TME Tuesday - Nana Hannah's Piano

Today's Therapeutic Music Experience (TME) is centered around a book, Nana Hannah's Piano, written by B. Bottner.

I don't use books very often. My clients don't really sit and listen well, but there are some books that work. This book works best with my middle schoolers. If you don't use books in your therapeutic process (for either TMEs with clients or for inspiration for TME development), you are missing out on a great resource for clients of all ages. Books can often address difficult topics in ways that clients will accept rather than the discussion from a therapist...

Nana Hannah's Piano TME

Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Purpose: To illustrate music as life-long leisure skill; sustained attention to task; reading comprehension; executive function

Source: Bottner, B. (1996). Nana Hannah’s Piano. G. P. Putnum’s Sons: New York.  TME development © 10/3/2014 by Mary Jane Landaker, MME, MT-BC

Materials: Book; OPTIONAL: reading comprehension questions (printed so group members can see); paper and colored pencils for optional extensions

Environment: Group members need to be within earshot and easy viewing of book and therapist

Procedure: R = Reinforcement opportunities; C = Redirection/Cue opportunities; A = Assessment

1.      C= show the book cover to group members and direct them to sit

2.      A= assess which group members are able to complete directives

3.      R= reinforce group members who complete the task. Redirect those who do not sit

4.      C= read the story

5.      A= assess whether group members are watching the therapist and/or the book

6.      R= reinforce group members through verbal praise and side-talking for listening and watching

7.      C= Point out parts of the book that are interesting. For example, make comments similar to, “Which baseball team does Nana Hannah like?” “How does she feel when her team loses?” “What does Sonny do to help her feel better?”

8.      A= assess which group members answer questions

9.      R= reinforce correct answers and redirect incorrect answers

Therapeutic Function of Music:

In this case, music provides the subject matter rather than taking an active role in the presentation of the story.

Adaptations:

·        Skip pages if group members do not seem interested or able to sustain attention to the entire story

·        Make a song or place a rhythmic beat behind the reading to encourage entrainment and possibly increase retention of material

Extensions:

• Write a song to go with Sonny’s adventures
• Discuss life-long leisure options for each group member
• Use worksheets to identify leisure options for group members, especially those who have difficulty making decisions about what they like to do.

Worksheet Questions for Nana Hannah’s Piano

What is the name of the boy?

What does he not like to do?

What does he like to do?

Why does he have to stay with his grandmother?

What is his grandmother’s name?

What activity do they like to do together?

How does the boy help his grandmother feel less disappointed when her team loses?

What song does he figure out?

Do you think the boy will keep playing the piano?