Music in Special Education
Four Areas of Development Reinforced in Music:
1. Communication
2. Motor Skills
3. Socialization
4. Cognitive
Communication: Communication skills include verbal and nonverbal communication. This may include communication of greetings and goodbyes, communication of wants or needs, communication of stopping/pausing/continuing activities, and communication with the goal of controlling an individual's environment through verbal or non verbal communication which may include sign language or I.P.E.C.S.
Motor Skills: Motor skills include body awareness, control, and coordination through moving to music which may include hand clapping, stomping feet, sensory activities, imitation, walking at various tempos, and stop and go exercises.
Socialization: Socialization skills include socializing and communication with peers and staff. Socialization may include turn taking, instrument passing, and call and response.
Cognitive: Cognitive skills include skills such as knowledge of colors, numbers, reading, foods, shapes, seasons, days of the week, months, etc.
It is my goal that music, in special education, supplement individual education plans. Music offers an additional yet unique avenue to effectively address a student's goals and skills outlined in an individual education plan.
