Video Blog

This music therapy video with a child with special needs illustrates the following:

• Using hand puppets can take the pressure off a child who is struggling with a therapeutic goal
• When possible, have the child teach the puppet the correct answer
• Music allows lots of repetition without the monotony
• Nice set of small animal hand puppets http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002AK5EUY/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_SC_dp_1
• Nice set of animal finger puppets  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E3B9J8/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M2T1_SC_dp_2
• For high quality hand puppets search for Melissa and Doug Hand Puppets
• For a cheap set of hand puppets try http://www.orientaltrading.com/plush-happy-kids-hand-puppets-a2-58_1007.fltr

To read a transcription of this video, please click here.

This music therapy video illustrates the following:

• Tapping Little Elf is a great song for using rhythm sticks to address gross motor skills such as crossing mid-line, bilateral coordination and increasing shoulder stability and strength
• Little Jingle Mouse is a fun song that uses jingle bells to work on therapeutic goals such as bilateral coordination, increasing shoulder stability and strength, and range of motion
• Be silly and dramatic to make these activities even more motivating
• Be creative with using instruments to address a variety of occupational and physical therapy goals

To read a transcription of this music therapy video, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with autism illustrates the following:

• Take the time to assess a child's learning style and use his or her strengths to work on challenging therapeutic goals
• For more information on multiple intelligences visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences
• Use wait time and silence to give children with special needs the chance to respond independently
• Rhythm and movement can give children with autism the proprioceptive feedback that some need in order to know where their body is in space
• Rememeber to take the time to imitate children with special needs in order to bond and open up opportunities for learning

To read a transcription of this music therapy video, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with Angelman syndrome illustrates the following:

• Using instruments can be a great way to address fine and gross motor skills
• Mirroring a client's instrument playing can increase attentiveness and can be a great way to connect and bond with a child
• Playing instruments with children with special needs can encourage eye contact

To read a transcription of this music therapy video blog post, please click here.

This music therapy video with a child with special needs illustrates the following:

1. Music can be used to help children with special needs learn how to sequence 2 and 3 step directions
2. The music keeps this activity fun and motivating

To read a transcription of this music therapy video, please click here.