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Create a plan for songs and music experiences to use in Sprouting Melodies 3.
Gathering / Hello – strumming a guitar together to the tune of “Good Night Ladies”
Gross motor movement – clapping, tapping, stomping, jumping, etc. – “I’m Gonna Clap My Hands”
Instrument exploration and play – working on opposites (start/stop, loud/soft, fast/slow, etc.) – Shake and Stop (Lynn Kleiner) and play-along to I Know a Chicken (Laurie Berkner)
Singable book – working on language development, repetition, following a simple story
Gross motor movement – group movements (using a parachute, canopy scarf, stretchy band) – “Row Row Row Your Boat”
Gross motor movement – individual creative movements (using scarves or color hoops or streamers) –
Cool down – Just Be by Kira Willey
Closing / Goodbye – to the tune of Good Night Ladies
ParticipantCreate a plan for songs and music experiences to use in a Sprouting Melodies® 1 session
Gathering / Hello – to the tune of “Goodnight Ladies”
Lap ride – “This is the Way _______ rides the horse” (include momma, grandpa, papa, sister/brother, etc.)
Instrument exploration and song – baby maracas exploration and recorded music play-along (Arkansas Traveler)
Singable book – Whoever You Are (Mem Fox)
Movement song – slow, rocking – Simple Gifts
Simple Gifts – on flute (listening)
Closing / Goodbye – to the tune of “Good Night Ladies”
ParticipantCreate a plan for songs and music experiences to use in a Sprouting Melodies 2 session.
Gathering / Hello – “Hello, hello, let’s sing together” (Kindermusik hello song) with individual Hellos to the tune of “Goodnight Ladies”
Lap ride / Tickle / bonding song – “This is the way we…” and a tickle song
Instrument exploration / instrument start and stop – eggshakers exploration with Shake and Stop (Lynn Kleiner) and a play-along with recorded music (Arkansas Traveler)
Singable book with language development – Pete the Cat or Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb
Structured movement in a circle (everyone moving in the circle) – start and stop movement with a simple drum beat (fast, slow, tiptoe, stomp, etc.)
Individual movement with scarves – recorded music – The Water is Wide
Closing / Goodbye – Goodbye to the tune of “Goodnight Ladies”
ParticipantThe amount of stimulation (enough or too much) is definitely dependent on each individual. What is overstimulating for one person may not be for the person next to them.
I try to focus on the signs of overstimulation and observe body language, if speech is not present.
ParticipantHonestly, our area is pretty homogenous. Country music, Christian rock, classic rock, contemporary rock are prevalent in the community.
Our local schools put an emphasis on elementary school music — utilizing Orff instruments, body percussion, ukuleles, recorders, and lots of vocal music. All 6th graders in our school district have opportunities to join choir, orchestra, or band, with many opportunities for additional performance groups.
ParticipantWhat are your key takeaways from this course?
By the child, not by the book.
Let music do the work. Meet in the music.
I am reminded of the point that we, as music therapists, are experts! We hold a level of expertise because of our music therapy training, our additional learning here in this training, and also our related life experiences. We bring a lot to the table and can offer a lot to our communities and the people who need Sprouting Melodies.
How has this learning changed your perspective on development, your approach to the work, or the way you use music in your sessions?
I love the musical developmental levels – each level makes so much sense in the whole development of a child.
The song categories of “Songs about Me” and “Songs About My World” are two categories where I’d love to learn more songs!
ParticipantShare some strategies you have used to assure each child in your group is successful.
Constantly observing – assessing, readjusting my presentation of a song
Following the child’s lead – from the littlest babies to the energetic 5 year old
Communicating and partnering with parents/caregivers – letting them know that you are on their team
Recognizing and assessing the energy level needed for the group at any given moment. Providing flexibility based on how the kiddos and caregivers are responding to the music
Using less words and letting the music speak for itself – singing directions, if needed!
ParticipantThis course has inspired me to imagine the possibilities of early childhood music and early childhood music therapy in my community.
It’s interesting to take the course now after several years of clinical experience, several years of early childhood music classes, and being a parent for 15 years. I’m truly equipped with these tools and resources to lead any future early childhood music groups in my area.
ParticipantA Sprouting Melodies class focuses on the whole child’s development. By the child, not by the book (or music skill).
Because of my training as a music therapist, we follow our intuition, and we observe, assess, re-assess, and then provide flexibility based on that child’s response and energy. We are constantly adjusting and changing our approach based on what your child needs.
ParticipantCaregivers are pulled in several different directions when experiencing Sprouting Melodies with multiple children. Reassure them and guide the parents/caregivers that this is normal and offer opportunities to have the older kiddos participate in different ways (sit with their peers or pass out instruments).
YOUR attention will be pulled in many different ways. Ground and center yourself before each session.
Keep observing and watching the children in your group and make adjustments to your Family Sprouts plan as needed.
ParticipantCreate a plan for songs and music experiences to use in Family Sprouts.
Gathering / Hello
Family lap ride
Gross motor movement – choices on movements for older kiddos with opportunities for modeling
Instruments – paired/sibling playing
Singable book
Movement – shared movement with larger scarves
Listening/quiet experience
Closing / Goodbye
ParticipantUse 5 words to describe the music experiences in Family Sprouts
Joyful
Connection
Sharing/Trading
Helping/modeling – between siblings
Options/choices
ParticipantCreate a plan for songs and music experiences to use in Sprouting Melodies 3.
Gathering / Hello – strumming a guitar together
Gross motor movement – clapping, tapping, stomping, jumping, etc.
Instrument exploration and play – working on opposites (start/stop, loud/soft, fast/slow, etc.)
Singable book – working on language development, repetition, following a simple story
Gross motor movement – group movements (using a parachute, canopy scarf, stretchy band)
Gross motor movement – individual creative movements (using scarves or color hoops or streamers)
Closing / Goodbye
ParticipantSprouting Melodies 3 Framework:
Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 3
Push and pull
Active and energy
Emotions
Strong
Personality – making decisions and choices
ParticipantWhat kind and brand of instruments are you using in your groups with children of this developmental level?
Using instruments that are easy to use and grasp. Pleasurable sound.
Easily sanitized instruments. Children at this age are still exploring with their mouths – so using instruments that are safe for the under 3 crowd is best.
I love using Remo drums (gathering drums, lollipop drums, sound shapes, etc.) – they are brightly designed and have a great resonant sound.
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