Outdoor Musical Playgrounds - More Than Just Play
Outdoor Musical Instruments in the playground provide a non-threatening and fun outlet for creative and emotional expression and through the medium of music many essential life skills can be learned. Music can have a profound effect on anyone, but the benefits of exposing a child with special needs to music can be huge.
Socially, music is a great leveller. There is no right or wrong in music, so it holds no fear for children, who feel safe to experiment with self-expression. This leads to a sense of achievement and pride that may be difficult to find elsewhere, particularly for those with low levels of motivation. The subsequent increased self-esteem and confidence can then be transferred to other areas of their lives. Through music a child can express their emotions, develop a sense of rhythm (which will in turn support their physical development), develop their communication skills, benefit from auditory and tactile stimulation (through the vibrations of the music) and relax. Every child can be helped to learn to enjoy and to become involved in music to some degree and because instruments from Percussion Play are tuned to a harmonic pentatonic or simple scales, they produce a soothing sound straightaway, which makes them instantly gratifying – hey you're a natural!
All children have the same need to express themselves and Percussion Play instruments are ideal for use during Music Therapy sessions. Music therapy can be of inestimable value for children who have difficulties in hearing, seeing, moving, thinking or responding; each can experience the music in their own unique way.
Easy access to Percussion Play Outdoor Musical Instruments may provide an outlet that encourages children to use music to deal with emotional issues, especially when they are unable to express them through speech. Where words fail, music may be a medium through which to explore one's inner world and experiences. Often people with developmental delays and learning disabilities will respond to music. The responses may range from a small smile, a ‘yee-haa!’ singing or even dancing. The easy, non-challenging way in which Percussion Play instruments can be played offers opportunities for response and expression to children and adults with such developmental delays.
Percussion Play Outdoor Musical Instruments can be installed individually or in groups. So, in addition to musical benefits, playing in an ensemble is useful for working on concepts such as cooperation with others, coordination, and a sense of accomplishment. Making music and singing songs together in a group can build a harmonious cooperative spirit of support and encouragement for everyone. Children who experience severe obstacles in forming relationships with other children, adults and their environment can achieve security and joy in making music. To see, hear and play musical instruments is an important cultural experience for every child. We aim to make Percussion Play accessible to all and try to consider the individual needs of all players including wheelchair users and those with special needs. The Outdoor Musical Instruments can be installed at varying heights and in numerous arrangements, can be supplied with heavier or lighter beaters to suit individual needs and are available in bright stimulating colours.
We are always happy to discuss individual needs or specific requirements – so please call or email the Percussion Play team; we’d love to talk to you.
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