special needs
Young Students Dropping Out
This week, after one month of lessons, two 7-year-old students dropped out. The one mother was very upset. She started by saying “We have some terrible news”. She even filled out the evaluation sheet even though the little girl only knew one song. It was…
Using Practice Pads
With regard to the recent discussions about Practice Pads, I wish to add a word of caution. Please be careful to make sure that only a small or modest percentage of your class time is spent with individual students processing content on their individual Practice…
Incentives and Prizes
Wondering what your philosophy is regarding the use of incentives/prizes and if any of you use incentive systems for your students. If so, what they are? For example, weekly rewards/points/stickers for certain things (what do they need to show/accomplish?) and/or a bigger reward down the…
Every Other Week Lessons?
Does anyone offer every other week lessons? I am a new SM teacher and in the process of switching my traditional students over to SM but one of my students parents is asking if they could do every other week because of the expense. I…
Capable Student Processes Slowly
I have a student whose ability is pretty equal with his class, but he processes things much more slowly at first. It’s noticeable enough to be considered a learning disability–he’s plenty bright and capable of mastering the material, but it takes him much longer than…
Frustrated by Complaints
It seems I’ve just been hammered recently with issues to the point where it is draining me emotionally. I just started a new class of 4 students that meets every other week. Two of the four have had some lessons (not very many) and two…
Setting Rates-Private and Group
I’m newly licensed and I will be holding my first FIS tomorrow. The father of a five-year-old autistic boy contacted me yesterday. Someone at his school recommended SM to him. I’ve been debating, in general, what to charge (and will obviously have to finalize this…
Central Auditory Processing Disorder
I have a new student beginning private lessons who has been diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). I have only had two students in the past who had CAPD and their disorders were so mild that I never noticed anything other than they were…
Student with ADD
I’m hoping you’ll have some advice for me. I have a bright, wonderful 7 year boy who I’m teaching privately because I knew I couldn’t manage a shared lesson with him. His attention span is very short and he’s quite hyperactive. We’ve had 12 lessons,…