Submitted by Andrea Cope, Texas

Idea posted October 9, 2002

Question: What happens when you have a student that is not able to play a song and can't earn a belt? I am thinking of my special ed. kids.

Answer: Sometimes you just have to fudge the criteria a little. If the child is having difficulty producing a tone that doesn't squeak and they master that, give them a bead. If the skill they master is left hand on top, give them a bead. Just go with the flow. You'll find that the other kids will help you find things to give them beads for, and will cheer like crazy for them.