Nikita's progress in music class

Perhaps it's because Nikita attends class twice a week, perhaps it's because he's been attending most of this fall, but Nikita not only participates in everything (except singing), but has emerged as one of the most vocally assertive students in the class.

When we first started going to these classes, Nikita usually observed from the sidelines unless the activity involved drums (in which case he wanted more than one drum) or drawing. Igor usually had to accompany him in order for him to participate. Now, Nikita walks (doesn't run) or marches with the other children - although usually in the opposite direction - and he gets mad if Igor or I try to accompany him, even if we're just clapping.

Nikita also doesn't like singing on cue, even if he knows the words. Last night, while we were eating, Nikita reenacted one of the songs while in his high chair. Igor and I couldn't remember most of the words to the song, but after he was done eating, Nikita actually sang a line to himself.

What really suprised me last night was his behavior at one of the activities. He was given a card with "f" for forte on one side, and "p" for piano on the other. He was supposed to hold up the appropriate letter based on how the teacher played a song on the piano. While all the children sat on the floor, Nikita sat off by himself on a chair. But he immediately got off the chair whenever the teacher played softly, and demanded "Play forte!" while holding up the correct letter. When the teacher complied, he silently went back to the chair, only to run again when she played softly. The teacher tried very hard to muffle her laughter, but was not always successful.