Recent Changes

Here is the song, "Follow the Drinking Gourd" from Silver Burdett Music Materials.
Here is a Curriculum Based Readers Theater script I wrote about "Follow the Drinking Gourd."
{Follow the Drinking{Drinking Gourd CBRT.doc}CBRT 1.10.13.doc}
Find out more about Curriculum Based Reader's Theater at:
http://www.rosalindflynn.com/RdrsThtr.html

Here you will find information on teaching that combines music with other arts and disciplines, such as...
Lesson Ideas
Infused Teaching
VTS - Visual Thinking Strategies (on the way)
CBRT - Curriculum Based Readers Theater Techniques
Helping Learners with Autism Succeed in Performing Arts
Before I became a teacher, I was a professional singer. My decision to embark on a Music Education career coincided with my oldest son's diagnosis of autism. I noticed that, like me, he is a highly sensitive pattern thinker. Music and movement help him to not only memorize information, but also to recall it later. My younger boy is neurotypical, and another music lover! His strengths in language and reading have allowed me to deepen my understanding of the way music can develop vocabulary and enhance communication skills. When asked to join the Arts Infusion Team with the Shelby County School system of Tennessee, I was delighted! The chance to undergo high quality professional development on brain-based learning techniques that combine music, movement, drama, and visual art has had a spectacular effect on both my professional and personal life. I am passionate about teaching that "levels the playing field" for all learners, while celebrating individual differences. I hope you find something here that helps you bring out the best in the kids in your life!

Here {Just-Right-for-ME-1.jpg}
Here are some with autism. {Just-Right-for-ME-1.jpg}
In the classroom…
· Familiar routines are very important for children with motor planning difficulties. Whenever possible, develop routines and warn the child in advance of changes. A predictable class schedule may help autistic learners transition from one activity to the next.

Here are some tips that can help teachers bring out the best in performers with autism. {Just-Right-for-ME-1.jpg}
the classroom…
·
· Familiar routines the next.
· Use visual cues for transitions. A timer that clearly shows the passing of a prescribed time can help the child to anticipate the end of an activity.
social interaction.
·
· Strong information or instruments.
On stage…
· Scripts or stories are very helpful for children with autism. Autistic learners can sometimes struggle with improvisation, but may do very well with reciting lines, and performing movement with consistency.

Here are some tips that can help teachers bring out the best in performers with autism. {Just-Right-for-ME-1.jpg}
In the classroom…
· Familiar routines are very important for children with motor planning difficulties. Whenever possible, develop routines and warn the child in advance of changes. A predictable class schedule may help autistic learners transition from one activity to the next.
· Use visual cues for transitions. A timer that clearly shows the passing of a prescribed time can help the child to anticipate the end of an activity.
· Give simple step-by-step directions for novel activities using the child's most efficient modality (i.e., verbal, visual, hand-over-hand). Peer tutoring can also be an effective tool that provides additional social interaction.
· Strong information to the muscles and joints (proprioception) is generally calming and organizing. Notice when your autistic learner may need to use, lift, or move weighty props or instruments.
On stage…
· Scripts or stories are very helpful for children with autism. Autistic learners can sometimes struggle with improvisation, but may do very well with reciting lines, and performing movement with consistency.
· Some autistic children are organized by vestibular input (relating to the child's perception of movement due to the inner ear being activated and the position of the head being changed). Vestibular movement promotes body awareness and balance. Incorporation of jumping, spinning, or swinging movement into a performance piece can be beneficial.
· Sudden changes in temperature, lighting, sound, and other outside stimuli may be disturbing to autistic performers. Allow for adequate Dress Rehearsal time in the performance space.