Using music as a way to make our days more enjoyable is a way many of us improve our lives, but we can also use music as a way to cue our children into the activities we need them to get through while getting them more excited about it. Whether it’s brushing teeth, packing up toys, or a lullaby, music is a great way to improve our children’s engagement with the daily tasks we need to get done. When used in combination with regular routines and visual cues, such as schedules, we can help to set our children up for success. Consider using or modifying your favourite songs to use in place of kids songs if you feel you’re more likely to use them! If you’re not feeling confident yet, try just putting one or two of the recordings on while you’re doing the task. Check out our sample musical schedule below!
Waking up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu4v5hB1dKk
Getting dressed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAVh6StYLq8
Brushing Teeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25eHECdTSI8
Going to the toilet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrziuyiLAK4&ab_channel=TheWiggles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evInEo54XOg&ab_channel=TeenyTinyStevies
Tie your shoes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBfE3zTVs3M&ab_channel=TeenyTinyStevies-Topic
Getting in the car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUFauUR6qa0&ab_channel=MoonbugKids-SingAlongWithMe%21
Packing up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT4uxtdTVoc
Use it for toys, books, dinner plates
Bath time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzWeu6kn2bs
Lullabies: Take your pick or have a go at making your own – like these parents from a lullaby project held right here in Adelaide. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=351563233002668
These are just a few examples of how music can be used to assist children with tasks – whether it’s the cue that gets them to do the task they don’t want to, or the thing that makes it fun. Maybe it’s to help them remember the sequence of tasks to complete the activity.
Rowan Harding
Rowan, the sax-stronaut, embarks on a melodious mission, using his musical superpowers to soar through therapy sessions, bringing joy, growth, and sax-cess to children and young adults, proving that music truly is the universal language of awesomeness!