Music as a Transition Tool for Students
Blog written by Victoria Moore
As the school year is rapidly approaching, parents are wondering how their child and family will deal with the many changes that are taking place this school year due to COVID-19. How can I best support my child in this new school environment? What can my family do to help each other with all of the changes that will take place this fall? Where can I find resources for my child and family? There are many questions and uncertainties in this new season.
Some students will only be attending school a couple of days of the week and receiving online instruction from home for the rest of the week. Other students may only be receiving online instruction at home. On top of the many changes, most students have been out of their school buildings for almost half of the year and outside of their normal school routines for several months. One of the biggest challenges families are facing this fall is adapting to the new structures and routines that come with going back to school. In this blog, we’d love to share with you some ways your family can use music to help your child transition smoothly into the new school year.
Music and Your Child’s Schedule
It is known that children are most successful when they have a daily, structured routine they can follow. Before the school year starts, take time to sit down with your child and go over their routine with them. You can use a calendar, planner, and/or visuals to communicate what their new school schedule will look like. This will help relieve some anxiety children may have about all of the changes because they will know what to expect each day.
To encourage your child to learn their schedule, use music as a memory tool to help them remember daily routines. Use a song with a catchy tune or one of your child’s favorite songs, and change the lyrics to what their new schedule will be. Feel free to write your own song as well! Use multiple songs for each portion of their day (morning routine, school routine, evening routine) if that works best for your child. Take the time to sit down with your child, review their schedule, and write the song together. It can be a fun family activity that will bring joy and comfort to your child before they go back to school! Here is an example from YouTube:
Social Story Songs
In addition to new routines, children will also have to adapt to new protocols at school. They may have to stay 6 feet apart from other children, wear their mask all day, have hand-washing breaks, and/or may have to follow other rules depending on what regulations their school has adopted. To help your child understand why the new rules are in place, use social story songs that discuss the new expectations in school so they have a better understanding of why they need to follow the rules.
Social story songs will not only help bring awareness and understanding to children, but can also bring a sense of comfort and safety. Check out our September Resource page for social story songs that help prepare children to go back to school.
Music as Calming Tool
During these uncertain times, children may be experiencing more anxiety especially with the transition back to school. When your child is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, use music as a calming presence. Sit down with your child and create a playlist with them of music that makes them feel calm. Also, click here to check out our blog about music, sleep, and relaxation.
Music Therapy Services
In addition to providing you with tips and resources, we’d love for you to know more about the services we offer. At Upstate Music Therapy Center, we provide services for people of all ages and needs. Learn more about our services by clicking here.
We hope our tips and resources are helpful to your family! Please message us in the Contact Us tab with any questions.
Wishing everyone a safe, wonderful school year!