Special eduation in music class….?

Our music teacher does hands on things with our kids, and sometimes we try to coordinate what we’re each doing in class.

For example, when we were teaching the kids left from right she had a CD with a song that directed kids to move the bean bag different ways, and she sang and had the kids repeat as they each moved a bean bag. She kept us on the same songs for a month so the kids would get to know them, then she added on when she saw the kids knew the songs.

She also had a bucket of little instruments so each child could have one – hand clappers, shakers, etc. and she gave each child one to use during the songs.

There were also a lot of songs that had to do with following directions, and getting the kids up and moving, like the hokey pokey and one where they had to greet each other, shake hands, and do different greetings with each other.

We also used some songs about animals, and to get the kids involved she gave them stuffed animals and they held them up and made the animal noises when the animal in the song did. She also used big books with the songs, like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, so the kids could see the song as well as hear it.

It seems like the kids did better when she had several songs prepared and she kept them involved and moving around or with something in their hands. We also send the assistants with the students to help out, and we try to keep the class size small.

Thanks for working with our kids. Good luck!

Wow! What an opportunity! I have a special interest in music as well, and have worked with handicapped people most of my life (my brother sustained a head injury when I was nine).

Music is a universal language. Don’t be intimidated by the varied levels of your students’ abilities. You won’t have the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, but everyone has music in them. You just need to help your students release theirs. Remember, listening is an activity as well. Perhaps you could try a few of the following:

1. Use your recorder and play a mimic game. You play a simple tune…three or four notes, and then have them echo back. Increase the number of notes until they are actually echoing a song back. It is a great memory game.

2. Play part of a classical piece (Beethoven piano concertos are great) and allow them to make their own dance to the music.

3. Play “name that tune” with the familiar favorites…or “finish this tune”.

4. Choose one special piece; something that is very singable, yet has some meaning to you. Work on it daily, if only for a short while. They WILL catch on, and will be so proud when they can share it with others.

Bless you for your wonderful endeavor. This experience in your life will enrich your musical abilities like none other!

I hope the special ed teachers in your school can help you. Beyond that, I have 2 suggestions. First, talk to the children’s parents. They can tell you about their kids’ strengths as well as challenges, what they can and cannot do, as well as give you ideas they may have about what they expect their children to be able to do in your class, which probably is not the same as what other parents expect. The second thing I would suggest is to ask some peers to be “peer buddies” in your class, to help the kids with special needs figure out what they should be doing. Some students are very compassionate, and feel good about helping others. Just don’t try to pressure someone into doing it who doesn’t want to. Many times peers can get kids to do things (or not do things) that adults have not been successful at doing. Good luck!

What do you do for an upbeat class with typical students?

Do that.

Look at them as unique individuals, and do not lump them into one category. You might just find someone with amazing talent that has never been seen that way before.

Expose them to all different kinds of music, and see what moves them.

If you reserach music therapy, you might find some activities to try ( for any student).

Enjoy them! You must have one of the greatest jobs ever!

I work with severely challenged kids with various abilities and cognitive levels. We have a few “kid” music DVDs. All the music is sang by kids, but is interactive. There were songs such as the Locomotion, but the kids favorites were line dancing and square dancing. They would try to sing and follow the dancers. All the kids loved doing it!