As a practitioner in the field of speech-language pathology, it is crucial to stay informed about innovative approaches that can enhance the social skills of preschool children. One such promising approach is detailed in the research article, "The ‘Ensemble’—A Group Music Therapy Treatment for Developing Preschool Children’s Social Skills," published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The study highlights the effectiveness of the "Ensemble" treatment, a structured group music therapy intervention designed to improve social skills among preschool children. The treatment spans an entire school year, with weekly sessions that incorporate music, art, and storytelling to engage children and foster social interactions.
Key Findings from the Study
- Quantitative Results: The study observed significant improvements in nine out of twelve targeted social skills among participating children. These skills included initiating contact, sharing, participating in group activities, and maintaining eye contact.
- Qualitative Results: Interviews with mothers and kindergarten teachers revealed that the positive effects of the "Ensemble" treatment extended beyond the therapy sessions, with improvements noted in home and school environments.
Implementing the "Ensemble" Approach
For practitioners looking to integrate the "Ensemble" treatment into their practice, here are some actionable steps:
- Structured Sessions: Conduct weekly sessions over a school year, using a consistent format that includes music, art, and storytelling.
- Focus on Emotions: Encourage children to express their feelings and understand the emotions of others. This can be facilitated through activities like reading stories that evoke specific emotions and discussing them.
- Gradual Progression: Start with individual activities and gradually move to pair and group activities to build social interactions over time.
- Parental Involvement: Engage parents through regular meetings to discuss their child's progress and ways to reinforce social skills at home.
Encouraging Further Research
While the initial findings are promising, further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is necessary to validate the effectiveness of the "Ensemble" treatment. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of research by implementing the treatment and documenting outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The “Ensemble”—A Group Music Therapy Treatment for Developing Preschool Children’s Social Skills
