Abstract

Music is a powerful means of engaging children with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down's Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. This lively music activity book shows how music can be an effective and enjoyable way to enhance the education and development of children with special needs.

Packed with inspiring tips, activities and song ideas, this practical resource will have everybody singing, clapping and playing along! It explains simple and fun ways of using songs, instruments and musical games to connect with children of all levels of ability, and includes helpful rhythm worksheets and sheet music. There is a wide range of suggestions for songs and activities that encourage communication, increase self-esteem, stimulate fine and gross motor skills and motor coordination, and promote relaxation.

This book of toe-tapping music activities is a must-have for parents, teachers, caregivers, music therapists and anybody else working with children with developmental disabilities.

This comprehensive, practical resource is packed with ideas and fun activities to enhance children's enjoyment of music. Written by Pamela Ott, Director of Music Therapy for children with developmental disabilities at the UCP of Southern Arizona, this book will be useful tool for all parents and teachers, helping to engage children through songs and musical instruments, whether the children have developmental disabilities or not.
Montessori International Magazine
The book does exactly what is says on the cover 'Musical activities, songs, instruments and resources with children' The book is packed with ideas of how to use music with any child, but also focussing on children with Special Needs, especially children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Although the author is an experienced music therapist you don't have to be musical to use it... This book was an enjoyable read. It could be very useful for teachers, parents and therapists promoting music with children. It would also be a valuable resource for professionals working with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome.
British Association of Play Therapists

This excellent resource is full of practical ideas for anyone working with children and offers good value for money. The author aims to develop a child's self-esteem, confidence, motor skills and communication through musical tasks.

There is a wide range of topics such as song games, using music to identify feelings and emotions, and quiet time activities. Many can be used by parents and professionals regardless of musical ability.

The book clearly sets out the aims of the activity, lists the materials needed and explains what to do through easy to follow, well defined steps.

Speech & Language Therapy in Practice
Pamela Ott has over 20 years of experience using Music Therapy in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities, including working as the Director of Music Therapy at the UCP of Southern Arizona. She has released nine albums of music for use with children with special needs, and she writes a popular blog at www.musicforspecialkids.com. She resides in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The education value to this book is clear... The activities are clearly described, with objectives, material etc. clearly listed, and hint o how to develop and adapt them... The activities themselves do have an educational value for young children with mild or moderate learning disabilities, and would be a useful resource for teachers or music group leaders.
Approaches: Music Therapy & Special Music Education
Music is a powerful tool, with great potential for reaching kids with developmental disorders from Autism to Down Syndrome - and this music activity book shows teachers and parents how music can be used to enhance the lives of kids with special needs. Activities, song ideas, and tips offer games and exercises for all levels of ability and include rhythm worksheets and more. Any working with such kids will find this a treasure trove of ideas from learning the musical alphabet on the autoharp to increasing listening and coordination skills.
The Midwest Book Review