#cerebralpalsy

May 18, 2018

Music therapy: engage tactile sense to enhance learning and engagement

In our music therapy sessions we utilize many physical props. Physical props engage visual and tactile senses and create opportunities for choices, motor skills, attention, speech, and following directions. Small objects are great for developing reaching and grasping skills and we frequently utilize them for moving an object to one or two targets (motor control, following directions and crossing midline). Repetition is key to child development. When we add physical props i

Mar 17, 2018

Music therapy: priming and timing motor responses

The power of entrainment is something we tap into daily when working with individuals with motor and speech challenges. Entrainment is "a temporal locking process in which one system's motion or signal frequency entrains the frequency of another." (Thaut et. al, 2014). Because entrainment occurs within motor and sensory systems in the brain, auditory rhythms can be utilized to cue movements and movement patterns. "Sound signals and rhythmic music can prime and time muscle act

Feb 27, 2018

Music therapy: NY Times article music and the brain

"the M.I.T. team demonstrated that the speech and music circuits are in different parts of the brain’s sprawling auditory cortex, where all sound signals are interpreted, and that each is largely deaf to the other’s sonic cues, although there is some overlap when it comes to responding to songs with lyrics". Article here: New Ways into the Brain's 'Music Room' #Autism #cerebralpalsy #Mainemusictherapy #NewHampshiremusictherapy

Feb 13, 2018

Music therapy: The use of sign language to enhance learning, comprehension, motor skills and express

Using sign language engages the children and gives them another or pathway, for a message to be interpreted in the brain. Sign language is part of our whole body learning approach and can aid in receptive language skills as well. We also use sign language with recorded music. Before playing the song for the first time we practice the signs. The songs we choose either have signs we've worked on previously or a repetitive chorus. Some of our favorites include: You've Got a

Jan 31, 2018

Music therapy: A multi-sensory learning approach

A multisensory approach enhances learning by engaging more of the brain. Learning that involves multiple senses offers many avenues for a message to be deciphered and information to be retained. During our music therapy sessions we utilize tactile, auditory and visual senses to teach and increase opportunities for participation. Visual: Adding a visual element can offer an additional avenue for information to be understood and retained. We create visuals for 90% of our acti

Jan 25, 2018

Music therapy: Drumming in the classroom

Drumming in the classroom... We love drumming in the classroom! Drumming is a wonderful tool for developing bilateral coordination, gross motor skills, listening and following directions, developing attention, awareness of others and assists in developing pro-social behavior. Sometimes we drum with one drum rather than group drumming where everyone has a drum. Using one drum works to develop social skills such as sharing, waiting for a turn, and awareness of classmates. It al

Jan 13, 2018

Music therapy: using rhythm and melody to enhance learning

Teaching academics using rhythm and melody helps children comprehend and retain information. The different elements of music lights up many areas of the brain which can enhance receptive language and because more of our brain is activated and engaged the messages stay with us for longer. I bet you can remember many things you learned using rhythm and melody as a child. With school aged groups we often target several different academic goals throughout our sessions such as

Jan 9, 2018

Music therapy: a wagon of tools for growth, development and learning

Rhythm sticks: bilateral coordination, following directions, impulse control, gross motor imitation Sensory cushion: sensory input, core strengthening, calming/regulation Visuals: engagement, facilitates learning and comprehension Egg shakers: gross motor, following directions, impulse control, cross lateral movement Weighted lap pads: sensory input, regulation, calming Drums: bilateral coordination, social (passing/sharing/turn taking), following directions, impulse control

Jan 5, 2018

Music therapy: sensory fidget tools

Many children and adults need movement and sensory input to fully engage their brains for learning. Some people may knit to help them focus, doodle in class, or bob a pen up and down in a meeting. Others might walk a mile in loops around their kitchen while on a phone call. These types of activities allow their brains to focus, listen and learn. In a setting where children must remain seated and focused, small fidget tools can provide the sensory input and movement some ch

Dec 9, 2017

Music therapy: DIY weighted lap pads

Weighted lap pads and weighted stuffed animals are great for calming the nervous system, increasing sensory input for sensory seeking kids, and increasing proprioceptive input. The deep pressure is soothing to children and can decrease sensory overload and aid in regulating the body. I recently made a few for my classroom groups and found an inexpensive way to make several. I am not an expert on a sewing machine so knew I didn't want to sew each individual sack of filler fo

Dec 5, 2017

Music therapy: using music to teach calming strategies

Anxiety is common among children I see throughout the week. In a classroom setting anxiety can be raised by noise, other students, bright lights, not knowing what is coming next or how long the current activity will go on for. Anxiety can become exacerbated with a change in routine at school or at home or even on the way to school. During music therapy sessions we work on calming/grounding techniques using songs and chants. Why teach skills with a song? Singing lights up

Dec 1, 2017

Music and the "I did it!" feeling

Playing music or singing together releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins help you feel focused, they reduce pain perception and improve mood. They are the natural chemical in the brain that give you the “I did it!” feeling. When we use music to teach a skill, complete a task or work through a transition these chemicals are released and help prime the brain for learning. When stress is reduced and that “I did it!” feeling floods the brain we can support and increase l

Nov 5, 2017

Music therapy: making repetition fun!

Often when working with a child to develop a skill we want to offer as many opportunities to practice that skill as possible. Whether it be working on a certain speech sound, developing a specific motor skill, sequencing words, or labeling, the more opportunities to practice the better. When we use music to target these skills we can change many elements of the music to keep the work exciting and novel. This way, the work does not feel like work as the child repeats a speech

Oct 27, 2017

Music therapy: sensory tools for sitting

When you're a kid, sitting can be really tough! We can help kids to remain seated with a couple fun tools. My favorite sitting tool is this sensory cushion (pictured above). In a one-to-one setting it is almost always my first question, "do you want the blue cushion or the green circle?" (the green circle is a flat place marker). Almost every answer (gestural or verbal) is for the blue sensory cushion. By beginning the session with this choice it helps to build their se

Oct 20, 2017

Music therapy: reaching developmental goals through small percussion

Playing small percussion instruments is a great way to target several important developmental skills. Children develop bilateral motor coordination while using a two handed instrument such as the wood blocks, claterpillar, rhythm sticks, sand blocks, and my personal favorite, the percussion frog. Playing instruments helps develop your child's attention and listening skills. Have them play fast or slow, soft or loud, up high or down low, etc. As skills develop you can inclu

Jul 20, 2017

Music therapy: music and the brain Interactive map

Music and the brain... NeuroRhythm Music Therapy Services has a wonderful interactive brain map that allows you to click on an area of the brain and find out how the brain processes music in that area and how skills that require the use of that area are developed through music therapy. Click here to check out the interactive brain map! #musicandthebrain #autism #cerebralpalsy #strokerehab #individualmusictherapy

Jul 8, 2017

Music can change your brain: music therapy and neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change over time with training. It was once believed that at a certain age the brain stopped being able to change and develop. We now know that the brain can continue to develop and change and make new pathways and connections when certain areas are damaged. What an exciting time to have a brain! This video by Sentis Brain Animation breaks down neuroplasticity in an accessible way. Click here to watch! Music therapy can assist the

Jul 7, 2017

Music therapy: crossing midline!

Imagine a line down the center of your body, this is your midline! Crossing midline is very important for child development but is also beneficial for people of all ages. The right side of our brain controls the muscles on the left side of our bodies and the left side of the brain controls the muscles on the right side of our body. When we cross our midline with our arms or legs we boost communication between the two hemispheres of our brains. Crossing midline, or cross-later

Apr 8, 2017

At a glance: individual music therapy

Individual music therapy provides an opportunity to tailor each session to the needs and goals of the individual. Here are some examples of what a session might look like: For children with neurological and/or physical challenges a 1:1 session might focus on communication, motor planning, expressive and receptive language, anxiety reduction, cognitive skills, social skills and self expression. An assessment is completed during the first three sessions and goals are create

Dec 10, 2016

Autism: music therapy and the mirror neuron system

1. Mirror Neurons 2. From music making to speaking: Engaging the mirror neuron system in autism Above is a linked article for information regarding mirror neurons (article 1) as well as the use the use of music therapy to engage the mirror neuron system in individuals with autism (article 2). Mirror neurons are fascinating and have led to a greater understanding of how we empathize with others and have also given us an understanding of how to better treat individuals with com

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