7/16/2016
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Manning Hicks
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I have had several students with autism in my music classes. Just as the definition of spectrum disorders is broad, the students have had varying conditions and manifestations of the disorder. One student whom I've taught for four years now has shown exceptional skills in rhythm when moving and playing instruments. He is sensitive to certain sounds though. When he was in Pre-K headphones were used when loud noises were involved in an activity. We moved away from that as he became more sensitive to the stigma and somewhat less sensitive to sounds. I now just prepare the entire for potentially loud noises, by saying things like "okay, Sally's going to play the rhythm on the hand drum. She's not supposed to hit it hard, but you might want to cover your ears anyway" it seems to work well. |
7/20/2016
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Manning Hicks
|
I have used mnemonic devices and grouping simultaneously in a lesson to help students the line and space names on the music staff in treble and bass chefs. With fifth graders I group students in threes. Students with disabilities that may affect their performance of th task are grouped with peers who can assist them. After reviewing the traditional phrases or words used to remember note names, groups are tasked with creating their own mnemonic devices for memorization. Through observation I try to insure that all students are contribution and are encouraged to participate. Groups then present their products to the class, and we have an informal vote for the best device. It usually ends in a tie, as most vote for their own, but if we have a winner, we use it throughout the school year. |
7/20/2016
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Manning Hicks
|
For a student in band who has a reading speed recognition deficit reading music for weekly playing assessments was probleming if he was required to read and play at the given tempo markings. He was allowed to set his own tempo when being assessed. I guess that would be the equivalent of a time accommodation. |