I had to use Farrah as a model… She’s so cute! Wouldn’t you? We were testing out some of my wonderful Music Therapy tools and techniques for a presentation I had last week.
I needed some pictures to sweeten the deal!
She had so much fun! And provided me with a great learning opportunity. My presentation was all about music and the different developmental domains… and this is Farrah in all her glory being a fantastic participant!
Gross Motor: She just recently started jumping and really dancing (Like Chris Farley maniac style!), so here she is with dad!
Receptive Language: “Roll the Ball” Daddy was singing a song out of several of our music books and Farrah easily followed the directions and rolled the ball back and forth. During this we really emphasize the “ME” and the “YOU” so that she learns the difference. We also use this song with other words: Daddy, Mommy, Kitty, etc.
Sensory Processing: I have recently noticed that Farrah has, what I would consider, sensory overload, at times. When playing, we have noticed that she, out of nowhere, will become super hyperactive and it appears almost impossible to calm her down. Talk about over stimulation! It seems that it is hard for her to process during some of these times as well. Rather than sit and wonder “what did I do to raise this crazy child?” I am now looking for ways that may benefit her sensory needs.
PS: My child does not (at this time) have a sensory processing disorder or anything like that. She is a typically developing child in all aspects. This is just something that I have noticed… silly therapists!
Anyway, above we have a cabasa and I simply roll it up her legs, on her arms, her back and all over just to give her some more input. In all honesty, we have only done this once (for this picture) but she calmed right down afterward… lay on the floor and just chilled out.
Gross Motor/Fine Motor: Look at that grasp… she’s got the palmer and appears to be faking the pincer 😉 She just LOVES beating on the drum! Here she is tapping away as we help her with hand/eye coordination, gross motor arm movement and just plain old having HAVE! I like to switch up the arms too… at this age, although they may show a preference for a certain side of their body (it’s usually just because it is closer) we want to really encourage crossing the mid line and using both limbs before settling in on being a righty or lefty.