Examples of some of the songs and activities included in music groups, we commence with:

FOCUS: A solo tune or musical activity, usually by the group leader or assistant to draw attention to the Participants that the group is about to start.

HELLO SONG: Each group leader always uses the same beginning. This becomes a familiar and comforting routine, and we great each member of the group by name. Teddy plays an important part in this welcome. Working in a circle is helpful to adults and children to get a sense of togetherness, and we can all see each other.

WARM-UP ACTIVITIES: Have you bought your talking voices? This gives the opportunity for everyone to take part straight away, to listen and respond, and it can be real fun, especially for adults, so helping to create that special M.K. atmosphere!

SING HIP HIP HORAY!: The arrival of the lollipop drum is always eagerly anticipated. Children learn to await their turn and have the opportunity to play, controlling the sound just as they wish. (Very loud indeed, or maybe hardly any sound at all, or maybe discovering a really interesting rhythm) This moment is their special song. Some children find the co-ordination needed to play the drum, tricky, and to learn the skills (both willingness and physical ability) needed to pass the drum on to the other child can be challenging. Any achievements in this area are always praised.

LA LAA SONG: This encourages togetherness, awareness of body parts, (appropriate ones!) and motor control. The leader will pick up cues from the children to include their own actions.

HEAD HEAD: Listening and visual skills are used here (along with body awareness) to keep pace with the leader, and a good lead into– HEADS SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES

LITTLE WOODEN PUPPET: A way to provide focus and lead without the expectation of having to focus on a real person.

RHYTHM STICKS: Enjoyed by the children as much as the instruments. They are excellent for eye-hand co-ordination, and for working in the mid-line, as well as many areas of musician ship—speed, volume, rhythm etc. These activities also require listening skills, and also provide another opportunity for children to give the cue for the next action.

PUPPETS Old MacDonald: This provides a focus other than directly to an adult. Some children like to pick an animal out from the bag, whilst others prefer not to. This old favourite is an ideal opportunity to include signing, while the puppets can be useful to encourage a shy or anxious child to join in.

LYCRA: This is one of our most valuable resources. The bright colours and soft texture of Lycra appeals to most of us, children and adults alike! Lycra can be used to bounce props, e.g. soft toys, to swing or cradle children in, and some children like to hide under, or envelope themselves in it. Activities encourage working in a co-operative way within a group. Try bouncing monkeys if one person holds the Lycra tightly on his lap! The visual aspect is appealing, and the monkeys give an opportunity to include counting. Teamwork is essential for ‘The Lycra Gang’ to work. The anticipation is really good and the sudden finish always brings a smile. his is another acceptable opportunity for an individual to be in control of the group.

INSTRUMENTS: These give pleasure by offering a variety of colours, shapes, materials and sounds. A good deal of skill is needed to play along in a band, and although it demands listening and concentrating, it can be very satisfying. Again, we highlight different dimensions of music, including silence! ‘Shake Rattle and Roll’ requires everybody to relinquish the instrument which they have previously selected.

PARACHUTE: Again, teamwork is needed here. This is time for physical work, fun with the fabric and its colours, and the breeze. Most enjoyed for the countdown, the anticipation and the WOW factor.

COMING TO A CLOSE: We always try to finish the group with a calmer time. This may be listening to some live, or recorded music, with the opportunity to touch, hold wrap up in, or hide under fabric and maybe the parachute or Lycra, or with a sari or chiffon scarves. Bubbles have a role to play here too.

GOODBYE SONG: As at the beginning, we always finish with the same routine, singing ’goodbye’ to Teddy and each child in turn, after which the children know that it is time to get their shoes on and go home!

There are several movement based groups, for both young and older, more imaginative children, using a wide range of bigger props and giving the opportunity to let off steam! A big element of the group is to share and take turns, skills which are invaluable throughout life but not always easy for any of us to learn.

The one, the most important element which carries through every group and is the ethos of Musical Keys is that it is FUN!