Activity 1

Who

• This is an activity for music education teachers to implement in a classroom setting 

The Need

• difficult to teach students with various disabilities at the same time as typically developing students

• Through this activity I want to provide an opportunity for a teacher to provide a lesson plan that can be applicable to differing levels of abilities

What

This is a 30 minute classroom activity geared for music educators to teach musical concepts to their classroom with varying levels of abilities and/or disabilities. This activity is an outline that can be used to teach several musical concepts to a variety of students. The need conveyed was that teachers need a better way of teaching a diverse student population and this activity outline provides that. Students and teachers will have an opportunity to lead and navigate group dynamics and planning through this activity.

How

1. The teacher will divide the class into groups evenly comprised of students with various disabilities and those without 

2. Each group will be given percussion instruments for each person of the group

3.  Each group will be given a notated rhythm from the teacher 

4.  Groups will be given (X) amount of time as detailed by the teacher

5. Students will work together to work out the given rhythm

6. Each group will perform their given rhythm on percussion instruments 

UDL and SEL

UDL: Multiple means of expression will be used because the rhythm can be presented to each group verbally among group members and visually by the teacher.

SEL:  Social-awareness and self-awareness are both used in this activity because group members must be aware of the social aspect of the group and working with their peers as well as the self-awareness of being able to perform the rhythm as part of a group. 

Materials

• Simple percussion instruments 

Ex.: egg shakers, hand drums, hands, tambourines, bells

• Whiteboard or paper to write down rhythms