On this chilly, brisk day, the Children and Senior Champions enjoyed an indoor SNOW themed Intergenerational Music Therapy Session at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Williamsburg. The senior champions were stimulated by the youthful energy of the pre-school children of Family Focus groups and to share their hugs, smiles, friendship, and wisdom with the children.
The senior champions welcomed the children with their hello song and joined us and demonstrated different activities to do in the snow. Then wooden rhythm sticks were introduced with children being partnered with a senior friend. Each pair was invited to tap their rhythm sticks together during the hello song incorporating their names.
Then the children demonstrated activities to do in the snow, responses included: “make a snowman, make a snow angel, make snow balls, go sledding, and shoveling” Their responses were incorporated to the tune: “Mulberry Bush” by moving and singing: “this is the way we make a snowman.” We collected the rhythm sticks by making a shape on the floor … the children chose to make a LARGE Snow Ball with over 30 rhythm sticks.
Secondly, we discussed how to make a snowman out of snow…then the sound shape drums were introduced, The pairs worked as teams and drew a snowman on drum. Then we sang and tapped “Frosty the Snowman” on the sound shape drum. Then the children were invited to play loud, soft, fast, slow and stop on cue.
Lastly, the senior champions and children simulated flying paper snow flakes by raising and lower a parachute to the song “Let It Snow.” This creates lots of laughter, fun and blowing snowflakes everywhere! Some of the snowflakes fell into the senior champions hair!
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We then sang our special good bye song and the children returned to their classroom. It is beautiful seeing the special bond that is taking place between the children with hugs, kisses and smiles. This program has enabled and facilitated such positive energy, JOY and friendship through bridging and connecting both generations
Then the senior champions transitioned into a lyric completion to “Button Up Your Overcoat” and going on a “Sentimental Journey.” We closed with a deep breathing exercise to an instrumental “Auld Lang Syn.” Reflective comments included: “it is very special seeing the special bond taking place between the children and senior champions, I just love seeing the children, I feel so relaxed, calm, wonderful, and awesome.” #luvservingwithmusic
Music For Wellness
