[Shelley Tsao]

I think this is constantly evolving depending on who’s in the group. Every person’s tolerance is very different, so finding a balance and being sensitive and aware of the group dynamic is very important and very tricky. So I think having a session plan is important and helpful, so there won’t be multiple consecutive high stimulation songs. Having a few quick centering activity can be helpful, in case the group is over stimulated and needing to regroup/refocus.

[Shelley Tsao]

very helpful to see everyone’s list. Had to look up Lummi Sticks 🙂 the different color sticks looks fun!

[Shelley Tsao]

I’ve only done 1:1 with this age group and I use maracas, various color egg shakers, ocean drum, small frame drum with handle on the back, bells, small bongos,

[Shelley Tsao]

I really like Melody’s plan. It’s so helpful noting the different ways for parents to position their child.

[Shelley Tsao]

5 Words:
Playful, surprise, exploration, dynamics, movement.

5 Sentences:
1) Let your child move in and out of the circle. Children need to be able to move around and explore their environment.
2) Help them organize their body movements and make sure the bottom of their feet is touching the ground.
3) It’s ok for children to explore my guitar.
4) Have fun, be playful and move with your child
5) It’s ok if they are not activity participating. They are absorbing everything in their environment and they will show you once they are ready.

Plan:
Hello – “Sit down with me” invite everyone to come sit down and get ready for music.
Bonding – “Wiggly Jiggly Car” Have caregiver hold their child on their lap and follow movement with the song.
Songs about me – “Just like me” let children freely explore the space as they wish, caregiver point to the body parts on them or on a child that’s near them.
Instrument songs – “I like this song” put out a bucket of instruments and let children pick and explore different instruments. Explore different dynamics.
Movement songs – “March with my baby” have caregivers hold their child or along side with their child and follow the movement with the song.
Goodbye – same goodbye song each week.

[Shelley Tsao]

5 Words:
Gentle, calm, connection, supportive, relationships

5 Sentences:
1) put your hand on your baby’s chest, so your baby knows we are singing about them.
2) Go really slow with your scarf, so your baby can follow you to the left and to the right.
3) If your baby is fidgety, maybe try holding them in a different position.
4) It’s ok if your baby is putting instruments in their mouth, it’s their way of exploring the instrument.
5) Sing to your baby and echo their vocalization.

Plan:
Hello – simple song with no guitar. Have caregiver hold baby face to face and sing to their baby.
Bonding – “row it faster”. Have caregiver hold baby on their knees and row front to back.
Movement – “as big as can be”. Have caregiver hold and move their baby back and forth and up and down along with the song.
Songs about me – “all of this is me”. Have caregiver lay their baby on the floor and touch their baby’s body parts along with the song.
Instrument – “sit with me and shake”. Pass out shakers and let babies explore/play the instrument on their own.
Cool down – lullaby. Have caregiver hold their baby and sing to them.
Goodbye – same goodbye song each week.

[Shelley Tsao]

5 Words:
Gentle, calm, connection, supportive, relationships

5 Sentences:
1) put your hand on your baby’s chest, so your baby knows we are singing about them.
2) Go really slow with your scarf, so your baby can follow you to the left and to the right.
3) If your baby is fidgety, maybe try holding them in a different position.
4) It’s ok if your baby is putting instruments in their mouth, it’s their way of exploring the instrument.
5) Sing to your baby and echo their vocalization.

Plan:
Hello – simple song with no guitar. Have caregiver hold baby face to face and sing to their baby.
Bonding – “row it faster”. Have caregiver hold baby on their knees and row front to back.
Movement – “as big as can be”. Have caregiver hold and move their baby back and forth and up and down along with the song.
Songs about me – “all of this is me”. Have caregiver lay their baby on the floor and touch their baby’s body parts along with the song.
Instrument – “sit with me and shake”. Pass out shakers and let babies explore/play the instrument on their own.
Cool down – lullaby. Have caregiver hold their baby and sing to them.
Goodbye – same goodbye song each week.

[Shelley Tsao]

I love Melody’s example about how music time helps the mom to be more grounded and the beautiful interactions during music.

[Shelley Tsao]

I have personal experience being a mom to a 3 year old. Honestly it was all a blur during that age period, and I remember very little of it. Professionally, I have little experience with this age group, mainly 1:1 with pediatric hospice. I think music group for this age is so important for parents. it’s an opportunity for them to connect with others, and learning ways to connect with their newborn and be supported by others. I love all the tips about parent education during the lectures.

[Shelley Tsao]

I agree with Karen’s point about music therapist providing adapted lessons. Some clients come to us not because they have any official diagnosis, but they struggle with the conventional music learning process. Parent’s would inquire service and say their child doesn’t need music therapy because they don’t have any diagnosis, they just want to learn to play an instrument. After a few months of sessions, they often realize how valuable it is to work on skills beyond learning an instrument.

[Shelley Tsao]

I think music therapists bring valuable insights in community based settings. Providing service more holistically and supporting not just the client, but their parents/teachers/caregivers. We often hear parent’s feedback that their kids struggle in typical music lessons/groups, because it often feels like their child has to adapt to the teacher and meet their expectations. Music therapist is trained to meet the clients where they are at, and support their individual needs, also offering valuable skills that they can use outside of music.

[Shelley Tsao]

I really like Melody’s 5 sentences and how detail her plan is!

[Shelley Tsao]

I really like Karli’s point about developing better structured use of music at daycares. being more intentional with the use of music and mindful of the noise level is so important in creating an optimal environment for children.

[Shelley Tsao]

I think parent education is so important. I find that if the parent is a part of the session, I spend a good amount of time coaching the parent, mainly to not interfere 🙂 I always feel like I need more tools for parent education. parents’ often feel like the child has to actively participate / play an instrument during a session. being able to explain the different developmental stages gives parents the tools to better support and participate during the session.

[Shelley Tsao]

I agree with Karen that flexility and ability to improvise is very important in providing a child centered experience.

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