As I started to watch I noticed how the drum acts as a way for these children- who struggle with communication- to speak. It wasn't long after that when the instructor, John Scalici, said, "Rhythm is a universal language." You can see in the video how the students can easily express their excitement and interact with other children as they make music together. In this news clip, we see that the drum is a universal teaching tool as well. I think it's neat how the drum circle was being used to teach autistic students vital social skills, such as patience, and it is also being used to teach university students who have been involved with music for years. Hearing about the progress that these students have made over the years was inspiring and provides proof that you don't have to be a talented musician to make music.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Autism + Drum Circle = :)
After a bit of googling, I came across a news feature about how a drum circle is being used to help children with Autism.
As I started to watch I noticed how the drum acts as a way for these children- who struggle with communication- to speak. It wasn't long after that when the instructor, John Scalici, said, "Rhythm is a universal language." You can see in the video how the students can easily express their excitement and interact with other children as they make music together. In this news clip, we see that the drum is a universal teaching tool as well. I think it's neat how the drum circle was being used to teach autistic students vital social skills, such as patience, and it is also being used to teach university students who have been involved with music for years. Hearing about the progress that these students have made over the years was inspiring and provides proof that you don't have to be a talented musician to make music.
As I started to watch I noticed how the drum acts as a way for these children- who struggle with communication- to speak. It wasn't long after that when the instructor, John Scalici, said, "Rhythm is a universal language." You can see in the video how the students can easily express their excitement and interact with other children as they make music together. In this news clip, we see that the drum is a universal teaching tool as well. I think it's neat how the drum circle was being used to teach autistic students vital social skills, such as patience, and it is also being used to teach university students who have been involved with music for years. Hearing about the progress that these students have made over the years was inspiring and provides proof that you don't have to be a talented musician to make music.
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I really loved this. The best part about it, was that al of it was true. The students really expressed the way they were feeling and their excitment through the way they played the drums. It brought the students closer together, and showed that no special requirement of talent is needed to make music. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteI loved this! Knowing people with autism myself it so nice to see other people helping these children with their disability. I never knew music could have such a large effect on the kids social and speaking skills. I really hope that the music continues to help these children all through out their lives.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredibly moving! The fact that drums, and more generally music, can help improve social and communicative skills of autistic children, while allowing the kids to relax and have fun is just wonderful. It reminds me a in a strange way of the work that has been done with autistic children and animals, either horses, dogs, or what have you. It seems that animal-human relationships and music are both very innate in human beings, something that anyone can understand. Also, I just have to say, I absolutely love the end of the video when the instructor says "I like drumming. Your turn" and she says "I love drumming." So very sweet.
ReplyDeleteThis is so touching. I love that this shows how music and rhythm can just change people's lives. It makes me so happy to see this happening and to help others in that way just really touches my heart.
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