Spotswood High School Observation Reflection

This semester I had the opportunity to visit an adaptive music class at Spotswood High School taught by Mr. Nathan May. The students in the class were disabled kids from around the county and many of them were confined to wheel chairs. Mr. May was leading the class but there were several other teachers present that were helping with the students. The objective of the class that I observed was preparing Christmas carols for the school assembly.  As soon as I walked into the classroom, I felt an overwhelming sense of care from each of the teachers for the students. I think that this class was a great example of what it means to implement an ethic of care. It was apparent that all of the teachers knew each individual student and their needs. Also, the class was a little less structured, due to the nature of it, and some of the students that were able would walk around the classroom while they were singing the Christmas carols.

At one point one of the students walked up to the piano where Mr. May was playing and he gave the student a high five. Some of the other teachers would also go around and dance with the students while they were singing. I think the purpose of this class was to give the students an opportunity to feel engaged, happy, and included. Not all of the students were able to sing along so the teachers would sing with them to help them out. Because it was difficult to get the students attention and many of them could not sit still or quietly, Mr. May would talk to and instruct the teachers while they were going over the songs and logistics for the program. The students were visibly happy and engaged when they were all singing the songs for the program together. It was really sweet and heart warming to be able to observe. Overall, I learned a lot from this experience.

​Previously, I had never had experience observing or volunteering in a class where there were disabled students. It was really interesting to see the dynamic of how it works between the teacher and students in this situation. I had the chance to speak with Mr.May after the class and he said that on other days he brings in instruments that most of the students would be able to play or engage with. I think one thing I think would be good to incorporate is more music technology in the class. Bringing in instruments is a good way to include most of the students. However, many of those that are confined to wheel chairs would to be able to participate. I think it would be a good idea to find a technology that would allow for those who are more severely immobile to participate.