Sound Explorers A Speech and Language Group Through Music For Children With Additional Needs
At Sensational Kids Child Development Centre, Claremorris, Co Mayo
Facilitated by Speech & Language Therapist Bríd Gleeson
Sensational Kids is launching an innovative new initiative — “The Sound Explorers” — a creative group designed to support speech and language development through the power of music.
What is Sound Explorers?
Sound Explorers is a fun, engaging program that blends speech and language therapy with the power of music, rhythm, and movement.
Through songs, games, and interactive play, children explore the sounds of language while developing communication skills in a natural, enjoyable way.
The Sound Explorers aims to bridge the worlds of music and speech therapy, offering a fun, inclusive, and evidence-informed approach to supporting communication in young children.
- Group Size: 3–5 children per group
- Ages: 3–7 years
- Frequency: once a week for 4 weeks, commencing Monday October 6th to Monday October 27th 2025
- Times: 45 minute session from 3:15pm to 4pm
- Where: Sensational Kids Connacht Child Development Centre, Lakeside Retail Park, Claremorris, Co Mayo
Who Is It Suitable For?
This group is ideal for children with additional needs who:
• Enjoy music, singing, and rhythm.
• Benefit from support with speech sounds, listening skills, or phonological awareness.
• Are developing skills in expressive language, vocabulary, or sentence building.
• Need practice with turn-taking, social communication, and confidence in speaking.
• Thrive in small group, interactive settings with peers.
How it works
• Songs and Rhymes: Each session focuses on a theme sound (e.g., /s/, /p/, rhyming words).
• Musical Games: Listening, echoing, and call-and-response build auditory and memory skills.
• Movement & Props: Puppets, scarves, and instruments bring language learning to life.
• Therapeutic Focus: Designed and led by a qualified Speech and Language Therapist, each activity supports specific speech and language goals.
Benefits for Children
• Improved speech clarity and phonemic awareness.
• Expanded vocabulary and sentence skills.
• Increased confidence in communication.
• Development of listening, attention, and memory skills.
• Opportunities to practice social communication in a fun and safe environment.
Speech & Language Therapist Group Facilitator
This innovative group will be facilitated by Bríd Gleeson, a qualified Speech and Language Therapist and graduate of Trinity College Dublin. Bríd brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and musical passion to her work. She currently serves as the National Youth Officer on the Ard Comhairle of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the largest organisation involved in the promotion of Irish traditional music and culture worldwide. A talented musician, Bríd teaches traditional Irish music, has appeared on TG4 and local radio, and volunteers widely in her community. Her fundraising efforts have supported organisations such as Children’s Health Ireland.
In September, Bríd will begin a master’s degree at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), furthering her specialisation in the field of speech and language therapy. She is committed to continuous professional development and has completed training in Lámh, autism support, therapeutic listening, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).
Outside of her clinical work, Bríd facilitates youth music sessions for children and young people, using music as a tool to build confidence and enhance communication skills. As an active member of the Mayo community, she is a strong advocate for early intervention and champions the proven connection between music and language development.
Cost Per Term
- Full Cost: €155 per term per child.
- Subsidised Rate available for parents: €100 per term (4 weekly sessions) per child
Full payment for the term must be made upfront in full to secure your child’s place on this group at the time your place is confirmed. No refunds can be offered if a week is missed as your child’s place is held on this group for them.
Note: Should you wish to sponsor a place for a child in The Sound Explorers Group just contact our Fundraising Manager Brian O’Neill Brian@sensationalkids.ie
How To Book
- Please contact Loretta or Isabella at Sensational Kids in Claremorris to register your expression of interest in this group. We will then allocate places to a group based on the expressions of interest received.
- Phone: 094 9357005
- Email: Claremorris@sensationalkids.ie