Derrington 2012 thesis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

4.4.5 “You’ve been mugged!” Using games and structured activities (DVD clip
11)
Incorporating games and activities can really help to engage teenagers. Simple games,
such as who can play the loudest on the drums or turn-taking and copying rhythmic
patterns, can be a good way to get started if students feel uncertain or nervous about
playing. Winning can be really important to these young people, especially as many
have known nothing but failure, so point-scoring and mini competitions can be
motivating. A person-centred approach allows students control but games can reengage
students who need more structure.
The final video example (4.4.5) shows William, 13, leading a ‘drum off’ which was a
game he had made up that featured regularly in his sessions. The rules varied but the
general idea was to play quietly, build in speed and volume before ending quietly.
The bowing before and afterwards was probably inspired by the standing bow in
judo, which William enjoyed as a hobby, and interestingly is designed to help
participants clear any evil thoughts and feel good about themselves. Although the
‘drum off’ is fun, William takes the activity seriously and, with the bow, suggests that
we are showing respect and fairness towards each other.
Vignette 4.6 illustrates another use of structured activity.
Vignette 4.6
Tom was 13 at the start of music therapy. He had been excluded from primary
school, had a difficult home life and tended to be isolated at school. He felt
that there was not much that he could change in his life and he seemed
resigned to this fact.
Sessions always began in the same way. Tom sat at the keyboard and told me:
“Do your housework”. He would then play the telephone sound on the
keyboard and I would stop my dusting to answer the phone. Tom and I would
then have a conversation ‘on the phone’ without looking at each other. He
would tell me how he was feeling and ask me how I was. Sometimes he told
me about his weekend and football but he usually hung up quite quickly, turn
! *'!