Tina M.

Here are 5 ways that I can address the wide range of music skills and abilities of my students in my music room. 1. I offer choices. I always offer my students choices-the choice of what music we perform, the choice to participate and explore the part they sing or play in the way they prefer, the choice of where we perform, the choice of uniform attire that we wear, the choice in preferential seating. Some students may prefer to work individually, with a partner, in a small group, or in a large group. Or, if there are students in my choir who are sensitive to sensory experiences, I might allow them to use tools to assist them. 2. I plan for possibilities. As I plan an activity to share with my students, I always think about how I can adjust the activity in the moment for students who need more time, more support, or experience with concrete materials to understand the concept. I will also consider how I might scaffold the experience to challenge my students who are advanced learners. 3. I empower my students to document their learning. Digital portfolios are a wonderful addition to teachers’ classrooms, replacing large, dusty boxes of notes, artwork, writing samples, and photos. I know the power of a student’s portfolio lies in their selection of what they are proud of and their reflection on their learning. I talk to my students about how and why you take notes, not just in my music classes or choirs, and photos, or videos of their work. I invite my students to share what they would like to include in their digital portfolio and periodically ask them to review photos or videos. I ask my students what skills they would like to continue to develop and reflect upon. I encourage my students and their families to capture and share observations of learning at home as well. This helps families notice and celebrate their student’s evolving skills and abilities! 4. I encourage community support. Children are usually very aware of their skills and those of their peers. In my choirs, I have discovered students who are multi-talented in many areas, such as art, and have encouraged a choir student of mine to enter an art competition here in the state of Arkansas, and she went on to win the art contest that year. I celebrate each students expertise and encourage them to support other students who could benefit from their help. I have my students share examples of their work to celebrate successes. I even model this openness about asking for help, for example, by inviting the classroom dancer to teach me his signature dance move. I love to dance and bring that expertise into my choir room as well having worked at Magic Springs in the live shows, as well as Six Flags theme parks too. 5. I provide a variety of learning materials. For example, it’s easier to describe the musical elements of Jazz if you’re playing or singing Jazz for your students personally, instead of simply playing a recording, although I do incorporate all types of recordings and digital media, including but not limited to live performances, cassette tapes, records, CDs, even my original Walkman from seventh grade, and more. In my physical choir room, I evaluate the materials in each interest area having books about music topics that might interest my students in a variety of reading levels, puzzles with different ability levels, and even music games, such as Sing or Dare, BINGO, Pass The Beat, Concentration, and many more. I help my students identify different styles of music and possible musical instruments that they already have at home that they can use to support their music skills and that of their family members who can support their learning by sharing their previous musical experiences!