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Guess the “4th time is a charm” for me! I am starting 2 small classes tomorrow – one for the 18mos – 3 yr group and 1 for the preschool age group. Now I will also have some “word of mouth” advertising to help get this new program started.
ParticipantBeth – Thank you for the surprise in my mailbox recently! I haven’t read the book “How Children Succeed” and am looking forward to checking it out!
ParticipantThanks Christine & Erika for your input! My local library doesn’t rent space out to anything that charges for it’s events, only for non profit type meetings – which is why I asked my church if I could use space there. I do teach piano at the local music store 1 night/week but I didn’t ask them about doing classes there because there isn’t any extra space. (all of the studio space is small rooms). My original price was based on part research, part advise, & part the need to have $$ left after paying the royalty fees. I lowered my price quite a bit & figured some $$ was better than none at all. My church is suddenly wanting to help me promote my “ministry” (classes) in anyway that they can so I am currently looking at holding a demo class or open house (come check it out, try the instruments type thing) on one of the days that I have already reserved the room at the church.
Erika – we don’t have a Macaroni Kid here, what is it??ParticipantWhen trying to et a new Sprouting Melodies Program started in the community how many times (Summer Session 1, Summer Session 2, Fall, etc) have providers offered classes with no response before deciding that it might not work? I’ve done a lot of advertising, posted flyers, etc. I also found out, right after I posted flyers for my 2nd summer session classes that the local library is offering a “music & Movement” class this month. I know that it’s not the same as the SM classes, but to read their description parent may feel like it is the same – and its Free. How do I compete with that?
ParticipantDuring the class I remember Meredith and Beth talking about a resource manual that providers receive. It was also described in the info I printed out to read when I was deciding to become a provider. I’ve looked at all the resources online (they are great ! Thanks for providing them) but wondered if I this resource manual was something that would arrive in the mail. If so, I haven’t received my copy yet. I found a place to hold classes and plan on starting in July and want as much info as possible before I start. Thanks!
ParticipantThis training was a great review for me of the developmental stages for 0 – 2 yrs. as it has been a few years since I worked with children that young. Tips for working with the parents/guardians/grandparents was helpful as my clinical work does not generally deal with parents face to face on a regular basis (Head Start children are bused to school). I like the approach of being developmentally appropriate and using functioning language – this is so important when working with young children. I think that the way this training will affect my work as a music therapist is a little unclear at this point. I am in transition with work, currently exploring/trying to create new job opportunities. I plan to definitely include becoming a Sprouting Melodies Provider as one of the possible job opportunities.
March 28, 2015 at 10:23 pm
in reply to: How are you planning on sharing this information with colleagues, administrators and families?
ParticipantI am not totally sure. In a few months I will be ending (not my choice) a contract I have had for 24 years and hopefully starting another job. As I look for new places to create music therapy programs I plan on also keeping the Sprouting Melodies Program in mind. I will be approaching my local library and Arts Center. I hope to be able to share the information I’ve learned with colleagues very soon!
ParticipantTo assure success for my Head Start preschool children during music therapy sessions I try to meet the child at their level -we start with what they can do (their strengths) and use those, along with the music, to work on their needs (why they were referred to music therapy). I am supportive and encouraging in all of their efforts. I support the children through praise, of course, but in other ways such as giving them an opportunity to contribute to the session by helping choose an activity or being helpful to a new peer.
ParticipantI have worked in early intervention providing music therapy services for Head Start children for 24 years. What will be different and exciting about becoming a Sprouting Melodies provider is the opportunity to work with both the children and their parents/guardians. I am also looking forward to being able to network with other therapists on a regular basis having been working “solo” for so long.
ParticipantI agree with what has been mentioned. A challenge t leading a multi-age group is planning activities that will keep the attention and participation of all of the children. Another challenge is that different ages present different tolerance levels to music/activities, socialization, and time engaged with others. There is also the challenge of different ages and different potential behavioral issues. I like the idea of engaging older children to be “helpers” (something they love to do!). Anyone lading a Family Sprouts group needs to be very flexible!
March 15, 2015 at 2:11 pm
in reply to: Share how you can explain to parents the difference between music for development and music for skill building.
ParticipantI wasn’t sure how to answer this question and after reading other responses I still am not sure if I am on the right track. I think that music for development is to utilize music as a tool to help support a child’s development whereas music for skill building focuses more on learning specific skills (music therapy goals?) within the developmental areas of communication, academic, motor, emotional, and social skills.
March 15, 2015 at 1:58 pm
in reply to: Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 3.
Participant5 Words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 3 — Creative, Personality, Active, Emotions, and Intentional
5 Words to describe the music experiences in Family Sprouts — Cooperation, Sharing, Individuality, Busy, Joyful
Plan for Sprouting Melodies 3 Class:
Gathering/Greeting Song — Who Came to Music Today? (an original activity)
Bonding Song — My Brand New Friend (EKS) with parents or other children
Songs About Me — Where is the Music? (EKS)
Instrument Song — You Play a Little (EKs) OR the book “Hand, Hand, Finger, Thumb” (I’ve used this book for years
my preschool music therapy clients)
Movement Song — Will You Come? (EKS)
Goodbye — Time to Say Goodbye (a goodbye song I use with my preschoolers)Plan for Family Sprouts Class:
Gathering/Greeting Song — Hey Everybody (EKS)
Bonding Song — Row it Faster (EKS) Older kids can help younger kids if appropriate
Songs About Me — Can You See Me? (EKS)
Instrument Song — a stop and go or freeze type song (parents can help younger siblings using hand over hand, etc)
Movement Song — I Can Move Around (EKS)
Goodbye — Time to Say Goodbye (a goodbye song I use with my preschoolers, can be adapted to younger
children)ParticipantWhen planning activities/classes it is important to keep in mind both the child’s age and developmental level when determining how stimulating the activities should be. It is also important to be aware of the individual differences among children. Being the same age does not necessarily mean that the group would enjoy/tolerate the same activities. Children that appear over excited or overly anxious might be experiencing too much stimulation. I think that it is important to keep the lines of communication open with the parents. This will help to make sure that the activities provide the appropriate level of stimulation for the children.
March 10, 2015 at 11:48 am
in reply to: Use 5 words to describe the music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 2.
ParticipantI apologize in advance for any typos…..I’m mostly typing 1 handed due to a broken collar bone.
5 Words to describe music experiences in Sprouting Melodies 2: Playful, Observation, Exploration, Surprise, Spontaneous
5 Sentences to use when speaking with parents:
1. Your child is exploring his/her independence at this stage. It’s alright that he/she leaves your lap to check out what is happening.
2. At this age children are observing everything around them – even though it might appear that they aren’t participating or are even interested bonding time with you.
3. Your child is learning that he/she can control their environment as they make music (response of others as they play and then stop playing an instrument)
4. Your child is enjoying this bonding time with you (can demo positioning to parents to help with bonding)
5. Take cues from your child (interested in participating, finished and ready to do something else, etc.)Plan for Sprouting Melodies 2 Group:
Gathering/Greeting Hey! Hey! Come and Play! (EKS)
Bonding Wiggly, Jiggly Car (EKS)
Songs About Me All of this is Me (EKS)
Instrument Songs Sit with me and Shake (MRP)
Movement March with my Baby (MRP)
Goodbye Goodbye (MRP)ParticipantWhen I worked at an Early Head Start program a few years ago I a Kid’s Gathering Drum (Remo), a Wave drum (an early childhood version of an ocean drum), a rainmaker (colorful plastic rainstick), and shakers. I also have a set of the jungle themed Remo Nesting Drums.
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