This activity book shows how music can be an enjoyable way to enhance the development of children with special needs. Packed with inspiring tips, activities and song ideas, this resource will have everybody singing, clapping and playing along! It explains simple ways of using songs, instruments and games to connect with children of all abilities.

Music is a powerful means of engaging children with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. This lively music activity book shows how music can be an effective and enjoyable way to enhance the education and development of children with special needs. Packed with inspiring tips, activities and song ideas, this practical resource will have everybody singing, clapping and playing along! It explains simple and fun ways of using songs, instruments and musical games to connect with children of all levels of ability, and includes helpful rhythm worksheets and sheet music. There is a wide range of suggestions for songs and activities that encourage communication, increase self-esteem, stimulate fine and gross motor skills and motor coordination, and promote relaxation. This book of toe-tapping music activities is a must-have for parents, teachers, caregivers, music therapists and anybody else working with children with developmental disabilities.

"Intended to help to make the most of the child's interest in music as early as possible, this book describes the ways in which music can be used and provides practical help in starting to play simple musical instruments with the child. The first part of the book explains how musical activities can help to stimulate skills in other areas such as language and communication, describes a range of basic instruments, and outlines the approach. It emphasizes the fact that prior knowledge of music is not needed, and also provides a choice of very accessible ways for parents to approach music themselves, to give them the confidence to make music with their child. The second part of the book describes in detail thirteen musical activities, with ideas for variations and further developments." "Elaine Streeter's guide will help parents and others to learn how they can add to a child's fun - one of the most rewarding things anyone can do."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Second Edition of Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs offers updated accounts of music educators' experiences, featured as vignettes throughout the book. An accompanying Practical Resource includes lesson plans, worksheets, and games for classroom use. As a practical guide and reference manual, Teaching Music to Students with Special Needs, Second Edition addresses special needs in the broadest possible sense to equip teachers with proven, research-based curricular strategies that are grounded in both best practice and current special education law. Chapters address the full range of topics and issues music educators face, including parental involvement, student anxiety, field trips and performances, and assessment strategies. The book concludes with an updated list of resources, building upon the First Edition's recommendations.

Many children with autism feel a natural connection with music, but don't always find it easy to participate in musical activities. Packed with tips, advice and activities, this book shows how music and rhythm can help with brain development and quality of life, and how to encourage a genuine enjoyment of music. Dr Berger draws on her many years of experience in music-based clinical work, teaching and coaching, to answer common questions regarding musical interactions for children with autism. From what instrument to choose, how to find the right teacher, how to get your child to practice music, and even taking children to public music events, this book has all the essential information for you to dip into as and when needed. With practical information to help you solve problems that may arise, such as sensory overload, let this book guide you and your child towards positive interactions with music, regardless of whether or not they have prior musical abilities.

Games and activities are a great way for children with special needs to learn important skills. This book provides inspiration and guidance for special education teachers, teaching assistants, parents and carers on how to use lively and engaging play ideas to foster learning and development. Targeting key skills including listening, self-awareness, movement, creative thinking and relaxation, each game has been developed with the capabilities of children with special needs in mind. The appropriate age group is clearly identified, and possible variations for different abilities are provided. All of the instructions are easy to follow and there are cheerful illustrations throughout. Using music, dance, art, word games and breathing exercises, this book is packed with creative and enjoyable games that make learning fun. This user-friendly activity book will be an ideal resource for use in special education schools, inclusive mainstream classrooms, day-care, residential and respite settings, or at home.