Special Needs & Learning Differences
Student with Dyslexia
Hi everyone, I have a 14-year-old student with dyslexia who is struggling with reading. When she looks at the music, the notes “move” (I don’t know if this is part of the dyslexia or a different issue) and it’s really hard for her to identify…
Help teaching students with autism, learning difficulties
Hello Wise teachers, I am a BRAND NEW teacher only 9 weeks old and find myself with unusual students, not being a mother, also inexperienced with children. I have ended up with 2 children 6 and 7, both with undiagnosed learning difficulties. The 3rd student…
Ideas for teaching autistic student
Hi Friends, I would like collect ideas for teaching autistic students (the less cognitive ones). When these students don’t engage, learn with the diagrams or can’t make sense out the diagram, what other ways have you found it helpful? I have used singing, hand-over-hand help,…
Behavior Management
Hi teachers, Here’s an interesting little tidbit from a group on LinkedIn that I’m in – Music Educators Group. Just thought maybe it would make an interesting discussion topic. Any related thoughts/experiences? Agree or disagree? Effects in a shared lesson vs. private? “When…
Student without a life coach
I have a blind, autistic adult student who lives in a group home and goes home on weekends. She plays the piano every day and up until about a month ago, I assumed that someone was with her when she practiced, that there was someone…
Sibling Rivalry
I have two brothers, 2 years apart. The older one has been in lessons longer & is in L. 6. The younger just getting ready to graduate from L. 3. The problem is that everything the younger one learns has already been done before &…
Student unable to follow instruction?
I have had a few students lately who have struggled with learning. I have broken everything down into the smallest steps etc. and have great support from their parents, but they still are struggling. I did a small test with both students (one in Level…
Chat – Teaching Students with Diagnosed Disabilities
cathyh (usa) For tonight, let’s agree to set political correctness aside in order to be able to talk openly. SandyUSA Go for it! Barbara G (USA) yes cathyh (usa) Neil’s recent post referenced students with undiagnosed disabilities. It is very important to understand how different…
Redefining ‘Learning Difficulties’
I had a first grade student in her first shared lesson. This was her first SM music lesson, but she has had previous Suzuki lessons. She just covered her ears and refused to participate after the first instruction. I visited with her mother after the…
A Dialogue on Being “Rhythmically Challenged”
Recently, a general question was asked, and in the email the words “rhythmically challenged” were used as a metaphor. It prompted an email exchange that is worth reading. I have provided a digest below. Kind regards, “… I would like to hear from the experienced…