2/24/2017
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Katherine Berry
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I currently teach two self-contained ESE classes, one for students who are K-2nd grade and one for students 3rd-5th grade. My older Access Points class, the name of our self-contained ESS classes, is paired with one of my general education 2nd grade classes. Though it does make the class size quite large, it also allows me to pair those students who are struggling to understand music concepts with another classmate who can assist them in the class. I especially use student buddies when having the students complete music compositions. Each student is given a measure to complete, and if one of my ESE students is having trouble writing the notation I will have their buddy work on verbally saying or physically clapping their chosen rhythm first and then asking their buddy to dictate the rhythm for them. Additionally, when we work with mallet instruments or rhythm sticks, one of my students who has severe Autism has difficulty holding the smaller dowels, but by cutting a hole in a tennis ball or stress ball and sliding it onto the mallet he is able to hold it much easier and with a more proper grip. |
2/24/2017
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Katherine Berry
|
Option 2:
The school district in which I teach utilizes an online music curriculum called Quaver's Marvelous World of Music. In addition to the interactive white lessons, specific lessons provide a QR code that can be scanned by a tablet which then allows the student to access the activity via the tablet. I use this feature specifically with some of the students who have autism and therefore struggling with being overstimulated by the large screen. By allowing the student to utilize the tablet as opposed to focusing on the smart board, they are allowed to minimize stimuli that may be affecting their ability to focus.
Additionally, when I am working on composition projects, I have students who struggle with fine motor skills and writing out notation. I use the tablet and QR codes to allow the students to access a online staff where they can simply drag and drop the rhythms they would like in their composition which is easier than gripping a small pencil and drawing complex music symbols. |