Using a Music Therapy Collaborative Consultative Approach - World ...

7. Get up (get up)
8. T-Shirt up (participate in re-dressing, while teacher wipes him off and puts the
diaper on)
9. Pants up (re-dress)
10. Flush (flush the toilet)
The ten described steps were presented in the unique song “Let’s go potty,” as
outlined in Figure 5.1. The verses of the song reflect each single step of the routine in the
order of the toileting procedure. The refrain emphasized the major steps of toileting (go to
toilet, urinate and flush) and was repeated when more time was needed to accomplish the
step. Since music was one of Andy’s favorite things, the song itself functioned as a
motivator and a reinforcer. The musical style used for the refrain (swing) and the
accompanying activity (hand clapping) provoked positive effects on the target child’s
behavior in previous situations. The statement in the lyrics “Andy knows how,” reflects the
teacher’s belief in the child’s ability to accomplish the task. The Latin style used for the
verses stands in contrast to the refrain, and gives the piece a certain drive that reflects a
somewhat unusual way to sing about toilet procedures. The toilet training song “Let’s go
potty,” was recorded on a CD with the classroom teacher on vocals. Additionally, a song
transcription was handed out to both the teacher and to parents.
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Audio Excerpt 5.2. Recording of the song “Let’s go potty,” featuring the classroom
teacher on vocals.