“Woo-oo-oo-ohh,” “Woo-oo-oo-ohh.” If you’re like me, that catchy hook from “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors gets stuck in your head instantly. And that’s exactly why it’s such a fantastic song to incorporate into music therapy sessions, especially when working with teenagers.
As part of our series on amplifying your teen music therapy sessions here at payoffsong.com, we’re diving into practical and engaging musical experiences. It’s easy to feel like you’re repeating the same activities or struggling to find music that truly resonates with your teen clients. But finding the right song can be a game-changer.
“Best Day of My Life” is a pop gem that checks all the boxes for effective teen music therapy. Its infectious melody, repetitive structure, and call-and-response elements make it instantly appealing. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for guitar and, crucially, it’s a song that many teens already know and enjoy.
But the real power of this song lies in its ability to spark meaningful discussion. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use “Best Day of My Life” as a springboard for a profound song discussion in your teen music therapy sessions:
Using “Best Day of My Life” for Song Discussion: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Introduction and Lyrics: Begin by introducing “Best Day of My Life” to the group. Writing out the lyrics on a whiteboard or using a lyric sheet is incredibly helpful for visual learners and encourages participation.
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Sing-Along Engagement: Play the song and encourage everyone to sing along. The catchy chorus makes it easy for even hesitant singers to join in, fostering a sense of group cohesion and shared experience.
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Reflecting on Personal “Best Days”: After singing the song together, transition into a reflective activity. Ask each teen to take a moment to consider their own best day of their life so far. Prompt them with questions like: “When was it?”, “What happened that day?”, and “What made it so special?”. Once they’ve had time to reflect, distribute paper, markers, and pens. Encourage them to creatively express their best day through drawing or writing down keywords and images associated with that memory – maybe “graduation,” “beach,” “concert tickets,” or “family vacation.” Adapt this creative expression component to suit the individual needs and abilities within your group.
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Sharing and Group Connection: Facilitate a sharing circle where each teen who feels comfortable can share about their best day. As they share, engage with follow-up questions, showing genuine interest and encouraging further detail. Guide the discussion around the group, ensuring everyone who wants to share has the opportunity to do so in a supportive environment. This sharing process not only allows for personal expression but also builds empathy and connection within the group as they learn about each other’s positive experiences.
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Re-Engage with the Song: Conclude the session by singing “Best Day of My Life” one more time. This re-engagement provides a sense of closure and reinforces the positive emotions and themes explored during the discussion. It connects their personal reflections back to the uplifting message of the song.
This intervention is particularly effective for teens with autism, learning delays, and behavioral disorders, but its adaptable nature means it can be tailored to suit a wide range of needs and abilities. You can simplify or increase the complexity based on your group’s specific requirements.
If you’re not yet familiar with “Best Day of My Life,” take a listen on YouTube. And yes, be warned – that “Woo-oo-oo-ohh” is incredibly catchy!
Stay tuned for future posts in this series, where we’ll explore more musical games and movement-based experiences perfect for teen music therapy sessions. For even more creative ideas and resources right now, explore our Tuneful Teens and Rap Pack for Teens resources, available at discounted combo rates here.
