Because my schedule has not allowed me to attend a field trip I watched the youtube video about autism from our google docs syllabus that was attended by other members of our class in September. Barb Retenbach is a teacher to us all although she is mute. Barb has reminded me that even though we are all unique and diverse that we are all part of the same community. I really like that there is diversity in the video reading Barb's readings because it really spoke to me. In the video I was shown that Barb wrote the book called Teacher Please with selected readings from "I might be you" which are read by friends in the video.
Objects: She carries around different objects, but the world continues to move foreward. So we should not worry if the student is carrying something as long as it is harmless to those around them.
Quiet Company: No one wants to be talked at. Do not isolate the student.
Facilitated communication: Accept that this is the only way that the school does something, if the teacher is not concerned the student won't be either.
Strength and Support: Cease the perceptions of self.
I really like the video because it explains that no matter what differences there are race, age, sex, if the student requires special education every student deserves the same chances and the same opportunities as other students. The video really opens one's mind to the fact that we should all be equal when it comes down to how we get our education. I really enjoyed this video. I've worked with one autistic child and to me, even though he had problems speaking he was fairly intelligent I would hate to see his mind go to waste because the educational staff feel like he would not be capable of receiving an education. I hope that one day everyone will have the chance to recieve a good education.
Many people who go see Barb speak say there were some of the moments in which they were uncomfortable. How do you think their experience compares to yours, where you just watch a video? What implications might that have for your teaching music? (I'm wondering specifically about looking at Youtube videos of people playing a piece of music).
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of steps would you take as a teacher to ensure that someone like Barb could fully participate in your classroom?
To be really honest with you, I've never heard of having any child with special education in a music class, just because of the difficulty level, and dedication that has to be taken. I did not feel uncomfortable at all with this video. I feel like to have a student that has special needs, I would need to have an assistant in my classroom that knows what that student will have to have to be able to be successful in school. I might also have to meet with them outside of class time, with their parent so that they will understand what the student needs to practice at home. I believe that having lessons after school will give them the attention that they need. Also if they are not able to play an instrument to full potential maybe they could help organize lockers, or help me set up the classroom. I want the student to feel accomplished!
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