[Kristina Rowles]

Like both Kristen and Kelsy it is great to work for a company that will be taking care of most of the sharing of information in the community and setting up groups. I plan on sharing this information especially with families that desperately need and want the education. I am hoping many communities in Connecticut will be open to the Sprouting Melodies programs.

[Kristina Rowles]

From here, I will be able to used this information to better help the people I serve. I have a better understanding of creating developmentally appropriate programs. I have already been able to incorporate it with individuals that I work with. I am excited to begin groups upon the completion of the training!

[Kristina Rowles]

The best way to make sure every child is successful is to really know all the members of the group really well. While it is not always possible, it is really helpful to know each individual’s strengths and areas of improvement. Knowing this helps me to plan interventions that allow for everyone to be successful. Repetition and a variety of experiences allows for each member to participate and learn from another member’s strengths. Overtime with repetition of experiences members can also become successful at something they may have once struggled with.

[Kristina Rowles]

I am looking forward to putting into action all of the techniques we learn. I personally learn best by doing things, and I am exciting to start putting these techniques into action and learning in the moment. I am also excited to work with young children, specifically birth – 18 months in a group setting. Currently I work with young children 1:1 and I am looking forward to seeing the positive outcomes of a group. Overall I am enthusiastic about using all this knowledge and new songs and activities in a group setting.

[Kristina Rowles]

Music for development is used to help meet the general developmental needs of a child or the “whole” child. Music can help the child move through the developmental stages and support them in the process. Music for skill building is more specific to a designated goal of learning something new and is generally done on an individual basis.

[Kristina Rowles]

I know others have mentioned this but I believe the biggest challenge is providing an environment where everyone can be successful and be engaged. This can be difficult with various ages in a group. Being very precise about the songs and activities chosen for the group can help make this a little easier. You can be sure to choose songs that have multiple ways to be sung/played by kids and can also have multiple ways in which to participate. Encouraging the group that not everyone needs to be doing the same thing is important in a group that will have a wide variety of abilities.

[Kristina Rowles]

Sprouting Melodies 3

Active, Strong, Personality, Creative, Intentional

Session Plan: Sit Down With Me (Gathering) – This invites the group together with a strong rhythmic beat, Swimming Together (bonding) – This is a great song to use for the warm weather that is coming and a great bonding song, Where is the Music (Songs about Me) – this is a great way to help with caregivers who do not normally sing. It is important to help them feel comfortable with their voice as well as with their kids, Music is the Way (Instrument Song) – this is a great way to introduce two hand instruments and harmonic instruments as opposed to the rhythmic instruments mostly used in previous groups, Will You Come? (movement), this is a great song to provide very structured movement for kids, Music time is over (goodbye) – this song provides closer and uses simple sign language

Family Sprouts

Support, Joyful, Busy, Sharing, Connections

Session Plan: Come and Join the Circle (Gathering) – this song provides a strong rhythmic beat to gather the group, Hold on Tight (bonding song)- this song is great with appropriate language for the older kids and simple music components for the younger kids, All of this is me (songs about me) – this song can allow the older kids to assist the younger kids in identifying body parts and making connections, I like this song (instrument song) – this song is musically simple to allow both older and younger children to play instruments and provides the opportunity for older kids to play more complex instruments, I can move around (movement), this song allows everyone to participate in their own way, It’s time to say goodbye (goodbye) – this is a song that is very quite and simple and brings it back down for the younger kids in the group.

[Kristina Rowles]

With this developmental level I think the stimulation level can vary a lot. While children in this age level are becoming comfortable with more stimulation, it can vary from child to child. As Kelsy mentioned above I think it is important to have a presence and energy level that matches the group. With the use of instruments you will be able to assess what is enough or what is too much for the group. I think it is important to begin introducing some of the new sounds that can be over stimulating but do it in a gradual manner. I think the most important part is knowing the group and what works for the group and assessing in the moment how much stimulation will work.

[Kristina Rowles]

Chiquitas are great because they are small and light weight although I have had some struggles using them with children with fine motor difficulties they appear to be a little small of a handle. I use scarves that are brightly colored. I also use frame drums, small cabasas, and small tambourines. I am wanting to grow the instruments that I have to use with this developmental level so I am excited to see what other people have found helpful!

[Kristina Rowles]

5 Words

Playful, observation, energy, surprise, exploration

Sentences

Make sure your child’s foot is flat on the ground so he/she feels grounded and organized.

Some children will want to stay close to you and some will want to explore and that is okay!

It’s okay if your child isn’t following the directions, it’s about making their own choice. Even if they are just watching you their mirror neurons are firing and they are still learning.

We can’t expect the children to pay attention for the whole 45 min. It’s okay for them to move in and out of the activity.

I know your child is singing at home and that is great! When he/she feels comfortable he/she will sing here.

Session Plan

Sit Down w/ Me (Gathering) – This is a great song for gathering and getting everyone involved with the different movements and singing

Wiggly Jiggly (Lap Ride/ Bonding) – It’s important to remember that the children will feel a little unsafe in this position and they will also begin to anticipate the movements.

In My Little Hand (Instrument Play) – This is a great song for shakers as children learn how to use them.

As Big As Can Be (Gross Motor Movement) – The scarves are a great tool to use during this song. They are bright and colorful which is fun and playful for the kids.

Just Like Me (Songs about Me) – It’s important to remind parents to let their kids face out in the circle and see everyone if appropriate.

Music Time is Over (Goodbye) – This is a great song to bring closure to the group.

[Kristina Rowles]

I do not have any experience with 0-9 months while working clinically. I have interacted with a few children of friends at this age. I currently sing in an a cappella group and one of our members brings her son each week to rehearsal and he is currently 4 months old. It has been a great experience watching him grow from week and week. After beginning this course I have started the pay attention to developmental characteristics and what is new each week. I look forward to the opportunity to working with this age group in the future.

[Kristina Rowles]

1) Gentle, Slow Pace, Cuddling, Joy, Touch

2) – Your baby is going to recognize you because of your unique vocal timbre/ voice.

– Everyone in the room is unique and their own person. Each child may respond differently to music than another child.

– It’s okay your child is asleep, you can learn the music and share it at home.

– Your child may not be ready to try an instrument, give them the option to decide when it is time.

– I know it looks like your child is bored, but really your child is confused and trying to make sense of the world. Repetition will help your child make sense of what is going on.

3) Session Plan

Gathering/Transition – “Today’s a Beautiful Day” Sway and individually greet each child with the music (guitar)

Lap Ride/ Bonding – “Little Red Wagon” Have child sit in caregiver’s lap and focus on the bond between the child and caregiver

Instrument Play/ Instrument – “In my little hand” – using small maracas and reminding caregivers to allow the child to make the choice to play and hold the maraca

Gross Motor Movement/ Movement – “As Big As Can Be” – encourage caregivers to move their child through space with gentle movement. If appropriate encourage parents to have the child stand or stand themselves

Cool Down/ Songs About Me – “Where is my face” – use scarves and encourage caregivers to allow the child to remove the scarf at their own pace

Goodbye/ Transition – “It’s Time to Say Goodbye – allow space in the music for closure and use guitar

[Kristina Rowles]

I think that community music therapy is a great asset to any community. I see the importance of using the music to bring people together. I have heard of the idea of community music therapy before but never gave it a lot of thought. After reading some of the responses I realize that I have a group once a month that would be considered community music therapy. We as music therapists have a unique set of skills and knowledge to help us in these environments. Once a month a work at a Teen Night, a place for teens with autism to go on a Friday night to be in a social environment just like any other high school teenager would do on a Friday night. I provide music activities to promote a social environment for the teens during part of this event and it is a great way to be a part of the community. Like Laetitia mentioned, I know it has helped the practice that I work for build connections in the community for clinical music therapy services. I think this is an important area for music therapists to be involved in.

[Kristina Rowles]

I find that most of my families are wanting support and education. They are looking to know that everything is okay. Most of my work with early childhood is on an individual basis or in a preschool classroom. I see the community needing opportunities for families to come together for a group. I see the need for children to make music with a parent or caregiver. I provide music therapy services over a very wide area. I see each community possibility needing something a little different. It’s hard working for a private practice that covers a large portion of the state (CT) and getting to know all of the communities that you work in. Sometimes I only see one family in a town, but I know they could benefit from a Sprouting Melodies class and I am sure they are not alone. Other times I go to a large amount of preschool classes in a town and I get a better understanding of the community. I look forward to being able to use these skills to bring families together because most of my experience now is just with the children. I think the summer is a great time for these classes as sometimes parents are looking for things to do with their children while school is not in session.

[Kristina Rowles]

We as music therapists are able to provide a safe environment for children to develop and learn.We can offer a place where both the child and parent can learn and play together. As music therapists we have knowledge of how to use music effectively with people. We are able to educate parents about what works so they can take it home to use. I think it’s important to really know that we are all doing great work! I am always very critical of myself and looking at what I may have done wrong or could have done better. I need to remember that I am a great music therapist just like everyone here! We are all doing great work and this is just another way we can use our skills to help enrich the lives of others.

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