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Scenes from Summer Break
Believe it or not, we are already over a week into summer break at my house! Parker's last day of kindergarten was May 22, and we've been filling our days with summer fun ever since. Luckily, my husband Zach and I were able to enjoy a week of rest and relaxation in...
How To Teach Turn-Taking & Sharing
Taking turns is one of the most challenging tasks for students in my music therapy groups and music classes. Although it can also be a challenge for the music therapist or teacher to facilitate and manage sharing opportunities, there are many factors that can...
And Then She Was 4
It seems impossible, but my girl turned 4 this week! We celebrated by playing hooky from preschool, baking a homemade cake (with pink frosting, of course), and having our family over for pizza and presents. Since she was born, Mia Belle has been my “Velcro baby” —...
Spring into Summer Break
The countdown to summer break is on! For many of my music therapy sessions and music classes, we only have a few weeks left before we’ll part ways for the summer. Although most therapists and teachers who work with school-aged children look forward to summer break, it...
Creating Adaptations to Suit Your Needs
One thing that I love about working with lots of different kiddos is the opportunity to create adaptations! These allow me to use the same songs with many different students and clients, all of whom have unique strengths and needs. Being a music therapist has made me...
Mother’s Day the Kindergarten Way
My son's school has the most precious tradition: a Mother's Day Tea hosted by the two kindergarten classes. I heard about it last summer from another mom whose son had just finished kindergarten, and I've been looking forward to it ever since. I have to say, this...
My Family in Photos
Over Easter, my family had the rare opportunity to all be together in one place at the same time. We met up in Denver, where my stepsister and her family hosted all 18 of us -- including 8 kids ranging in age from 2 to 12! We not only celebrated Easter, but also my...
Teaching Safety Skills Through Song
Music is such a powerful and flexible tool, as we’ve witnessed firsthand both through our own life experiences and the work we do with children. Most of us have learned so many things through music...I mean, Schoolhouse Rock, anyone?! I learned so much through music...
How to Find the Right Song Every Time
You know that moment when you need a song for a child, music group, or music therapy session? In your mind, you clearly know what goals the song will target, the instruments or props that you want to use, the theme...now you just have to find it. Well, you are in...