It’s July, and we are officially planning patriotic session plans. Music therapy sessions can address several different domain areas all in one session plan. Below is a session plan we have used with our older adults in memory care and adult day centers.
This Land is Your Land
Goal Area(s): Communication, Reminiscence, Self-Expression
Intervention Type: Songwriting
Protocol: Use this template to fill in the blanks by asking group members their favorite place to travel in the USA.
This land is your land
This land is my land
From _________ to _________
From _________ to _________
This land was made for you and me
God Bless the USA
Goal Area(s): Cognitive Stimulation, Fine Motor Skills, Creative Self-Expression
Intervention Type: Active Music Making
Protocol: While playing a recording of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” pass out tone bars, boomwackers, and push bells that fit into the F pentatonic scale (F,G,A,C,D). Engage group members to play their instrument when they feel inspired, because there will never be a “wrong note” with this special scale.
America the Beautiful
Goal Area: Fine Motor Skills, Self-Esteem, Positive One-on-one social engagement
Intervention Type: Playing the Q-Chord
Protocol: Play the chords to this song on the Q-Chord while group members individually strum, either independently or providing hand-over-hand assistance to strum at their own pace.
Name that Military Tune
Goal Area: Cognitive Stimulation, Positive Social Interaction
Intervention Type: Game
Protocol: Play or hum a live version of each branch of the military’s song and have group members identify the tune and which branch!
You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag
Goal Area: Gross Motor Skills
Intervention Type: Movement
Protocol: Play a recording to “You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag” and prompt group members to wave their flag to the beat of the song. They can mimic movements such as up & down, side to side, etc.
Interested in music therapy with memory care groups or adults? Click here and contact us to learn how music therapy can benefit your facility.