{Application of the Week} I Love Rock N Roll

This intervention is a simple and fun way for clients to express what they love doing. The driving rock beat motivates clients to share various activities they enjoy or general preferences, while giving opportunities for clients in the group to listen to each other and encourage group cohesion.

Possible Goals Addressed:

  • Creative expression
  • Gross motor movement
  • Choice making
  • Expressing wants and needs
  • Social interaction

Music used:

Merrill, A. & Hooker, J. (1975). I love rock ‘n roll [recorded by the Arrows]. On “broken Down Heart [CD]. London, England: Rak Records.

Materials (optional):

White board to record clients’ responses
Visual aids of possible items a client might enjoy

Application:

  1. Sing the first verse and the chorus with the clients.
  2. Go around the group and ask individuals what they love or love to do.
  3. Incorporate their responses in the chorus (“client” loves [ice cream] come on everybody and sing with me).
  4. Encourage the group to chant with you in sharing what each client loves.
  5. Encourage the rest of the group to clap or tap to the beat while each person shares.
  6. At the end, ask the group if they remember what each client loves.
  7. Lyrics can also be adapted to include “so come on everybody and [move/clap/tap/drum etc.] with me.

Lyrics:

I saw him dancin’ there by the record machine
I knew he must a been about seventeen
The beat was goin’ strong
Playin’ my favorite song
An’ I could tell it wouldn’t be long
Till he was with me, yeah, me
And I could tell it wouldn’t be long
Till he was with me, yeah, me, singin’

I love rock n’ roll
So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
I love rock n’ roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Ow!