Our students are learning about body systems with their Unique Curriculum this month. This was perfect timing for a unit on our 5 senses. Our sensory groups explored some fun multi-sensory boxes. The fine motor groups made art projects that were multi-sensory, and the language group explored their favorite sense—–taste 🙂
SENSORY GROUP
Light toys are extremely popular with our students and the ones in this box were no exception. Our toys not only lit up but some of them even vibrated! Not only vision, but the sense of touch and hearing were stimulated here.
Recognize sources of light is a science access point.
The students had a blast using their muscles to stretch these different textured toys. Not only did they stretch, but some of the toys made noise or vibrated also—-too cool!
Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.
This box was all about sound. All these toys made noise either shaking, spinning, or squeezing. There was a LOT of fun to be had here! The little bear that “sang” when his tummy was squeezed was a particular favorite.
Recognize objects that create sounds is a science access point.
Our multi-colored pasta was not only visually eye catching but made noise when little hands dove in or the box was shaken. We had letters for the students to find and match. The letters corresponded to the different senses, ex. T for TASTE and S for SEE.
Recognize objects that are identical to each other is a science access point.
We put a variety of textures in this box—-rough, smooth, hard, soft, etc. In addition, some of the toys made noise such as the crinkly snowman toy. The students were pretty intrigued with the blue plexiglass window and the vibrating crab toy which produced LOTS of giggles!
Recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is a science access point.
Pop rocks were added to our shaving cream to add a sound element. We found that while it somewhat worked, the pop rocks work better in a wetter substance such as when we have put them in oobleck. The students still had fun and the pop rocks added an additional textural component.
Track the motion of objects that are pushed or pulled is a science access point.
A light toy was added to our water play in addition to a spinning water wheel and scooping cups. There was a lot to explore and as usual, the students had lots of fun!
Recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquid is a math access point.
We wanted to have a pretty distinctive scent this week so we used Bath and BodyWorks eucalyptus spearmint. It was a strong scent that definitely captured their attention!
Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday the students made a multi-sensory painting.
We started by identifying the shape of our paper using communication symbols.
Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as circle or square, is a math access point.
Before we added the scented essential oil to the paint we let the students smell it. We used sandalwood scent which was pretty strong and our students weren’t quite sure what to make of it!
Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.
The students used a variety of regular and adapted paint tools to spread paint around their paper.
Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move, is a science access point.
For additional texture, they sprinkled some fine pink sand on to the paint.
Track a falling object is a science access point.
TA DA!!!!!!!!!
We made some sensory art!!!
On Wednesday after we discussed that our senses tell our brain about the world using nerve pathways that are all over our body. For their art project, the students made a painting of their nervous system using marbles and this: senses
First the students identified the color of the paint and counted the marbles.
Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.
Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.
Then for the fun part—–we closed the lid and they began shaking and turning the box!
The science access point recognize an action as fast or slow can be addressed here.
TA DA!!!!!!
This is our nervous system!!!!!
LANGUAGE GROUP
We explored our sense of taste this week in the language group. We started out by taste testing things that were salty (chips), sweet (honey), and sour (lemon juice).
Each student took a turn tasting one item at a time. They had to indicate whether it was salty, sweet, or sour using picture symbols that were provided. They did pretty well with this exercise!
Use pictures, symbols, gestures/signs, or words to communicate meaning, is a language access point.
After our taste test, we made a treat that incorporated each kind of taste: Let_s Make A Salty, Sour, Sweet Treat
We started by putting the lemon pudding mix into a bowl. We talked about how we needed a measuring cup to measure out the milk. Our students observed how the white pudding powder turned yellow when the milk was poured into the bowl.
Recognize when an object is added to a situation, is a math access point.
Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.
Each student had a turn pushing the switch to turn on the mixer. Our students had to indicate that we needed to mix MORE each time a student completed their turn.
Indicate desire for more of an action or object is a math access point.
Next, our students helped crush up some pretzel sticks. They used a rolling pin to crush the pretzels.
Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.
We counted out the cups we needed for each treat and identified the number 7. Then we added some crushed pretzels to each cup and put some of the lemon pudding on top of the pretzels.
The math access point recognize the next step in a simple pattern or sequence of activities can be addressed here.
Finally, our students requested whipped cream for the top. Our taste buds were in for a treat!
YUM!!!!!
Another fun filled week! Join us again next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!