Tips for singing with children - using music inclusively across the curriculum with Al Start
Release Date: 05/20/2021
The SENDcast
SENCOs face lots of challenges in their role, one significant one being many headteachers’ lack of understanding of the role. Traditionally, becoming a headteacher followed a career pathway, progressing from teacher to deputy head, and finally to headship. During this, detailed SEND training was often overlooked which has led to an awful lot of misconceptions and lack of awareness among headteachers on the vital SENCO role. This has led to SENCOs feeling frustrated from not being heard or understood. In today’s episode, we hear from an experienced SENCO who has worked with 11 headteachers...
info_outline Sensory Strategies with Kim GriffinThe SENDcast
From birth, we possess certain innate senses, such as touch, while others, like vision and balance, continue to develop throughout childhood and beyond. Understanding how these senses evolve and impact our daily experiences is crucial for creating an optimal learning environment. In this episode, Kim Griffin guides us through an insightful discussion on ‘Sensory Strategies’ covering various aspects, including: the types of senses perception of sensory support, strategies and tools arousal states and their influence on learning regulation how different senses can be distracting in school...
info_outline How exercise is different for children with SEND and why it matters with Miriam SafferThe SENDcast
There is a lot of talk about the need for reasonable adjustments and targeted support for those with SEND when it comes to school, but far less about the need for accessibility and inclusion in other aspects of life. Research shows that the rates of obesity, asthma, heart disease and many other long term negative health outcomes are significantly higher in communities and groups of the population who have a disability, whether that’s a physical or a neurodivergent condition. Keeping physically active is vital to good health, but depending on a young person's needs, the options available can...
info_outline Supporting PDA with Clare TrumanThe SENDcast
A few months ago, we had an insightful episode where Clare Truman introduced and explained PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Today, Clare has returned to share valuable advice on how to support PDA learners. The PDA Society estimates that 70% of PDA children and young people are not currently attending school due to their needs not being adequately met. It is crucial to address this issue and provide the necessary support. Clare's expertise in this area is invaluable, and her insights can make a significant difference in the lives of PDA learners. Clare emphasises the importance of...
info_outline Being Human – a journey to #FlipTheNarrative with Elly ChappleThe SENDcast
We wanted to bring your attention to an important movement called #FlipTheNarrative, which aims to shift our perspective and promote a more inclusive conversation about humanity. In our society, there is a tendency to focus on deficits and differences when discussing individuals. However, it is crucial to reframe our thinking and recognise that at our core, we are all human beings who happen to be different. Embracing diversity is an essential part of our shared human experience, and it is time to evolve our understanding. To delve deeper into this movement and understand its significance, we...
info_outline R is for Rosie with Joanna GraceThe SENDcast
*Please note that this podcast contains very strong and offensive language and discussion that some listeners may find upsetting* Last summer, Rosie Jones’ documentary aired on Channel 4 and with it followed great controversy on the title. Rosie Jones is a comedian with Cerebral Palsy and she created the thought-provoking documentary based on her experiences and to raise awareness of the abuse she has endured over the years because of her disability. Joanna Grace joins Dale today to discuss the documentary and its profound impact. Joanna highlights a concerning trend where historical terms...
info_outline Challenging the Pedagogy of Professional Decline with Rachel LofthouseThe SENDcast
When schemes and policies control every aspect of a teacher's week to improve efficiency, it can unintentionally strip away what makes teachers unique—their quirks, passion, and individual personalities. This focus on efficiency, conformity, and standardisation stands in stark contrast to the ideals of pedagogy and can have a detrimental effect on children, young people, and their dedicated teachers. “Teachers are not challenged to think for themselves and teachers often really flourish when they do, and so do their learners”. Rachel Lofthouse In our latest episode, Rachel Lofthouse,...
info_outline MAT SEND Leadership with Simon TannerThe SENDcast
Do you know what is involved in being a MAT (Multi-Academy Trust) SEND leader? To shed light on this role, our special guest, Simon Tanner, joins Dale in today's episode to explore ‘MAT SEND Leadership’. Simon, the National Director of SEND for E-ACT, brings a wealth of experience, having spent a decade as an accomplished SENCO and six years as a MAT leader for SEND. His expertise lies in developing effective SEND practices across multiple MATs and leading SEND and MAT SEND reviews nationwide. During our conversation, we delve into various aspects of effective MAT SEND leadership,...
info_outline Making Gaming More Accessible with Nomi GallagherThe SENDcast
For children and adults with physical disabilities, the inability to fully participate and engage with their peers can be a significant challenge. However, through innovative advancements in technology, we have the opportunity to make gaming more accessible, ultimately changing lives across the globe. We have a new special guest in today’s episode with Nomi Gallagher joining Dale to discuss ‘Making Gaming More Accessible’. Nomi is a Specialist Occupational Therapist at SpecialEffect and she highlights the benefits of gaming. Nomi shares remarkable stories of how gaming has been adapted...
info_outline The Dyslexia Show 2024 with Arran SmithThe SENDcast
We are delighted to welcome Arran Smith, Event Director and Founder, on The SENDcast. Arran joins Dale for this special episode highlighting what's on at the 3rd Dyslexia Show on 15 - 16 March in Birmingham and why you should be there! “We want people to be able to talk about Dyslexia and for people to talk about it in a positive way to change people’s lives; whether you’re in Education, a Parent, in the Workplace or an Individual.” Arran Smith SUPPORTING THE UK’S NATIONAL EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO DYSLEXIA AND NEURODIVERSITY The SENDcast are delighted to be supporting The...
info_outlineThis week Dale is joined by Al Start to discuss some helpful tips to help teachers use music and songs in the classroom.
Al has worked with children for over 20 years in a variety of ways and over the last 15 years she has been creating, teaching and performing songs for children.
Singing with children can be a scary idea if you’re not musically trained, but introducing music and singing into children’s daily learning routine will open up so many opportunities for learning, creativity, behaviour management and wellbeing. With some handy tips, anyone can use singing and music without a musical background.
There isn’t enough support for teachers to try music in the classroom - but the benefits are plentiful - for both pupils and staff.
Music is always way down on the curriculum and thought of as a specialist subject. However it should fill your classroom throughout the day, whatever subject you’re teaching.
Resources:
Go Kids Music – https://gokidmusic.com/
Where you can find songs and albums, songbooks and membership
Sing Up - https://www.singup.org/