Modification Strategies For Different Learning Styles In Your Music Class

Not everyone learns the same way.  To teach to different learning styles in your music class and reinforce skills in other academic areas here are some suggestions.

Language Learners:

  • Have words to songs printed or written on the board.

  • Use pictures for some of the vocabulary for those that are language learners.

  • Students that have visual and auditory impairments, have them sit closer to you.

Energetic Learners:

  • Assign seats.

  • If that’s impossible, put lines of blue tape of the floor so students know to stand/sit on it.

  • Change up the activity.  If they are sitting for 10 minutes learning a song, have them stand for the next 5.

  • Give the most energetic learners a job.  Hold up a picture/ poster or lead a song for good behavior.

Verbal Learners:

  • After you introduce a concept, tell students to turn to their neighbor and tell that neighbor the first word that comes to mind. 

  • Have students lead a group if a round is being taught.

 Reinforce Positive Behavior:

  • Know their names fast!!!

  • Think of the infamous marble jar.  When the class is on task, add a marble or whatever of your choosing.  When they get so many, they get a reward (a pencil, eraser, dare I say a party?? )

  • Notice the students that are on task and give them a shout out in front of the class.  “Great job_____.   I notice you are sitting quietly ready to learn!”

 When Giving Directions: 

  • Call on students to repeat the directions (Check for understanding)

  • Tell class when a loud activity will occur (auditory sensitivity)

 

There are millions of other strategies.  We’d love to read yours in the comments below!

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The African Rock Game

The African Rock Game takes a pattern and repeats it over and over for students sitting in a circle. This is a great for circle time, to use while learning the alphabet and so much more.

I sing the song Obwisana with the game, but you can choose any sone really.

To adapt for young learners, first have students sit in a circle and pass out two rocks.  After going over “No Throwing” rules, let them pound them together and make noise.  I call it a "Rock Concert" :) Have them rub the rocks together - it sounds soft (piano) and like the water where they come from.   Pound them on the ground and they are a concert again. Then teach them Obwisana (of any other song) and pass the rocks to the beat. Here is a tutorial the I found online to explain better.

Dr. Nicola F. Mason West African (Akan) rock passing game

For extension activities using rocks, you can:

1) Sing ABC or any song and have them pound the rock on the ground or click them to specific letters or words.

2) Paint the rocks with letters

3) Students can break into small groups and create their own rock passing game to share with the class.

For more ideas on this game, click HERE. I hope this helps!-

Ami

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