Reflection 10

I enjoyed and benefited from Kellie’s presentation. Something that caught my attention was how the Lauda choir was made up of neuro-atypical and neuro-typical children. I found it encouraging that this choir did not have anyone labeled as a helper or designated student leader. I like this initiative because it allows for neuro-atypical to be seen as equal within the choir. This allows students to feel included in a social setting. This can build students' self-confidence and social skills that may be limited by their special needs. I think it is so important to have an inclusive space for students of all abilities, gender, race, religion, and social class. This presentation inspired me to envision how I would have an inclusive classroom. Firstly I thought about practical learning way to include students. I thought about having instructional images up for students who are visually impaired, ways to allow students who have hearing impairments be able to play or sing in an ensemble, and alternative options for assessment for students who need it. In the second way, I thought about social inclusion and community building of a music department. I think it is very important for an ensemble to have a sense of friendship and community so that students can have fond memories of their time in high school, have a more connected sound, and have students who want to be there. Students who are neuro-atypical may have more social than physical needs that need to be met. I found it harder to think of ways to include these students as I cannot control other students' actions and feelings. I’ve come up with these ideas: always allowing students to be in an ensemble, creating social opportunities for all students to mingle with each other, and asking senior students in leadership positions to keep an eye out for any students who look left out. I would never tell a student they need to be friends with someone, but I would encourage student leaders to be a friend with everyone, especially those who seem left out if they have a special need or not. To conclude I am so thankful to have had this presentation and think about how I can include all different types of students in my classroom.