8/6/2020
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Cliff Fouts
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I currently have a student with Specific Learning Difficulties who has difficulty physically participating with the class, especially when performing on instruments. As a percussionist, I have a lot of tools which are very useful to a percussionist who has their hands full with several sticks/mallets, etc. These adaptive resources, which were originally intended to assist a musician quickly switching from several instruments to another, have been hugely beneficial in accommodating this student. Instead of having to hold a triangle in one hand, hold a beater in the other, and maintain the muscle control to play the instrument in time with their peers, I utilize these assistive devices so that the students only has to tap the beater, which is mounted along with the triangle. The students is able to perform successfully along with their peers and demonstrate their knowledge and musical ability. |
8/7/2020
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Cliff Fouts
|
For students with visual impairments I have used the Smartboard in the past. Using the Smartboard and the accompanying Notebook software allows the students to touch and manipulate what is on the board. While peers are using smaller manipulatives, VI students can be similarly engaged doing the same activity, but have the accommodation of the larger images on the Smartboard. For example, if students were practicing steps and skips using a staff card with bingo chips, a student could be doing the exact same activity, but with a staff page and moveable "Chips" on the Smartboard screen. |
8/7/2020
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Cliff Fouts
|
I have an autistic student who also has difficulty writing and using fine motor skills. After a unit on "Peter and the Wolf" students were completing an assessment in which they had to write the character next to each instrument. As an accommodation, this student was provided the list of instruments with each character name (and picture) cut out so that he could physically match them without having to write it out. He was also given the accommodation of additional time. These accommodations benefit the students as it allows him more time to process, and allows him to respond in a similar manner as his peers, but with about the restriction of having to be able to manipulate a pencil. |