Striking a Chord: Engaging Children with Unique Learning Needs Through Outdoor Musical Play
Outdoor learning can lead to happier, healthier, and more well-rounded children and students, especially those with disabilities. However, educators seeking creative ideas and activities to engage all students may require more out-of-the-box ideas. Outdoor musical instruments provide an excellent solution by combining music and the great outdoors to ignite creativity and sensory stimulation while fostering students' independence and well-being.
Music in the Great Outdoors
Outdoor musical instruments in an inclusive playground or setting provide a non-threatening and fun outlet for creative and emotional expression. Through the medium of music, many essential life skills can be learned. Music can profoundly affect anyone, but the benefits of exposing a child with disabilities to music can be huge. Playing music outdoors is enjoyable, stress-relieving, and calming, and giving students that feeling of space, combined with the sensory stimulation that comes with being outdoors, is a powerful combination.
Music serves as a great equalizer in social settings. In music, there is no right or wrong, allowing children to feel free to explore self-expression without fear. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and confidence that may be hard to achieve elsewhere, especially for those with low motivation levels. The resulting boost in self-esteem and belief in oneself can then carry over into other aspects of their lives. Through music, children can express their emotions, develop a sense of rhythm (which in turn supports their physical development), enhance their communication skills, and benefit from auditory and tactile stimulation through the vibrations of the music. Every child can be guided to appreciate and get involved in music to some extent. Percussion Play instruments are mostly tuned to harmonic pentatonic or simple scales, creating a soothing sound right from the start, making them instantly enjoyable..
All children have the same need to express themselves. Outdoor musical instruments are ideal for use during music therapy sessions. Music therapy can be incredibly valuable for children who have difficulties hearing, seeing, moving, thinking, or responding, as each child can experience the music uniquely.
Music therapy has been proven effective in helping individuals with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Many children diagnosed with these conditions struggle with social skills, making it difficult for them to participate in play and other social activities. Interestingly, children with autism often show a strong interest in music, and Percussion Play instruments have sound and tone qualities that appeal to them in a direct and simple way. Even if they have difficulty communicating verbally, music gives individuals with autism a non-verbal and non-threatening way to express themselves and communicate. Playing music helps them feel more at ease, which can lead to improvements in their social interactions.
Outdoor Musical Instruments for Emotional Expression
Having easy access to outdoor musical instruments can provide children with a way to use music to cope with emotional issues, especially when they struggle to express themselves verbally. When words fail, music can serve as a medium for exploring one's inner world and experiences. Individuals with developmental delays and learning disabilities, such as Down syndrome, often respond positively to music. Their responses can range from a small smile, to expressions like 'yeah!', some singing, or even dancing. The easy and non-challenging nature of playing Percussion Play instruments provides opportunities for individuals with developmental delays, both children and adults, to respond and express themselves.
Outdoor Musical Instruments for Sensory Disabilities
Outdoor musical instruments in the playground allow blind or partially sighted children to explore musical sounds and enhance their awareness. The instruments are easy to play and encourage creative experimentation and tactile exploration. They also help in developing motor skills and coordination while stimulating the imagination. For children with limited movement, placing their hands on the vibrating lids of our drums, the Emperor Chimes, or the Tubular Bells can elicit a positive response as the vibrations travel through the child's skin. Adjusting the pressure and volume of the beat can enhance their sensory experience. For children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, playing music can effectively stimulate speech development and communication skills, express emotions, develop a sense of rhythm, and provide an opportunity for physical, cognitive, and motor development while creating an environment for socialization and fun.
Outdoor Musical Instruments for Healing
Music serves as a tool for pain management and healing in children undergoing medical procedures. It also provides comfort for those who have endured a traumatic experience. This makes Percussion Play an ideal choice for gardens and outdoor areas of hospices, hospitals, and therapy centers. Music acts as a healer, and the enjoyment and stimulation of music, whether through active participation or relaxation, offers a temporary but wonderful distraction from the daily pain and discomfort of their condition.
Outdoor Musical Instruments for Socialisation
Percussion Play outdoor musical instruments can be installed individually or in groups. In addition to the musical benefits, playing in an ensemble helps develop concepts such as cooperation, coordination, and a sense of accomplishment. Making music and singing songs together in a group can build a harmonious, cooperative spirit of support and encouragement for everyone. Children who face challenges in forming relationships with others can find security and joy in making music.
"Experiencing music by seeing, hearing, and playing musical instruments is an important part of every child's cultural development. We are committed to making Percussion Play instruments available to all, and we strive to accommodate the unique needs of all players, including wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities. Our outdoor musical instruments can be installed at different heights and in various arrangements and can be adapted with beaters to meet specific needs. They are also offered in vibrant, stimulating colors."
We are always happy to discuss individual needs or specific requirements – so please call or email the Percussion Play team - we’d love to talk to you.