6/4/2019
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Kerry Waldo
|
One student that comes to mind for me is a student that was completely blind in one eye and had only partial vision in her other eye. As if that were not enough, she was diagnosed with an intellectual disability that also struggled with fine motor skills. I teach middle school band and she originally wanted to play the flute, but I suggested a brass instrument since there are less keys involved. She ended up playing the euphonium as it was easier for her to hold and she could manipulate the 3 valves. I enlarged the music so she could see out of her one eye. In addition, I simplified all of her music so that she played only on the downbeats and also sent recordings of what the other students played as well as her modified part so she could listen and practice at home. |
6/6/2019
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Kerry Waldo
|
One strategy I use is mnemonic devices when teaching basic theory lessons to my students. For example, All Cows Eat Grass are the spaces on the bass clef and Grandpa's belt Doesn't Fit Anymore for the lines on the bass clef. For the order of Sharps, Fat Cats Go Down Alley's Eating Birds.
Students love to make up their own sayings and share with the class.
Another strategy I use in class is Peer Partners. This is good when reviewing basic vocabulary or note names on the staff. This enables the students to have immediate feedback and also gives me the opportunity to go around the room to ensure everyone is understanding the main idea of the lesson. |
6/7/2019
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Kerry Waldo
|
I have encountered many times students who have a physical injury (busted lip, broken arm, broken finger, etc) that prevented them from performing with the rest of their peers. When it came time to have a playing test, I would have the student write or tell me the note names and the fingerings for the notes and sing the the rhythms to assess their knowledge.
Other students that have documented anxiety issues are permitted to either come before/after school to play their assignments for me (not in front of the class) or they also have the option of recording themselves either at home or in another room and submit their playing assignment to me electronically. |