New Visions

November 1, 2005

Where: Barclay and Ginther Schools
How Long: 12:50-2:20
Who: Myself, Adam, Aiden, Evan, and Chris Gold

Today was fun. I had a long day because I had to work right after, just like on Thursday, so I didn't get home until seven, but Chris showed me some things.

Chris showed me before Adam came in (at Barclay) how a new student and how the current students were evaluated. A new student has to be observed by Chris as functioning in the classroom, and also needs to have a test session with a student. Then he needs to write up a 6-7 page evaluation of the student based on their skills and how it compares in a musical vs a non musical situation. Finally, he needs to get the teacher, the aides, the principal, his boss' signatures, and then needs to give it to teh district for approval. Every three months, he needs to do a re-evaluation of the students goals and needs and how the student is coming along. Music therapy is a lot of paper work.

When Adam came, we sang "Down by the Bay" because Chris is trying to cement the concrete words that all second graders should know into Adam's mind...the, to, a, for, when, if; etc.

When we worked with Aiden, he was sick, and decided to use me as a jungle gym. He spent most of the session in my lap or in various stages of getting on/off of my lap. He's so adorable, and was rather responsive today. He responded to at least 5 or 6 word prompts, instead of one or two.

Evan was very fun as well. I'm not sure what his goals are, but Chris asks him a lot of "Thinking" questions - how do you feel, is that how its counted, what do you think...etc.

After that I ran off to shelve books for three hours. Very fun.