LAURA MEEHAN
EDUCATOR - THERAPIST- -ADVOCATE
Materials for Distance Learning
during COVID-19
First of all, I hope you are staying safe and sane during this time. We are all struggling and these are some difficult situations to navigate. Please first and foremost, take care of yourself physically and mentally.
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I want to be open with you, as an arts educator for students with low-prevalence disabilities it is not easy to provide materials virtually or through distance learning. Very few of my students can use a computer or complete paper work independently. I have a lot of students in the foster-care system placed in group-homes. Quite a few of my students do not have access to internet. The challenges continue, I know I'm not the only one.
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Here's the deal. E-Learning is inequitable learning. Period. I understand your struggles and frustrations.
However, due to COVID-19 it is best for some of us and our to stay home.
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Personally, I am currently teaching in person and about 50% of our students are coming to school brick and mortar. I know we are all in different situations right now and are all needing to be flexible within our classrooms.
My virtual "classroom"
Teaching in the classroom wearing masks
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That being said... Let's make the best of it! Let's see past the negatives of this situation. Let's hope for the best in regards to finding a cure and all of the medical professionals working hard each day trying to control outbreaks and take care of those who have fallen ill. Let's learn new technology and ways of doing things. Let's spend time with our families and appreciate the little things.
Let's do everything we can to support our students and support each other.
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I will be making materials and keeping up with resources. I will use this page as a working document to share things with you. There has been an outpouring of educators providing materials free of charge, what I list below is by no means everything out there right now.
This page will be resources for virtual music education for special learners.
I hope you find it helpful! If you find something you think should be added, let me know!
We've got this!!
In Equity,
Laura Meehan
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Click the image to the left to be redirected to the resource
Online Resources
This link will take you to a list of various resources for music. Started by members of the music education program at Gettysburg College when they saw a need for music resources during COVID-19. There is a link for special learners under 'Classrooms' but you may find other resources throughout as well.
The Chamber Music Society is providing free live and archived concerts. Great quality performances to share with students. Check out my download below for music and concert listening sheets to give as assignments
This link will take you to list of artists giving live performances during this time. It is updated daily and gives the date, time, and link on where to virtually take part in the performance.
This link will take you to the Metropolitan Opera, they are currently offering free streaming of full operas for a limited time.
This link will take you to Carnegie Hall, they are currently offering free streaming of concerts for a limited time.
These links will take you to the Council for Exceptional Children and their Division of Visual and performing Arts.
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is THE place for special education.
Also make sure to check out the Division of Visual and Performing Arts (DARTS) for information regarding arts education for students with exceptionalities. Also look for current content on their
Facebook Page "CEC DARTS"
Music Play online has some fabulous online interactive activities for students including virtual instruments! Great to use for elearners or for students in the classroom.
This link will take you to a YouTube channel. This is my friend, Will Houchin. He has made some AMAZING digital music lessons for younger students. Wonderful interactive and fun content for kids to enjoy and make music.
This link will take you to my YouTube Channel. This is me! I am going to be making interactive music lessons aimed toward older, lower functioning students. I also have some downloadable content below, some that act as supplemental material to the videos. My goal is to put out a lesson each week.
downloadable Resources
Click the file image to the left to download, or click the image for the link (Google doc downloads)
STEADY BEAT supplemental materials. Goes with my YouTube video:
MUSICAL FORM
supplemental materials. Goes with my YouTube video:
SPEED OF MUSIC
supplemental materials. Goes with my YouTube video:
MUSIC LISTENING Activity. Pick any song or piece of music and put down some of your thoughts.
DESCRIBING INSTRUMENTS
Worksheet to help students describe different instruments
String v. Percussion
Download the printable file (PDF) or click the slide button to be taken to an interactive slide where students can drag and drop their answers
Loud vs. Quiet Sounds
Download the printable file (PDF) or click the slide button to be taken to an interactive slide where students can drag and drop their answers
Quarter & Half Note Sorting and Counting
Download the printable file (PDF) or click the slide button to be taken to an interactive slide where students can drag and drop their answers
Music Tic Tac Toe
Go on a sound scavenger hunt and see how many tic-tac-toes you can get, or try to fill up the whole board!
DESCRIBING ENSEMBLES
Worksheet to help students describe different ensembles