Hello and Merry Christmas to all! Here are a few lovely resources to get you in the spirit and enhance your use of Christmas carols in music therapy sessions!
Click here to copy these pictures of the animals in The Friendly Beasts. Sing the song with or without accompaniment, leaving a blank for your client to name each animal (“I said the _____ all white and red…”). Make flashcards or a flip book with these images so the client can follow along visually, or incorporate an AAC (augmentative alternative communication) device. If appropriate, you can discuss the lyrics at the end, to see if the client remembers what each animal gave as a gift. Then ask what he/she would give as a gift to Emmanuel. Just a few ideas on how to cater the song to your particular clientele!
Click the image to be linked to the original site, ministrytochildren.com, where you can print and make this nativity scene!
Here’s another free nativity printable. For the two scenes above, have your client place a character in the stable, then lead them in singing a corresponding Christmas carol.
Here are some choices:
Shepherds
Angels
Wise Men
Joseph
Mary
Jesus
Lead sheets for the above songs come from christmascarolmusic.org. There are options for piano and guitar, and I chose guitar for the links above when available.
Again, if it is appropriate, you can discuss each character and their role in the story. This could be as simple as asking, “who is the mother?” and giving the client pictures of Mary and the wise men to choose between.
May the peace, promises, and gifts of the season be yours!
