I have been using a parachute in my group practice since my internship (almost 7 years ago, EEK!). Not only a parachute, but I have been pretty diligent in using a specific song for any parachute work I do! Why? Because this song touches on all of the goals that I am looking to achieve within the group. Early Childhood lends itself to some pretty standard goal areas, one of which is overall gross motor movement. Parachutes are the perfect way to achieve full motion in a group setting. After several years of the pretty much using the same song, I had decided to elicit the help of the “Music Therapists Unite!” Facebook group (a group for and by Music Therapists!), it’s kind of like an updated list-serve.
I just put it out there:
And I received several responses from Music Therapist’s around the country within minutes! It sparked quite the idea share, so I made it a bit simpler to read (names, places and such have been removed).
CLICK HERE to get your copy!
What activities, interventions and songs do you utilize in your groups?
Great resource from all our ideas. Thanks for compiling it. Now to buy my parachute…
Thanks JoAnn! Parachutes are a wonderful thing. I am currently in creation-mode for a “baby parachute”. All of the ones I see are just way too big for the itty bitties.
I have a couple round table clothes I use in small groups but they don’t float like a real parachute.
Good Idea, JoAnn! I wonder if maybe a different material would work. Vinyl vs. Light Cotton… I don’t know, just some thoughts.
Awesome resource! You should submit this to Imagine. I know Petra would love more articles!
Thanks Dana! You should thank all the folks in “Music Therapists Unite!”. A great joint effort. Yes, I believe I have another submission for Petra, but will most definitely see if I could get something going for this, too. If not, you know where to find it 😉
OMG. This is amazing. THANK YOU!
You are very welcome!