There are quite a few Listen & Learn Music songs about Thanksgiving, and several of those Thanksgiving themed songs address educational skills. Talk about doing double duty: songs that are educational and holiday-themed? That’s what music therapists’ dreams are made of!
Thanksgiving is one of the most delicious and humbling holidays of the year. However, when it comes to my students and clients, many of them are hesitant about the food and have a difficult time understanding what it means to be thankful.
For children with special needs, many of the aspects of Thanksgiving are challenging: eating so many different foods, often with lots of unfamiliar family members, a change from their typical routine, and being thankful (what does that even mean?!?) can be overwhelming.
When I was working on my undergraduate degree, one of my music therapy supervisors said something to the effect of “We’ve got to celebrate the little victories, and sometimes it takes a long time to achieve them”. As a young music therapy student, I thought I understood what my supervisor meant, but looking back, I realize I didn’t completely get it.
Visual aides are an essential part of my music therapy practice, and I use them every day. I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me five years ago that I would spend my nights with my laminator (yes, of course I have my own laminator) making endless visual aides, but I would seriously be lost without them!
Making music with young children is so much fun, and incredibly beneficial to their growth and development, but it’s not always smooth sailing in music therapy sessions or music classes.
Sometimes kiddos don’t follow the directions or participate appropriately, so it’s important to make sure that each child participating in music therapy sessions or music classes is set up for success so that he or she can reap the benefits of all we have to offer.
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