“It’s Back to School” for the Senior Champions

“It’s Back to School” for the Senior Champions of the Innovative Senior Champions Program. During this gorgeous mid September weather, the Senior Champions from New Zion Baptist Church and Our Saviour Lutheran Church were stimulated and energized with “School Days” Theme music therapy sessions.

Our session began with a relaxing wellness and deep breathing exercise to an instrumental “After the Ball” Song. We then began by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed a typical daily school class schedule. We were greeted with Apple Shakers and shook to the tune “Hello Ma Baby” by incorporating each person’s name. We also sung additional Apple songs including: “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “Apple Dipping Song” in reflection of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

During “math/geometry” class, an Octaband was introduced for each senior champion to experience gross motor movement, group cohesion and teamwork, self-expression, spontaneity, and awareness of others. A beach ball was placed on the center circle and provided a strong visual focus and cooperation.

Also during “math” class, foam dice and sound shape drums were distributed … the group solved several math problems by adding up all numbers from rolled on the dice, drumming that number of beats and finding the mean and median of the total number. Then the senior champions drew a picture of their favorite activity/subject in school on their drum… comments ranged from English, reading, math, recess, gym, choir, and music.

The next subject was “reading” with song lyric books and word cards distributed; the senior champions solved a lyric puzzle to the song “School Days” by placing words to complete the song. We then transitioned into sing and playing “School Days” on the Suzuki tone chimes and closed the activity by singing several verses of the song. Lastly, the Senior Champions relaxed with a deep breathing activity to an instrumental “After the Ball” song on the Piano. Reflective comments included: “awesome, very creative, relaxed, brought back memories, beautiful, FUN, and wonderful!” Music For Wellness Music Therapy in Long Term Care HealthRHYTHMS Facilitators