I also believe 110% in the sincere importance of introducing kids and their families to different people and cultures from around the world. Sharing global music and movement can do that, and with joy.

Both the All Around This World studio CDs, Latin America and Africa, have been honored with Parents' Choice Awards. I have presented workshops at the National Association for the Education of Young Children and National Association for Multicultural Education national conferences.

I never formally studied to be a musician or teacher, though have logged hours enough doing both to do both well. I did attend the University of Pennsylvania where I graduated summa cum laude with special honors earned from my studies of the history of media and social movements.

Happy West Philadelphia resident. Proud husband of an insightful psychologist. Owner of a big lazy dog.