by Rachel | Uncategorized
Early last spring, I was invited to present at Illinois’ statewide Sharing a Vision early childhood conference. I’ve been looking forward to it ever since, and today is the day! My presentation, Music Therapy Techniques for School, Home & Play, is set to begin in just a couple of hours.
I’ve given similar presentations at quite a few conferences in the last couple of years, yet I never grow tired of sharing my passion with others — especially people who work with children like I do.
The opportunity to educate an entire room full of people about music therapy is priceless, and the fact that I get to make music with them (yes, I am bringing my guitar and a boatload of songs!) is just icing on the cake.
by Rachel | Uncategorized
After reading the inaugural issue of Imagine — the first online magazine dedicated to early childhood music therapy — last September, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the next one. Luckily for me and the other music therapists of the world, it’s here!
Once again, I had the opportunity to submit an article to be included in the resources section. It’s called “Building Your Own Business in Early Childhood Music Therapy”. Flipping through the magazine, it’s obvious that I’m in good company. A few highlights:
- “Advocating for Music as an Essential Early Childhood Experience” by Dena Register
- “Understanding Development in Early Childhood Music Therapy” by Rebecca Wellman
- “Biddy Biddy: A Song Without Words” by Carol Ann Blank
- “Cool Music Apps for Little Ones” by Petra Kern
- “Laughter in Music Therapy and With Young Children” by Kalani Das
- “Music Therapists Talk About Self-Care: A Video Interview” by Kat Fulton
All of this excellent information in one place is getting me fired up for the American Music Therapy Association’s national conference, which is coming up in less than two months. I just booked my plane ticket last night and can’t wait to see many of the contributors to Imagine in the flesh!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
Going back to school at the end of the summer is a big adjustment for most kids. I know not only from the experience of working in a school setting for 4 years, but also from talking with my students’ parents as they are in the midst of this transition right now.
The start of the school year is especially hard for kiddos who are going into kindergarten and are not used to being away from home all day. I’ve taught several brand new kindergarteners this week, and while they’ve had great things to say about school so far, their moms have filled me in on the anxiety they’ve felt.
I’ve written quite a few songs about preparing for the school day and going to school, and there’s no better time than now to share a little round-up with you. Let’s start with the beginning of the day and work our way through, shall we?
- My Clothes & My Shoes – Most kids who are old enough to go to school should also be able to dress themselves properly. This song was a staple in all of my classroom music therapy groups.
- Time to Say Goodbye – Saying goodbye to mom and dad is quite possibly the hardest part of the school day. This song also addresses saying goodbye to teachers at friends when school is over.
- That Yellow Bus – Riding the bus can be overwhelming at first. There’s nothing like a fun song to ease the anxiety over doing so.
- Off to School – I like this song because it gives a general overview of what to expect throughout the school day.
- The People I See – Teachers and principals are included in this tune, as well as other community people a child may or may not see during the day.
- Making Friends – I’ve had so many students tell me that their friends aren’t in their class this year. I tell them that it is the perfect opportunity to make some new ones!
- Stop, Think & Do – A good reminder to all kids. I have to thank one of my former colleagues, a classroom teacher who uses this motto on a daily basis. It’s an effective one, to be sure.
- Clean Up Time – I think every young child learns at least one song about cleaning up at school; why not add another option into the mix?
Whether you’re a parent, music therapist, or teacher, what has your back-to-school experience been like this week?
by Rachel | Uncategorized
One thing I’ve noticed when I give a child a pair of rhythm sticks is that it’s extremely difficult for him or her not to make some kind of noise with them. So I made a game out of it.
“If You’re Wearing a Red Shirt” is a simple, repetitive song that directs children in a group to play their rhythm sticks only if they fit the description in that particular verse. It goes like this:
If you’re sitting down,
Tap your sticks just like this.
Tap-tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap,
Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap.
If you’re a girl,
Tap your sticks just like this.
Tap-tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap,
Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap.
If you’re a boy,
Tap your sticks just like this.
Tap-tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap,
Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap.
If you’re wearing a red shirt,
Tap your sticks just like this.
Tap-tap-tap-tap, tap-tap-tap,
Tap-tap-tap-tap-tap.
{Continue, using different descriptives}
The kids with whom I’ve used this activity get a kick out of the descriptions I choose for each verse — they are usually much more specific and creative than the very basic ones I included in the recording. Sometimes only one child will fit a description, and other times just for fun I’ll choose a description that nobody fits.
The best part is that everyone actually listens carefully and plays their rhythm sticks only when they should be playing. After all, that’s the goal!
by Rachel | Uncategorized
My almost-three-year-old nephew Mason came over to play last week! This was a big treat, because he lives in St. Louis and doesn’t often spend an extended amount of time in Springfield. So I had to take advantage of this occasion, and Paw Paw (Mason’s grandpa and my father-in-law) captured some great shots of our playdate.
We spent some quality time playing the guitar…
The drums were a big hit, as expected…
Mason enjoyed setting up the handbells and then knocking them down like dominoes…
But the best part of our playdate was the big hug I got at the end.
