I tried something new today. Before I started my sound activity with the class today, I went to one of the students and specifically invited him to join us for the sound activity that I prepared. This student usually does not join the carpet time with the others. He would sit at the table near the carpet with an EA and work on his own things. He would listen or join the conversation from time to time, but he does not seem to be interested in being fully engaging in the classroom.

I told the student that we would be doing a sound activity, which would be really fun if he wants to join us at the carpet so he could see better and engage better. He simply replied with an “OK”, but later I noticed that he participated better even though he still chose to sit at his table. He put up his hand to answer questions throughout my sound activity, and also the music and math class after that. When I approached him during math time and asked if he was willing to explain his thinking strategies, he showed willingness in talking and explaining his work to me.

It is possible that today is just a coincidence, but I see the potentials in having him better engaged in more activities in the future. I believe that letting him know what is happening ahead of time makes him feel more prepared. Moreover, showing him that I care about his presence and would love to have him with us together in the classroom make him feel more welcomed as well.