Adaptive classes can take on many names, faces and descriptions. The word "adaptive" just means that you are making changes or adjustments so the students can be successful in their learning. You want your goals and lessons to be accessible for each student in their own way.
A class like this can differ from building to building and even year to year! The students may be in wheelchairs, unable to speak or need help with general movement. Some could be struggling with regulating themselves emotionally. Others might be learning how to recognize and cope with a certain behavior. Many times these students will come with a group or individual aide who knows their situation and can better assist you in planning or making changes. They may or may not participate, but are there to guide the student.
As each student is different, they will naturally gravitate toward something musical that excites them. Many of my students love movement, whether we do a simple dance or just wave scarves. Some love to play on a drum. In time, you will learn more about your class and some of their likes/dislikes.
First of all, get to know your kids! Many people keep notes to remember what the student struggles with or if they have a specific classroom goal they are working towards. Talk to the special education teacher, school therapist/guidance counselor and their aides. I once had a student that had a very traumatic experience with balloons. I immediately scratched off all the lesson ideas I had with balloons because I wanted to make that student comfortable and happy in music. Maybe the whole group is working on their ABC's in the special education room. This is a great way for you to help while also working on a musical goal like singing together. Second, routine is huge! Below, I will share with you the routine I have established in my classroom. It took many weeks, but the students are happier and know what to expect. It also helps teach them patience and understanding because they know we will play the drums at some point. Finally, don't be afraid to adapt as a teacher. You might have a stellar lesson that worked previously, but it's been a long week and the kids have had it! Don't be discouraged! Maybe give them a choice between two things or let them pick a favorite song. Take some calming time or a sensory activity. Some days will go perfectly and other times you just have to work with it. Don't let this turn you away from music, teaching or these awesome kids. Tomorrow is a whole new day!
- beginning activity
- vocal exploration
- steady beat
- game/sensory/literature
- simple songs
- creative movement
- classroom percussion exploration
- calming/cool down
Below, I will detail each category and share some of my activities that have worked well with my students. Many of the songs and activities I use come from Listen & Learn Music, Laurie Berkner, Miss Carole, Hap Palmer and assorted other places. If you have a specific question, please email me and I'd be happy to help you!
Please understand that your students are so unique and may not enjoy or be able to participate in any of the above categories. This is simply what is successful in my classroom after several weeks of getting to know my students. My aides are great fun and are always happy to participate with the students. This makes things like games and dances easier because each student has a helpful partner. As always, do what is best for your students, classroom, building, district and self.
Please understand that your students are so unique and may not enjoy or be able to participate in any of the above categories. This is simply what is successful in my classroom after several weeks of getting to know my students. My aides are great fun and are always happy to participate with the students. This makes things like games and dances easier because each student has a helpful partner. As always, do what is best for your students, classroom, building, district and self.
BEGINNING ACTIVITY
I use a short beginning activity to get everyone into the room and settled in. Many times it takes these students a bit longer to get to the classroom and I don't want them to miss any of the music making so this is a way for them to get stretched, focus and ready to start class.
I use a short beginning activity to get everyone into the room and settled in. Many times it takes these students a bit longer to get to the classroom and I don't want them to miss any of the music making so this is a way for them to get stretched, focus and ready to start class.
- stretchy band (Listen & Learn Music)
- parachute (Shakin' the Chute)
- bean bags (Bean Bag Boogie, Bean Bag Fun, Bean Bag Beatbox)
- Brain Bop
- GoNoodle/Just Dance
VOCAL EXPLORATION
Vocal exploration is so important for these students! We work to hear all the parts of the voice, regardless of the ability to form words. I have an interactive whiteboard in my classroom, so it is always a treat when the kids get to come up and draw their own pathway on the board.
***Disclaimer: I am not a music therapist nor am I certified in any classes or techniques relating to music therapy. I am simply an elementary music teacher asked to teach something that I wasn't prepared for and struggled to find resources or ideas for this class and its special students. If you are interested in music therapy or are wanting more information in regards to it, please visit the website for the American Music Therapy Association. Thank you!***
Vocal exploration is so important for these students! We work to hear all the parts of the voice, regardless of the ability to form words. I have an interactive whiteboard in my classroom, so it is always a treat when the kids get to come up and draw their own pathway on the board.
- TeachersPayTeachers
- John Feierabend vocal exploration cards
- slide whistle
- Hoberman Sphere
- pipe cleaners
STEADY BEAT
Steady beat is so important for all grade levels, so this is something we do every class period. Normally, we use body percussion or instruments but we also move around the room occasionally.
Steady beat is so important for all grade levels, so this is something we do every class period. Normally, we use body percussion or instruments but we also move around the room occasionally.
- body percussion - simple activities from Elementary Etudes
- beat buddies
- Music Express (The Beat is the Heart of Music & Steady Eddie)
- John Feierabend's Keeping the Beat
- movement (Movin' to the Beat from Music K8 or The Ants Go Marching)
GAME/SENSORY/TECHNOLOGY
This is the part of the lesson that can differ daily. I try to rotate them unless it's "student request day." Sometimes we play a simple game where the students are working on taking turns or understanding that they are out. Other times they do an activity with a partner. There are lots of things that can fit here - email me if you'd like more information!
This is the part of the lesson that can differ daily. I try to rotate them unless it's "student request day." Sometimes we play a simple game where the students are working on taking turns or understanding that they are out. Other times they do an activity with a partner. There are lots of things that can fit here - email me if you'd like more information!
- iPad apps (Singing Fingers, Monkey Drum or GarageBand)
- Tap It Here (Musicplay) or Charlie Over the Ocean
- Great Big Ball (Miss Carole) - this one is HUGE with my kids!
- Music Mega Blocks - create combinations of ta/titi
- Hot Potato
SIMPLE SONGS
This category can be filled with any type of singing you want. At the beginning of the year, we do a lot of echo singing and vocal exploration before diving into full songs. I do use this time to practice program songs if the students want to share with the others. We also combine classroom learning, such as the ABC's, counting and family/community awareness.
This category can be filled with any type of singing you want. At the beginning of the year, we do a lot of echo singing and vocal exploration before diving into full songs. I do use this time to practice program songs if the students want to share with the others. We also combine classroom learning, such as the ABC's, counting and family/community awareness.
- folk songs and/or nursery rhymes
- program songs
- Friends & Family (Hal Leonard)
- Alphabet Action Songs (Musicplay)
- echo songs (Oh, In the Woods, Green Grass Grew All Around, Walking in the Jungle)
CREATIVE MOVEMENT
This is where many of my students shine - they love to move to music! We do simple dances, actions or just free movement with props like scarves and ribbons. Freeze dance is always a hit, too, because they get to hear their favorite tunes.
This is where many of my students shine - they love to move to music! We do simple dances, actions or just free movement with props like scarves and ribbons. Freeze dance is always a hit, too, because they get to hear their favorite tunes.
- scarves & ribbons (Listen & Learn Music)
- Parachutes and Ribbons and Scarves, Oh My (Artie Almeida)
- literature with actions (My Aunt Came Back, Animal Boogie)
- musical spots (instead of chairs)
- freeze dance/folk dances
CLASSROOM PERCUSSION EXPLORATION
Next to creative movement, this is one of my students' favorite times! They love tapping, shaking, and more with instruments. Sometimes we use songs with guided directions while other times we just tap along at our own pace.
Next to creative movement, this is one of my students' favorite times! They love tapping, shaking, and more with instruments. Sometimes we use songs with guided directions while other times we just tap along at our own pace.
- guided directions (Listen & Learn Music, Hap Palmer)
- play & stop - take a song and add random moments of silence with Audacity
- Preschool Prodigies (for boomwhackers & bells)
- children's literature (Tap the Magic Tree, Haja, Shaggy Dog & the Terrible Itch, Pete the Cat)
- Mallet Madness (Artie Almeida)
CALMING/COOL DOWN
I've recently added this component and it's really been a hit. It's a chance for the students to rest and collect themselves before the leaving the room. I also use it if they are out of control or not listening - we immediately stop and cool down for the rest of class. I turn off all the lights and project glowing stars on the ceiling as they lay down and listen.
I've recently added this component and it's really been a hit. It's a chance for the students to rest and collect themselves before the leaving the room. I also use it if they are out of control or not listening - we immediately stop and cool down for the rest of class. I turn off all the lights and project glowing stars on the ceiling as they lay down and listen.
- Kira Willey (Peace & Joy, Namaste, Just Be)
- GoNoodle (Melting, Breathe series)
- classical music (Pathetique 2nd mvt. theme, Claire de Lune, Promenade from Pictures)
- Listen & Learn Music (Around the World We Go, I'll See You in the Morning)
- Sleepy Bells (Music Express, seasonal)
To keep track of all these wonderful ideas, I have a spreadsheet that I constantly update. It gives the name, origin, category and any additional information I need. It will definitely come in handy for my maternity substitute in a few months! I also have a playlist for this class that has most of the music I use regularly. Finally, I have ideas saved in many different boards on Pinterest. I like to be organized and so far, this is the only way I'm able to keep everything together. If you have any questions, please email me. I would be happy to help you collect resources, talk about ideas or just share experiences with you.
I hope these ideas give you some sort of foundation or step in the right direction for your adaptive music classes. My goal is for my students to experience the world of music, but also foster of love of it. They might never sing and show the handsigns for the entire solfege scale, but that doesn't matter to me. What matters is that they love coming into my classroom and find joy in singing, dancing and playing. One of the best moments in my career was when a student of mine with Down syndrome (normally nonverbal) sang "Let It Go" from Frozen in its entirety. She was so happy and excited for that song! Her para cried, I cried and it was truly a beautiful moment. My nephew is eased with certain sounds and projects his aggression through drumming. It is not a cure or quick fix, but any little bit helps to bring happiness to a child. I hope you have inspiring moments like these with your students - it reminds me why I do what I do.
***Disclaimer: I am not a music therapist nor am I certified in any classes or techniques relating to music therapy. I am simply an elementary music teacher asked to teach something that I wasn't prepared for and struggled to find resources or ideas for this class and its special students. If you are interested in music therapy or are wanting more information in regards to it, please visit the website for the American Music Therapy Association. Thank you!***
