It is widely acknowledged that music is of great value for people with learning difficulties. It can be used as a catalyst to help those with special needs acquire and improve basic skills and thereby to communicate better. With clear aims and easy-to-follow instructions, Pied Piper describes 78 enjoyable music activities for groups of children or adults who may have learning difficulties. The emphasis is on using music, rather than learning songs or rhythms, so group members do not need any special skills to be able to participate. Full details are given about any equipment required for the games, as well as suggestions for variations or modifications.The authors are experienced music therapists and have uses these activities on numerous occasions. Designed to encourage people to develop their own ideas and musical activities, this collection will be a source of inspiration and practical advice for anyone working with people with a range of special needs including carers and group leaders.
Part 1 Activities to develop listening and concentration: hands up!; find the leader!; where are the bells?; time bomb; peace-lovers and warriors; quiet and loud; back to back; contrary motion; bells and tambourines; musical lines; sound effects; motor-biking; peid piper; which way?; listen, dance and paint!; listen and remember!; hunt the sweet!; catch a rhythm!; big ben; mystery notes; ding or dong. Part 2 Activities to develop a sense of self and awareness of others: hello; pop! goes the instrument; listen and choose!; solo time; twirling tambourine; moving mouse; where shall I play?; scarecrow; growing flowers; name game; circle the drum!; conductor; clap and tap!; come and get it!; make up your dance!; guess who!; the empty chair. Part 3 Activities to develop social skills: swaying hoops; make me dance!; sending messages; Humpty's downfall; kings and queens of the bells; all change!; farewell symphony; dance and change!; roll or throw!; what now?; hat dance: where are you?; watch the cymbal!; heavy or sticky; listen and walk!; I like...; hoop group; catch my eye!; tap-a-back; red-handed; please interrupt!. Part 4 Activities to develop motor control: up and down; clap and sway!; shake it off!; flying saucer; sleeping music; musical feet; sleeping tambourine; musical hoops; train journey; listen and run!; roll to say hello!; copy my dance!; concerto; breaking the sound barrier; over the rainbow; lead the leader!; moving chairs; mirror image; dance with a glued foot!.
