Around this time of year, we start to see lots of things that are orange and black. Our book features some of our students with different things that are orange and black. Check it out to see all of the things we found!
Here is a link to the book: I Can Look For Orange And Black
It’s all about the colors of the season this week! Our sensory groups explored orange and black themed boxes. Our fine motor groups made colorful art projects and the language group made some orange and black treats—-no tricks 🙂
SENSORY GROUP
There were lots of things to explore and discover in this all BLACK box.
We included different textures such as fur and fabric, as well as things that made noise such as a squeaky rat!
Science access point: recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli.
Our ORANGE box was also filled with a variety of objects and textures.
The flashing light toy was especially popular!
Science access point: recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli.
Our colorful orange and black rice is always a hit and so very eye catching. There was one letter B and two O’s to find, match, or spell out BOO!
There was also an orange and black picture to at the bottom of the box.
Science access point: match objects by an observable property, such as shape.
We put two black bats and one orange spider in this box of black kinetic sand.
The bats blended with the black sand, but the spider really stood out!
Math access point: recognize two objects that are the same size or color.
The students sorted black and orange pompoms.
They really did a great job!
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
We tinted our shaving cream orange, then added some black glitter.
Fun AND colorful!
Science access point: recognize that pushing or pulling an object makes it move.
Two cute ducks—-one black and one orange—floated in the water play this week.
There were two different sized measuring cups and a sifter scoop for scooping fun.
Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.
Orange Mandarin scented lotion was the perfect choice for this week.
A yummy citrus scent that our students loved!
Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday we made an inkblot painting.
First, we identified the color of our paint and paper.
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
We squeezed paint on to one half of a folded pumpkin shape, then folded the unpainted half over the paint and rubbed it with our hands.
Math access point: solve problems involving quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more.
Then we opened it back up to see the inkblot and glued it to a black background!!!!
TA DA!!!
Inkblot pumpkins!
On Wednesday we stamped with pumpkins!
First, we identified the color of our paint and paper.
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
Then, we stamped UP and Down with our pumpkins. Forks made for perfect handles!
Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down.
TA DA!!!
Orange and Black…..
It’s pumpkin time!
LANGUAGE GROUP
We made an orange and black treat this week for our language group. Here’s the recipe that we used: Let’s Make An Edible Pumpkin Patch
We started out by PUTTING chocolate pudding mix into the BOWL. The student who wanted to HELP was given the package of pudding mix.
Staff waited for her to request HELP with opening the package.
Next, each student felt the milk. They indicated whether it felt HOT or COLD. We got some smiles when we put it up to some of the students’ faces.
We had 2 students HELP measure out 2 cups of milk. If there wasn’t enough milk poured into the measuring cup, students would have to indicate MORE.
Math access point: solve problems involving small quantities of objects using language, such as enough, too much, or more.
Each student got to HELP with the mixer. We observed it changing from a liquid to a solid.
Science access point: identify the basic properties of solids and liquids.
Next, we PUT 10 Oreos in a bag. Each student got a chance to crush the cookies.
This was lots of fun for our kiddos 🙂
Science access point: recognize a change in the physical appearance of an object.
Each student had to request some pudding. They each received one spoonful and were asked if they wanted MORE or if they were ALL DONE.
We added some of the crushed Oreos to the top, again starting with one spoonful and having them indicate MORE or DONE.
Finally, each student got 3 candy pumpkins to PUT on the top. They each counted out 3 and put them in their cup (surprisingly not in their mouths).
Math access point: associate quantities with number names.
A delicious edible pumpkin patch!
YUM!!!!!
Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!
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We’re learning about Vermont this week since National Vermont Day is on October 12. We found out some neat facts like how Vermont got its name, what the state fruit and flower are, and also some famous people, including 2 U.S. Presidents! As always, we’ve got a couple of our students gracing the front and back of the book. We hope you enjoy learning about Vermont!
Here is a link to the book: Let’s Learn About Vermont
October 12 is National Vermont Day! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about the state. The fine motor groups crafted symbols of Vermont and the language group made a tasty treat inspired by the state fruit!
SENSORY GROUP
Lots to discover here, such as items that were related to various industries, including dairy, sheep, and lumber found in Vermont. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and IBM are also located there!
The little lamb puppet was a big hit.
Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.
InstaSnow looks and feels like the real thing so we made our own Vermont winter wonderland!
We had one BIG and one SMALL scoop as well as a small shove—all for scooping fun!
Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.
Apple pie is the state food of Vermont!
We made apple pie scented play dough and added a circle cookie cutter, decorative wheel, and a plate so the students could make their own pies!
Science access point: apply a push to move an object.
We found out that two presidents, Chester Arthur and Grover Cleveland, were from Vermont——how cool is that!
For this box, we used our patriotic rice. There were pictures of the presidents underneath and 4 letter V’s to find.
Science access point: match objects with properties, such as size, shape, color, or texture.
John Deere came from Vermont and this box is dedicated to him! There was a big green tractor and some carrots to plant in the box of play dirt.
The play dirt has a really cool texture and was fun to pack down while rolling the tractor over it.
Science access point: track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled.
Vermont is known for its maple syrup! We made our oobleck more slime like this week to get that syrupy consistency.
Brown and yellow food coloring were used in an attempt to get that maple syrup color—-we are not sure we succeeded lol but fortunately the students didn’t mind 🙂
Science access point: track objects in motion.
Brook trout and Walleye are state fish. The two little fish found in our water play lake weren’t very realistic looking, but still fun to catch!
There were also two different sized measuring cups for scooping fun.
Science access point: recognize differences in objects.
Bath and Body Works vanilla sugar has a scent similar to maple syrup. We used it in our water and lotion this week.
Rubbed on necks, arms, hands, or ears—-it left our students smelling especially yummy this week!
Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday we made green mountains—-Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State!
First, we identified the shape and color of our mountain.
Math access point: recognize a two-dimensional shape.
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
Then, the students used paper cutters and switch operated scissors to cut their triangles.
Science access point: recognize a change in the appearance of an object.
The triangle mountains and title were glued down on to a blue background paper.
Math access point: recognize an object is added to a situation.
TA DA!!!
Let’s visit Vermont!
On Wednesday we made maple trees!
First, we identified the paint colors we were using.
Science access point: Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
Next, we counted out 4 leaves (precut using the Ellison machine).
Math access point: associate quantities with number names.
We put drops of each of our colors on the leaves and the students began painting.
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
The students glued the leaves ON their trees (drawn by one of our fabulous volunteers!)
Math access point: recognize an object is added to a situation.
TA DA!!!
The leaves are changing colors….
……welcome to fall in Vermont!
LANGAUAGE GROUP
Since apples are the state fruit of Vermont and the state pie is apple pie, we decided to make apple pie in a cup! Here is the recipe we used: Let’s Make Apple Pie In A Cup
We started by making some homemade whipped cream. We measured out some heavy whipping cream. We observed that it was a liquid.
Each student then got to help TURN on the mixer. The whipped cream took some time to firm up, so after each student’s turn, we LOOKED in the bowl to see if we needed to mix MORE or if we were ALL DONE.
Once some peaks were forming, we added some vanilla and confectioners’ sugar. The students had to identify the BIGGER measuring spoon when a teaspoon and a tablespoon were presented to them. Once the ingredients were in, our students mixed AGAIN.
When the whipped cream was ALL DONE, we put it aside and started on our apple pie cups. Each student got one graham cracker in a bag and they had to crush it up.
They did this lots of different ways and had some fun with it 🙂
When the crackers were crushed up, they put them IN their cup. Next, they had to request diced apples. If they weren’t given very many, they had to request MORE.
We topped that off with 2 spoonfuls of cinnamon applesauce. Each student had to count out their spoonfuls to make sure they got the correct amount.
Finally, we topped it off with our whipped cream.
An easy, healthy, and delicious way to celebrate Vermont Day!
Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!
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We are learning about all different types of science this week because we love to learn about science! There are lots of different kids, like astronomy, botany, and meteorology, just to name a few. See what other kinds there are! We also have a couple of our students posing as scientists on the front and back of the book 🙂
Here is a link to the book: We Love Science!
This week our theme complements our students’ Unique Curriculum unit for the month. Our sensory groups explored boxes related to different science fields. The fine motor groups made science themed art projects and the language group performed some science experiments!
SENSORY GROUP
This box focused on Meteorology—the study of weather.
We had all the elements for a thunderstorm with a rainstick, fan, and thunder tube.
The rainstick was a hit!!!
Science access point: recognize different types of weather conditions.
Entomologists study bugs! There were all sorts of bugs to find in this box of slime.
The bright pink color was especially eye catching!
Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.
Ok, they were REALLY intrigued by this box so we HAD to add more photos 🙂
Since plants grow from seeds we thought a box full would be perfect for a box about botany! The students always love running their hands through the seeds—they have a really cool feel! Yes, they get everywhere but SO worth it 🙂
Hidden in the seeds were yellow and green fruits and vegetables.
Science access point: match objects with similar observable properties, such as color.
The students became little paleontologists digging for dinosaur bones in kinetic sand.
Two dinosaur molds were also included.
Science access point: apply a push to move an object.
Our space themed umbrella was a big hit. There were stars, planets, and a rocket ship to find!
We recorded an actual NASA countdown and rocket launch on a voice output device.
Science access point: recognize a space themed object.
Oobleck lava flowed down a laminated volcano in our messy play. So despite the fact that our “lava” ended up looking more like peppermint syrup, the students still had fun 🙂
Bath crackles added a fun sound element here.
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
The kinds of animals an oceanographer might study, including sharks and an octopus, were found in our water play.
We also included two different sized scoops.
Science access point: match living things with their habitats.
The oceanography theme was continued with Bath and Body Works ocean lotion. We also used the bath gel for our water.
Our students are really doing a great job using the communication boards to tell us where to apply the lotion!
Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday the students painted with corn syrup. We used this template: beaker
First, we identified the shape of our background paper.
Math access point: recognize an objects with a two-dimensional shape.
The students painted their paper beakers using corn syrup tinted with blue food coloring.
We have done this technique before and always love the results!
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
TA DA!!!
Our science experiment is ready!
What did we just discover!!!!
On Wednesday we used our beaker template again but this time we painted with marbles.
First, we counted how many marbles we were going to use.
Math access point: associate quantities with number names.
Then, we scooped the marbles from the paint cups and put them IN the box.
Math access point: identify spatial relationships.
With the lid secure, it was time to SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE those marbles. We changed our glitter song words slightly and of course, lots of giggles ensued 🙂
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
TA DA!!!
Our experiments are ready!
We LOVE science!!!!!!!
LANGUAGE GROUP
We became scientists this week and did some experiments of our own. Of course, like real science experiments, they don’t always work out how you thought they would!
The first experiment we did was Fizzy Colors. We started by having a student request to HELP POUR a box of baking soda onto a tray.
The box was given to her and after she tried and could not open it herself, she was prompted to ask for HELP.
Our students poured some in. We checked the box and saw there was MORE to POUR so another student got to HELP.
After the baking soda was emptied, we had 4 DIFFERENT students HELP PUT some food coloring all over the baking soda.
We started with 10 drops of each color (red, blue, yellow, green) but found that more color had more of a reaction.
Finally, the fun part! Each student got to smell some vinegar–the faces indicated whether they liked it or not 🙂
Finally, the fun part! Each student had a TURN to drop some vinegar on the food coloring using droppers.
So much fun watching it bubble up! Again, more color and more vinegar results in more fun!
For the next experiment, we made Elephant Toothpaste. We started inside by pouring some hydrogen peroxide into a water bottle (teachers did this part). The hydrogen peroxide has to be at least 6%. We found, after looking in several places, that it is best to order this as it’s difficult to find.
We wanted to make 2 DIFFERENT elephant toothpaste experiments so we had our students choose which 2 colors we would make them. Each student voted on the color they WANTED and the top 2 colors were used: yellow and blue. Our school colors!
We added about 15-20 drops of coloring into each bottle and watched as the liquid inside changed colors.
Then we PUT some dish soap in, closed the bottles, and swished them around.
Next, we PUT 3 tbsp of warm water and one packet of dry yeast into a cup and stirred it up until it had a milky texture to it. We did this twice since we were making double the recipe.
Now for the experiment! We went outside because we had read that this can get messy.
We POURED the yeast mix into the hydrogen peroxide mix and watched what happened.
Not the result we expected so we may have to try this one again sometime. We found that sometimes, experiments don’t always go as planned 🙂
This whole unit was a blast—–we had so much fun and learned we really do LOVE science!
Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!
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Welcome to the After Party! Each week after the weekly blog featuring activities in the elementary department is posted, our sensory cart is parked in the media center where it is available for check out by the rest of the school.
We started the year with a unit titled We Had A Great Summer. The different boxes highlighted places staff vacationed.
Students made Scottish castles in green Floam. A flag banner represented the British Virgin Islands.
A spinning rocket was perfect for a NASA box.
There were dolphins to find in our mini Discovery Cove.
We made our very own Icelandic black sand beach using kinetic sand.
They searched for the letter B for Brazil in colorful rice.
Next, we went with our school wide theme—-Safari!
We had a cool jungle umbrella.
Lots of animals to find.
The students had a blast with the fun props.
They totally rocked the safari hat!
They counted butterflies in colorful pasta….
There were 5 to find.
There were crocodiles and fun measuring cups in the water!
Yellow tinted shaving cream made a perfect lion’s mane.
Orange and black rice hid tigers!
For Hispanic Heritage Month with learned about Puerto Rico.
We learned that gold is found in the rivers and stream.
The students loved exploring the gold in this box.
Stars like the one found on the flag were pressed into Moonsand.
The letters P and R were found in red, white, and blue rice—-the colors of the Puerto Rican flag.
They made sand castles in our sandy beach.
Oobleck became “coconut milk” and
the students went fishing in our mini ocean.
Dora the Explorer came next!
There were lots of characters to find in this box.
We recorded the Dora theme song on a voice output device.
The students had fun with chennille stems in rainbow colors like Tico’s vest.
They had fun with them!
We filled discovery bottles with beads and characters from the show.
The bottles were pulled out of a purple backpack–just like the one Dora wears!
Mr. Potato head facial features were pushed into purple Bubber—to make “BackPack”.
The students moved Dora figures UNDER and OVER in the rice box.
A water wheel made a fun waterfall.
Fluffy shaving cream clouds swirled around the world that Dora explores.
We finished the month with a unit all about college football—–Go Team Go!!!
This box had a variety of football related objects….. including a small helmet and mascot items.
They used t-shirt and football shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes out of red play dough.
Of course, we had cheerleader shaker pom poms.
These were a hit!
A green rice football field had numbers and football players to find.
There was also a picture to find at the bottom of the box.
Small pom poms in favorite team colors were sorted.
Football shapes could be swirled around shaving cream with more mascots.
and hands were rinsed in water containing the letter F and still more team mascots!
Join us next time for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!
Football is in the air and we are celebrating by talking about some of the different teams that we cheer for! Most of them are located here in Florida like the Gators, Seminoles, Rattlers, and Hurricanes. But some other teams are located in some different states! The background was put together by our incredibly talented art teacher and her students. They even included some staff and students in there!
Check it out, and GO TEAM GO!
Here is a link to the book: Go Team Go!!
It’s all about college football this week! Our sensory groups explored football themed boxes. The fine motor groups made football art projects and the language group made a yummy tailgating snack!
SENSORY GROUP
A variety of football themed objects could be found in this box including a football, small helmet, cheerleading megaphone, colorful beads, and plush mascot toys!
We also recorded a marching band on a voice output device.
Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.
Green rice became a grassy football field this week. There were 2 football players, one of which was a Smurf—–hey you have to go with what you find on the giveaway table 🙂
We also put in some numbers to find. There was a picture of a football field at the bottom of the box.
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
Students sorted green and orange pompoms. Those just happen to be the colors of some of our favorite football teams including Ms. Joi’s favorite—– University of Miami and Ms. Reva’s FAMU!
Science access point: identify objects by an observable property, such as color.
Red is one of the colors found on a lot of team uniforms, including FSU and UGA!
The students used cookie cutters in the shapes of a t-shirt or football to cut out some colorful shapes.
Science access point: apply a push to move an object.
The students had fun bringing out their inner cheerleader with this box of colorful pompoms!
There were LOTS of giggles with these 🙂
Science access point: recognize an action as fast or slow.
There was a gator crawling around a jello swamp this week. Joy and Cara just couldn’t resist a plug for their favorite team—-Go Gators 🙂
Numbers 1-10 could be found at the bottom of the box.
Math access point: associate quantities with number names.
Water was scented with Old Spice bath gel which seemed a good sporty choice to go along with our theme this week.
There was a measuring cup and sifting scooper to be found in the water. They worked well for scooping up the big letter “F” for football and little tiger—-Auburn’s team mascot.
Science access point: track objects in motion.
It was a little hard coming up with a scent this week but we finally settled on a soda scent since drinking soda is something people do at football games.
We used a Coca Cola lip balm—–using it on wrists or behind ears, NOT lips of course!
Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday the students used paint to create footballs using this template: football
First, we identified the shape of a football.
Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes.
Then, they stamped UP and DOWN using a bubble wrapped kitchen scrubber.
Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship.
Some laces were added and the football was glued down on to a green background.
Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.
TA DA!!!!
We’re ready for some FOOTBALL!!
On Wednesday the students made footballs out of paper grocery bags. We used our football template again for this project.
First, the students identified the shape of the football.
Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes.
Then, they stuffed the footballs with handfuls of paper shred.
Math access point: solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language such as enough, too much, or more.
After adults stapled the top of the ball, the students glued laces on to their ball.
Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.
TA DA!
GO TEAM GO!!!!
LANGUAGE GROUP
We put together a yummy treat that could be eaten while tailgating or watching the game at home! Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Party Chip Dip
We started out by measuring out some sour cream in a measuring cup. We had a student HELP PUT it in the BOWL.
Next, we had to measure out some Ranch dressing mix. Our students had to identify the LITTLE tablespoon when compared to the measuring cup.
Once that was PUT in the BOWL, we measured out some bacon bits. Since we had to measure out 3 tablespoons, 3 of our students got to HELP PUT them in the bowl.
Finally, we had to measure out some cheddar cheese to PUT in the bowl.
We observed the bowl and our students had to indicate that we had MORE to do. We needed to STIR the ingredients all up. We talked about how we had to use a SPOON to STIR.
Once we were ALL DONE, each student had to request a plate and some dip. Then they had to request chips. If they weren’t given enough, they indicated that they WANTed MORE.
A pretty easy and yummy dip 🙂
Hope you have fun cheering on your favorite team this weekend! Join us again next time for fun and learning—–Group by Group!
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With the new Dora movie coming out, we are learning about the characters. The sensory group explored colorful boxes related to characters from the series. The fine motor groups made art projects inspired by characters and the language group went on a treasure hunt!
SENSORY GROUP
We found out that Dora came from Mexico so this box had rice in the colors of the Mexican flag—-red, green, and white! There were characters to go UNDER, AROUND, and THROUGH obstacles in this box.
Letters spelling D O R A could also be found as well as a map at the bottom of the box—so much to explore and discover!
Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship.
A purple backpack is a character in the series. The students used plastic facial features to make faces in purple Bubber.
Of course, it was also fun to run fingers through Bubber’s silky texture.
Science access point: recognize the human body is made up of various parts.
In this box there were lots of items related to Dora including a backpack, compass, flowers, and a treasure box.
We also recorded the Dora theme song on a voice output device which got some of our students really moving and grooving 🙂
Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.
Instead of a box we used a purple backpack to hold 2 discovery bottles 🙂 One bottle contained Dora characters and the other bottle had animals—-like the ones her cousin Diego saves!
These bottles were really intriguing to the students. Also, just in case you were wondering—we hot glue the lids closed to deter curious hands.
Science access point: match objects by an observable property such as shape.
It was fun to put the bottles in and out of the backpack!
Dora’s friend Bennie wears a colorful striped vest. There were lots of stripes—-of the colorful chenille type in this box. The students could line them up, twist them around, drape them over the box……
………..or hang them on a friend’s arm 🙂
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
Since Dora travels around the world we used a laminated picture of earth for our messy play.
The students swirled around fluffy shaving cream clouds!
Science access point: recognize that pushing or pulling an object makes it move.
Hands were rinsed under a waterfall made by a splitting water wheel.
This was a HIT!!!
Science access point: initiate a change in motion of an object.
Our lotion this week had a nice fruity aroma. We chose mango mandarin from Bath and Body Works because those fruits are grown in Mexico.
Our students are smelling really yummy this week!
Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday the students made a fox mask! We used purchased eye masks and this template: fox
First, we counted the eye holes in each mask.
Math access point: associate quantities with number names.
Then, the students used popsicle sticks to scrape the black overlay to reveal rainbow colors underneath.
Science access point: recognize changes in observable properties of materials.
We finished by gluing the rainbow mask onto the fox mask and…..
…………..TA DA!!!
Can you guess which Dora character we are pretending to be?
On Wednesday the students made backpacks out of tissue boxes we covered with white paper!
First, the students chose which color marker for their backpack.
Science access point: identify an object by one observable property, such as color.
They used markers to decorate their backpacks—–some of the students used a switch to operate their drawing tools!
Science access point: recognize changes in observable properties of materials.
Time to add a one nose, one mouth, and………….
………….. TWO big googly eyes!
Math access point: associate quantities with number names.
We taped some paper straps to the back of our backpack boxes.
TA DA!!!
Let’s go explore!!!!!!!!
LANGUAGE GROUP
We changed it up in our language group today. Instead of making a yummy treat, we went in search of one! We used a map, just like Dora, to look for our treasure. We had to make sure and follow all of the directions on the map.
We saw on the map that the classroom was where we start. Our students looked at the map to see where they had to go next: THROUGH the tunnel!
We really love this tunnel because it’s big enough for our kiddos in wheelchairs 🙂
Next, we had to go out of the gate and around the front of the school.
Then we had to figure out which was the right gate to go into. Our students had to compare the gates to see which one matched the one in the picture on the map.
Once we went through the DIFFERENT gate, our students had to step on the circles that were down the hall. Our ambulatory students got to step ON padded circles that squeaked while our wheelchair friends had to go OVER their circles.
One of our volunteers stepped on the padded circles as our wheelchair friends went by.
We had to check the map again to find WHERE to go next!
Next, we saw on the map that we had to find where the fish were.
Each student had to catch ONE fish before we could go on to the next and final step: the treasure!
Students had to look at the map one last time to find the treasure box.
They opened it and found………..yummy Golden cookies!!
Hope you enjoyed exploring with us this week! Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!
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