Music and movement are highly motivating activities for all children but for those with special needs, such as language or communication challenges, they provide the opportunities for children to express themselves and have fun at the same time. For the past four years, the Music Group at Pathways ECI has helped kids feel good through music and dance. The group is free and as the group’s facilitator Amanda Niland writes:
The Music Group promotes children’s participation in enjoyable family and social interactions, through music. There are no formal therapeutic objectives however, the range of songs and musical activities are planned to meet the needs, interests and capabilities of each child in the group. Children are encouraged to join in at their own level, with their parent’s help. Social interactions between child and parent, between the children, and between the accompanying adults, are the most important aspect of the group.
The sessions follow a set format each week and many experiences are repeated regularly. This makes the routine predictable for the children, so that they feel secure and confident. Repetition of songs and games also allows the children to increase their competence and independence over time.
Musical activities are chosen to cover a range of different responses – motor, sensory, verbal, social and musical – with emphasis on encouraging the children to make creative decisions and choices. The musical activities include simple action songs, percussion instruments, movement songs, dancing to folk and classical music, singing with guitar and musical stories. Many resources are used, such as bean bags, ribbons, scarves, balls and puppets.
The Music Group caters for children from infants to school age and siblings are warmly welcomed.
Program Details
