[Brooke Witherite]

Amanda,

I have found that many of the families in my groups have learned about my classes from other families already in the groups! Sharing with family and friends is such a good way to ensure there are plenty of kiddos in your classes.

[Brooke Witherite]

I plan on sharing this information first by word of mouth. Anytime I meet a child who looks about the right age to be in music classes I let the parents know the time and day and location of the classes. I will bring up my training in our next group supervision and ask my coworkers to share the class info as well with any little ones they come across. Social media has been a huge way to advertise for the classes as well, especially facebook and instagram. My boss at the preschool I work at offered to send out a email to EVERYONE she knows to market my classes and I hand flyer at any information boards I have assess to. There are so many different ways to advertise I try to take advantage of it all.

[Brooke Witherite]

Tabatha,

Location is KEY! I’ve had so many families say, “I’d come to your classes, but I live on the other side fo the city. If you can teach classes in multiple location I feel it gives you a much larger number of students!

[Brooke Witherite]

This training has impacted me on many levels. First it has inspired and rejuvenated me! Some things I had already been doing in my classes were discussed in this course and that was such an encouragement to know I’m on the right path. As a young and new professional I find myself doubting my abilities. This training has helped solidify my skills and abilities and I now know how to better apply what I know to my music sessions. I was just writing my 5-10 year plan right before watching the videos for week 10, and on the list is “Start your own business” I hope to start my own music therapy practice someday and utilize these skills accordingly.

[Brooke Witherite]

Stephanie,

I feel the same way! A support system offers so many benefits to us as therapists!

[Brooke Witherite]

I am most looking forward to the community aspect of being a SM provider! I have always valued community in most areas of my life. I’m a huge extrovert and get energy form spending time with like-minded others. Having a place to go where I can always ask questions and share ideas is so comforting to me! I am excited to be a part of it!

[Brooke Witherite]

Alicia,

I do something similar in my sessions. I sing “Annnnnnnnnnd STOP!” and is seems to work almost every time! I”d be interest to see how my kiddo’s would react to me switching it up to, “And. Well. Stop.”!

[Brooke Witherite]

I feel that we can ensure a child’s success by creating a balanced space for each individual child in every class. We must take sure the energy of the class is just right, if too much energy is expelled it could overstimulate the child, and it not enough energy is expressed children could lose interest. It is important to assess the temperament of the room and feel out what the children need form you in that moment. It is important to know what is age appropriate for each age group, that was you can see each child’s success, even though they may not be doing exactly what you are, docent mean they aren’t being successful. I always take multiple scans fo the room throughout each of my sessions, to ensure that everyone is engaged and safe. I feel these are all important aspects to consider when ensuring a child’s success.

[Brooke Witherite]

Tabitha, you bring up a good point about being able to adapt in the moment. Flexibility is something I find I utilize at least once a day in my practice. It such an important part of working with children.

[Brooke Witherite]

Tabitha, thank you! I love how you describe music for development as appealing to and inspiring children. It helps remind me of how powerful and fun music can be with children!

[Brooke Witherite]

It can be challenging to balance keeping the older children engaged all while not overwhelming the younger children. And keeping the music stimulating enough for the older children in the group and yet not over-stimulating the younger children. I feel that these groups, in a way, must be more structured to attend to the different age ranges. The balance is more specific than it would be in the group with smaller age gaps.

[Brooke Witherite]

I was a bit confused with this prompt, so please let me know if I’m off.

Music for development looks at the child as more of an entire little being. The music is provided and the child will do with it what they will. They are observing and taking in all of the sights and sounds, and we provide a safe space for them to do so. This area appress more subjective to me.

Music for skill building is more focus on the measurable attainable aspects of music therapy. Involving the specific domains, physical, emotional, behavioral, and social skills. This is a more objective area.

[Brooke Witherite]

5 words for SM3:
Emotions, control, independence, contribution, & fun!

5 Words for Family Sprouts:
Family, connections, happiness, leaders, & fun!

Family Sprouts Plan:
Gathering/Greeting song: Hey Everybody
Bonding Song: Hold on tight
Songs about me: All of this is me
Instrument Song: Music is the way
Movement Song: Will you come
Goodbye Song: It’s time to say goodbye

SM3 Plan:
Gathering/Greeting song: Sit Down with Me
Bonding Song: Swimming Together
Songs about me: Where is the Music
Instrument Song: I Can Move Around
Movement Song: The Leaves are Falling
Goodbye Song: Time to Go

[Brooke Witherite]

Shannon & Megan, I don’t have any kits in my instrument collection, and I think that would really benefit my practice, thanks for sharing!

[Brooke Witherite]

Erika, I love the “Take the temperature” language. That helps us remember that it’s not always going to be the same even with the same group of children.

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