The Toolbox Song

Rhythm sticks are good for so much more than just tapping! I use them in my music therapy sessions, groups and early childhood classes to address a variety of objectives.

I’m excited to share “The Toolbox Song” with you because it truly is one of the most effective tools in my musical toolbox (pun totally intended).

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More Than Just Tapping: All The Ways to Use Rhythm Sticks

Rhythm Sticks Songs

One of the most versatile instruments in my musical arsenal is definitely rhythm sticks. There are SO many things you can do with rhythm sticks, and SO many goals that can be targeted, too!

Lucky for us, Listen & Learn Music has some great goal-oriented songs designed to be used with rhythm sticks, and included in the collection are songs suitable for the youngest of clients as well as middle schoolers.

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Teaching Social Skills Through Song

Teaching Social Skills Through Song | Listen & Learn Music

One of the most important skills all children must learn is appropriate social interaction. Social skills enable us to connect with others, but are often very abstract for children and can be difficult to teach.

Whenever something is difficult to teach children, I always write or look for a song about it (maybe because I’m a music therapist!), and that’s where Listen & Learn Music comes in: if there’s a song I need, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll find a catchy, goal-oriented one that fits the bill.

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“Caterpillar Walks Around” and Gets Those Creative Juices Flowing!

Caterpillar Walks Around | Caterpillar Into Butterfly Song | Listen & Learn Music

Every year around this time, many classrooms and early childhood centers gain some new friends in the form of caterpillars. The children love to learn about the life stages of the caterpillars and watch them while they grow.

“Caterpillar Walks Around” is a goal-based song that provides a full body learning experience about the life cycle of a caterpillar, simplified to a level that young children can understand.

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We Don’t Just Play Our Jingle Bells…We WEAR Them!

Wrist Jingle Bells in Music Class & Music Therapy

I love a good movement prop, especially one that doubles as an instrument…so when I saw these wrist jingle bells from Bear Paw Creek, I knew I had to have them. Not surprisingly, they’ve been a big hit with my students!

Of course, a new movement prop calls for a new song, and I was immediately inspired to write “Jinglin’ High Five” once I received these beauties. I wanted to play upon the fact that these jingle bells can be worn while also addressing several goals at the same time.

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