Did you catch Part 1 of my summer blog series on Music & Movement? Or as I like to say, Movin’ and Groovin’ in Music Therapy!

Check out that video here – we’re working on identification of shapes.

Today, I want to share a video that incorporates movement into an individual session where we’re working on identification of -AT words. (You know, words that end in -AT, like cat, hat, bat, and mat.)

I incorporated a few things here that get this little guy up out of his chair and moving around: hopping, stop and go movement, bending over, and reaching.

Watch the video now to see:

As you can see in the video, the -AT word cards are placed on the floor for him to bend over, pick up and read. On the wall are pictures of the -AT words. He must reach to place the -AT word card on the corresponding picture.

Hopping, along with the stop and go cued by the music, provide opportunities to work on direction following, attention skills, and impulse control.

It’s pretty cool that we can address so many things within one short intervention.

So, why is it so important to incorporate movement into this intervention?

Why didn’t I just sit him across from me in a chair and sing the song about -AT words, prompting him to read each card?

Research has shown a connection between physical activity, movement, energizing activities, and improved cognition. When children move, more oxygen goes to key brain areas. Thus, movement can be an effective strategy to strengthen learning, improve memory and enhance motivation.

Try it out!

Would you like the sheet music for “-AT Words” so you can use the song your sessions? Click below to purchase for just $1!