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June 6, 2023 at 4:02 pm
in reply to: What are the needs of the families and communities that you work with?
ParticipantYou and Maggie bring up a good point about COVID’s social impact and it will be something I need to keep in my mind. I was not working in the community during the first few years of it and have compartmentalized it with that time in life. Such a good reminder!
ParticipantI like how you said families can be co-creators of their experience. It gives caregivers so much power to learn and continue developmental support outside of a group.
ParticipantWhat are your key takeaways from this course: I really appreciated the breakdown in musical development. It was so helpful to see each step in different domains and what to look for in each stage. There are so many items to look for and now I incorporate that into my current sessions. It was a game changer!
How has this learning changed your perspective on development, your approach to the work, or the way you use music in your sessions? I feel that this course has given me tangible milestones to observe and a path to support a child’s development in the moment. It’s given me tools to have parents be active participants vs. observers. It has also provided reassurance in moments where a child is walking away or is “just staring” and how to support them and reassure the caregiver.
How will you share this information: I want to be able to share fun little one-liners that caregivers will remember. I will share information in group with observation or in a quick song. I currently work alone, but if a colleague runs a case by me, there may be opportunity to share or ask questions “have you noticed x?”.
ParticipantI am excited to offer a group where a caregiver and child can have dedicated time for bonding. I think it’s also exciting that sprouting melodies can support a child’s development from brith to age 5. There is a lot of cool things a child does during this time frame and it is pretty special to be able to provide an additional space for development. We get to foster an environment for the child to grow confidently and the parents get to be active participants in the process as well. I also appreciate the developmental framework provided- it has enhanced my current practice.
ParticipantI like to talk with caregivers at the start of the group to see how the week went, the morning… I observe how everyone is arriving to the session. What is the affect and body language telling me? I also like to watch for kids standing in the outer areas – determining their needs and if new sensory experiences are needed. I use the observations to navigate what I will do next. I offer different instruments and props to interact with, giving choice whenever possible.
ParticipantFamily Sprouts in 5 Words:
Bonding, Roles, Relationships, Bubbly, IntentionalPlan: Greeting: Hello Everybody, Come and Join the Circle, Movement Song: Jumping Up Jumping Down, Clickety Clack, Instrument Song: Music is the Way, Bonding Song: Hold On Tight, Swimming Together, Goodbye: Time to Go
Participant5 Words for SM 3: Purposeful, knowing, innovative, feelings, opportunity
Plan:
Greeting: Hello Everybody, Sit Down and Join My Circle, Bonding Song: Swimming Together, Instrument song: I Can Move Around, I Like this Song Movement Song: Friend, Clickety Clack Transition song: Winding Down (Self composed) Goodbye: Time to GoParticipantWhen I worked at the hospital, we were contracted to provide 90-minute groups at the Ronald McDonald House. It was open to all ages, and it was difficult. Some challenges I could imagine arising would include overstimulation. The environment may be too loud or busy for a baby. There would need to be mindfulness over instrument options if an infant was present. The music may not be engaging enough for older children. I would anticipate some difficulty with the flow of the group, too. I would also consider the parent’s needs- will they need to be fully supporting one child, while another may be exploring the room? The parent may feel pulled in different directions. I would want to be providing these groups in a space that is safe and conducive for explorers so parents can continue to be present in the group as well.
ParticipantI would highlight the fact that Sprouting Melodies is a training based on a developmental framework created by music therapists for music therapists.
As a music therapist, I am watching how your child is developing, musically. Although I am leading the group, I am observing how your child engages with the music. How they respond to music will guide the group. There isn’t a specific formula we must follow for each group like other classes. Here, we will follow your child’s lead. We will build upon their strengths and give them opportunities to grow through music at their pace.
Not only will your child learn new music but you will, too! I will provide songs that you can learn in group and use at home to support your child’s development and create special bonding time.Participant5 words:
Lively, Energetic, Curiosity, absorbing, Motion5 Sentences: Ok caregivers, turn your child toward you and let’s sing this song together. It’s okay if your child explores the room. Your child may want to see what their neighbor is doing- let’s turn ourselves around to see them. It’s normal for your child to stop and watch me- they are soaking it in! Your child can touch the guitar and play along with me!
Create a plan: 1-2 : Gathering/Greeting: Come Gather Together / Hello. 3. Bonding Song: Wiggly Jiggly Car. 4. Song about Me: Just Like Me. 5. Instrument song: Dancing in the Middle. 6. Movement Song: I Can Move Around. 7. Goodbye: Music Time is Over/Goodbye
ParticipantSmall honer rain sticks, scarves from west music, remo gathering drum, remo ocean disk, remo gato box, hohner tactile egg shakers
ParticipantOverstimulation and under stimulation are relative to the individual and it depends on their age, development, and environment. A child who is stimulated enough is engaged – whether it’s through instrument play or focus. When stimulation is too much, the child may cry, cover their ears, walk away (not the exploration kind- the turn away and not return kind). I think about stimulation in terms of previous trainings I’ve had. You can always slowly add on stimulation, noting each child’s response. If it’s enough- great! If it’s too much- back off, if it’s not enough- add some more!
Participant5 words
Gentle, Bonding, Supportive, Present, Warmth5 Sentences
1) Your baby has known your voice before they were born and they prefer it over anyone else’s.
2) It is okay if your baby falls asleep in session because you will be able to sing this to them at home.
3) We will play through this song a few more times to support baby’s development.
4) Let’s try gently swaying with your baby to the music. The movement will support their awareness to where they are in relation to you and within this space.
5) Your baby’s responses to music may be subtle. They may follow you with just their eyes, turn their head, or snuggle in closer.1) Transitional song “Welcome”- provided as parents arrive- lyrics designed to say hi I see you, come as you are. The pulse is slowly moving forward in a 3 / 4 to set the tone for session
2) Gathering Song: Hello
3) Bonding Song: Itsy Bitsy Spider- with other movements like “bouncy spider”, “dancing spider” with a sway. The tension would be in “the”.
4) Instrument song- use of a maraca or something that isn’t too startling/loud, or gentle consistent finger taps on the drum- something predictable.
5) Instrument song- Tickle Song- with scarves (original)
6) Movement Song: Wheels on the Bus (some traditional: wipers, doors, some non traditional: feet/ kick, hands/clap baby/bounce)
7) Cool down song: Snuggle in (original)
8) Goodbye: Goodbye Friends (original)May 11, 2023 at 10:57 am
in reply to: Share some of your experiences with children of this age and level
ParticipantI worked in the NICU for many years, supporting both the infant and the caregiver. One of the major goal areas was sensory integration. Every session required strong observation to the infant’s responses- minute or large. Each session had the potential to look different based on what the infant experienced throughout the day (procedures, other therapies, staff playing music for too long). What they tolerated last time may not be what they are tolerating today. I always had to start off slow and reduced, gently adding layers of stimulation at their pace. I watched for the overstimulation cues but also the positive cues- which I made sure to point out to parents. Parents need to see their baby engaging in positive experiences during this time.
I feel that there are a lot of similarities with Sprouting Melodies. We need to be present, watching the infant’s reactions to know when to move forward with more stimulating activities. We can also show parents when their child is showing positive cues to the music in group.
I miss working with babies and their parents and am looking forward to providing these groups.ParticipantI like your point about the group being a place of acceptance in a world that is critical of how one parents their child. I feel that is so important.
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