Ciao—-October is Italian-American Heritage month! Our guidance counselor got to visit Italy over the summer and shared some fabulous photos with us, some of which we used for our book. The sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about Italy. The fine motor groups made art projects inspired by Italian symbols and the language group made an Italian inspired treat!
SENSORY GROUP
Letters that spelled “Italy” were found in this box of red, white, and green rice—-the colors of the Italian flag.
There was a map to find at the bottom of the box. We also added 2 different sized measuring cups for scooping fun.
Identify objects by one observable property, such as shape, is a science access point.
We used red, white, and green paper shred as the base of this box filled with Italian symbols (postcards of famous buildings) and inventions (eyeglasses).
Other items included an “Italian wolf”, flag, pizza printed oven mitt, a Lamborghini car, and a fashion model. We recorded some authentic Italian music on a voice output device and it was a hit enjoyed by all!
Associate an object, picture, or symbol with a location is a social studies access point.
Red and green glitter and green rosemary were added to our play dough, so it was not only colorful but also smelled ohh so good!
Italy is said to look like a boot so, we used boot shaped cookie cutters this week.
Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.
We had a little fun with this next box dedicated to our favorite Italian meal—-spaghetti and meatballs! Plastic spaghetti strings and soft brown pompom “meatballs” made for some interesting shape and texture comparisons.
The students had a blast with the tongs we included.
Counting the meatballs added to a plate addresses the math access point associate quantities with number names.
The students made their own colosseum using grey Floam. Laminated pictures of ancient romans and a chariot were included.
Recognize that pushing or pulling makes an object move is a science access point.
There are 3 active volcanos in Italy! We turned our oobleck into lava by adding some food coloring and crackling pop rocks.
So much fun!
The science access point distinguish between objects in motion (kinetic energy) and at rest can be addressed here.
In addition to a little gondola, there was a scoop, small fishing net and fish to catch in our water play this week.
Recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids is a math access point.
We used grape scented bubble bath in our water and pear scented lotion to represent some of the fruit grown in Italy.
Use senses to recognize objects is a science access point.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Wednesday students painted a colosseum using this: romancolesseum
First, the students identified the color of our paint.
Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.
Then we gave the students their colosseum page and asked them to CRUMPLE it up! The students were not quite sure what to do—-we usually ask them to STOP crumpling paper 🙂
Recognize changes in observable properties of objects is a science access point.
Next, they spread the paper back out, we think the crumpling gave it an aged appearance! Diluted paint was used so we could continue to see the details of the picture.
Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.
We laid a paper towel on top of their picture to help absorb extra paint and then the 2 layers turned over. Glue was squeezed over the back and then the picture was turned back over onto a piece of background paper. The paper towel was then removed and thrown away.
This method helps reduce the amount of paint that gets on fingers—–and everywhere else!
Recognize when an object is added to a situation is a math access point.
TA DA!
Let’s visit Italy!
On Thursday the students practiced their cutting skills making an Italian flag.
They identified the colors found in the flag using communication symbols.
Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.
Next, they used paper cutters or scissors to cut 1 red and 1 green strip of paper.
Recognize a change in the appearance of an object is a science access point.
They glued their paper strips down onto a piece of white paper. We helped the students by pointing out which side each color went.
The math access point recognize when an object is added to a situation is addressed here.
TA DA!
Viva Italia!
LANGUAGE GROUP
We tasted a bit of Italy during our language group this week. We made some mini pizzas! Here is the recipe that we used: Let_s Make Mini Pizzas!
First, we PUT 1/2 of an English muffin on a paper plate. Each student had to request a plate by indicating WANT and then pointing to the picture of the paper plate. We talked about how 1/2 of an English muffin was LESS than a WHOLE English muffin.
Solve simple real-world problems involving joining or separating small quantities of objects.
Next, we put 2 spoonfuls of pizza sauce on the English muffin. Each student had to indicate WANT and then had to help count out 2 spoonfuls. Our students then got to SPREAD the sauce around.
Recognize when an object is added to or taken away from a situation is a math access point.
Then they got to decide whether or not they wanted pepperoni on their pizza. They indicated either YES or NO. If they indicated YES, then they got to decide how many pepperoni’s they wanted by pointing to either 1, 2, or 3 on a number line.
Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.
To top the pizza off, each student was given some cheese. At first, they were only given a few pieces. They had to request MORE if they wanted more.
Indicate desire for more of an action or object is a math access point.
Time to heat up our pizza! One of our students is learning to use the microwave, so he helped out with heating the pizzas up. After they were done cooking, he delivered them to his friends.
We talked about how the pizza was HOT and we needed to let it COOL down. After it cooled down we cut the pizza into bite sized pieces.
Recognize parts of whole objects and parts of sets of objects is a math access point.
Finally it was time to eat! YUUUUMMM!!
The students really enjoyed all our fun activities this week, thank you for joining us! Remember, don’t forget to look for your confirmation email if you want to follow us. If you don’t see it—-check your SPAM folder!
Arrivederci and come back next time for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!