Here are links to "Music Achievement Certificates" from specialneedsinmusic.com. They are a source of pride for special needs students and may be sent home, displayed on bulletin boards and/or presented at special assemblies and events. The certificates recognize accomplishments in playing instruments, singing, improvisation and appreciating music.
Here are five lesson plans that can be used for workshops that include more than one class. The first lesson is a brief discussion about setting up a special ed classroom. The second lesson involves jazz style scatting. The third one is a composing game. The fourth is a music journal and activities project. They can be expanded to include guest artists. Improvisation can be used to add fun and interest to the lesson. The fifth is a class and homework assignment listening guide for my web site.
The following worksheets, with their various multi-level activities, are a blueprint for workshop lessons that enable individual pacing, independent practice and group cohesion. Students, teachers, paras and families can first listen to the selections by downloading them from the audio instructional web page or at the folk music page.
The teacher or group leader can go through the activities in a number of ways. The entire class can focus on one activity in smaller groups, or different small groups can work on different activities found on the worksheets. The smaller groups can then work together to practice the song as a whole by utilizing one activity on the sheet, or by practicing the different activities on the sheet simultaneously following their small group or individual practice session. The group can then analyses their strengths and weaknesses. These pieces are all suitable for assemblies and many school themes. The worksheets are also a useful homework tool.
