From: Meredith Harley Inserra
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2013 19:51:01 -0500
Someone's recent question about adapting recorders for special needs
students reminded me about a special student I have right now. Along with
his very low IQ and short attention span, his fine motor AND gross motor
skills are some of the worst I've ever seen! He cannot keep his fingers
still at all. He almost looks like he is constantly having small spasms.
It's not a hyperactivity thing. It appears to be a control issue. I tried
putting those cushioned corn pads around the holes on his recorder, but it
hasn't helped. I have also given him a very sweet, patient, smart partner
to encourage him and help him, but that hasn't helped either. The child
seems so frustrated! I think he really wants to try, but hasn't had any
success. I feel so badly for him. Would you suggest giving him a different
instrument or is there another way to adapt the recorder? I was even
thinking of some kind of double sided sticky cushioned pads that would hold
his fingers in place until he pulls them off. Hmmm... just thinking out
loud.
-Meredith
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