As I was looking on the internet, I came across a site about the power of music with children who have special needs. The woman who wrote this article, Pamela Wilson, explains how hearing music and playing instruments can improve these children's behavior, social, and academic achievements. Music can be used as a means of expression. Some children with disabilities may not be able to verbally communicate their emotions to another, but through music, they may be able to carry out their feelings.
Music is not only important to those with disabilities, but to all people. Can you imagine not listening or playing music? I know that some days, music is what gets me through the day. I am a part of Michigan State University Women's Glee Club and the power that music brings to my day when I am stressed out with classes and whatnot, is incredible. I feel so comforted, relaxed, and joyful as I hear and sing music. This feeling is what helps me through my day and it can help those with disabilities throughout theirs.
I really enjoy reading your blog post about music in the classroom Hana. It is a great resource not alot of people think of right away when working with students with disabilities, but also students in the general education setting as well.
ReplyDeleteMusic is such a great resource! I work at a preschool with children who are a year old. Many of these children do not have verbal skills and the ones that do are only beginning to learn words. These children are unable to verbally express their thoughts and emotions. It is such an amazing thing to experience how music can help these children express themselves. Music is also a strong tool we use when the children are upset. The music seems to help calm them. I think music should be used in the classroom in a variety of ways.
ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt music is a great addition to the classroom. In my placement this year I have seen music being incorporated in the classroom and have been able to see the effect it has on everyone in the room. For instance, while students work independently they are allowed to request a cd to listen to while they work. By having this as an option, it allows them to relax to their own choice of music. In addition, I have also seen my CT use classical music in the classroom in an attempt to keep the room a little less chaotic. While listening to this music I think that it also helps the teachers in the room remain calm when situations seem to get a little out-of-hand. Overall, like you said, music can be a great resource and comfort for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this post. It's the first one that I have read that mentioned music, and how it benefits students. I agree that some students with impairments may find it easier to communicate through song. It is interesting to think about life without music. It coerces you to think about how meaningful it is, and how crucial of an expression it is.
ReplyDeleteI love this post!! I completely agree that music is a must in any classroom but a must when working with special needs children. I am also in Women's glee and feel the same way, each day it is like a way out of everything and a huge stress reliever. Freshman year I worked with cognitvely impaired children who were learning the months of the year and they were having a really hard time, then I put them to the music of the macarena and just like that they learned the months of the year. Also this year I was teaching the five senses to kindergarten students and I taught a song with them and the students were singing it all day. It truly is amazing what music can do!
ReplyDelete