Talk-n-Drum for Children with Language, Speech and Social Delays

When my husband and I created the Talk-n-Drum Language and Music Program for Preschoolers, we were thinking mainstream education.  I don't know why I was so surprised  to see children with language, speech and social delays react with an amazing level of enthusiasm and engagement in T-n-D activities. After all, it's fun learning anything by making silly sounds with the voice, playing rhythms on cool instruments to recorded music that has a current relatable sound while marching around the room, or sitting in a circle with friends singing & signing a song about the colors of the rainbow. In fact, when parents and teachers of children with these specific delays hear them sing in a new language, or watch them march perfectly to the beat of a drum they are playing, they are astounded! In addition to creating a multisensory approach to teaching speech and language, as performing musicians, we understood the importance of the theatrical element to make the experience entertaining. In this way the students are not intimidated by the material they are learning, trust the teacher and engage quicker, making concepts easier to grasp and retain. A T-n-D class is chock full of learning but it's all done for the FUN of it! 

Talk-N-Drum

This is the time of year when young children are over stimulated by the holiday preparations going on all around them. In fact, they feel the same urgencies that their Mom and Dad feel to get everything ready in time for family gatherings at home or for traveling to visit family members and friends at their home. I can feel and see the excitement when I teach my Talk-n-Drum classes and therefore, plan my lessons accordingly.

In addition to choosing themes that are connected with celebration such as family, food, music and party, I keep the energy level of the songs and accompanying activities high and exciting. This puts all the positive energy to good ‘learning’ use. I find that it is also important to take a few moments while sitting in our circle, to give each child an opportunity to share one family ritual with their piers. It’s a lovely way to foster community and, to possibly learn about, and embrace differentcultures.

Happy holiday to all Talk-n-Drum students and their families,

Nanette Garcia and Maurice Minichino (co-directors & creators)