Using Music as a Teaching Tool for Kids

“There may be no more powerful method of learning than through music, and no more important lessons for children than those that focus on character and social and emotional skills,” according to clinical psychologist and author Don MacMannis, Ph.D. MacMannis is the clinical director of the Family Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara and a music director and songwriter for the PBS hit animated children’s series “Jay Jay the Jet Plane.” He’s developed over 40 songs in a variety of genres that help kids with everything from being assertive to managing their feelings to respecting others to understanding responsibility. Both kids and adults provide the vocals, and lyrics are packed with positive, empowering messages. For instance, the song “Go Away Bad Thoughts,” written in a country-western style, teaches kids that they don’t have to believe their negative thoughts. Here’s an excerpt: So I walked outside to see if I could hide from my bad thoughts, Then everything I tried, including when I cried, left me bad thoughts. ‘Cause all I was thinking was “poor poor me.” Everything’s bad ’til there’s more for me. He got all the luck, and here I am stuck with my bad thoughts, bad thoughts.   No need to get riled up instead of havin’ fun, and no need to dial up 911. If you want to get those thoughts to end, yell out twice then yell it again…   Go away bad thoughts, go away bad thoughts, Go away bad thoughts, ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Authors: Tags: Brain and Behavior Children and Teens Creativity Family General Mental Health and Wellness Parenting Self-Help 9/11 Bad Thoughts California Schools Chant Clinical Director Clinical Psychologist Conflict Resolution Excerpt G Source Type: blogs