Beginners Ukulele Class for Autistic Children
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
*** Please note that you will need to have a tuned ukulele for this class. Please see the Materials section to learn how to tune your ukulele. Younger children will require parental assistance.*** This is a one-time class for autistic children who are absolute beginners who want to learn the ukulele. We will first check if the ukulele is in tune by singing a funny song 'My Dog Has Fleas'. Then, we will learn the parts of a ukulele by playing an interactive musical game called 'Copy, Copy, Copy Me'. Children will have the opportunity to practise picking each string with their thumb or with their index and middle fingers, whichever comes easier to them, at this point. The nursery rhyme 'Two Little Dicky Birds' will be used to pick each string. We will learn how to keep a steady beat while strumming or picking the strings of our instrument. The class will end with children voting for their favourite song and practising it together. Adaptations for this class are specifically designed for autistic children: ♪ very small group of 1-3 learners; ♪ visual aids will be presented all the time to support the learning and understanding; ♪ slow - paced lesson with enough opportunities for repetition and for children to finish the song at their own pace; ♪ individualised feedback due to small class numbers; ♪ each child can choose the speed they want to play (fast - slow) and also the dynamics (loud - softly). ♪ Please let me know of your child's needs or any preferred learning styles and I will accommodate them during the class. ♪ No previous music knowledge is required. ♪ You will need a tuned ukulele for the class as we will not be discussing tuning during this class. This ukulele beginners class is enjoyable, interactive and learning is happening combined with lots of fun and giggles. I look forward to meeting you in class, singing and playing with you!
Learning Goals
In this class, students will learn:
♪ the parts of a ukulele (strings, body, neck, frets, sound hole, tuning pegs, etc);
♪ musical terms (strumming, picking, beat, steady beat, strumming pattern);
♪ the names of the strings of a ukulele;
♪ how to keep a steady beat when playing their ukulele;
♪ 2 songs they can play straight away;
♪ 1 nursery rhyme helpful to develop a sense or rhythm when playing our ukulele.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parental assistance may be required.
Supply List
➡️ Please make sure that students need to have a TUNED ukulele for each class. Please check the course's welcome message to see how you can tune the ukulele. ➡️ Learners can use a pick, but it is not compulsory; I actually recommend the use of fingers for strumming/picking. ➡️ In order for me to give feedback and see clearly the learner while playing their instrument, please make sure you position the learners, so I can see their BOTH hands when playing, head to the waist, in a well-lit room (the light coming from their front, not from the back). The young learner can sit on the floor, with their legs crossed. If they are joining from an iPad/laptop, they can also be on the floor or a little stool, it can point straight or downwards. ➡️ Please note that the learner can't sit on an armchair as this will restrict the way their instrument needs to be positioned and also restricts the movement of the learner's arms. A chair with no arms, or a stool is recommended. Both learner's feet should be on the floor, not hanging. ➡️ Please feel free to send me a message if you have any questions or concerns. 🎵 The teacher will provide the songs and other files (strumming and chords sheets); 🎵 Ukulele (Soprano or Concert Standard tuning G C E A) 🎵 Ukulele Tuner App
Language of Instruction
English
Teacher expertise and credentials
5 teachers have teaching certificates
Tennessee Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Wisconsin Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
HELLO THERE!
My name is Bella, and I am a certified teacher. I have taught in inclusive schools as well as behaviour schools for 20 years. I have always taught a variety of children with different disabilities, especially autistic and ADHD students.
I am passionate about music and about teaching music, ukulele and guitar to children, especially autistic children who seem to connect with music in a special way!
I also hold a second degree in Social Work (2004) and a Level 3 Diploma in Children's Psychology (2019).
In addition, I have attended the following courses:
💚 Understanding Autism 2021 (undergoing)
💚 Mindfulness for Daily Living 2019
💚 Understanding Anxiety 2019
💚 Behaviour Management (in classroom) 2015
💚 NLP Diploma in Life Coaching 2014
💚 Effective Communication Techniques for Teachers (2014)
I have a daughter who is autistic, a husband who is dyslexic, autistic and has ADHD. I resigned from teaching in public schools two and a half years ago, and I started tutoring and doing interventions for autistic and ADHD children from my home and also online.
I also teach children direct strategies and techniques to manage their emotions. It has always been part of my classroom management, and I used to do this at least once a day at circle time in my school.
My classes are fun, interactive, small groups of children where each child finds their voice and shines bright!
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$13
per classMeets once
25 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-9
1-3 learners per class