Music Therapy: Learning with Music for the Preschool Child Nancy Rodo, MT-BC Kari Roy, MT-BC Baltimore County Public Schools

Music Therapy- The use of music to therapeutically address functioning areas: Physical Psychological Cognitive Behavioral Social

How does a child obtain MT services on their IEP? Kari Roy at Nancy Rodo at Use MT guidelines to determine if an informal pre- assessment visit is needed by the MT-BC Schedule an informal visit by the MT-BC to watch behaviors with/without music and review IEP progress The MT-BC will determine if an assessment is needed Permission to assess is signed and assessment completed in 60 days Direct service- more than ½ tested objectives are assisted with music Consult service- less than ½ tested objectives are assisted with music

Why does MT work? Music is powerful and nonthreatening Multi modal to stimulate all senses Encourages joy of play that increases participation Music is highly motivating Can encourage socialization, self-expression, attention, communication, and motor development Can stimulate cognitive functioning and assist with remediation of speech skills as music is processed on both hemispheres of brain Inherent order of music maintains structure Makes learning more “fun” than work

SEMTAP-Special Education Music Therapy Assessment Process Chart review Parent interview Teacher interview Specialist interview Selection of IEP objectives MT observation of teacher/student on IEP objectives MT conducts MT session testing same IEP objectives Comparison of nonmusic and music results Recommendation

Functional Academics MT Functional Academics Structure Songs TransitionsCoinsColors Shape Drums Put Items on Instruments ID Items

Communication Choice songs Transition songs Picking songs I need more songs Echo songs Songs with repetitive words, phrases Improvisation- let child play instrument, and you imitate playing. Try to slowly change music, and see if student can imitate you Music directions for tasks

Gross Motor Skills Music with strong downbeat for movement Music with directions in lyrics- songs asking to walk, march, skip with tempo to match movement Moving arms/legs to touch instruments Using music with props- parachutes, balls, scarves, elastic bands Music assisted gait- walking to music at desired gail tempo

Fine Motor Skills Songs to hold a crayon/pencil- see MT link on BCPS website Songs to cut with scissors- see MT link on BCPS website Use instruments with mallets to help grasp

Behavioral Needs Relaxation music- use slow tempo classical music, Calming Rhythms 3 CD from Rhythmic Entrainment Institute Use music as reward-offer listening corner or favorite instrument Music in background to assist attention- use Calming Rhythms 3 CD

Resources West Music- or Suggested items: Bollinger CD’s, Hartman CD’s, Music for Relaxation, Classroom Links. They have an MT-BC and education consultants on staff to assist you. or www.SongsforTeaching American Music Therapy Association or