Modification Strategies For Different Learning Styles In Your Music Class

Not everyone learns the same way.  To teach to different learning styles in your music class and reinforce skills in other academic areas here are some suggestions.

Language Learners:

  • Have words to songs printed or written on the board.

  • Use pictures for some of the vocabulary for those that are language learners.

  • Students that have visual and auditory impairments, have them sit closer to you.

Energetic Learners:

  • Assign seats.

  • If that’s impossible, put lines of blue tape of the floor so students know to stand/sit on it.

  • Change up the activity.  If they are sitting for 10 minutes learning a song, have them stand for the next 5.

  • Give the most energetic learners a job.  Hold up a picture/ poster or lead a song for good behavior.

Verbal Learners:

  • After you introduce a concept, tell students to turn to their neighbor and tell that neighbor the first word that comes to mind. 

  • Have students lead a group if a round is being taught.

 Reinforce Positive Behavior:

  • Know their names fast!!!

  • Think of the infamous marble jar.  When the class is on task, add a marble or whatever of your choosing.  When they get so many, they get a reward (a pencil, eraser, dare I say a party?? )

  • Notice the students that are on task and give them a shout out in front of the class.  “Great job_____.   I notice you are sitting quietly ready to learn!”

 When Giving Directions: 

  • Call on students to repeat the directions (Check for understanding)

  • Tell class when a loud activity will occur (auditory sensitivity)

 

There are millions of other strategies.  We’d love to read yours in the comments below!

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