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My take aways:
I deepened my knowledge of early childhood development in a general context and a musical context.I expanded my repertoire of new songs for each developmental stage specifically lap ride and embedded songs.
My prospective shifted back to a refreshed look at the responses of my students. I was getting complacent and forgetting to look for the small victories in every day music making.
I will share this knowledge with the teachers and staff within the classrooms that I serve. Little tid bits about developmental stages in music will be sprinkled within my session.
ParticipantTo increase success in my sessions, I use sign language, Spanish, icons, and multi-sensory experiences throughout most of the session. There are also many different of AAC used in my sessions; from high-tech )Ipad with communication apps) to low tech (big talk buttons). I always endeavor to have songs with multi-levels for the developmental levels so that at any time I can pivot to a different version to meet the needs to my clients in the moment. The last strategy is to include the staff, teachers, caregivers as much as possible with modeling, assisting, and participating in the music. When all of the people in the room are enjoying and participating, it is hard to not have success on many levels.
ParticipantI am excited to bring these new songs and a better understanding of the developmental levels to my sessions. Although I do not work with children in the early childhood chronological age (birth to 5), I have seen positive reactions to the new ideas I have brought to my sessions with my clients. I believe that incorporating this knowledge will make me a better music therapist and better able to serve my clients.
Participant5 words: creative, trust, deliberate, joyful, connection
Session Plan:
Hello: Sit down with me
Bonding: Hold on tight
Song about me: I’m glad you’re here today
Instrument: Music is the way
Movement: Jumping up and Jumping Down
Goodbye: Time to goParticipant5 words: trust, explore, energy, playful, active
Session Plan:
Hello: Hey Hey Come and Play
Songs about me: Can you see me?
Bonding: Jiggle Up, Jiggle Down
Instrument: In my little hand
Movement: Pick your hands up high
Good Bye: Music time is doneParticipantChallenges of multi-age or multi-functioning level groups are ever evolving. Some times is it engagement and other times it can be accessibility. It can some times feel like barely controlled chaos. BUT, with our skills and knowledge it can be rewarding. As always we need to be able to turn on a dime and reassess our original assessment of a group. I have found that using songs that work at many different developmental levels paired with modeling and suggestions to the adult/caregivers for each individual child can greatly help reduce my feeling of chaos and reach more kids.
ParticipantI would briefly explain the difference between learning musical skills and using music in a therapeutic way to work on non-musical goals. I often use the example of the “ABC’s” song. It is music/song that helps young children learn an necessary skill that is non-musically based. I find that using simple examples often can set the stage for more in depth conversations. I also explain about the assessment of needs in the moment instead of following a set curriculum. Music therapy works developmentally focusing on the needs of the individual or the group rather than the leader trying to push through a curriculum that has to be met. Music is our vehicle to reach social, cognitive, communication, motor, etc. needs.
Participant5 words – trust, explore, energy, observation, and attention/focus
5 sentences – 1. Look for the joint attention or shared attention that the child is showing when participating with you.
2. It is ok for the babies to explore on their own with the safety of you in the room.
3. Repetition is key for the babies. It gives them the feeling of safety and enjoyment.
4. Trust that they are absorbing everything. Give them time. Wait.
5. Join us in singing! The babies love to hear you sing. You will remember the songs at home!Session Plan:
Gathering – Hey Hey, Come and Play
Bonding – Jiggle Up, Jiggle Down
Song about me – Can you see me?
Instrument – In my little hand
Movement – Pick your hands up high
Goodbye – Goodbye songParticipantMy instruments and props are a mix of what was already at the facility and my own personal. I generally order from West Music and most percussion are Remo. I have found that most of the things that I order from Amazon are of a cheaper quality. For instance, the small shakers have almost no weight to them and it is hard to hear their sound.
ParticipantStimulation can be generalized throughout someone’s day but can change minute by minute depending on the situation. Stimulation can also greatly depend on the dynamic of the group. It is never an all or none. A therapist must be on the watch for cues as to where to direct the session. The session may need more stimulation or less stimulation based on the location of the session and also what is happening next. For example, one day I have a session that goes until lunch. I need to make sure the students are awake and ready to eat but not so excited/over stimulated that it is hard to focus on eating. Another day, my session is directly before calm down/get ready to go home. I need to have the kids calm and laying down. Each type of session required a balancing act.
Participant5 words – Caring, Calming, Bonding, Gentle, Exploring
5 Sentences – 1. Take this time to put the responsibilities of the outside world to the side and use this time to focus on you baby. 2. The gentle and calm music will facilitate your bonding relationship.
3. Use your voice and body to join us in the music.
4. Notice your child’s responses.
5. Music is a wonderful place to connect with other parents/families.Session Plan:
Gathering – Hello song – Focus on waving and looking at care giver
Lap Ride – Tickle Song
Instrument Exploration – I like song
Movement Song – Baby – adaptation of Justin Bieber song – replace baby with movement – clap, sway, bounce, etc.
Cool Down – Just like me
Goodbye/ Transition – Goodbye sweetheart – adaptation of Goodnight sweetheartParticipantThe role of music therapy in a community ,I believe, should greatly depend on the specifics of that community. To give one example, a community where the socioeconomic status of most families is at or below the poverty line will create vastly different needs than an affluent one. Although I provide music therapy in a school setting, the needs of the community at large are evident in the programs requested/offered at my school. This extends to the families of the students that I serve. More programs for ages 3 -5 are being started and new program for self-contained Kindergarten Autistic Support has begun at 5 local elementary schools. I am at 2 of the 5 schools that have the new Kindergarten Autistic Support.
With this in mind, music therapy groups in this particular community might focus more heavily on bonding and relationships. It can provide examples of healthy interactions for young parents who are themselves very young or come from an unhealthy family environment. The music therapist can become a resource of knowledge about early childhood development as well as a go between for other community programs/services. Music therapy provides that safe, supportive environment for the adults who may need connection with the outside world and others in similar situations.October 22, 2023 at 1:10 pm
in reply to: Share some of your experiences with children of this age and level
ParticipantThe extent of my experiences with the 0-9 month chronological age group is limited to my own son and my niece/nephews. I recall that many times each day was punctuated by extremes. Parenting is a constant up and down of energy levels, sleep deprivation, busyness, and balance of your role of self and caregiver. For me this was not echoed with my son. He was a baby of intense need for touch and attention. During this time, I felt very isolated and an overwhelming feeling that I was not doing enough to provide the best environment for my son. Although it was not a specific music group, a young child program at the local library was a wonderful place to observe others in similar situations, meet other parents, and have a time to focus solely on bonding without the outside pressures running a household.
I know that music therapy can create an even more effective space for new parents. We have the specialized knowledge to support a calm, safe space where bonding and attachment can flourish.
ParticipantMusic can provide so many opportunities for young families. I agree with everything said in the above posts. Particularly, I have seen music provide safe spaces for families to experience positive participation in a group with their children. Music can provide deeper bonding and connection within all types of relationships. Music also fosters different types of healthy interactions.
October 17, 2023 at 7:02 am
in reply to: What are the needs of the families and communities that you work with?
ParticipantIn the school setting, I do not come in contact with many of the families. I have generally only met them at Open House. Instead of speculating to their needs, I will address the needs of the teachers/staff that work with the students every day.
The adults in the classroom are looking for new and engaging experiences for the students. I provide an opportunity to learn and play within a different environment. They use songs in their circle time but see the difference and value of live music with the students. Both the adults in the classroom and the families that I have spoken with are happy to have their child participating in a normalized school activities such as participating with typical students in performance opportunities. I have students with severe disabilities who are in a self-contained classroom. For me and I believe the teachers, it is all about deepening and expanding their experiences. The student’s disabilities are severely limiting their vertical growth.
As for community needs, I agree with MacKenzie. My students are constantly within a group setting, even for many types of therapy. Within my small groups of 6-8, the functioning levels are very disperate. Music can help the students move from music next to someone else to music together.
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