Free Download: “Little Red Apples”

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 luck!

Last week, I told you that my colleagues and I were hard at work on a new resource centered around our go-to props and instruments: drums, rhythm sticks, scarves, and shakers. Today is the day we get to share that new resource with you!

Keep It Simple: 16 Goal-Based Applications for the Instruments & Props You Already Own is here, and I can’t wait for you to check it out and start putting the applications to use.

In this comprehensive downloadable PDF, we are sharing:

• Overviews for each instrument/prop, which include a list of general objectives that can be targeted using those materials, additional intervention ideas, and 10-15 extra songs that pair well with each instrument/prop. We created Spotify playlists for all 4 categories, which are linked in the overviews.
• 16 applications that you can easily put to use in your own sessions. Each application includes a demonstration video and link to lyrics/chords, along with a detailed facilitation guide outlining the targeted objectives, procedure list, and multiple adaptations.
• A quick reference spreadsheet containing an overview of the objectives for each application. Although many of the songs may seem simple or you’re familiar with them already, we have found a variety of ways to facilitate them in order to help our clients meet their goals.
• 2 extra applications that can be used not only with the big 4 instruments/props, but also incorporate many meaningful signs that can be used across populations. Sign language demonstration videos are included.

These tried-and-true applications have been effectively put into practice in schools, hospitals, early childhood centers, senior living facilities, and private practice, and our clients ranging from 3 months old to 90+ years old have benefited from them. We hope that your clients will, too.

Give your instrument- and prop-based repertoire a big goal-based boost with Keep It Simple, created by our team of 4 board-certified music therapists. You will find all of the details and option to purchase right here!

I still remember my first early childhood music therapy experience like it was yesterday, even though it was well over a decade ago during graduate school. My practicum client was a 2-year-old girl diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, and it was during our first session together that I knew I would end up working with children.

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, MANY of my songs revolve around the use of props. They can be such a wonderful tool for addressing motor skills, coordination, group participation, turn-taking, and much more.

This month in my groups and sessions, we’re getting a lot of use out of one such prop: bean bags! A quick Google or Amazon search will show that there are many bean collections from which to choose, but my absolute favorites come from Bear Paw Creek.