Banbury area mother and daughter make Wiggles and Giggles videos to boost spirits of those in self isolation

A Banbury area mother and her 5-year-old daughter have launched a series of videos called Wiggles for Giggles to help boost the morale of people in self-isolation from the coronavirus outbreak.
Effie and her mother JemmaEffie and her mother Jemma
Effie and her mother Jemma

Jemma Hibberd and her daughter, Effie, started posting the videos online this week from her Wiggles and Giggles music classes to help mums and their 'tots' who are not able to attend the classes.

Jemma said: "Effie has been off school with me due to a cough so we came up with the idea of making some videos for 'mummy’s class mums and their little ones' to make them happy.'"

They also hope the videos will help make people smile who've found themselves in self isolation due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Five-year-old Effie who attends The Grange Primary School in BanburyFive-year-old Effie who attends The Grange Primary School in Banbury
Five-year-old Effie who attends The Grange Primary School in Banbury

They have uploaded five videos online so far, which can be watched through their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ticklesforpickles.

One of the latest video posts is entitled: 'Let's get happy,' and involves a rendition of 'If you're happy and you know it' with a ukulele accompaniment.

Jemma said: "We want to stay positive. It’s a tough time for everyone. Wiggling and giggling is a great way to do it.

"We are really looking forward to adding more light to such a dark time, and we hope we can share them far and wide for everyone to enjoy."

"Effie is in year one at The Grange Primary School in Banbury. She’s six on April 3rd. We are having to cancel her birthday party like many other little ones I’m sure, but she’s taken it in her stride."

Jemma runs the Tickles for Pickles Baby Massage and Music Classes at Shotteswell Village Hall. She ran the classes up until a few months ago when she went on maternity leave. Since being on maternity leave she scheduled some 'keep in touch' classes which were all fully booked for this month and next.

But all that changed with the arrival of the coronavirus and classes were cancelled until further notice.

Jemma said: "Our videos focus on our Wiggles and Giggles music classes rather than the massage. Just because we can touch a wider audience with the music in terms of enjoyment."

One of the videos posted today (Thursday March 19) was titled 'A Wiggles & Giggles rendition of Twinkle Twinkle with Ukulele and Cat Faces.' Another one posted yesterday (Wednesday March 18) was called 'Sleepy Bunny fun (a workout for parents).

They use lots of props such as face paint, instruments and action songs to add to the online sessions.

They plan to post the videos during the morning so families have them in good time to watch during the day.

The videos aren't just open to people who have previously attended classes, but to anyone online. All they have to do is follow either their Instagram and or Facebook page to see them.

After less than a week of posting videos they have already received lots of positive feedback from the community.

Jemma said: "We have had lots of positive comments, which has been lovely. Saying that their little ones faces have lit up watching the videos.

"They have enjoyed dancing along, they have been on repeat and this is what I hoped for really. A little bit of fun during a time of such uncertainty.

"It’s a really scary time so to keep a little bit of ‘normal’ is so important for these little ones right now.

"They recognise me and know the songs inside out. Children love watching children so Effie has been a highlight for sure. She’s received some lovey comments, which is lovely for a parent to read. From a mum’s pint of view it’s been great giving her a little focus during this unusual, confusing time too."

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