Category Archives: Education

Feb9

January After Party

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January After Party

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.

Here are photos teachers have sent of their students exploring the different sensory boxes during the months of January 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

We started the month by celebrating the New Year!

There were colorful beads.

Always a hit!

 

 

 

The bright, glittery discovery bottles were fascinating!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our fireworks toy was a huge hit with both light and sound!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The numbers 2-0-1-8 were found in beans, in our water play,

and in our “sands of time” box.

 

 

 

We finished with some bubble wrap fireworks….

they were a blast 🙂

 

 

 

 

Next we learned about Scotland and enjoyed Ms. Ellen’s photos from her trip!

The students made their own Scottish castles using grey Floam and some laminated props.

They also stamped the letter S in blue moon sand.

 

 

 

 

 

We learned that a lot of authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and JM Barrie came from Scotland. This box contained characters or props from their stories in addition to other Scottish symbols.

There was also a vibrating tube and jet sounds recorded on a voice output device—-you have to fly to get to Scotland!

 

 

 

 

Oats were added to oobleck to make “porridge”!

Messy hands were washed off in Loch Ness—-complete with Nessie herself 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the students were learning about their bodies in the Unique Curriculum, we decided to do a unit on the 5 senses.

 

 

 

Our tactile box had lots of textures to explore!

There was lots to explore!

 

 

 

 

Our colorful pasta was very eye catching and

a hit with the students.

 

 

 

 

The students explored their muscles with a variety of stretchy toys.

They were pretty intrigued!

 

 

 

 

Shaving cream was our choice for messy play.

A great tactile medium and a fun way to practice prewriting skills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our water play contained a fun water wheel.

This was a hit!

 

 

 

 

Our last unit had us traveling to Asia to visit the country of Taiwan!

Students sorted pompoms in the colors of the Taiwanese flag.

Blue, red, and white.

 

 

 

 

The Formosan black bear is a symbol of Taiwan.

The black fur and little plush bear brought lots of giggles.

 

 

 

 

The students found the letters t-e-a in these tea leaves.

They also had fun with the different scoops.

 

 

 

 

The blue magpie is the national bird of Taiwan.

A blue cookie cutter was used to cut magpies out of blue moon sand.

 

 

 

 

 

This box was dedicated to the director of the Hulk—-Ang Lee.

Our green kinetic sand was perfect for this box!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students practiced writing letter T in the shaving cream…..

when they weren’t just having fun with it 🙂

 

 

 

See you next month for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Feb4

Ancient Myths and Legends book

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Ancient Myths and Legends book

This week, we are learning all about some of the different characters that are read about in ancient myths.  Our book covers some different characters such as Apollo, Thor, and Osiris, to name just a few.  We have our students dressed as each of the different characters and they look really spectacular!  Check out the book to see all of the characters that we learned about and find out a neat fact about each of them.

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: Who Are The Characters In Ancient Myths?

Feb4

Ancient Myths and Legends

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Ancient Myths and Legends

This week we decided to take a look at some of the characters of ancient myths and legends around the world. The sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to different characters. The fine motor groups made some inspired headdresses and the language group made a not so mythical snack!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our starry night umbrella was very eye catching and worthy of Nott the Norse goddess of the night! With some twinkle lights, a moon,  and silver stars this really captured the students interest.

 

 

 

The science access points recognize that there are many stars in the sky and recognize a full moon as a circle can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Zeus is associated with weather—-especially thunderstorms. In this box, we put a fan for wind, a fiber optic toy for lighting, a rainstick, and a SUPER COOL thunder tube! This is the first time we got to use the thunder tube and it really did sound like the rumbling sounds of thunder. This box was a hit!

 

 

Recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

With glitter and sequins which made our play dough even more eye catching, the students used a butterfly shaped cookie cutter to make colorful wings like those of Egyptian goddess Isis.

 

 

 

 

The science access point recognize that the appearance of an object or material has changed, is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

In addition to a couple of ancient Egyptian figures, there were some pyramids, a rake, and 2 giant carrots in our play dirt box dedicated to Osiris who supposedly taught the world about farming. The play dirt feels similar to kinetic sand and the students had lots of fun with it.

 

 

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

We think Venus would be tickled with all the hearts and valentines to discover in this box. There was red and white paper shred,  heart beads, red bows, a valentine bear, and lots of other heart shaped items. Lots to explore and discover!

 

 

The math access point recognize similarities and differences in the size of objects is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

Yellow food coloring and gold glitter made our oobleck dedicated to Apollo pretty “sunny” this week.

 

 

 

 

The science access point track objects in motion can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Since Sedna was an Inuit sea goddess, we put some animals that might be seen around the arctic ocean regions. The students were able to scoop out toy animals such as a whale and walrus.

We also included a measuring cup for scooping fun.

 

The science access point recognize objects related to science by name, such as animal, can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Thor was associated with lots of different things including the oak tree so we used Bath and BodyWorks oak scent for our water this week. Since we didn’t have a matching lotion, we used their mahogany scent which we figured was close enough—-both truly heroic scents 🙂

 

 

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR SKILLS

On Tuesday we made headdresses inspired by Venus. We found the supplies on the give away table—–one man’s trash is another’s treasure 🙂

We started by identifying the color of supplies using communication symbols.

 

 

 

 

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we cut pieces of bulletin board trim using switch operated scissors or paper trimmers.

 

 

 

 

 

Recognize the appearance of an object has changed is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students glued a large heart on to their paper strip.

 

 

 

 

 

The math access point recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!

We are spreading the love!

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we made headdresses inspired by those worn by the ancient greeks and romans.

First the students identified the color of the leaves using communication symbols.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

Then they also chose how many leaves they were going to put on their headdress.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

The students twisted paper to make “grapevines”. Some of them could do this independently but most needed a little help. It was a great activity for bilateral coordination!

The science access point recognize the appearance of an object has changed is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

The students squeezed glue on to their leaves and then glued them DOWN on their grapevines.

 

 

 

 

 

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down, is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Ta—- toga—- DA!

 

 

 

 

 

Our students are legendary!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since Osiris was a god who helped man learn to farm, we decided to make a smoothie made with ingredients that need to be farmed.  Here is the recipe we used: Let_s Make A Blueberry Spinach Smoothie.  Don’t let the ingredients trick you into thinking this isn’t going to be good!

We started out by putting some frozen blueberries into a blender.  Each of our students got to touch the bag.  They communicated that the bag felt COLD.  We talked about how we needed to use a measuring cup in order to measure out the blueberries.

Recognize objects or materials as warm or cold, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we added some frozen bananas to the blender.  Our students had to request if they wanted to help by raising their hand or indicating “help” on their communication board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We added some baby spinach to the blender next.  This got a few funny looks, both from the students as well as the staff!

Milk and vanilla Greek yogurt were also added to the mix.

Recognize when an object is added to a situation, is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

Finally, we added some honey.  Each of our students got to taste test the honey before we put it in the blender.  We talked about how it tastes SWEET.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our students took turns pressing the switch to activate the blender so we could blend all of the ingredients up.  We counted out how many cups we needed (thank you to grandma for showing the kiddos how many cups we needed!) and poured some for each student.

 

 

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point. Solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more is another math access point addressed here.

 

 

 

 

All the students and adults thought this smoothie was pretty delicious, despite the ingredients being so deceiving 🙂

YUM!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Join us again next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Jan28

Taiwan book

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Taiwan book

We are taking a trip and learning about Taiwan this week.  Earlier this year, we had some visitors from Taiwan come to our school and perform for us.  It was SO COOL so we thought it would be neat to learn some things about our visitors’ home.  Our book shares some information, such as the national animal, bird, and flower.  It even has some fun facts about a famous director who was born in Taiwan as well as a really interesting fact about their garbage trucks.  Take a look to find out more about this amazing country!

 

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: Let_s Learn About Taiwan

Jan28

Taiwan

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Taiwan

We were lucky enough to be visited by an acrobatic school group from Taiwan. They were absolutely amazing and made us want to find out more about their country. Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about the country. The fine motor groups decorated dragons to use in dragon boat races hosted by the language group.

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Red, white, and blue are the colors found in the Taiwanese flag so we had our students sort pompoms in those colors. We included a laminated flag for reference.

 

 

 

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

The math access point recognize three-dimensional, such as balls (spheres), can also be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

We used a bird shaped cookie cutter in blue moon sand to represent the Blue Magpie which is the national bird of Taiwan.

 

 

 

 

Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Tea is a popular drink in Taiwan. Our box of tea contained the letters T-E-A for our students to find as well as a map at the bottom of the box. There were also 2 different sized spoons which made for lots of scooping fun.

 

 

 

Recognize similarities and differences in sizes of objects is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

The Formosan Black Bear is the national animal of Taiwan. The students really liked the feel of the black bear “fur” and cuddling with the cute plush black bear cub.

 

 

 

Recognize objects related to science by name, such as ice, animal, and plant, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Ang Li, who is from Taiwan, directed the movie The Hulk.  Our green kinetic sand was definitely the right pick for this box. Since we didn’t have a Hulk action figure on hand, we made our own laminated one and the students seemed pretty happy with what we came up with.

 

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

We practiced making the letter T for Taiwan and had lots of fun scribbling in the shaving cream this week.

 

 

 

 

The science access point recognize the change in the motion of an object can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Taiwan is made up of lots of islands so fishing is an important part of the economy. We put different sized scoops and two cute little squirting fish in the water play this week.

This turned out to be a really fun activity and the students had a blast.

 

Track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Plum blossoms are a symbol of Taiwan so we used Victoria’s Secret plum scented bath gel and lotion this week. The light floral scent was really popular with the students.

 

 

 

Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

Joy drew these dragons on poster board and gave each of the classes one to decorate. Two of our classes decorated theirs during Fine Motor group time.

 

On Tuesday the students decorated their dragon in their team color—-PURPLE.

First the students identified the color purple using communication symbols.

 

 

 

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Then we stamped UP and DOWN with a bubble wrapped stamper. Most of the students needed a little assistance with this but they were all very engaged in the activity!

 

 

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down, is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

We sprinkled on some confetti for a little added sparkle.

 

 

 

 

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point that can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

The Purple Dragons are ready to rumble!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the Pink team decorated their dragons.

First, we identified the color of our markers using communication symbols.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

We also identified the number 3 because each student was asked to draw 3 lines on the dragon.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

A variety of PINK markers were used for this activity and the students were encouraged to draw straight lines but, of course, any effort was applauded 🙂

 

 

 

 

The math access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more, can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

We sang our glitter song while adding some PINK glitter.

Recognize a change in motion of an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used both regular and adaptive scissors to cut some Pink paper streamers and attached them to the dragon.

Recognize a change in an object, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!

 

 

 

 

 

Hear those Pink Dragons ROAR!!!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had LOTS of fun in the language group this week.  We learned that each year, Taiwan has a big Dragon Boat race so we thought it’d be fun to have our OWN dragon race. Each elementary classroom chose their team color.

 

 

 

 

Before we began racing, we talked to the students about going FAST in the race.

Recognize a motion as FAST or SLOW is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Everyone had to wait until they saw the signal to GO (we used the Pixon communication symbol for “go”)

 

 

 

 

…………..and they were off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the students and teachers ran down until they got to the red ribbon finish line.

 

 

 

 

 

We have some really fast teachers and students!

 

 

 

 

The competition was fierce…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

…..and there were some close finishes!

 

 

 

 

We talked about who was the fastest and won the race.  The top 2 fastest classes won trophies and the other classes each won medals.

 

 

 

 

The pictures can’t begin to capture all of the fun we had at the race lol!  We might have to make this an annual event as well 🙂

 

 

Join us again next week for more fun and learning

                               Group by Group!

Jan21

Our 5 Senses book

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Our 5 Senses book

We are learning all about our senses this week in our groups.  The book discusses all 5 of our senses and shows some examples of each.  We are learning that we use all of our senses in order to learn about the world around us.  Take a look and see what the senses are!

 

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: I Can Use My 5 Senses

Jan21

Our 5 Senses

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Our 5 Senses

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!

Jan14

Scotland book

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Scotland book

We’re taking a trip to Scotland this week!  One of our staff took a trip to Scotland last summer and she graciously let us borrow some of her amazing photos.  The book goes over some neat facts about Scotland like different animals that live there, some famous people who were born there, and even something about a mythical creature that is said to live in a lake.  Check out the book, also, to find out their awesome national animal!  You won’t be able to guess what it is.  We have a student featured on the cover and Ellen, who took the trip, featured on the back.  Check it out!

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: Let_s Learn About Scotland

Jan14

Scotland

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Scotland

One of our staff members, Ms. Ellen, recently travelled to Scotland so this week we learned about the country of Tartan—-and so much more! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about Scotland. The fine motor groups made symbols of the country art projects and the language group made a Scots inspired treat!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Since Ms. Ellen took a plane to get to there, we replicated the airplane experience using a vibrating massager and jet sounds recorded on a voice output device.

 

 

Of course, our plane ride lasted a whopping 3 minutes——just a tad shorter than the real thing 🙂

 

 

 

 

The vibrating tube was a HUGE hit with the students!

 

 

 

 

 

Recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is science access point.

 

 

 

 

We used rice in the colors of the Scottish flag for this box. There were letter “S”s to find and a map of the country at the bottom of the box. We also put in 2 different sized scoops.

 

 

Recognize similarities and differences in size of objects is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

The background of the Scottish flag is blue, so we pulled out our blue moon sand this week. The students used 2 different sized cookie cutters to stamp letter “S” into the sand.

 

 

Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

This box had a variety of items associated with Scotland including their national animal—-the unicorn! Symbols of famous Scottish authors such as J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes), and Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island) were a fun addition.

 

 

 

 

We also included a passport, a voice output device with some bagpipe music recorded on it, and a phone for Alexander Graham bell was pretty popular!

Lots to explore here!

 

 

 

Recognize a model of a real object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

There are over 3000 castles in Scotland—–how cool is that! The students had fun making their own castles using grey Floam. We laminated some props including a kilted Scotsman.

 

 

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Oatmeal added to our oobleck turned it into “porridge” this week! This lumpy oobleck was certainly a different texture and pretty  fascinating to our students—-although some were a little hesitant to actually touch it.

 

 

The science access point track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

The students found cute little Nessie  swimming around in “Loch”. You will notice that Nessie bears a striking resemblance to a My Little Pony seahorse 🙂 We also included 2 different sized scoops for added fun.

 

 

 

Recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

Since Scotland gets a lot of rainy weather, Bath and BodyWorks rain kissed leaves seemed a good scent to use this week. The students really liked the soft scent.

 

 

 

Recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, our students made the Scottish flag.

First, using communication symbols we identified the shape and color of our paper.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

 

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

Then we cut 1 strip of white paper into 2 pieces using switch operated scissors or paper cutters.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next the students were asked to glue down the strips of paper in the shape of an X.

 

 

 

The math access point recognize when an object is added to a situation can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!!!!!

We love Scotland!

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, our students turned into Unicorns using paper plates !

We started by using communication symbols to identify the shape of our paper.

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the used a glue stick to “color” their triangle. The glue in these sticks comes out purple which makes it easy to see.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students sprinkled pink and purple glitter onto the glue. Of course we sang our “shake that glitter” song (adapted from KC and the Sunshine Band’s famous song) 🙂

 

 

 

 

Track falling objects is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

The students glued their triangles DOWN on to a precut paper plate.

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down, is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

We just spotted some Unicorns!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a popular Scottish dessert this week–raspberry cranachan.  Typically, this dessert has whiskey in it so we had to do some searching to find a kid friendly recipe.  Here is that recipe: Let_s Make Raspberry Cranachan

Cara had prepared the toasted oats before the group so we were able to skip the first part of the recipe.

Our students requested to put the whipping cream in the bowl.  We talked about how it was a liquid when it was poured into the bowl  Each of our students took turns pressing the switch to activate the mixer.   Once it thickened up, we talked about how it had turned into a solid.

Identify objects and materials as solid or liquid is an access point.

 

 

 

 

Next, we added some mascarpone and mixed that together with the whipping cream.

Recognize when an object has been added to a situation is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We added some honey and caramel sauce next.  We talked about how we were using a measuring spoon because we needed a smaller amount of each ingredient.  Our students got to taste the caramel sauce.

Recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids is a math access point.

 

 

 

Before we added the honey and caramel sauce we tasted them. We talked about how they tasted SWEET.

 

 

 

 

This taste test received a unanimous thumbs up 🙂

 

 

 

 

Once the ingredients were all mixed up, we counted out cups for each of our students.  We layered the cups with raspberries, the whipped cream mix, raspberry preserves, and toasted oats.

The consensus was a positive one!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

It was a great week and we enjoyed learning so much about Scotland. Join us next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Jan7

New Year’s book

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New Year’s book

To start the new year off fresh, we’re talking all about what New Year’s is and some of the things we do to celebrate it.  The book talks about how New Year’s falls on the first of January.  It also goes over things people do, like make resolutions, set off fireworks, and eat foods that are considered to be lucky.  Take a look and see some of our students celebrating in front of fireworks on the front and back——-and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: It_s A New Year!