Drumming
is not just an activity enjoyed by many. Drumming can be a basic musical
therapeutic element that will benefit kid with special needs. The kids that
find it difficult to express themselves or have problems with their
communication skills can benefit from drumming therapy techniques. There are
several benefits on how a child with special needs will benefit from this form
of therapy and they are as follows:
Note: If your child
has special needs it is advisable to get a drum set for him/her. It’s
recommended to get a drum
set for beginners, since the child as no history playing drums.
Motor
skill improvement
One
of the benefits is the improvement of the hand to eye coordination of the
child. Kids with special needs could find it difficult to develop their motor
skills. The Drumming therapy is recommended for the child. It involves giving a
child a mallet to use as a tool to develop his/her motor skills. When the child
is given more drums, he/ she will develop movement, good motor skills and
grasping among other aspect.
Communication
and speech
Another
benefit of drumming that’s being used as a therapeutic tool, is the improvement
of the child’s communication skills. A musical therapist form the company
Albert Knapp & Associate called John
Mew uses drumming to promote speech through the beat. While using the sounds of the drum, with time the children will
learn how to say words phrases and even sentences.
Impulse
and control techniques
It
is really unhealthy for a kid who doesn’t know how to control their emotions.
It could lead to damage of his/herself and others around the child. Drumming
can help to calm the mind of the child who has no control over his/her
impulses. This techniques is required to be used on short-tempered kids. It’s
done in a way such that the impulse/emotions of the child is expressed during
the drumming sessions. This literally letting it all out just to calm the mind.
Social
skills
Drumming
is often a cooperative and interactive activity. While the child learns
drumming there will be other kids that are learning too. They will take turns
and share between each other if only a drum is in use. The child will begin to feel
like a part of a group or social setting. Then from there develop social skills
by interacting with their fellow group members.
Improving
self-esteem
Drumming
is quite a fun activity whereby kids of various ages would love to beat drums.
The fact that they are enjoying the activity improves their self-esteem which
will lead to more confidence in their day to day life.
Improving
decision making
Drumming
sessions can have a positive effect on the child’s decision making skill. By
developing their attention span and improving their impulse control in order to
ultimately give the child the ability to make better decisions.
