1/3/2022
Topic:
Students with Disabilities
Angela Wolfenden
|
I had a student that had seizures and was in a wheel chair. She was in my MS choir class. She struggled reading, writing and moving, but loved to sing! She did not have positive experiences in music previously and was very shy to share out in class. This student had trouble fitting in with her peers and did not have many friends at school. She had a full time aid but often times the aid did not help much in the music class.
In the beginning, I found some fun rounds I could teach by rote so that she could learn along with her peers easily. I gave lots of positive feedback to all students for being bold and using their voices. I also sat this student next to friendly and encouraging students to make her more comfortable. She made some friends and starting raising her hand to answer questions. Once we moved to sheet music, I highlighted the text of the music for the student to focus on. I also shared recordings of the music with her parents so they could listen/practice at home. When we started choreography, I modified the movements so she could use her hands and take breaks when needed. I also created accomodations by having her complete assignments aurally with her aid's help to ensure she was learning materials. Sometimes, I would modify the length of the work and gave extra time to complete when needed. Seating in the front of the room, and lots of verbal praise and cues helped too. Overall, I found that choir was a class that this student could enjoy while learning and connecting with her peers! |
5/12/2022
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Angela Wolfenden
|
Option 2: I created an "ostinato project" assignment for students. In this assignment, students used a free drum kit website to create a drum beat. Then we used a tone matrix website to create an ostinato melodic pattern. I gave students "levels" of achievement based on how much they wanted to add or challenge themselves. For example using at least 4 drums sounds and 3 notes in your tone matrix was bronze level. More instruments and length moved a student to silver level. We even went to diamond and platinum if you were willing to share yours with others. This project was create because the pitch was based off a pentatonic scale, so no melodies sounded wrong and every one could have fun experimenting with different sounds. This assignment was great for students with disabilities to be able to work at their own pace/comfort level and experiment in a risk-free environment! |
5/12/2022
Topic:
Tools and Strategies
Angela Wolfenden
|
Option 2: I created an "ostinato project" assignment for students. In this assignment, students used a free drum kit website to create a drum beat. Then we used a tone matrix website to create an ostinato melodic pattern. I gave students "levels" of achievement based on how much they wanted to add or challenge themselves. For example using at least 4 drums sounds and 3 notes in your tone matrix was bronze level. More instruments and length moved a student to silver level. We even went to diamond and platinum if you were willing to share yours with others. This project was create because the pitch was based off a pentatonic scale, so no melodies sounded wrong and every one could have fun experimenting with different sounds. This assignment was great for students with disabilities to be able to work at their own pace/comfort level and experiment in a risk-free environment! |
5/13/2022
Topic:
Assessment of Learning
Angela Wolfenden
|
Option 1: In the general music classroom (middle school) I've had students with extra time and read aloud accommodations. To adapt the rhythm assessments, I gave students the choice of playing rhythm, speaking rhythm, singing rhythms or a combination to demonstrate rhythm reading skills. All students were expected to display proper posture and clear performance of correct rhythm patters (whole, dotted half, half, quarter eighth notes and rests). I encouraged combining singing and playing and I was excited that many students chose to perform with this option. This also allowed students that needed more time a chance to perform in the way that was most comfortable for them. |