Homeschool Happenings: September 2019

Monday, September 30, 2019

Sound for Life Ltd ~ A Review

A few years back I had the privilege of reviewing Forebrain from Sound for Life Ltd. I was very excited when I was offered the opportunity to try their new Soundsory headphone device. Contained within the headphones, Soundsory is a multi-sensory program that combines sound with movement to stimulate the vestibular and auditory systems simultaneously. The built in 20 hour program is set up to be used for 30 minutes per day, for 40 days. Each day is split into two parts. The first part is a 25 minute rhythmic music listening session. The second part is 5 minutes of music that is to be used in combination with movement. Throughout the 30 minute session you will hear a wide variety of musical genres. The musical genres go back and forth throughout the session. The music will start out soft and build up and then get soft again. When a session is complete the headphone will automatically shut off.

The music is delivered through air and bone-conduction for total auditory stimulation. Built into the top of the headphone is a bone-conduction transducer that is located at the top middle of the headset. As the music plays the transducer will vibrate thus providing auditory stimulation.

I did not feel the vibration of the bone-conduction transducer working on our headset. I used my hand to try and feel and I still could not feel vibration. I have used similar devices that have bone-conduction transducers built into the headset and I could feel the vibration. I assume we have a defective product and that is why I am unable to feel the vibration in the Soundsory.

The Soundsory unit connects to a standard USB port to your computer or wall charger via the USB charging cable provided. The unit charges in 4 hours. There is a charge bar that will display on the side of the headphone display to show the battery life. There is a Bluetooth mode so that the headphone can also be used as a regular headset.

So who used Soundsory?

I had my 11-year-old daughter who had mild sensory issues use the program. I also used the program. I wanted to see how this program worked and what I thought about it.

My daughter said, "The music was not calming to me at all. It was too much going on and loud even when I turned the volume down. I didn't like it at all. It made me feel funny and crazy inside."

My thoughts, "I found the music selections to be very busy and it made me want to turn it off. It was not calming to me at all. It made me anxious. I actually got headaches during many of the sessions. I felt very flustered after listening to the sessions. Personally, I really wanted to like the sessions. I haven't totally given up on Soundsory yet. I am hoping that as I research more on the site I can figure out maybe why my daughter and I are having negative experiences. I know that this technology works I just need to figure out how to make it work for us."

Soundsory has been found to help those with:

Autism Spectrum
Motor Delays
Balance and Coordination
Developmental Delays
Sensory and Auditory Processing Disorders
ADD and ADHD

During sessions users are encouraged to:

Relax
Move: walk, dance, run
Creativity: draw, paint, build
Play: cards, legos, puzzles

During sessions users are encouraged to AVOID:

Stress
Screen time
Speaking
Driving
Eating/Chewing

During the 5 minute movement session to music you can find exercises that go along with each session on the Soundsory website.

Soundsory has been designed for ages 2 and older. What makes Soundsory unique is that it is a home based program. Those that are familiar with the Tomatis Method may wonder how this differs. Well, Soundsory does not include the advanced settings that the Tomatis Method set-up has. Therefore, it cannot be a replacement for the Tomatis Method. Soundsory is uniquely intended to provide parents with an at home option.

I would recommend others to check out the Soundsory website and read about the benefits of their multi-sensory program. Also, make sure to read what my fellow crew members have to say about Soundsory by clicking the link below.

Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundsory/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundforlifeofficial/

To read more reviews click here.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

First Day of Fall 2019

So yesterday was officially the first day of fall but around Texas not many people get too excited about it. Why? Because though it may officially be fall for us it is still summer. Or at least according to our temperatures, LOL. It is really hard to get into that fall feeling when you are still experiencing temperatures in the high 90's outside. All of the stores are displaying their fall apparel, home goods, coffees, etc. but I have a very hard time getting into that fall spirit when we are all still wearing shorts, sandals, and our air conditioners are cycling non stop. Don't get me wrong. I love the crisp fall air, decorating for fall, drinking a hot pumpkin spice Latte with an extra help of whipped creme on top but not when it is 90 plus degree outside. Here is the forecast for the area of Texas that I live in through the first part of October.

Our trees in Texas, at least in our area do not turn colors until at least November. Pumpkins are about the only fall colors that you will see outdoors that will scream, "It is fall!" And of course, in

Texas everything is bigger and better. LOL. This picture was not taken by me but was taken at

the Dallas Arboretum during their wonderful Autumn at the Arboretum. They have a fantastic

display of pumpkins highlighted in their nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village which

features pumpkin houses and so much more. It really is amazing!

Even though our temperatures may still be high, pollen counts may be through the roof, and our leaves may be weeks away from changing colors and falling I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Texas is HOME!