New teacher with special needs student
Found in: Special Needs & Learning Differences, Teen Students
Megan F., Nebraska
I’m just getting started as a Simply Music teacher. My first class is scheduled for next week, in fact! I have the possibility of enrolling a 14-year-old student who has no thumbs and a communication problem. He’s small for his age, and is of normal intelligence. His mom also said he’s very sweet, but very shy. Would I be getting in over my head to take on this student without any prior experience? If I do teach him, would you suggest a group or a private lesson? I was thinking I might offer the group rate for a private lesson if they’re interested in that. What are your thoughts?
Kurt M., Michigan
Don’t over analyze the situation. If you have a group, go ahead and start him with it. If you don’t, just get him started individually. Involve the parents in the lessons and make sure that they understand that you are in a partnership with them. He will either stick with it or not, just the same as any other student.
Terri D., North Carolina
If it were me, I’d teach him privately. With no thumbs, his fingering will have to be fine tuned (no pun intended!). His self-confidence will also be bolstered being alone vs. with others who are able to have 5 fingers over 5 notes. Other than that, I don’t see where it will be a problem. I would teach him the regular rate for private, however.
Cate R., Australia
I would try him out in a group first. He might need some different strategies but he and his parents might like to see this as inclusive.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
No, you would not be getting in over your head. Personally I agree with Kurt, but you need to do what you are comfortable with. He’s used to everyone else having 5 fingers and to adapting.
You would just have to think ahead on each project and be prepared to suggest ways to adapt. I would definitely lead him and his parents toward working out adaptations themselves once they get going.
I have to share (again) my favorite Neil quote of all time: “I would love the opportunity to teach a person with no hands how to play the piano with his feet”. No limitations – look at what IS there rather than what isn’t!
Joy O., Alabama
Like you, I’m a new Simply Music teacher. I’m also a parent of a blind child. Your willingness to accept this young man in a class will speak volumes to his parents as well as the others in the class. You might discuss with the student and his parents their preference for class or private.