Crayola Holiday Savings

If You "LIKE" Crayola You'll Love more in Savings!
Get amazing Crayola savings on our hottest holiday gifts starting November 23. If you "LIKE" Crayola on Facebook, Facebook friends have exclusive access to special bonus coupons for in-store savings on select products. Hurry - coupon quantities will be limited to the first 10,000 coupons per product - limit one per person per offer!

This offer is exclusively for our Crayola Facebook friends. You must be a Facebook user to participate.

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Hey everyone -

I love Crayola.com! I sometimes encorporate some things I see on the site (when appropriate) in session.  I wanted to share the info above with you all as well.  It may help for the holidays!

Jessica

Upcoming Pet Pageant for charity ... FUN, FUN!

I saw this, and thought, "How fun is this!"  The kids will get a kick out of this ;)  See below!

Jessica
1st Annual Carolina Children’s Charity Pet Pageant

Date:  Saturday, November 13th
Location:  Citadel Mall

Bring your favorite pet to support CCC's newest event and fundraiser! Prizes!





ALSO :  Coming up in December ...

**On Saturday, December 4th, the St. Andrews Fire Department will be hosting an event to benefit the Carolina Children's Charity. Come out on the 4th and get your family holiday pictures with Santa. **








Thanks for supporting CCC as they continue their mission of serving Lowcountry children with birth defects and childhood diseases. Proceeds from both events will benefit CCC.

The Autism Shop - great stuff!

THE AUTISM SHOP - A Fun Resource
My friend, Craig Evans of Autism Hangout (http://www.autismhangout.com/), recently posted a video, live from this wonderful autism store/resource, The Autism Shop.  Click on this link to view.

The Autism Shop - A one-of-a-kind book and toy store for people on the spectrum.

Cherri's 20+ years of first-hand experience with families and teachers of people with autism help her in finding and/or designing the ideal products for our special kids.

Cherri's shop features over 1,000 hand-picked items that she ships worldwide.  (- Craig Evans, Autism Hangout)


Enjoy!
Jessica

REMINDER: Tomorrow Night! Party With a Purpose!

Party With a Purpose ~ Funny Hat ThemeShow off your funny hat for a cause!!!
Time: Thursday, October 21 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:

 Mad River Bar and Grille
32 North Market Street
Charleston, SC



LIVE music by GROOVE Train!!

Nightly Drink specials

Special half price menu
$5 donation at the door will get you your first Bacardi Drink or Domestic Beer FREE!!
If you wear a funny hat you will receive a special shot chosen for this event.
Winners of the Funny Hat contest will winl Mad River Bar Tabs
Local Firefighters will be bartenders and a silent auction will also be held
ALL MONEY RAISED HERE STAYS HERE!!
See www.carolinachildren.org and click on the events tab to see the entire flyer or to print one and distribute. PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!!!!

Musicians with disabilities ... call for entries!

VSA is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts


http://www.vsarts.org/

Music Unites

"One Love" - Live From Madrid


"Whenever the Playing For Change Band takes the stage, there is always a tremendous amount of love and energy in the air. For this very special performance it was even more palpable, as the band was joined by many of our friends featured in our various Songs Around the World: Tula's amazing vocals, Roberto Luti playing the National steel slide guitar, Francois Viguie on the bongos, Stefano Tomaselli on the sax, Venkat playing the tablas, and the beautiful choir vocals of Sinamuva.
This performance served as a powerful milestone in the evolution of Playing For Change. Seeing so many talented musicians from all different cultures and walks of life united on stage for this very special night was a physical manifestation of our mission: to connect the world and bring peace through music."  - Playing for Change


I adore Playing for Change - hope you enjoy this.  Click on the link above to the website to listen to more music. 

Music unites.

Jessica

Potty Training Tips and Tricks

When searching some great little behavior charts on this site (http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/ ), I found some potty training ideas.  Some I had heard of, some are new.  Also, see below for potty training behavior charts, potty training pics/PECS, and other resources.
*Use a drink and wet doll to demonstrate to your child how to go to the potty. After you pour water into the doll's mouth, you can have your child walk the doll to the potty chair, pull the doll's underwear down, seat it on the potty and watch the doll "pee". This is a good visual aid to motivate your child to do the same.
*Give your child a lot of fluids so that he has to go to the potty more often. The more often he goes, the quicker the child will be potty trained, and the more he will be trained to hold it in.
*If your child looks like she wants to go, then take the child to the potty every thirty minutes or so until he pees.
*If the child does not urinate right away, have him remain seated on the potty for a couple of minutes and maybe read a book together until he is ready to pee. You could also try placing his feet in warm water or turning on the faucet to encourage him to pee.
*Have your child look at learning aids such as books, videos and DVDs as they are an educational and fun introduction to potty training.
*Play games such as the blue and yellow make green game. Put some drops of blue food coloring into the toilet water, have your child urinate and he will see the water turn green much to the child's delight.
*Drop a couple of cheerios cereal into the toilet water and have your child aim and pee at them.
*Use charts and stickers to positively encourage and reinforce the habit. You can give stickers to your child for going to the potty, sitting on the potty, peeing successfully into the potty, or for been accident-free
*Use potty training toys such as musical potty chairs that play tunes when your child uses the potty, or potty training watches that vibrate at a set time to remind your child that it's potty time.
*Get rid of the diapers and put toilet training pants on your child for easier toilet training.

Potty Training Coupons  - look in side column under "Reward Coupons, Stickers, and Other printables"

Potty Training Behavior Charts  - look in side column under "Behavior Charts"

Potty Training Pics/PECS

Potty Training Books

Let me know of any tips/tricks you may have that have worked for your little one!

Jessica

For more information, please visit:

http://www.dsalowcountry.org/

Strides For Autism

Walks Across South Carolina








This fall, the community will walk in support of South Carolina families affected by autism in both the Grand Strand and Lowcountry at the Strides for Autism events to benefit the South Carolina Autism Society (SCAS). These are the last of our four signature fund-raising and awareness walks, which include a 5k walk, resource fair, and family-fun events. Strides for Autism is among various activities that benefit the organization and the families it serves.

MYRTLE BEACH EVENT:
The Grand Strand event will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Grand Park at Market Common.

CHARLESTON EVENT:
The Lowcountry event will occur one week later on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant.
Registration for each event will begin at 8:00 am, and the walks will begin at 9:00 am.
If you have not already registered to participate in our resource fair as an exhibitor, we encourage you to do so! Rates are just $100 for non-profit organizations or state agencies, and $150 for for-profit companies. We welcome you at one or both of the events. Attached is an information and registration form that you can complete and return to us. To pay by credit card, please complete the form and then call the Columbia office at 1-800-438-4790 to process your payment.
We also have spaces left for Corporate Sponsorship to increase the visibility of your organization. Please see the attached sponsorship forms for additional information.
According to Craig Stoxen, President & CEO of the South Carolina Autism Society, we have two goals with our Strides event.
1) To raise the awareness of autism spectrum disorders. With the occurrence rate of autism at 1 in 110, everyone is or will soon be affected in one way or another by autism. It may be a family member or it may be coworker’s child or a friend’s child. So the better understanding our society has, the better the quality of life for those on the spectrum will be.
2) To raise funds for the South Carolina Autism Society. This fundraiser is to help ensure SCAS can meet the needs of families through information and referral, trainings and workshops and advocacy.
SCAS is the only statewide agency advocating for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families, while also providing assistance and resources. SCAS promotes, educates and raises awareness that one in every 110 births in the U.S. is a child with autism, and provides support for South Carolina-based research and development. Most importantly, SCAS works to ensure that the 28,000 individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) living in South Carolina have opportunities to achieve a quality of life comparable to their peers.
Monies raised for South Carolina Autism Society stay in South Carolina and go towards family supports, education, advocacy, and South Carolina-based research.
We encourage you to join us at Strides for Autism, and spread the word to your clients. Registration and other information for Strides for Autism, along with information about autism and SCAS, is available at the event Web site, www.scautism.org/strides/, or by calling the Columbia SCAS office at 1-800-438-4790.


South Carolina Autism Society
http://www.scautism.org/

Behavior Charts

I found some great behavior charts that I wanted to share with you all.  The ones I have included below are common to some of my little clients, and are targeted around specific behaviors.  Follow this link to charts you can print and implement. 

• I Didn't Talk Back/Frown When Asked to Do Something (chart 1)
• I Didn't Talk Back/Frown When Asked to Do Something (chart 2)
• I Slept in My Own Bed
• I'm Not a Picky Eater
• No Tantrums (blue chart for boy)
• No Tantrums (pink chart for girl)
• I Got Along with My Sibling(s) Today!
• I Stayed in the Room for Quiet Time
• No Hitting
• I Didn't Suck My Thumb Today
• I Didn't Bite Today
  

Jessica

Hello ALL !

Long time, no blog, I know.  I apologize for my long absence.  This has been a very busy summer, business-wise - whew! Lots of assessments, meetings, treatment plans, etc, etc.! I am thankful for all my sweet new clients and business endeavors, though.  Definitely!

Anyhow, things are settling down a bit now, especially since the start of school has come and gone.  I am getting back to blogging - yay! We've got so much to catch up on!

Tune in, I'm back ;)

Jessica

Bycicle Camp - DSAL event for children with special needs

Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry (DSAL) Event!
(Click link below for registration form/info)

Lose the Training Wheels

Bicycle Camp For Children with Special Needs
 
Did you know that only 10% of children with Down syndrome and 20% of those with autism ever learn to ride a bike?


This camp will help teach up to 40 children with special needs how to ride a conventional bike without training wheels. We provide specialized  bicycle riding equipment developed by Rainbow Trainers, Inc., as well as a team of experts and volunteers.

Each child will attend one 75 minute session per day for five consecutive days. There will be 1-2 volunteers assisting the trainers with each child.

Our goal is to change the lives of children by teaching them a skill that will build self-confidence, provide inclusion with their peers and open the door to unlimited recreational opportunities. This program has an 85% success rate.
 
When:    July 26-July 30, 2010

Where:     North Charleston Convention Center     
                 5001 Coliseum Drive Charleston

Schedule:

Session A 8:30-9:45
Session B 10:00-11:15
Session C 11:30-12:45
Session D 1:45—3:00
Session E 3:15-4:30

Registration Fee:   $175
*  Majority of camp costs will be covered by grants and donations. Some scholarship money is available upon request.

Autistic Salutatorian Delivers High School Graduation Speech

July 4 coming soon ...

Our Independence Day holiday is just around the corner! I'll be posting some more in preparation for that this week, but I also wanted to mention past postings on the subject.  Visit these past blog postings for July 4th holiday tips and fun:

"Fun for the 4th"
"Welcome to July"



Jessica

IEP meeting prep

IEP meetings and such can really be a very intimidating and stressful time for parents/caregivers.  I have heard so many stories, and often can see the anxiety parents carry over IEP meetings, in particular.  That's not to say that they are all terrible, though.  I know many wonderful teachers who are very much invested in their sweet students, and come to meetings with their best interest in mind as well.  Sometimes, though, effective communication and general understanding of needs/goals/etc can be difficult. 

In searching the web on "IEP meeting tips/preparation", I found some good resources out there so be sure to do your research beforehand.  I came upon some video segments (which had checklists to accompany them), and was excited to suggest these as a resource for some of my parents UNTIL I realized that these were more geared toward and catered around laws and such that don't necessarily apply to our state.  So, be sure to make note of that in your own research to be sure the info is applicable to your area.

I do want to mention the option of having an advocate help you with preparation for meetings (and even to be present with you in the meeting).  Below is the name and contact information of an advocate I know of who recently presented on IEPs and advocacy at the same seminar which I was presenting (on Music Therapy for Children with Autism).  Kelly had lots of great pointers and tips (see below for some of those).  Kelly is advocate of one of my clients, actually, and my client's mother mentioned how great it was to have an advocate present in the IEP meeting (and in helping with preparation as well). 

Kelly L. Herrick, LPN, BS
(843) 330-2709
enchantedacreshorses@yahoo.com
(Kelly is also a pediatric nurse and director of the Exceptional Rider Program at Enchanted Acres)

Kelly's IEP tips:

• Request a draft of the IEP if possible (b/f the meeting)
• Request a copy of educational testing, data used to assist with the preparation of the IEP
• Be prepared! Be on time!
• Prepare an agenda that will address all of your concerns
• Compile a brief written list of items you would like the team to review.  Submit it to the appropriate school district representative in advance of the meeting
• Do not feel rushed to sign the IEP.  You can always take the IEP home to go over prior to signing it
• Read the minutes/summary notes and ensure they are correct
• Send a follow up letter stating all that you understood to be offered and request that IEP team notify you in writing if anything is incorrect
• Follow up!

I know it's the summertime, and it's nice to not have to think about IEPs for the moment, but this will help you when you begin IEP preparation during the school year  ... don't let it sneak up on you!

Jessica

Gluten Free recipes for JULY 4

For all my fellow gluten avoidant/gluten intolerant buddies, I wanted to share this ...

I was browsing for some gluten free recipes for July 4th, and I stumbled upon this article by Examiner.com/Columbia.  Click on the link below to go to the actual page (which includes the recipes). 

Top ten gluten free July 4th summer recipes


1.  Sweet and Sassy Red Potato Salad – Bored with your old potato salad? Think again and try this zesty twist on a traditional favorite!


2.  Apple Mint Salad – a crisp, different, and delicious take on a fruit salad for your summer party!

3.  Simple Strata Salad – a southern favorite, the layered salad with lots of meat, veggies, and cheese. Great for a side dish or lite dinner!

4.  Summer Squash Scramble - What can you do with all that leftover yellow squash or zucchini? This recipe is the answer for you!

5.  Homemade Caesar Salad – If you’ve ever wondered how to make a REAL Caesar salad this is your guide. Perfect to go with your grilled hamburgers and hotdogs!

6.  Fresh Strawberry Pie – Always a favorite, but with a perfect gluten free crust it makes the best dessert on the table for your July 4th celebrations!

7.  Secret Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies – Your kids won’t eat vegetables? They will now! They will never know the secret ingredients of these delicious kid-friendly treats!

8.  Easy Skillet Cornbread – The easiest and most delicious gluten free cornbread you will ever make! Perfect to go with your baked beans and corn on the cob this July 4th!

9.  Southern Fried Summer Squash – The classic southern fried squash you love. If you haven’t tried this already with your Farmer’s Market finds, you need to now!

10.  The BEST chocolate chip cookies – Your friends and family will NEVER know these truly amazing cookies are gluten free. Enjoy these classic cookies on your dessert table this July 4th!
 
So ... I have not yet tried any of these recipes so you and I are in the same boat ... sitting here with our mouths watering as we read over this list wondering if they are as good as they sound.  The southern fried summer squash, strawberry pie, and skillet cornbread are all on my list of things to make this July 4 weekend, though.  Yes, mom, add it to the list of yummies we'll be enjoying on our trip ;)

I'm stoked about the cornbread, in particular, because I have tried several attempts at 'the perfect cornbread' since I've been gluten free ... am still tryin! My only concern, though, is that I will be baking this up in the mountains this weekend which I know can affect rising ... correct? Any suggestions?

As an added note ... I sometimes make fried zucchini/squash as an appetizer in the summer time when I have family/friends over.  When I do, I make a HORSERADISH DIPPING SAUCE to go with it that's pretty yummy.  I don't have a recipe as I just sort of throw things together, but typically, it includes:

• fresh horseradish (not prepared sauce as I find those to be a little too sweet for my taste - also I can be sure this way that it's GF)
• mayo (again, I don't prefer the sweet stuff generally so I often go with Kraft)
• a little garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• a squirt or two of lemon
• and a little dill weed. 

 
I'm hungry now. 
 
Jessica

Fun Children's CD

I was just listening to samplings of kid's Cds/compilations online, and found some great songs in the mix!

Anyhow, as I said, I only listened to a sampling of each song.  See the list of albums below, and visit the links to listen to samples of each song on the album. 
  http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1551750023855622875&postID=3102461226962272551

http://www.amazon.com/For-The-Kids/dp/B002P0UQXO/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_2

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6

http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-My-Little-Bird/dp/B000S5B0YM/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_9

http://www.amazon.com/Its-A-Big-World/dp/B002SB7C32/ref=pd_sim_dmusic_a_6




(I love this one! Great harmonies - lots of sweet ballads good for quiet time, relaxation, lullabys - especially love "Powder Blue Solo" as a lullaby)

Looks like my WISH LIST is going to get an some additions! Have fun!

Jessica

Father's Day Gifts and Crafts

Looking for gift ideas for Father's Day? Visit the below links for lots of great little 'from-the-heart' crafts for the kids to make ... my favorites are the Car Air Freshener Craft, the Altoids tin pocket memory book, and the luggage tags ... brilliant. The site includes pictures, directions, and templates for crafts listed.

http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/mengifts.html

Jessica


 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1129/562815285_bee11adbe4.jpg&imgrefurl=http://mamaurchin.com/category/paper-crafts/&usg=__J43zM7NcJ0qrf_WKcEWLKVY5BbQ=&h=333&w=500&sz=50&hl=en&start=125&sig2=m1mRaUg_khHZulLJ9Bet-A&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=ENZTiqu9cR2Y_M:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfather%2527s%2Bday%2Bcrafts%26start%3D120%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1W1TSHB_en%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=znAZTOrbO4OClAer4MCpCw

Summer Sensory Spaces!

Here's another activity I found online.  My very first thought, actually, with this was that it could also be used to make a "Summer Sensory Place".  For children who are on the spectrum and/or have sensory processing needs, you could include sensory toys/materials/items.  This would also be helpful for some of my little clients who have anxiety related needs.   Have fun!                    Jessica

Summer Quiet Place


This provides a place for children to go to be alone or to read a book.

Materials:

• A small plastic pool
• scissors
• blue tissue paper
• one or two small blow up rings used in swimming pools
• few good books (or for sensory - sensory materials/toys/items/etc

Description:

1. Put a small plastic swimming pool in a corner of the room.
2. Add several sheets of blue tissue paper and scissors. The children will love taking turns cutting the paper in small pieces. This will be your water. OR use satin type blue material/cloth
3. Add a couple of small swimming rings that you have filled with air.
4. Add a child or two and a few books.

*No problem at clean up time. They love picking up the "spilled water".

Comments:
This is a good quiet center when talking about water, swimming, oceans and lakes.

http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/preschool-summer.htm

Summer Scrapbook Activity - skill building/summer bridge activity

I found the below activity online, and it sounds like a great summer activity.  In addition to being FUN, this would help in maintaining and/or developing certain skills (good bridge activity), and ... you are creating a memory as well. 
Have fun with it! Send me pics of your sweet little scrapbook projects, if you'd like!

Jessica

Literacy: A Summer Scrapbook


Promote language skills as preschool children express their ideas and communicate
feelings during the creation of this early childhood scrapbook by Julie M.

Materials:

• Scrapbook
• children's own contributions of drawings, paintings and verses
• scissors
• glue
• felt tipped pens.

Description:
Talk about summer flowers with the children. Encourage them to contribute to the conversation by describing colors, smells and so on that they associate with summer. Show them the scrapbook and explain that they are each going to add something which reminds them of summer, such as a drawing, a pressed flower or something they remember.

Ask each child/family member to contribute their idea or piece of work, sticking it into the scrapbook themselves if they want to. Provide plenty of support for younger children, offering suggestions or scribing for them. Give each child a label and ask them to think of a few words to describe their entry and write the words on the label (if they can).

Ask each child/family member to draw small pictures to stick on to the front of the scrapbook. Then write a title Our Summer Scrapbook. The book should be available for the children to look at, read and share.

new look

It's me!

As you can see, I've changed my blog layout and design, but it's still me! I thought you could all use a change in scenery here every now and again. 

This reminded me of summertime, and we sure are officially in the thick of summer now aren't we (especially after that scorcher yesterday)?!

Stay cool out there.

Jessica

My Birthday Present

My birthday is not until this coming Sunday (June 13), but my son surprised me with an early birthday gift last night.  It is so amazing that I had to share it!  And even more so the thought behind it. 

Well, first off I should mention that he has been so excited to finally have a job - he works at an ice cream shop and loves it! I have heard for weeks all the things he is planning on getting with the money he makes from his new job.  To his credit, though, he also requested that we open a bank account for him so that he can "save some, too, i guess".  ;)  Well, he got his first paycheck, and out of that he bought me a substantial gift (I believe he had a little help with it, but I know he spent a good chunk of his money).  The best part of the gift, though, was the thoughtfulness behind it ...

I didn't get to see him all day yesterday until I went to his job to drop something off for him.  They were really busy, and he asked me to 'stick around, mom, cuz I have something to give you, too'.  So I did.  He went in the back and brought out a card for me.  I was puzzled since it's not my birthday yet.  He asked me to open it, and inside the card were 3 tickets to the Brandy Carlile concert tonight!!! 1 ticket for me, and 1 each for my two sisters.  I love Brandy Carlile! What an amazing gift and surprise!  I was trying to contain myself enough to not embarrass him at his job so I just did a little mini version of squealing and jumping up and down.  THANK YOU, CHRISTIAN !!! You are so thoughtful and amazing! I am going to have so much fun, and I'll take lots of pictures! :)

Jessica

Hello!

BUSY BEE !!!




Hello All! I am sorry that I have been away from the blog a good bit lately.  I've missed some postings!

Springtime is always hectic, but this spring has been especially busy.  Spring is a time for new things so it's quite appropriate the springtime always brings a fluctuation in new clients.  In addition, my practice was a clinical site for two CSU Music Therapy students for Maymester (they observed some of my sessions with parent permission, of course).  I am also preparing for a DSAL camp at the end of June, and am working on several of my existing clients' Music Therapy Treatment Updates.  Whew!

Also, my son had all of his 'end of middle school' festivities including the 8th grade picnic, dance, graduation, and a party we had for him.  I can't believe my son will be in high school in just a few months.  Yikes!

Anyhow, things are settling down a bit now and falling into place so I am back to the blog on a more consistent basis.

To all my new clients, I am so glad to have met you and your sweet children.  Thank you for the opportunity to work with them! I look forward to great things to come.

Jessica

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Clank Can (activity)

I found this activity that I would like to add to my collection of session activities that involves creating a "clank can" to accompany the story, Brown Bear Brown Bear by Eric Carle. 

For my clients, colleagues, friends, and family - PLEASE SAVE FROZEN JUICE TOPS (and BOTTOMS) FOR ME! This Brown Bear Clank Can activity is one of a few activities that involve the juice lids that I would like to do.  Another involves creating a "Sensory Wall" using these lids. 

For those of you interested in creating your own, here are the links to these two activities (plus a couple more fun ones!):

Brown Bear Clank Can    http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/BrownBearClankCan.htm
Juice Can Lid Memory Game    http://familycrafts.about.com/od/homemadegames/a/memgame.htm


Sensory Wall : 
( I found the below info posted by a parent on this blog  http://community.kaboose.com/discussions/post/38251/?category=258)

I have a child who has sensory integration disorder and I use the lid tops for a part of his sensory diet, but this trick also works for young children exploring new textures.

Take a juice lid and glue different types of textures to the top of the it, for instance sandpaper, felt, faux fur, ect... from there you can do all kinds of activities including putting them in a box or bag and having your child reach in and try to guess the texture. You can also glue a small magnet on the back of the lid so the lids will hold on to a cookie sheet or refrigerator. This is a really fun project and once you start looking for different textures you will be surprised what you come up with. I am always wishing I had more lids.    - posted by a parent on above mentioned kaboose.com blog

These activities are just in time for the summer!
Have fun,
Jessica

Hawaiian PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
at Mad River Bar and Grille  -  Hawaiian Themed!

Please join Carolina Children’s Charity for a Hawaiian Theme Party with a Purpose at Mad River Bar and Grille on

Thursday, June 24th from 6pm – 9pm

Mad River is located at 32 North Market Street (downtown Charleston, SC)

A $5.00 donation to the charity will be collected at the door and you will receive your 1st drink for free. Dress for the occasion and you may win the prize for the best Hawaiian outfit. We will also have a Silent Auction and live music by Jamison Alley. Please join us on the 24th for an adult night out and have some fun for a good cause. Please feel free to invite your co-workers, family, friends and neighbors. The more the merrier and Mad River now has an outdoor patio.

Drumming for Cancer - drumSTRONG 2010

drumSTRONG™ 2010

rhythm : from : the : heart
the planet's longest continuous rhythm drum•a•thon


¡drumming to BEAT cancer!

 ... "setting the planet’s record for the longest continuous rhythm drum circle ever held, and at the same time, raise awareness and incredible amounts of money for survivorship assistance, education and research for one of the most nefarious diseases known to man."


Hey Everyone!
I was so excited to have been apart of this event this past weekend in Charlotte, NC.  My son and I traveled with our tent and our drums and lots of excitement over what sounded like an amazing experience ahead of us.  Well, it ended up being so much more than that! I will be doing this EVERY YEAR!!! The site for this was held on the pastures of Misty Meadows Farm.  It was absolutely beautiful.  I am including here some pictures and hopefully a video as well. 
Thank you, Scott Swimmer, for your wonderful vision.  What an amazing thing.
Jessica

For more information on this, visit http://www.drumstrong.org/

(there was something on my camera lense, evidently, so pics are a foggy ... it was gorgeous and sunny there though! )

Community Night

Hello to my Friends at Healing Farms - 

I just read the below message from your blog, and wanted to tell you that I was glad to be there with you all last Wednesday evening.  Thank you for inviting me to share some (somewhat improv) music therapy with you.  It was a massive group, yes, but it all worked out ;) You are a sweet group of people, offering something priceless to our friends who came.  I, also, was certainly grateful to have been able to get the attention of the majority of the group, considering the numbers! I loved seeing how excited and willing they all were to participate ... to see that sheer joy in some of their faces was beautiful.  It's pretty amazing ... the way that a group of volunteers and professionals are working together to provide something that will make these folks feel special, and they are the ones that make us feel special. 

I saw one of our friends at the Blessing of the Fleet this past weekend.  He recognized me, and came up to say hello.  He just seemed so happy, and that made me happy. 

Anyhow, thank you for a great experience, and keep doing what you are doing!
Jessica


Friday, May 14, 2010


As if it could get any better!


So, our first Community Night was amazing, who would have ever thought that it could be topped?! Learning a lesson from last month, when I saw 84 people registered I added 10 more to that number. Expecting a little less than 100 people, I set up the tables, chairs, lemonade etc.


Though we were a little short on volunteers due to illness, I still thought we'd have plenty of people to ensure that our guests enjoyed their time with us. Then 6:00 came...


by 6:30 the 4000 sq foot room was completely full. David said the blessing and added an extra prayer asking God to multiply the food! By 7:00 we had over 140 people eating, laughing, singing and enjoying the company of one another. When music therapist, Jessica Grooms arrived to lead the group in song, she quickly adjusted her agenda and (along with her helpers from CSU) somehow got the attention of the whole room.


We learned new songs, met new friends and had an awesome time.


Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers for having open hearts, smiling faces and willing spirits! Join the fun next month, just let me know how many people to expect!
- Healing Farm Ministry

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Motor Coordination ... and more!

Here's a great glimpse into music therapy work for coordinating movement, spacial awareness, motor strength, quality of movement, multi-tasking, and mid line/cross lateral work ( ... all while having fun!)



Jessica

*** See other vidoes in this blog series collection "Music Therapy Glimpses" (see blog history under 'videos')

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Music Therapy: Kenny's Story (autism)

Well, friends, here's the deal ...

As you know, I dedicated last week to showcasing some great music therapy videos each day on my blog.  These gave great 'glimpses' into music therapy treatment (and as mentioned, there are also some impostor 'music therapy' videos out there as well).  HOWEVER, I found so many good ones that they naturally spilled over into this week.  So, I guess I am dedicating 2 weeks of blogging to this!

Here's another great clip:



Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Music Therapy with Traumatic Brain Injury

I hesitated to include a longer video here, but this one is easy to watch because of the progression it shows of one client's progress in music therapy.  This client suffered a traumatic brain injury.  You can see how music therapy is being implemented to work on 1) speech/language, 2) motor coordination, 3) fine motor strength, 4) coordinating left hemisphere and right hemisphere tasks, 5) quality of movement, 6) balance, and overall regaining lost skills. 



Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Music Therapy and Cancer Diagnosis

Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - Counting by 5s

Here's a great clip I found of a portion of a music therapy session.  You can see, clearly, the goal here was to work on teaching/supporting cognitive skill (counting by 5s).  This activity would benefit in other areas as well such as 1) auditory processing/following auditory cues, 2) impulse control/waiting for auditory prompt, 3) speech/language (development, clarity, and fluency), and 4) visual attention and attention span.

Thank you to the music therapist who posted this!
Jessica

"Music Therapy Glimpses" - ODETTA at the Music Has Power™ Awards

WOW! In a recent music therapy search on youtube, I found some amazing accounts of music therapy in action.  Of course, there are the impostors, too, but I enjoyed just soaking all the good stuff in! There are a good many more samplings of MT on youtube than the last time I searched. 

I have decided to showcase some of the good ones here on my blog.  I will dedicate this week to "Music Therapy Glimpses".  Check back each day for daily videos!

I want to open with a video clip of the great ODETTA as she presents at the "Music Has Power™ Awards".  I will follow up each day with video clips of actual music therapy clips/music therapy songs in sessions/session clips/etc.




Jessica

Music Therapy slideshow (for SCEAPA presentation)

For those of you who attended the SCEAPA meeting in Columbia this past Wednesday, here is the slideshow from my PowerPoint presentation on "Music Therapy for Children with Autism".  Thank you all, again, for allowing me to present.  Thank you, also, for your interest in the field as well as the warm welcome you gave me!

Jessica

Carefree Boat Club of Chas ... caring for the caregiver (free service)

Carefree Cares is the community outreach of the Carefree Boat Club of Charleston to people managing the care of family members with disabilities, special needs, or terminal illness. It's about giving time back to caregivers.
Carefree Cares offers restoration of spirit through recreational boating events. These sponsored events are ½ day, on the water charters themed to specific caregiver needs. Best of all, there is no cost to the caregiver.
•Women’s Day Out - Relax and revive while enjoying beautiful Charleston Harbor by boat with lunch on the water
•Women’s Retreat - Partnering with Healing Farm Ministries and The Heart of the Caregiver, these events are timed to conclude a day of healing and fellowship
•Men’s Fishing – Enjoy a morning of fishing the Low Country with other men who are caregivers
•Harbor breeze Sailing day – Experience the peace of sailing the Charleston harbor in our 27ft sailboat with our experienced sail captain.
•A resource for caregivers to services from our business partners.

You can help a Caregiver

•Sponsor an individual caregiver to attend any of our events by donating now.
•Businesses can sponsor the entire event.

•Business Owners can partner with Carefree Cares to offer services for the caregivers. Just give us a call and we'll set up all the details.
for more info : http://carefreecares.bbnow.org/index.php


Happy sailing,
Jessica

Springtime Thoughts

Hello Everyone ... 

I hope you are enjoying your Spring so far! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here in Charleston ... the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining.  Springtime also happens to be one of my busiest times of the year.  Please be patient with me, and in my blogging absence.  I will be back soon! I have so much to share with you, but little time to do so lately.  We'll catch up very soon!

One thought to leave with you today, though.  Spring represents rebirth, newness, and open doors.  Remember, though, that often times, in order to have newness, you have to release some of the old things first.  Sometimes you have that waiting period in the cocoon first.  And the thing with doors is that sometimes a door has to close before another can open.  What do you need a fresh start on right now? It may be old thought patterns and habits that we need to release before we can adopt new, healthier ones.  It may be an old position/job that you have left (or has left you).  It may be a phase of life that is nearing an end. 

Whatever your scenario, remember the butterfly and it's cocoon.  Remember the plants that die off (or seem to) in the winter, but grow new in the Spring.

Jessica

"Model Me Kids" - a great Social Skills resource

I was on Autism Hangout (http://www.autismhangout.com/ ) the other day, and saw mention of a wonderful social skills resource called "Model Me Kids" (click on link to go to site).  Model Me Kids teaches social skills concepts through DVDs/videos, which provides visual cues through modeling specific social skill and related behaviors. 

Many of these include accompanying storyboards as well.  Also, I was pleased to see that the videos are modeled in real life scenarios AND they are very concrete, providing very clear step by step examples. 

I would love to add Model Me Kids to my own collection of resources as I know they would be extremely beneficial in and out of therapy!

As mentioned, I was really excited about this resource, however, I did want to see a sample before making a decision to purchase.  The website provides several samples, and after viewing these, I was even more impressed.  For video samples of some of the DVDs offered, visit this link : http://modelmekids.com/autism-video-samples.html

Another great feature is that these are also categorized according to age appropriateness (and age range of person using the resource).

This one is going on my wish list! I'd love feedback of anyone who has used this resource.

Jessica 

Music Therapy and Autism webinar

"Where Words Fail, Music Speaks"

Hello everyone! I wanted to share with you something that I am pretty excited about.  You've heard me mention Autism Hangout before in past postings.  Autism Hangout is a website created to provide support and resources for those in the autism community. 

Craig Evans, a fellow musician and host to the Autism Hangout site, invited me to speak (via webinar) on Music Therapy and Autism.  We did the webinar interview this morning, and he already has it posted on the site.  The heading/title of the webinar is "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks".

It is a 10 minute webinar that touches on some introductory points about Music Therapy as it relates to ASD treatment.  Craig and I have discussed plans for expansion of this, and look forward to creating a series of webinars under Music Therapy and Autism.  These future webinars will give a little more in depth look at the use of music therapy techniques to support specific needs of a person on the spectrum (i.e. speech, development, supporting cognitive skill/concepts, sensory input/integration, social skill development, etc).

Thank you, Craig, for Autism Hangout as it is a wonderful resource, and thank you for allowing me to contribute!

Visit http://www.autismhangout.com/default.asp to view the video, along with some other great resources.

Jessica

Down Syndrome - Supporting speech/launguage development at home

Down Syndrome

What can parents do to help infants and young children learn speech and language?

• Parents are the primary communicators interacting with their babies and young children; thus, parents can do a great deal to help their children learn to communicate. Many of the pre-speech and pre-language skills are best learned in the home environment.
• Remember that language is more than spoken words. When you are teaching a word or a concept, focus on conveying meaning to the child through play or through multisensory experiences (hearing, touch, seeing).
• Provide many models. Most children with Down syndrome need many repetitions and experiences to learn a word. Repeat what your child says, and give him a model to help him learn words.
• Use real objects and real situations. When you are teaching a concept, use daily activities and real situations as much as possible. Teach the names of foods as your toddler is eating, names of body parts while you are bathing your child, and concepts such as under, in and on while your child is playing. Communication is part of daily life.
• Read to your child. Help your child learn concepts through reading about them, field trips in the neighborhood and daily experiences.
• Follow your child's lead. If your child shows interest in an object, person or event, provide him or her with the word for that concept. There are many milestones as the child progresses toward using speech. The child responds to a familiar voice, recognizes familiar faces, experiments with many different sounds, produces strings of sounds over and over and makes a sound to mean you (dada, mama). Many children enjoy looking in a mirror, and increase their sound play and babbling when vocalizing in mirrors. Effective ways to work on these skills at home can be learned through early intervention sessions, through books, workshops and speech and language professionals. For more information, see:

Kumin, L. (2003). Early communication skills for children with Down syndrome: Guide for parents and teachers. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.