It is October so we are in spooky season! There are so many exciting and fun Halloween activities, so I will share a few of my favorites! Feel free to sing these with friends and family or use them in your own sessions!
Piggyback Songs
Piggyback songs are where we can change out lyrics from existing songs and make them Halloween themed! Here are a few:
“If You’re a Ghost and You Know It” (original: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
If you’re a ghost and you know it, say “Boo!” (Boo!)
If you’re a ghost and you know it, say “Boo!” (Boo!)
If you’re a ghost and you know it, then your face will surely show it,
If you’re a ghost and you know it, say “Boo!” (Boo!)
+black cat, say meow!
+bat, flap your wings
+skeleton, rattle your bones (wiggle)
“Down By the Spooky Bay” (Original: “Down By the Bay”) https://supersimple.com/song/down-by-the-spooky-bay/
Down by the bay
Where the pumpkins grow.
Back to my home
I dare not go.
For if I do
My mummy will say,
“Did you ever see a ghost eating some toast?”
Down by the bay.
+“Did you ever see a bat dancing with a rat?”
+“Did you ever see a vampire making a campfire?”
+“Did you ever see a witch scratching an itch?”
+“Did you ever see a troll digging a hole?”
+“Did you ever see a spider flying in a glider?”
Halloween Books
There are many Halloween books that are very spooky and fun to read/sing! A few of my favorites are:
Ten Little Ghosts
Five Little Pumpkins
There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Ghost
Mad Libs Songwriting
We can make up our own version of different songs, such as “The Addams Family”!
They’re ____________ and they’re ____________
(adjective) (adjective)
__________ and _________
(adjective) (adjective)
They’re all together __________
(adjective)
The Addams Family
Examples of adjectives:
Happy, goofy, sleepy, smelly, strange, etc.
Those are just a few of the many activities I like to use in my music therapy sessions!
At The KEYS Program, we offer individual and group sessions by a board-certified music therapist working toward individual or group goals. These sessions can take place at our studio space in Oneida, in the community, or via telehealth. Some of the activities that take place during sessions include songwriting, recording, movement, instrument play, music appreciation, singing, and lots more! Musical skills are not needed to participate. Music therapy is open to everyone!
Some of the benefits that can be seen are:
Relaxation
Exploration of emotions
Reduce anxiety or depression
Improve communication skills
Build social skills
Strengthen self-confidence
Improve quality of life
Improve motor functions
Help form healthy coping skills
And more!
(Clevelandclinic.org)
If you are interested or have any questions please reach out to info@thekeysprogram.org!
*Written by Danielle Caringi, Music Therapy Intern*
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