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This course definitely made me change the way I choose music for the different developmental levels. Just because a song was designed for early childhood does not mean it’s appropriate for the entire age gamut of early childhood (i.e. Wheels on the Bus). It also changed my perspective on how babies/toddlers participate in the group in correspondence with the level they are in (i.e. trust vs independence). I will be more cognizant of not only the music I bring in but how I use the songs, instruments, movement, etc. in my classes. I am looking forward to sharing this with families, pointing out how they are progressing through the levels and how to use music at home.
ParticipantI am most excited about bringing a program for early childhood to my community. As I’ve mentioned before, I am in rural Iowa and there is virtually nothing offered for kids 0-5. I am excited about bringing music exposure to this age, especially in a space to let parents feel comfortable bonding and sharing in music experiences with their children. I am also excited to use the songs I have learned for parents to take home and sing with their baby/toddler.
ParticipantI have only run one “round” of my groups so I do not have a lot of strategies to share, so I’ve enjoyed reading Zoe and Mauras’! However, I tend to use a lot of positive reinforcement to keep the kiddos on task and/or to bring other kids to be on task. I also use a lot of close proximity or even stopping the music to get everyone’s attention.
ParticipantBusy, support, sharing, joyful, connections
Gathering/greeting song: need to pick songs that older students will tolerate but will be appropriate for younger siblings “Hey Everybody” –>Bonding Song can work when positioning family the right way (older sibling next to caregiver, baby in lap) “Hold on Tight” (support older children who think they’re ready to ride a bike). –>songs about me “All of this is Me” allows the older sibling to help younger to point out body parts.—>Instrument songs: “I Like this Song” finding space for everyone in group to enjoy–>Movement: maybe ask older kids what they want to do so they have a choice…tailor elements of the music to make it appropriate for the younger “I Can Move Around.” combine instruments and movement–>Goodbye song
ParticipantZoe,
I enjoyed reading your post. I especially liked how you incorporated using the music to support parents in understanding their child’s development. Music can definitely give them a concrete/solid example of where their child currently is and let them know they are progressing how they should.ParticipantI would say that we aren’t “teaching” them music skills but we are using the music to meet the child where their current level is to allow them to explore music (playing instruments how they want to play, move to music how they want to move, etc.). We are using the music to promote healthy development as well as their individual strengths. As MTs we don’t expect them to do anything they’re not ready for.
ParticipantActive!, accepting, creative, personality, strong
Sit down with me… begin with rhythmic patting to bring everyone together; Gather Round–gives them a chance to play and move around the room. Move in to a bonding song..perhaps moving into the level of trust or independence. “Swimming together” sit with caregiver/MT; Songs about me or using a board book. Instrumental songs: You Play a Little–beginning to share/reciprocal play…two handed instruments; transition to a Movement Song then move in to goodbye
ParticipantMaura,
I really appreciated your post. I have definitely had the experience of working with the older children and overwhelming their baby siblings or other youngsters in the group. I fully agree it will take practice to master having different ages in a group.ParticipantI haven’t had much experience with this as most of the babies in my group are the same age right now. However, I think it would b ea challenge to plan for the group in advance not knowing the ages prior. It would definitely take practice to determine how to adapt and monitor the group for overstimulation with several age groups. I also have found a challenge in a mom who has a 4 mo old and a 2 y/o in my class and finding ways for her to participate with both littles at once.
ParticipantI don’t think there is a “one size fits all” answer to this question. I think it depends on the child and the dynamics of the group. One child may like all noise from the shakers/drums/etc. while another child might find it to be too much. That’s why it is important for us to get to know each child and gauge their comfort levels and adapt as necessary. That’s why a structure/flow to the session is very important. I can’t remember the exact name of it, but I remember learning the “bell curve” For sessions in undergrad. Build the session up to a peak point about midway through and then start to bring everyone back down again. That way they’re not leaving on a “high” and we’ve all settled together.
ParticipantPlayful (big one!), energy, observation, spontaneous, exploration
“It’s okay, they’re moving! You’re not going to make them stop.”
“Yes they do sing it at home! Isn’t it great, they watch it here and they do it at home!”
“to help guide with clapping, put your arms under their shoulders–put their arms on top of your arms. They may not cross midline but they’re touching your arms as you clap.”
“It’s not really about playing high, it’s about having musical choices”
“Tap rhythm on flat part of baby’s foot.. they take in a lot of information from their feet”Hello song to gather and greet everyone by name. transition to bonding song “wiggly jiggly car” –maybe encourage child to sit on your lap to learn more about them. move to song about me “Can you see me?” encourage to move out but still providing a safe base to come back to. provide space for child to touch body parts being sung. transition to instruments–Sit with me and shake. doesn’t matter what they shake or how many. Transition to a movement song “March with My Baby” then sing goodbye.
ParticipantI use the Remo gathering drum, sound shapes, lots of scarves, I’ve brought in the small Remo ocean drum, and I use lots of shakers and jingle bells. I will also bring in the small yellow maracas just in case there is a need.
ParticipantSlower pace, bonding, joy, gentle, touch
“That’s perfect, that’s the exact distance you should be where your baby can see you best”
“Go slowly so they can follow you to the left and follow you to the left”
“Put the instrument in the middle of the hand and they’ll grasp them”
“Maybe try to hold him up to standing, he might be more comfortable…Some babies are more comfortable being held/sitting/standing”
“put a steady beat on your baby somewhere”1. Start with appropriate recorded music and allow for exploration while chatting/checking in with parents.
2. Move in to gathering/greeting song “Today is a Beautiful Day” and encourage parents to touch baby’s chest as we sing to them.
3. Move in to bonding song “Wiggly Jiggly Car”–> follow needs of group to determine how much to repeat and when to move on.
4. Move in to a song about me “Just like Me” and repeat with different body parts and follow the needs of group to determine how much to repeat.
5. Instrument songs, In my Little Hand. Use instruments that are easy to explore and have the right sound. (little yellow maracas, small jingle shakers); quiet, steady rhythm
6. Movement song “Growing Up”, cradle the baby in knees or hold them up in front of you… takes the baby from a lullaby to a play song. Move baby with the music “growing UP”November 3, 2020 at 9:37 am
in reply to: Share some of your experiences with children of this age and level.
November 3, 2020 at 9:35 am
in reply to: Share some of your experiences with children of this age and level.
ParticipantWell, I personally have children ages 4 and under so I use music with them at home for learning and fun. In the community, I do not provide actual music therapy services for children this young but have begun providing “classes” like Sprouting Melodies” to children ages 6mo-5. It is interesting to see how some of those 6-9 mo olds will play shakers and dance and others, even 24 mo old, want to stay with mom and dad and just watch the other kids.
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