BEAMZ Beamz Interactive Inc. Features and Benefits: . Durable . Auditorily Stimulating . Visually Stimulating . Wide Age Range . Inviting Due to Uniqueness . Open-Ended . Innovative . Wide Range Volume Control . Independent Activity . Group Activity . Provides Auditory Cues . Provides Visual Cues . Hands-On Approach to Learning . Includes Activity Guide . One-Piece Unit . Game Variations Developmental Processes Promoted: . Visual Attention . Visual Tracking . Auditory Attention . Visual Processing . Auditory Processing . Sound Imitation . Cause and Effect . Eye-Hand Coordination . Reaching/Arm Extension . Functional Finger Move- ment & Exploration . Social Interaction . Coordinated Movement . Motor Planning . Creativity . Bilateral Coordination . Strategic Thinking Beamz is an interactive music system that is played by interrupting up to four laser beams with your hands creating up to 12 different sounds of instruments, music clips and vocals. The Beamz system includes Bluetooth technology that wirelessly connects one Apple de- vice to the Beamz player at a time. After downloading the free Beamz Interactive app through iTunes, the Apple device becomes the speakers of the Beamz Player. The Blue- tooth technology allows for greater accessibility during play. All ages and abilities can easi- ly play together or independently to make music through laser beams! A music back- ground is not required to play the Beamz. The Beamz includes a FREE downloadable Sam- ple Family Activity Guide at www.thebeamz.com. Beamz is a hardware and software solu- tion. Software download instructions are provided for Windows, Mac and iOS systems. When using a Mac or Windows device, Beamz connects to the computer via a USB cord. When using iOS, Beamz connects via Bluetooth and power is sourced directly from the outlet. “The Bluetooth technology feature makes the Beamz player so accessi- ble! My son has cerebral palsy and the iPad used as the interface and speakers make the Beamz player ultra-convenient for portability and positioning purposes.” –Karina A., Mother of 5 year old Felipe with cerebral palsy “Beamz has provided our Lekotek families with a new way to interact with mu- sic! The Bluetooth technology helps us engage more kids of all abilities through music in our family play sessions and play groups.” –Hayley A., CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) & Family Play Specialist, National Lekotek Center, Chicago, IL Page 2 Physical Description . The Beamz offers opportunities for many levels of play- beginner, intermediate, advanced play and beyond. The child can start playing the Beamz through free exploration and move on to creating and recording his own music. . The Beamz provides a large margin of error as children can be successful making music with any voluntary or involuntary movement through the large laser beam openings on the Beamz player. . Moving to the rhythm of the Beamz sounds can encourage large muscle movements. . The Beamz can be played in different positions for successful play. It can be placed horizontally, vertically, upside down, etc. for optimal positioning for individual needs by caregivers holding the Beamz player or mounting the player to different surfaces. . The Beamz player is durable for strong, unrefined movements. . The Beamz provides many options for play: Beamz player, mouse, touch screen computer (if applicable), Apple device and through the keyboard shortcuts created by the Beamz. . The Beamz Bluetooth technology offers many options for accessibility through play. A child does not have to access the computer to play. The Apple device becomes the speakers and interface to operate the Beamz player and make music. . The Bluetooth technology offers more capabilities with positioning during play. The Apple device is wireless and the Beamz Player includes a long cord so that a child can sit where it is most conducive to play and not be connected to the computer. . The Beamz Family Play Guide includes 10 activities that stimulate and encourage physical development. A free sam- ple of the Beamz Family Play Guide with 4 activities is downloadable at www.thebeamz.com. Skills . Using the mouse to select and play the laser beams on the computer assist children with isolated finger movements and eye hand coordination. . When using songs like “Old MacDonald”, the child must swipe the laser beam when it is time to include an animal in the song. . This will encourage coordinated and cooperative hand movements. . Encourage vocalizations while playing the Beamz. Pick out sound effects for the child to mimic. For example, the child can mimic sounds from the song, “That’s a Rap” like “yeah” or “uh.” . Children may enhance fine motor skills when isolating one finger to “pluck” the laser beams in the air. This strengthens fine motor skills used for dressing, eating, writing and etc. . Children may enhance motor planning skills when playing the Beamz. . Eye-hand coordination is promoted as children watch the lasers move on the computer screen or iOS device when crossing the lasers on the Beamz Player. . Reaching and arm extension are promoted as children can reach out to swipe a laser beam to play. . Child can learn to “swap” out different instruments using the Beamz player by pushing the buttons that coordinate with the computer or iOS screen on the Beamz Player to rotate the vocals, sounds and instruments. Physical Page 3 Physical Play Ideas . Swipe the laser beams using other body parts like your foot, elbow or forehead. . Play a game of follow the leader. The leader can play a sound on the laser beams and then others can mimic the sound. . Encourage a child to engage in her non-dominant side. For example, only use only her left hand for the left side beams and only her right hand for the right side beams instead of only using her dominant hand. This will strengthen a child’s weaker side and promote bilateral coordination. . Have two children play the Beamz Player. One child can be responsible for the playing the left side beams and the other child can be in charge of playing the right side beams. Adaptations . Use strong double-sided mounting tape, Velcro or mounting brackets to modify the position of the Beamz for play. . Use a ruler or pointer to assist a child with reach when swiping the laser beams. Children who have tight muscles or limited range of motion may benefit from this. Description . The Beamz is auditorily stimulating with a variety of songs, sound effects, and vocals that vary from popular radio hits to classics and kids’ songs. . The Beamz is visually appealing with a contemporary style and innovative design. . The Beamz can be used to introduce different tones, chords and sounds to children. . Child can activate the Beamz Player by interrupting the laser beams with his hands, using the mouse or using a touch screen computer or tapping the Apple device screen to play. . Each song has 12 different musical instruments or sound effects, a background track, to hear and explore. Some songs have video, vocal and karaoke lyric accompaniment. . The Beamz provides a wide volume range. Note: the volume is controlled by your computer or Apple device. Sound is projected from the speakers of those devices. . The Beamz’ screen has a black background and uses bright green and bright purple colors which highly contrast to show when you are playing a laser beam and when it is silent. . The Beamz provides many options for play: Beamz player, mouse, touch screen computer (if applicable), Apple device and through the keyboard shortcuts created by the Beamz. . The Beamz Family Play Guide includes 10 activities that stimulate and encourage sensory development. A free sample of the Beamz Family Play Guide with 4 activities is downloadable at www.thebeamz.com. Skills . When using songs like “Old MacDonald” in the Family Bundle, the child must swipe the laser beam when it is time to include an animal for the songs. This will encourage auditory processing and attention. . Children may enhance motor planning skills when playing the Beamz. . Children may enhance fine motor skills when isolating one finger to “pluck” the laser beams through the air. This strengthens fine motor skills used for dressing, eating, writing, and etc. . Music is an avenue to express individual creativity. Children can use the Beamz to express themselves. . Auditory processing is a part of play when children cross the laser beams on the Beamz Player and listen to the re- sponse. . Visual processing and tracking can be enhanced when the child is interacting with the Beamz Player using an iOS de- vice as the speakers. Crossing the laser beams on the Beamz Player triggers a visual response on the screen. Physical Continued... Sensory Sensory Continued... Play Ideas . A caregiver can play different instruments on the Beamz and have the child guess which instruments he hears and vice versa. . Encourage the child to explore the different features on the Beamz like changing the tempo of the instruments, vocals and sound effects which can assist in auditory attention and processing. Caution: Be sensitive to over-stimulation. . Have the child record her own song to share with family and friends. . If you have access to traditional instruments like a guitar, a caregiver can play the guitar while the child plays the Beamz (and vice versa) to compare the different sounds. Adaptation Ideas . Using the Beamz player and computer screen or using the Beamz player and Apple device can be overwhelming to take in at once. Provide focus by paring down the interfaces. For example, only use the computer or only use the iPad to play and explore the Beamz software or app until the child is ready to move on to multiple paired devices for chil- dren who are easily over-stimulated, reduce the number of sounds you present and/or turn off the background rhythm. Gradually increase the sounds as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit. . Play a music video/YouTube video or theme song to child’s favorite cartoon on the computer screen instead of the Beamz player. She can use the Beamz Player to play along. Description . The Beamz is visually appealing with a contemporary style and innovative design. . Creating music through the Beamz system is an inclusive activity that children with and without disabilities can en- joy together. . The Beamz allows for open-ended play; there is no right or wrong way to play and there are an infinite number of ways to create music. . The Beamz offers opportunities for many levels of play- beginner, intermediate, advanced play and beyond. The child can start playing the Beamz through free exploration and move on to creating and recording his own music. . Play duration can be altered according to a child’s needs. . Child can use the Beamz to express himself in many different facets as music is a way to express individual creativity. . Music and creativity through instruments (even via an interface) can help children express and release anger and frustration. . The Beamz allows you to play all instruments, create your own masterpieces and even record them for future en- joyment. There are infinite ways to play with the Beamz. . Each song has 12 different musical instruments or sound effects, a background track, to hear and explore. Some songs have video, vocal and karaoke lyric accompaniment. . The Beamz Family Play Guide includes 10 activities that stimulate and encourage cognitive development. A free sample of the Beamz Family Play Guide with 4 activities is downloadable at www.thebeamz.com. Cognitive Cognitive continued Skills . Beamz encourages imagination through the genres of music, band or world famous musicians in the Beamz Family song bundle and the song videos available to watch. . Cause and effect learning takes place as children swipe the laser beams and hear an immediate response. . Locational learning takes place as children play the Beamz player and locate the sounds coming from the iOS device. . When using songs from the Family Bundle such as, “DJ Sampler,” the child can cross the laser beam on the Beamz player or tap the iPad “beat box” laser along to the beat of the rhythm playing. This will encourage auditory attention and sequential thought processing. This works best with songs that have sounds, vocals or instruments with 1/16 notes. . The Beamz can assist with pre-literacy skills and word association when the child hears the vocals, instruments and sound effects made through the laser beams and sees the written sound on the computer or iPad screen. For exam- ple, the song “Super Freak-Jam” shows the words “Superfreak” and “Ohs” on the screen. When the laser beam is crossed, the vocals play. . The Beamz may heighten a child’s self-esteem when she makes and records her own creation and can proudly play it back for herself and others or send the recording to others via email. Play Ideas . Download the free Family Sample Guide at www.thebeamz.com or purchase the full guide for more play ideas. . Children can be encouraged to pretend that they are in a band or are a music teacher. . Children can have a sing-a-long using the Beamz. . To encourage listening, memory and recall skills swipe the laser beams and have the child copy that same pattern. Take turns so the child has an opportunity to create a pattern for you. . Incorporate math during play by dividing and counting out the beats in the song rhythms- “1 and a 2 and a.” . Find a book from the library or online with sheet music on the drums or a woodwind instrument and try to play the songs using the lasers on the Beamz. . If you have access to traditional instruments like a guitar, a caregiver can play the guitar while the child plays the Beamz (and vice versa) to compare the different sounds. . Find household items that sound like the different sounds of the laser beams. Play along to the rhythms using nontra- ditional instruments. . Look up YouTube video versions of the family bundle songs, copy or add dance moves to inspire fine arts. Adaptations . The Beamz player and computer screen or Beamz player and Apple device can be overwhelming to take in at once. Provide focus by paring down the interfaces. For example, only use the computer or only use the iOS to play and ex- plore the Beamz until the child is ready to move on to multiple devices. . When using the computer to interact with the Beamz player, lock the computer, turn on the screen saver or display a picture on the desktop that would not distract the child from play. Note: The Beamz must be connected to a comput- er when using this adaptation idea. . For children who are easily over-stimulated, reduce the number of sounds you present and/or turn off the background rhythm. Gradually increase the sounds as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit. Communicative Description . The Beamz may encourage social interactions through music and singing. . The Beamz allows for open-ended play; there is no right or wrong way to play. . Play duration can be altered according to a child’s needs. . Music and creativity through instruments (even via an interface) can help children express and release anger and frus- tration. . Music is an avenue for a child to express himself through creativity and song- the Beamz has many features to create and record songs included in the Beamz Family Bundle. . Parallel, interactive and cooperative play can all be encouraged when using the Beamz. . When playing rhythms on the songs in the Family Bundle, songs will loop until you turn off the rhythm. . Some of the songs in the Family Bundle like “Splish Splash” include lyrics to follow along when interacting with the Beamz system. . The Beamz Family Play Guide includes 10 activities that stimulate and encourage communicative development. A free sample of the Beamz Family Play Guide with 4 activities is downloadable at www.thebeamz.com. Skills . The Beamz can assist with pre-literacy skills and word association when the child hears the vocals, instruments, and sound effects made through the laser beams and see the written sound on the computer or iPad screen. . Encourage vocalizations while playing the Beamz. Pick out sound effects for the child to mimic. For example, the child can mimic sounds from the song, “That’s a Rap” like “yeah” or “uh.” . Pretend play can be a part of the Beamz as children pretend to be in a rock band or pretend to be a famous musician. . The Beamz can help children develop and strengthen auditory processing when children cross the lasers on the Beamz Player and hear the sound on the computer or iOS device. . Following auditory directions is reinforced during play when watching the visual aid tutorial videos on the computer. . Using a touch screen computer or the mouse helps directly connect the action on the screen and the child’s response. This can help reinforce cause and effect learning. Play Ideas . Find a child’s favorite song or a theme song to his favorite television show on YouTube to play on the computer (instead of using the Beamz on the computer screen) and accompany the song using the instruments, sound effects and vocals on the Beamz. *Note: This play idea does not work when using an Apple device. The app must be open on the screen. . Create a “jam session” and have the child dance and sing while playing the Beamz with family and friends. The Beamz is big enough for multiple people to create music at the same time! . Have the child record her own song creation to wish someone a happy birthday or send them a greeting through song vocals and/or sound effects via the Beamz recording device via email or share in person. . Encourage children to mimic the sounds they hear through the Beamz songs, sound effects and vocals. . Verbally ask the child to play a specific laser beam (ie: tom drums) and then have him ask you to play a specific laser beam instrument. . Have the child create his own personal playlist on the Beamz so that all of his favorite music is easily accessible to play and share. . Have two children play the Beamz Player. One child can be responsible for the playing the left side beams and the other child can be in charge of playing the right side beams. . A caregiver can video record a child playing with the Beamz and replay it back to him to increase awareness of his vo- cals and oral movements. . A caregiver can have the child read the Family Play Guide activity (free sample guide or full guide) instructions and ex- plain how to play a game to others. Communicative Continued... Adaptations . Using the Beamz player and computer screen or using the Beamz player and Apple device can be overwhelming to take in at once. Provide focus by paring down the interfaces. For example, only use the computer or only use the iPad to play and explore the Beamz software or app until the child is ready to move on to multiple paired devices. . When using the computer to interact with the Beamz player, lock the computer, turn on the screen saver or display a picture on the desktop that would not distract the child from play. Note: The Beamz must be connected to a computer when using this adaptation idea. . For children who are easily over-stimulated, reduce the number of sounds you present and/or turn off the background rhythm. Gradually increase the sounds as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit. Description . The Beamz allows for open-ended play; there is no right or wrong way to play and there are an infinite number of ways to create music. . The Beamz offers freedom to explore and create music allowing the child to be independent with choices and length of play. . The Beamz Family Play Guide includes 10 activities that stimulate and encourage social/emotional development. A free sample of the Beamz Family Play Guide with 4 activities is downloadable at www.thebeamz.com. . Play duration can be altered according to a child’s needs. . Child can use the Beamz to express himself in many different facets as music is a way to express individual creativity. . Music and creativity through instruments (even via an interface) can help children express and release anger and frus- tration. . The Beamz may encourage social interactions through music and singing. . The Beamz provides a large margin of error as a child can be successful making music in any fashion by interrupting the laser beams with her hands. . Beamz can be played independently or shared with others. . Rhythms are automatically looped/repeated giving a child further time to hear, see and retain the song and beats for future recollection. . Playing the Beamz can be made as simple or elaborate as a child’s ability and frustration levels permit. Skills . The Beamz may heighten a child’s self-esteem when she makes and records her own creation and can proudly play it back for herself and others or send the recording via email. . Music is an avenue to express individual creativity. Children can use the Beamz to express themselves. . Cooperative play can encourage turn taking, sharing and social skills. . Beamz encourages exploration and discovery allowing kids to build confidence while learning. . Precision, patience and response time can be enhanced by using the Simon Says feature on the computer. The child must repeat back the rhythms played. . Children can become more self-aware of how they act and react to others when playing music together. . Interacting through the Beamz Player with others promotes spatial awareness. Play Ideas . Have the child record her own song creation to wish someone a happy birthday or send them a greeting through song vocals and/or sound effects via the Beamz recording device via email or share in person. . Have two children play the Beamz Player. One child can be responsible for the playing the left side beams and the other child can be in charge of playing the right side beams. . Have the child create his own personal “moods” playlists on the Beamz so that all of his favorite music is easily accessi- ble to play when feeling different emotions. Social/Emotional