A favourite song at this time of year for young and old is the song jingle bells and already I have sung this song so many times in my music therapy sessions . It's always great to sing and play familiar songs in sessions as this can really bring a sense of security into the session and also a sense of accomplishment.  

I like to use a variety of jingle bells to accompany this song in my session but I especially love wrist bells! Wrist bells are such a great fun and accessible instrument that allows nearly everyone access to playing an instrument. They can be held, put around a wrist, put around an ankle or a foot, tied to a wheelchair, tied in your hair, tied to another instrument to name but a few. They are so versatile and make a sound VERY easily which is great as it allows many to participate who have very limited mobility. 

Activity 1: Quietly Jingle
As they are so easy to use to make a sound it can often be a challenge to keep them still and quiet! Therefore Passing them around a circle trying not make a sound is a great game to play that addresses goals of increased concentration, listening skills, fine and gross motor and socialisation 

Activity 2. A symphony of words
Play and sing Jingle Bells and encourage the client to only shake their bells on the word Jingle. This really helps increase concentration and listening skills. 

Activity 3: Jingle Little Bell
Another great Jingle Bell Activity you can do at home uses the melody from 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.  
This song looks at encouraging listening and movement along with active participation within the familiarity of the popular melody.  however be careful and sensitive to reactions when beginning this song as those that are used to the original Twinkle Twinkle words may become agitated and confused with the change. 
 
"Jingle Jingle Little Bell
I like to shake my little bell
Shake it fast (have them shake their bells quickly)
Shake it slow (imitate slow shaking and have them match or assist them in speed change with hand over hand)
Shake it high 
Shake it low
Jingle Jingle Little Bells
I like to Shake my little Bell

Jingle Jingle Little Bell
I like to shake my little bell
Shake it here
Shake it there
Shake it, Shake it everywhere
Jingle Jingle Little Bell
I like to Shake my little Bell"


Enjoy music making this weekend and keep warm and safe in the snow!!

Kristen 

Pumpkins


A few of my pre-school clients absolutely love "super simple songs" at www.supersimplelearning.com and often watch great videos of these songs on the super simple songs youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/supersimplesongs?feature=results_main. 

Many of the videos and songs really appeal to younger children on the  autistic spectrum so I often try to incorporate some of the songs into my sessions depending on the goal I have set for my clients. 


They have some great Halloween songs and I have been using 2 pumpkin songs this week to address the theme of understanding emotions and counting 1-5.  
1) Five Little Pumpkins
2) Can you make a Happy Face? 


Five Little Pumpkins

We use flashcards with pictures of the number of pumpkins looking happy or sad etc and also a mirror (if its not too distracting)  so the child can practice making the facial expression. Here is the video of the song: 

Can you Make a Happy Face?


This next song is all about making facial expressions also. For this one I like to use the mirror with the client to allow them to practice the facial expression. I also like to use the free flashcards that are available on the simple songs website of pumpkins smiling, laughing, frowning etc. 

http://www.supersimplelearning.com/downloads/flashcards/five-little-pumpkins.pdf

Stay tuned for more Halloween activities for different populations!