Music-Play Workshop – Robert Markowitz (Handout 4)
I use these songs to prepare children for silence, which I believe is therapeutic in itself. With these songs, one does not attempt to stimulate the child by using humor, props, or rhythm. That is why it is risky.
When I first approached classes with these songs, I focused inordinately on whether the children were “getting” it. I realized recently that the songs are mostly for me, and that’s okay. They ground me and put me in a space of wonder and “being here now.” Because I am very confident of being able to entertain a class, I’ve been able to let go and do these songs for myself.
Some of the children seem quite receptive to Close-your-eyes Songs and the silence that follows them. Others appear not so receptive. So far, I find that the more I focus on my own experience of peace associated with my intention and the song, the more valuable the addition of these songs becomes.
This is what I do:
1. Play a gentle, relaxing song. I have written a couple of songs that are gently melodic and instruct the children to breathe, close their eyes, relax. However any gentle song will do.
2. Ring a meditation chime, or any chime with a long tone.
3. Ask the children to remain quiet and still and listen closely to the sounds they hear. Remain quiet and still yourself, and time how long the children can stay quiet, even if it’s only a few seconds.
4. Tell the children how long they were able to be quiet without blaming the child who ended the silence.
To read Handout 5 of Music and
Movement Workshop, click here.