About Our Class

Students at Washington Center attend 40 minute adapted music classes once per week. During the class they participate in multi-sensory, standards-based activities that help them learn music through hands-on experiences. Students begin the class by singing the teacher-made "Hello to You" song with puppet friend, Toucan. During the song, each student is welcomed by name and encouraged to respond by singing, speaking (vocalizing), waving, or smiling at the puppet and Mrs. Dail.

Following the Welcome Activity, the class participates in 4 categories of musical activities: Singing, Moving (to the steady beat of the music), Playing (instruments), and Listening (musical and fine arts performances). Mrs. Dail utilizes large picture symbols at the front of the classroom to provide a predictable routine and to keep everyone focused on the activity. 

Students especially enjoy discovering and playing their own instruments each time they come to music class. Unusual instruments such as a rain sticks, lollipop drums, or wind chimes provide additional visual, tactile, and aural stimulation.  Other  more common unpitched percussion instruments such as maracas,  triangles or tambourines,  can be played independently, or with hand-over-hand assistance from the teacher or a para educator. 

SC Music Standards for Visual and Performing Arts (adapted) are combined with Curriculum Standards for Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Science and are addressed during the music class to provide additional support for learning in the classroom. Tactile symbols, VOCA (Voice Output Communication Aids), and other technology enhance and encourage student participation. Whether singing new or familiar songs, moving purposefully, playing instruments, or actively listening to a variety of music, students learn from, and enjoy the multi-sensory activities in adapted music class.

At the close of each music class and to facilitate a smooth, stress-free transition, students are invited to participate in a closing song with the alligator puppet. This activity encourages everyone to put on a smile and ". . . see you later alligator, after awhile crocodile." Experiential learning provides many different opportunities for students to engage in creativity and learning during Washington Center adapted music classes. 

Selected students participate in an Elementary Music Club or a Middle School/High School Music Club with new students being chosen each quarter for these clubs. In these small group settings, students receive more hands-on opportunities that reinforce standards being taught in their music classes.