[Stephanie H Morris]

I am like Shannon, in that this is a new adventure for me, but one that I know will be special in so many ways. I am also relieved as Marcie mentioned that we have a network of support through Raising Harmony and the SM family of providers. I do plan to revisit videos and ask questions not only from the group online, but also from my colleagues who are SM trained.
Yes, these classes are going to be a challenge, but I can take the information I’ve learned here, my experience as a mom, and having a child with special needs, as well as my experience as a music educator to pull together a great program for families in this area.

[Stephanie H Morris]

I too like the idea of the instrument raffle Skye and networking about music therapy services and especially advocating for music therapy is a big part of our internship program here at COMT. I am looking forward to my intern getting a chance to learn some of the music and be a part of this program. Hopefully in the future, she will go through the entire program and become a provider as a professional.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Just today, Central Ohio Music Therapy had a “children’s music day” at a local business and we shared flyers and information about upcoming SM classes that I will be leading. My executive and assistant director led the event with a variety of children’s songs using instruments and fun play with music. A number of families came and stated they were interested in the classes that we are going to offer at the local library, but also a weekly class starting mid-Sept.

I will say this is all quite overwhelming, but as I get involved in actually conducting the classes and get to know the children and their families, it will all fall into place. Since I am picking up where Elyse left off, I have big shoes to fill, but know that the joy of music making is going to be my primary focus for these classes and events.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Everyone! I love your enthusiasm and am also looking forward to providing our library program in our area. As I have shared with parents of young children, I have told them this is a class that helps them learn how to use music in the home and that being a musician is not important. I want these parents to have fun with their child and wish something like this had been around when my kids were young!

[Stephanie H Morris]

After listening to the videos for this week, one word that stood out to me is consistency. Since I’ve taught elementary music (K – 5), consistency in my reactions to appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, the way I presented the music, and my professionalism when interacting with other teachers, administration and parents/guardians were most important to me. While flexibility within the session is needed, consistency will still need to be important.
The other key word I heard in the videos was to be supportive of the parents, not judgemental, but supportive.
I hope these two things will not only help me, but be an asset to families who attend the sessions.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Maura,
Thanks for your comments! I’m going to be sure and share with parents about SM is a “safe place for exploration.” Since I am starting my first class in September, I was a little nervous about that. Another former colleague of mine did these classes, so hopefully there will be some there that are familiar with the program, but also others that are new and trying it out for the first time.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Skye,
As I read the responses, I liked your explanation because my first thought when it comes to “skill building” is doing something very specific like learning to play a particular instrument. When I think about music for development, I too think of communication, turn-taking, etc. Using music for those types of developmental milestones allows the child to experience it at their own pace, as Shannon stated.
Erika, thanks for the clarification and being able to clearly define the difference will be important info to share with a parent if they ask.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Maureen,
I think you “hit the nail on the head” by mentioning that we need to inform the parents we are trying to provide songs and activities that meet a multitude of age levels and while we might try to “touch” on all of them, we may miss some.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Shannon,
This is the type of group I am going to be starting in September and because I will only do it once a month, I am concerned about the very thing you mentioned. Each month could be quite different. My plan is to plan a number of songs, with the understanding that I might change things around depending on the age grouping.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Family Sprouts – busy, helping, joyful, sharing, support
Session – (Gathering/Greeting) Gather Round, Hey Everybody; (Bonding Songs) Wiggly Jiggly Car, Hold on Tight; (Songs about Me) All of the is Me, Can You See Me; (Instrument Songs) Music is the Way, All Night, All Day; (Movement Songs) Can You Follow, I Really Gotta Jump; (Goodbye) Music Time is Over

Sprouting Melodies 3 – Push & Pull, active, personality, tantrum, personality
Session – (Gathering/Greeting) Gather Round, Sit Down with Me; (Bonding Songs) My Brand New Friends, Swimming Together; (Songs about me) Where is the Music?, My Eyes are on My Face; (Instrument Songs) All Night All Day, You Play a Little; (Movement songs) Jumping up, Jumping Down, Will you come?; (Goodbye) Music Time is Over

[Stephanie H Morris]

Energy, independence, understanding, fun, exploring

5 sentences to state to parents: 1) Glad you are here and want you to have fun with your child, 2) Your child may be moving from the trust stage to the independent stage, so its ok if they explore, 3) I realize he/she may not be singing here, but if they are singing at home, that is GREAT!, 4) If you’re going to have your child stand, make sure their feet are on the ground so they can organize their body, and 5) Maybe instead of having the baby face you, he/she wants to see what’s going on, so turn them around and let them watch!

Sprouting Melodies 2 class: Hello/Gathering – “Sit Down with Me”; Bonding – “Row it Faster” and/or “Wiggly Jiggly Car”; Songs About Me – “All of this is Me” and/or “There’s No One Exactly Like Me” (from MUSIC FOR TODAY’S CHILDREN by Butler-Kirkland-Leach-Adams, but unfortunately this book is out of print), Instruments – “Sit with Me and Shake”; Movement – “Ring Around the Rosie” and/or “Can You Follow”; Goodbye – “So Long, Music is Finished” (a former co-worker used this one) and/or “Thank You Very Much.”

[Stephanie H Morris]

I think both Shannon and Maura stated some very important facts, but I guess I will have to see what it is like. This is going to be a new beginning for me, so I am a little nervous about being able to recognize over stimulation verses under-stimulation. Maybe it will come naturally since I am a mother, but I’m just not sure.
What I do know, however, is that as Shannon stated, when one starts, sometimes others will follow. I also know that children can act out whenever they are either over stimulated or under stimulated. I want to create the right balance so that doesn’t happen, but hope that if it does, I will be as perceptive as Maura and be able to change what I am doing at that very moment.

[Stephanie H Morris]

I too have not started my program, so I’m not sure what kind of instruments I will have. I know the owner of the company is a SM Provider, so she is aware of the special requirements for these little ones. I am hoping she will supply me with the right tools. I do have scarves and ribbon rings already, but will be cautious with the rings.

[Stephanie H Morris]

Session Plan
Hello and Gathering songs: “Good Morning” (p. 57 one), and “Sing Low”
Body Percussion: “Are You Ready”
Lap Ride/tickle: “Hold on Tight”
Instrument: “In My Little Hand”
Gross Motor: “Pick Your Hands” or “As Big As Can Be”
Cool Down: “Where’s My Face?”
Goodbye

[Stephanie H Morris]

5 sentences for parents:
1) Thanks for taking the time to come! I know its a lot of work to get here.
2) This isn’t therapy, its a way for you to spend quality time with your child, and learn more about healthy development.
3) This class is for you and your baby. We’re flexible, so relax!
4) I know you may think you can’t sing well, but the baby wants to hear YOUR voice!
5) We sing these songs multiple times to help you learn them and then be able to use them at home!

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