Share Some Strategies

I have not worked with this population specifically, but in general I think about how people are seated in the space and how and what instruments are being used to ensure success. Providing choices and taking cues from children also help them to be successful. As far as harmful behaviors go, I would try to collaborate with the parent and carefully observe in order to redirect a child before they engage in a harmful behavior.

I have worked in a preschool setting before, and some strategies I have used there is use of space, and being mindful of the personal space of each child and room to be successful and safe throughout the music session. This was a group of 20+ children with 4 adults in the room. Also, when I passed out instruments and it would take a moment, to grab the kiddos attention, I would raise up the instrument and sing “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDDDDDDDD” (wait for eyes) “On the ground.” This was highly effective in this setting.

One aspect of the session I’ve really become comfortable with is the element of space and suspense. Providing each child with the amount of time they need to respond (verbally, musically, physically) allows for them to feel like they are a part of the musical experience. At times, it feels strange providing space or suspension, but a child’s reaction time is much different than an adults’ reaction time, so providing that space sets a child up for success.

I think setting up the environment so the children can be successful is so important; making sure they have space to move around and there are minimal distractions so they can fully engage in the music. Also, making sure the room is set up in a way that allows all the children and parents to interact with each other.

Thank you all for your wonderful insights!

I Think that acknowledging each kiddos success and letting the parents in on many of the musical responses they may not pick up on right away is super important. I feel like in a session I often have a running dialogue in my head of my observations happening in the group but think it’s so beneficial to find a quick short sentence from this dialogue to share with a parent in the music that lets them see the magic that’s happening even if it’s little. It really brings the parents into the experience alongside the kids, creating a journey together rather than just bringing them to group. It allows for each child to be successful and for their growth to be acknowledged. Something the way some kiddos interact with things can seem ‘unsuccessful’ when different than peers in the group. But it’s important to point out and assure parents of the many things their child is doing and how they are exploring the world so that all are viewed as growth.

Something that come to mind for me is allowing each child to have an opportunity to explore something new and not rushing them. Sometimes it takes coming back to a child who was choosing to engage at first and presenting the experience in a way that is welcoming and non-threatening. In my preschool groups, a great strategy I have used is putting instruments to “sleep” while they are being passed out to the rest of the group. This creates suspense and excitement to engage in instrument play as a group.