Welcome to Music Therapy Kids! Whether you’re having snow days with your family (if you are, I’m totally jealous by the way!) or trucking along with work as usual, I’m so glad you stopped by to hang out with me for a few minutes. I have a short and simple song to share!
Today’s tune happened by accident as many of my songs often do. As a music therapist, I often find my self improvising new songs in the moment. Sometimes those songs are just a connection with the child for that fleeting moment and other times the made up songs “stick.”
This one stuck.
It’s short, simple, and easy to remember. Best of all, it works! My client is doing well with counting dimes, nickels, and pennies given a mixed set of coins. However, he was having trouble remembering how to count by 25s when I tossed quarters into the mix.
So before we could count the mixed coins, he needed a method to remember how to count quarters. And thus this song was born! In just two sessions, this particular child has mastered the skill. AND he gets bonus points because when I came back the following week he had also taught the song to his teacher! Totally made my day!
Tips & Tricks
Memorize. This song is a “carrier” of information. It is very straightforward. Once the song has been learned, you might consider removing the melody and practice speaking or chanting the lyrics.
Fill in the blank. Again, offer the child plenty of opportunities to listen and repeat the tune. Then give her the opportunity to fill in the missing words. Perhaps you sing the first part and the child fills in “25, 50, 75, 100.”
Use visuals. You can incorporate any type of visual for this song. Real coins, pictures, a hundreds chart paired with coins to name a few.
Lyrics
Four quarters make a dollar.
Four quarters make a dollar.
And when we’re counting quarters,
This is what we’ll say:
25, 50, 75, 100
25, 50, 75, 100
And that’s it! Sometimes the most effective songs for our children with special needs are the simplest ones.
Sing on,
Mary
4 Quarters Make a Dollar
Want a few ready-to-use pediatric session materials?
If you’re building up your music therapy toolbox, I also have a free 3-Song Pediatric Session Pack you can download and use right away.
It includes simple, low-prep songs and supports designed for music therapists working with children — perfect for days when you want something practical, structured, and easy to pull into a session.
