Abstract Concepts for Concrete Minds

Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

San Diego, CA

November 2009

Piaget

• Children progress through stages

• Development includes movement through the stages

• Concrete operations are based in sensory stimulation

Implications for Learning

• Concrete Operations = need for multisensory experience – full immersion in the topic or experience for learning to be successful

• Props are wonderful – manipulatives, visual aids, related materials

Kids with Disabilities

• Often learn in nontraditional manners

• Remain in concrete operations longer than peers

• Need objects to manipulate to increase understanding of new concepts

• Do not accept the “this is the way it is” explanation

• Once a concept is mastered, students retain the information – recall requires generalization

The Problem

• Clients with little to no previous POSITIVE music interaction

• Diagnoses including intellectual disabilities as well as concurrent psychiatric diagnoses

• No music symbol recognition• Difficulty with abstract thought patterns

The Problem

• Age-appropriate visual aids are not available in forms that are best for concrete learners

• Resistance to learning if learning involves “work.”

• Materials need to be engaging and interesting to students

The Solution

• LOTS of trial and error• Developing ideas and then refining those ideas and

retrying them

• Use of computer, printer, laminator, and lots of file folders

• All small folder applications can be increased in size for group treatment

Jukebox

• Money concepts

• Musical preferences

• Social engagement

• Relaxation

Jukebox File Folder Application with Money

Jukebox Materials

• Picture of jukebox (I found mine on Microsoft Office clipart)

• Picture of CDs• List of music types• Prices (or dry-erase

marker)

• File folder• Laminating film• VelcroGlue jukebox and list of

music types to the file folder. Laminate. Print out CD pictures and prices (if needed) and laminate.

Rhythm Wheel

• Notation Concepts

• Rhythm reading competence

• Composition

Rhythm Wheel Materials

• Foam board• Butcher Paper

(bulletin board paper – several colors)

• Craft knife• Laminating film• Velcro• Scissors• Marker

Cut out large circles of foam board and butcher paper. Place long strips of loop Velcro in pie shapes on the foam board. Set aside. Cut butcher paper circles into halves, fourths, and eighths. Laminate. Attach hook Velcro and use with clients to illustrate notation formats.

Notation File Folders

• Full composition experience

• Translated to piano or Orff instrument with note matching

• Independence

Step Two – Set rhythm with notation choices

Final step – Rhythm choices as well as pitch choices

Completed example…

Notation File Folders

• IMPORTANT – all notes should be measured in proportion – half notes are half of a whole note, quarter notes half of a half note, a quarter of a whole note, etc.

• File folder• Notes – laminated• Musical Staff printouts• Dry-erase markers• Laminating film• VelcroPrint out notes and music

staff. Glue to file folder and laminate.

Emotion

• Fix My Face –Therapist mimics facial expressions and clients tell her how to change her expression

• Emotion drumming

• If You Feel Happy – Lots of overacting to demonstrate the facial expressions and emotional demonstrations that are associated with emotions.

Tips to remember…

• Have to think about the audience of the experience

• TASK-ANALYSIS!

• May have to repeat experiences several weeks in a row until learning occurs

Making things concrete…

• Translate into a visual representation

• Multi-sensory experiences

• Show, don’t tell

• Practice the skill

• Have fun

Please look at www.musictherapyworks.com

For more information and instructions on how to make the

visual aids pictured, please check the website after the Thanksgiving

holiday.

Thanks for coming!

Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

www.musictherapyworks.com

contactus@musictherapyworks.com