My most challenging groups to plan for are young adults, but I LOVE, LOVE working with them. You have to walk a fine line of having age appropriate songs that are also developmentally engaging for the various ability levels in the group. With this age group, I find it important to provide opportunities for individuals to be the “soloist” during music therapy group. Some students already have enough self-confidence to be up front or center. However, for those who aren’t as naturally comfortable, increased self-confidence and self-help skills are some of the goals we work on during these groups.

So, while on a kick of planning weather themed songs and interventions, I came up with these options of using a weather report to increase self-confidence, peer interaction, self help skills, and decision making. Giving students the job of being the weather reporter is a great way for them to work on confidently speaking or signing what they want the group to do and asking for help as needed during their turn.

WEATHER REPORT #1 OPTION

I like to start by modeling the body percussion and/or signs as appropriate for the group.

Rain = tap 2-3 fingers of one hand on the palm of another

Wind = rub hands together

Thunder = pat hands quickly on legs

Sun = sign for sun

Rainbow = sign for rainbow

Then I take a turn being the weather reporter to model how the turn goes using an echo mic. I then give the weather report by saying and signing the time of day and cues for the weather:

“In the morning it will be sunny (wait for everyone to sign sun). In the afternoon there will be some rain followed by a rainbow. In the evening the wind will start. Then it will thunder and rain more.”

After that, I have everyone take a turn being the reporter and choosing what friend will go next. Some students may need you to give them 2 choices or visuals to use in addition to sign and verbal prompts.

WEATHER REPORT OPTION #2

Instead of body percussion, you can pass out instruments for each weather option.

Sun = chimes or glockenspiel

Wind = stir xylophone or rub hands on drum

Rain = ocean drum or rainstick

Thunder = djembe or other large drum

Hail = sticks

Rainbow = scarves

Go through the same steps in option #1 to model the intervention.

By the way, this totally works with younger kids and older adults as well. Let us know who you used the weather report with and how the intervention works for you!