Abstract

Music provides a unique and powerful means of promoting communication and social interaction in students with learning difficulties. In this collection, Pat Lloyd brings together 46 songs composed or adapted for use with children with communication problems.

Each of the songs features a vocal line and piano accompaniment and can be listened to on the accompanying online audio files included with the book. Simplified guitar versions are also provided for a selection of the songs. Pat Lloyd provides suggestions for how each song can be used and developed to encourage communication and social interaction, and lists a range of possible objectives for each one. Advocating a flexible approach, she demonstrates how musical activity can be adapted easily and successfully to the specific needs of individual students.

Enjoyable and easy to use, this is an ideal resource for specialist and non-specialist music instructors working to improve the communication and social skills of students with learning difficulties, including those with additional autism.

Enjoyable and easy to use, this is an ideal resource for specialist and non-specialist music instructors working to improve the communication and social skills of students with learning difficulties, including those with additional autism.
Education Today
Pat Lloyd, MEd, was a qualified music therapist and teacher who worked in the field of special needs for over 25 years, both in special schools and for the NHS. Her roles ranged from music specialist teacher to Deputy Head. She worked as an advanced skills teacher and music therapist at Heritage House School in Buckinghamshire, and as a regional tutor for the University of Birmingham on the Webautism programme.
I thoroughly recommend this title. You don't need to be a music expert to use it, the songs are easy to learn and fun to sing. Good quality resources are of paramount importance in teaching, and this is first rate.
Good Autism Practice

Written by Pat Lloyd, a qualified music therapist and teacher, this complete resource contains activity guidance and a collections of songs specifically written with the needs of students with communication problems in mind. A vocal line, piano and guitar accompaniment plus suggestions for how each song can be sued and developed can be used by specialist and non-specialist music instructors. Included downloadable material featuring all 46 songs.

This really is a delightful book and can be used as it is or as a spring-board for the most able student to develop their own words and music. Every avenue has been succinctly covered by Pat Lloyd, (who is a qualified music therapist and teacher) from the songs through to activities a comprehensive guide to the theory behind such methods of learning. I am happy to recommend this book both as a tool for learning and recreational purposed.

Times Educational Supplement