Category Archives: Occupational Therapy

Fall Fun

Fall Fun

img_3049The weather is finally getting a little cooler and we are thinking about all the fun things that happen in the fall! The sensory group explored colorful, eye catching boxes. The fine motor group decorated some fall leaves and the language group made a tasty treat!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

img_2842img_3336Fall festivals are so much fun with hay rides, pumpkins, decorations, and people in costumes! Our fall festival box had a base of raffia hay and silk leaves. There were lots of fall symbols including pine cones, jack o lanterns, turkeys, and squirrels to explore and discover in the box.

img_2814Recognize a model of a real object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_2892img_3275College football is a big part of fall around here. The students loved the shaker pompoms—-so much fun to cheer for your favorite team! They also had fun filling the game day cups with black and white “referee” paper shred or a little football.

img_2917Recognize the change in the motion of an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_2823img_2860We love our orange and black rice box—-it is SO eye catching! The students had fun scooping the rice and beans into the little pumpkin bowl or looking for a jack o lantern picture at the bottom of the box.

img_2936The math access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions, using language, such as enough, too much, or more, can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

img_2956img_3210The Owl Run is a race our school hosts for all the middle schools in our district. It is a popular event that we all look forward to each year. To represent the race, the students stamped our schools’ initials into yellow moon sand—-yellow is one of our school colors! There was also a t-shirt cookie cutter because you always get a t-shirt after a race 🙂

img_2856Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_2949img_3149We brought out one of our favorite umbrellas this week. Our fall umbrella is a pretty simple one—- just some fall garland and craft foam leaves attached to a yellow umbrella—but it is completely eye catching! A little hand held fan helped add to the experience by blowing the leaves around with a gentle breeze. Some of the students also loved the feeling of the air blowing on their faces.

img_3186The science access point recognize a seasonal change in the appearance of a common plant can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

img_3228img_2833This week our messy play was indeed messy—-we used pumpkin puree! The Dollar Tree stocks cans of pumpkin so this was pretty inexpensive.  In addition to an interesting texture, it also has a nice aroma which added to the experience. Most of the students were pretty intrigued by the pumpkin—–others not so much 🙂

Use senses to recognize objects is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_2837img_2830Some craft foam and plastic symbols of fall (such as leaves, the letter F, and bats) were  scooped out of the water. Bath and BodyWorks cinnamon pumpkin scented bath gel in the water made it smell really nice.

 

img_3295The social studies access point associate an object with an event can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_3363img_3352The matching lotion was rubbed on various body parts to give our students a yummy reminder of all the fun they had. They were able to communicate whether they “liked” the scent or not—-it was pretty much a universal LIKE!

img_2983Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

Due to a district holiday, we only had one fine motor group this week—-but it was a fun one! We used this template:  leaf-template

img_2999img_3007First we discussed the color of our leaves and the students used communication symbols to identify the color BROWN.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_3020img_3021Then the students squeezed some gold paint onto their leaves and spread it around using paint brushes. They were pretty intrigued with the metallic paint!

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

 

 

 

 

img_3030img_3029Ta Da!

img_3035                                                                   Feeling fallish 🙂

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We got back into cooking during our language group and made a fall treat: Pumpkin Fluff Dip!  Here is a link to the recipe:  lets-make-pumpkin-fluff-dip

img_3368img_3372We started out by making the pudding.  We used the Pixon core 50 communication board throughout the process to model how symbols are used for communication.  Our students helped PUT the pudding mix into the bowl.  They all took turns feeling how COLD the milk was and then PUT the milk in the bowl as well.

img_3384Recognize when an object is added to a situation is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

img_3390Each student had a TURN pressing the switch to activate the mixer.  So fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_3406Next, we took turns smelling the pumpkin puree.  This smell was not a favorite for some of our students but others thought it was pretty yummy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_3412We PUT the pumpkin puree into a different bowl and added half a container of whipped cream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_3415img_3423Then we added some cinnamon after taking turns smelling it.

img_3419We used communication symbols to let the students tell us if they “liked” the scent. For the most part, it was a pretty popular scent 🙂

 

 

 

 

img_3425We mixed the pumpkin and whipped cream and then added the vanilla pudding.  We counted out the bowls for our students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_3432img_3433For the ones who are on a puree diet, they ate the Pumpkin Fluff Dip by itself.  For our students who eat solid food, we added some crumbled up Nilla Wafers.

YUM!

 

 

 

 

 

img_3267It looks like we are ready for fall around here! Join us again next time for more fun—–Group by Group!

Famous Scientists

Famous Scientists

img_1947This week we learned about some famous scientists. We chose this theme to compliment the Unique Curriculum unit for some of our grade levels. The sensory groups explored boxes related to individual scientists. The fine motor groups created science themed art projects and the language group performed some fun science experiments!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

img_2386img_2379Galileo and Neil DeGrasse Tyson are famous for studies in the area of astronomy. Our little astronomers loved our solar system umbrella. With its twinkly stars and hanging planets, it was a real hit.

Recognize a space-related object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_2431Stephen Hawking knows a LOT about black holes. We used black kinetic sand for our “black hole” box and added a star shaped cookie cutter. So much fun and irresistible to both our students and staff 🙂

The science access point apply a push to move an object can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1970img_2399The thermometer was invented by Daniel Fahrenheit. In honor of him we filled a box with some “Insta-Snow”. While not quite as cold as the real thing, it still feels a little chilly!

img_2411Distinguish between hot and cold objects is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1925img_2035We think our chimpanzee habitat would be a hit with Jane Goodall, she is an anthropologist who studies wild chimpanzees! Included in this box are binoculars, a variety of chimps, play fruit, and a voice output device with monkey sounds we recorded from You Tube. The monkey sounds were a huge hit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_1928Kepler was a famous mathematician. In our box of white cornmeal were numbers 1-9 for our students to find. We haven’t used this cornmeal box for a while and it has a really intriguing texture for our students.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2021img_2447Mary Anning was a famous fossil hunter. The students had fun hunting for dinosaur skeletons buried in our box of moon sand. They also had a lot of fun with the dinosaur molds.

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_2404img_2570Since our theme was all about famous scientists, we decided to put pop rocks into our shaving cream to start a “chemical” reaction. Those crackling pop rocks sounded pretty cool!

The science access point recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

img_1895Charles Darwin’s boat the HMS Beagle sailed in our little ocean—-passing a giant sea turtle along the way!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2477Since we found out that chimpanzees like all sorts of fruit—not just bananas—-we used Bath and Body Works mango tangerine scent for both our water and lotion this week. The citrusy scent was a real hit with the students!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR

On Tuesday our students made a galaxy!

img_2076We started by discussing the shape of planets found in galaxies and used communication symbols to identify a CIRCLE.

Recognize objects with a 2-dimensional shape is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2156Then we used a circle punch to cut “planets” out of wallpaper scraps. You have to push pretty hard to make the punch work, so the students needed a little help with this. Of course, we counted how many planets each student cut out.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2108img_2171Next they painted watered down glue onto black paper and the planets were placed on the glue.

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_2122Sparkly stars were added using chunky silver glitter.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2124img_2183Ta Da!

img_2093                                                                  It’s a galaxy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students painted with corn syrup! We have done this before and always love how the syrup retains its “wet” look after it hardens. VERY COOL!

img_2488First we discussed the color of our syrup—-we had added some food coloring 🙂

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

The students identified the color using communication symbols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2501img_2541We poured a little of the syrup onto their science lab beakers, cut from poster board using this:beaker-template

The students used regular paint brushes to spread it around. Yes, this did get a little sticky and messy but it was WAY fun 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

img_2537img_2509TA DA!

Let’s do some experiments!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Our students turned into little scientists today!  We tried out 2 different experiments today.  Here is a breakdown of each experiment: experiments

img_2576img_2580For our first experiment, our students helped POUR some baking soda into a pan.  Then, our students helped fill up some cups HALFWAY with vinegar.  They also got to choose what color should be put into each vinegar cup.

img_2627Recognize when an object is added to (addition) a situation, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_2608img_2613Once everything was ready, each student got a chance to use droppers and SQUEEZE some of the vinegar onto the baking soda.

img_2642Our students loved seeing the colorful fizz!

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

 

 

 

 

img_2620img_2589For our second experiment, we filled up a measuring cup HALFWAY with vinegar.  We added some food coloring as well.  Our students got to CHOOSE the color glitter they wanted.  They also got to help SQUEEZE some dish soap into the measuring cup.  We STIRRED it up.

 

 

 

 

 

img_2633Finally, we got a big spoonful of baking soda and POURED it into the measuring cup.  We gave it another little stir and watched it foam up!  It was pretty amazing how much foam came out of our experiment!

 

What an exciting week! Join us again next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Opposites

Opposites

img_1275We had a lot of fun putting this unit together and the students really loved seeing their friends in the book. The sensory group explored boxes filled with opposites. The fine motor groups made art projects that explored texture differences and the language group performed experiments!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

img_0896img_1512This first box was filled with ROUGH AND SMOOTH textures including plastic spaghetti strands, bath scrubbers, container lids, and beads.

Lots and lots to touch and explore.

img_1294Recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_1281img_0893BIG and LITTLE was the theme of this box. A box filled with balls—-what could be more fun than that 🙂

img_1210Recognize differences in size of objects is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

img_0915img_1568Our discovery bottles were filled with beads that floated UP and DOWN as the bottles were shaken or turned.

img_1613The math access point recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down, is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_1207img_1316LIGHT and DARK were explored with our light box. Our students really love lights, and the colorful ones we put in this shoebox were especially attractive.

img_0946Recognize a source of light energy is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_0871img_1243Our students pushed HARD cookie cutters into the SOFT playdough. As a bonus, the cookie cutters were also opposites—-ANIMAL and PLANT!

img_1259The science access point apply a push to move an object is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_1194img_0899Students practiced scooping IN and OUT  in the purple bean box. White beans are really easy to dye using food coloring and they turn out really eye catching!

img_1462The math access point solve simple problems involving putting together and taking apart small quantities of objects can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_0903img_0920Oobleck kind of IS an opposite—-it is both a LIQUID and a SOLID! We added some confetti to give it some extra visual appeal. Sparkly, floaty, messy, and fun—–he students had an absolute blast:)

img_1450The science access point track objects that fall to the ground can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_1445img_1265Hands got WET as the oobleck was washed off hands. We added some SINK or FLOAT objects for fun experimentation.

img_0906Recognize one way people use water is a science access point that can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_1323img_1320After hands were DRY, it was time for lotion. It wasn’t easy coming up with a scent for a theme about opposites! We decided to use Bath and BodyWorks pink lemonade scent since the name has pink but the lotion is yellow—-not exactly opposites but close enough for us 🙂

img_1331Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our fine motor group used sand to make their SMOOTH paint feel ROUGH!

img_0980First we identified the color of our paint—-we used a bright, eye catching PINK!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1043img_1012Next the students used brushes to spread the paint around their paper. We used black paper so our pink paint would really pop!

img_0997Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_1050Then the students shook some pink sand onto the paint to add texture. Our sand was really fine and came out of our spice container quite fast! Suffice to say, the table ended up with plenty of sand too 🙂

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.

The science access point track objects falling to the ground can also be addressed 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1006img_1027Ta DA!

img_1056-1It can’t really be seen in the photo but these did turn out pretty cool.

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday our fine motor group we made FLAT arrows BUMPY using tissue paper.

img_1355We started by discussing the color of the arrow and used communication symbols to identify it.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1366img_1360Then the students tore and crumpled tissue paper into little pieces. They dipped the paper balls into glue and pressed them down onto their arrows—-lots of pincer grasp practice here!

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_1390Next they squeezed glue onto the back of the arrow and patted it down onto a piece of orange paper.

Recognize when an object is added to or taken away from a situation is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1370img_1420TA DA—-

img_1406                                                 we are going in the right direction!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We did 2 different activities that looked at opposites.  Our first activity was about things that SINK and things the FLOAT.

img_1683img_1687We got 6 different objects.  Our first job was to make a prediction if we thought the objects would sink or float.  We talked about how things that are HEAVY tend to sink while things that are LIGHT tend to float.  Each student got a chance to hold an object and predict if it would float or sink.

Our predictions resulted in everyone believing that all of the objects would float!

Observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_1731Now to put them to the test.  Each student got to put an object into a tub of water.  We looked to see if they sank UNDER the water or if they stayed ON top of the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1739We found that we were 50% correct in our predictions.  3 of the objects did float; however, the other 3 sank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1752img_1754Our next activity focused on WET and DRY.  For this we used “Squand” which is made by RoseArt.  Our students got to POUR some of the Squand into a bin of water.  They saw that the sand went from being DRY to getting WET in the water.

 

 

 

 

 

img_1779img_1783We found that when we pulled the sand out of the water, it was DRY once again!

img_1765Such a cool activity and very impressive to both the students and the adults—we were all completely fascinated! This stuff is the COOLEST!

 

 

 

img_0863img_1579Join us again next week for more fun and learning———–Group by Group!

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular Activities

img_0431What kids do after school, extracurricular activities, is our theme this week. We found out there are LOTS of things to choose from! The sensory groups explored boxes related to specific activities. The fine motor groups made some fun art projects and the language group helped figure out what items are needed for different activities!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

img_9848img_9950Many extracurricular activities involve sports that use balls. The students molded white foam into different sized balls—-SMALL like golf balls, MEDIUM like baseballs, or BIG like volleyballs.

img_9812Identify objects by one observable property, such as size, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_0245img_0357Our ballet box was a real hit! We put in some fluffy feather boas, pieces of tulle, and a butterfly headband. Ok, so the goofy headband was a bit of a stretch as a ballet prop, but we did record music from the Swan Lake ballet on a voice output device 🙂

img_0520As the ballet props are tried on, the science access point recognize one or more external body parts can be addressed.

 

 

 

 

img_0317img_0251Cheerleading is another activity some of our students enjoy. We put in some shaker pompoms and our students totally got their cheer on!

img_0377The science access point recognize the change in the motion of an object can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_0277img_0554Learning a musical instrument is another popular extracurricular activity. The ever-popular finger drums were found in this box, along with a tambourine, and electronic maraca. Our students totally rocked out!

img_0303Recognize and respond to common sounds is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_9992img_9920Many students, including our own, have fun at their school’s After School programs. We represented ours with a rice box in our school colors and some alphabet letters. There was also a picture of a teacher reading to children to find at the bottom of the box.

img_0271Track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_9927img_0266We went back to sports with our messy play. Since many sports include round balls, we asked the students to make round circles in shaving cream.

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_0327img_0548After the students rinsed their hands they got to go fishing in our little water pond. With rivers, lakes, and the ocean nearby, fishing is a fun extracurricular activity that many of our students enjoy! There were 2 fish to find—–a big one and a little one!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_0393img_0576Our scent for our water and lotion was vanilla sugar from Bath and BodyWorks. We thought this scent reminded us of Girl Scout cookies! A delicious reminder of the fun we had exploring different extracurricular activities.

img_0382Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

Students at our school are always proud to show off their Special Olympics medals so we let our future olympians make some of their own using our go to favorite—paper plates!

img_0019img_0025We started by discussing the shape of our paper plate and using communication symbols to identify it.

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

 

 

 

 

img_0065img_0109Then the students painted their plates using gold paint and then added glitter for additional sparkle—-we never pass up the opportunity to add a little sparkle to our projects 🙂

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

 

 

 

img_0121Next the students placed a small circle with “1st” printed on it DOWN onto the plate. The paper stuck to the paint easily so glue was not needed.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_0130img_0151Ta Da!!!

Our students are winners for sure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our other fine motor group made art projects related to another fun extracurricular activity—-fishing! We used this:fish-template

img_0429img_0442First the students used communication symbols to pick the color of the crayon they wanted to use to color their fish. We used Easy Grip crayons for this project and the crayons lived up to their name—–they were easy for the students to grasp!

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

 

 

 

 

img_0410img_0437Ta DA——

img_0466                                                           let’s go fishing!

 

 

 

 

img_0471img_0489After the students finished coloring their fish, we attached a paper clip to the tail and put them on the table.

Our fishing rod was made from a sturdy cardboard tube with a cute flower magnet attached with yarn. Recognize that objects can stick together is a science access point.

img_0478The students were completely intrigued with how the magnet picked up their fish. This activity was a real HIT 🙂

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week we changed it up a little bit in our language group.  We discussed some of the items that people will need if they are participating in extracurricular activities.

The 5 activities we focused on were baseball, basketball, fishing, music, and cheerleading.  Each of our students took turns indicating which item fit with which activity.

img_0595img_0599For each turn, the student  was presented with 2 pictures of different items.  They were asked, for example, “which one do we need for baseball?  A baseball bat or a fishing pole?”  They would then have to point to the correct item.

 

 

 

 

img_0588img_0583After they chose the item, they would point to the pixon symbols for “we” and “need” and then point to the item to convey “we need baseball bat”.

We used the photos from the book for a visual prompt.

 

 

 

img_0632img_0625The students finished by gluing down their picture choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_0622THEN, since this is the language group and we like our snacks, we each got to eat a Thin Mint in honor of the Girl Scouts 🙂

 

 

 

img_0506Well we hope we inspired you to try some new extracurricular activities! Join us again for next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

 

Video Games

Video Games

img_8800National Video Game Day is September 12! We thought this would be a really fun theme for our students and totally enjoyed planning all the activities. Our sensory groups explored boxes related to specific video games. The fine motor groups made characters from video games and the language group played games!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

img_8778img_8810We put lots of different bits and pieces related to the Legend of Zelda game in this box. Since we didn’t have any play figures from the game, we just pulled together some toys that we thought resembled the characters! There were also some objects that were mentioned in the stories such as a compass, hearts,  and a boomerang toy. It really  came together pretty nicely 🙂

img_9051Recognize a model of a real object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_9148img_9425The students stamped lots of little squares—–like ones seen in the game Minecraft—- in our red moon sand.

img_8784The science access point recognize that the appearance of an object or material has changed can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

img_9049img_9326The Mario Brothers wear different colored overalls so we had our students sort GREEN Luigi pompoms and RED Mario pompoms!

Match objects by one observable property, such as size or color is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_9058img_9361Sonic the Hedgehog and his friend Tails collect rings. The students made rings by joining the ends of large chenille stems to form the CIRCLE shape! So much fun to wave or wear!

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as circle or square is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_8799img_9076Video games often have lots of flashing lights so we included a variety of light toys in this box. Some required button pressing while others simply had to be tapped.

img_9055Either way, the students had a blast with them, lights are always a favorite with our students! We also included a voice output device with recorded video game sounds so our students could get the whole “gamer” experience 🙂

img_9109img_8802The science access point recognize objects that create sounds and the science access point recognize that a common activity can be repeated are addressed with this activity.

 

 

img_9432Did we mention our students REALLY liked the lights 🙂

 

 

 

 

img_9121img_9146Craft foam figures from the game Pac Man chased each other around the oobleck this week! We made the oobleck a little thin so the craft foam really glided over the surface as the students pushed it around.

img_9399Recognize that pushing or pulling makes an object move (contact force) is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_9153img_8794Hands were rinsed in banana scented water (we got the bubble bath at Walmart). The students were able to scoop up a Donkey Kong barrel or just enjoy watching the water spill down out of the scoop!

img_8777Recognize different containers that hold liquids is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_8831img_9450A matching banana scented lotion from World Market left out students smelling quite delicious 🙂

 

 

This scent was a real hit!

img_9182Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students made Pac Man out of a paper plate!

img_8839img_8841First we asked the students to identify our paint color—-YELLOW—-using communication symbols. Some of our students point to the symbols, others use eye gaze.

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

 

 

 

 

img_8852img_8890Then they painted their paper plates. A brush was taped onto a wooden paint stick to make the process easier for some of our students.

img_8875Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_8868To finish, a little circle eye was added, then…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8881img_8894Ta Wakka Wakka Da

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made Angry Birds using red paper plates!

img_9186First they identified the color and shape of the paper plate using communication symbols.

The science access point identify objects by one observable property, is addressed here

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_9201img_9209Then we identified the TRIANGLE shape of the bird’s beak and how many sides it has using communication symbols.

The math access point recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as circle or square is addressed here and the math access point associate quantities with number names is also addressed.

 

 

 

 

img_9212img_9247Paper cutters were used to cut the 3 sides the triangle. Of course, we counted the number of cuts out loud!

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_9217Then the students glued down the beak and 2 pre-made eyes, made with googlie eyes glued onto larger circles—-we do love those googlie eyes 🙂

The math access point match one object to a designated space to show one-to-one correspondence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_9244img_9253Ta Da!

img_9219                                                       Some not so angry birds.

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had such a great time in our language group this week!  Our students played games that were inspired by real video games.  They each had to get through 4 levels.

img_9480img_9484The first level was Mario Brick-Buster.  Our students had to PUSH over a wall of “bricks” in order to complete this level.  They had so much fun with this!  Our ambulatory students pushed the bricks over while our students in wheelchairs got help from the adults and were pushed into the bricks.

img_9455                                                          LEVEL 1 COMPLETE!

 

 

 

 

 

img_9490img_9493Level 2 was Angry Birds Pig Knock Out.  The object of this game was to THROW an Angry Bird bean bag and knock over the Pigs on the log.  Some of our students threw the bean bag while others who have more difficulty grasping and throwing objects used their hand to knock the pigs over.  Everyone participated and everyone passed the level.  img_9505                                                       LEVEL 2 COMPLETE!

 

 

 

 

img_9529img_9540As in video games, the levels just keep getting more difficult.  Level 3 was Sonic Ring Toss.  Each of our students had to TOSS a ring and hook it.  Although this was challenging, all of our students passed the level.

img_9513                                                      LEVEL 3 COMPLETE!

 

 

 

 

img_9549img_9564In our final level, Legend Of Zelda Map Making, our students got to use our Color Bug wireless controller to MAKE a map.    They had to make sure to stay within the paper–a feat that was difficult for even the adults in the room!  Our students had to direct it left/right, forward/backward.  They had such a great time with this and made a great map.

img_9554                                                       LEVEL 4 COMPLETE!

 

 

 

 

 

img_9592img_9614Since each level was completed, our students got a fireworks show to celebrate!

img_9594                             Our students got pretty creative with it—SO FUN!

 

 

 

img_9165Hope you enjoyed our video game fun this week. Join us next week for more fun and learning—–Group By Group!

 

People of the American Revolution

People of the American Revolution

img_8249Our students are learning about the American Constitution and Bill of Rights as part of their Unique Curriculum unit this month. To compliment the unit, we decided to learn a little more about the people who helped form our country.  Our sensory groups explored boxes related to different patriots. The fine motor group discussed shapes while making their art projects and the language group “invented” a dessert.

Due to the Labor Day weekend and another hurricane day, we had a shortened week and couldn’t do all our groups but we still had lots of fun!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

img_8407img_8393Paul Revere, who road his horse through the streets sounding the alarm that the “British were coming”, was a silversmith. We filled his box with silver beads and 2  different sized horses. As usual, the students had a blast with the beads—-always a favorite!

img_8224Recognize differences in size of objects is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

img_8252img_8431Abigail Adams probably drank lots of tea—–that is before her friends dumped it in the Boston Harbor 🙂 There were upper and lower case letter A’s and a picture of Abigail herself to find while sifting through the tea leaves.

The students enjoyed both the feel and the aroma of this box.

img_8376Recognize two objects that are identical to each other is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

img_8231img_8426The Marquis de Lafayette was a frenchman who came to help with the American Revolution. The colors of the French flag are red, white, and blue like our rice! We put in the numbers 1776 and a picture of the Marquis to find at the bottom.

In addition to visual and tactile discrimination, the science access point: track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled, can be addressed in this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

img_8211img_8274Thomas Jefferson not only wrote the Declaration of Independence but was also an architect.

Our students got to be little architects building their own buildings with blue Floam!

 

 

img_8537Recognize that the appearance of an object or material has changed is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_8270img_8518We learned that Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals! For his box we put in Wikki Stix strands that could be shaped into CIRCLES like glasses.

Yeah, we had a little fun with this 🙂

img_8448Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as circle or square is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

img_8244img_8218Shaving foam was used to add hair to George Washington’s head. Of course he also ended up with “hair” on his chin, cheeks, and nose!

The science access point recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

img_8415img_8375Patrick Henry enjoyed hunting and fishing so we had the students go fishing in our little pond. There were 2 fish to catch with a large scoop.

Since the fish could be counted, the math access point associate quantities with number names can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

img_8559img_8314We thought that Bath and BodyWorks country apple scent was perfect this week. After all whats more american than APPLE PIE! This yummy scent was a hit with our students and a great reminder of all the things we learned about the people of the American Revolution.

img_8320Recognize one or more body parts is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

This week our students made Ben Franklin kites.

img_8325img_8349We started by discussing the shape of our kite—–a DIAMOND. We also discussed the TRIANGLE shapes that could be seen as part of the kite—-we thought that was pretty cool!

Recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_8340img_8355Then they decorated their kites using colorful markers. This was also a great opportunity for our students to practice their communication skills asking for “more” markers or letting us know they were “all done”.

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_8334img_8342After they finished coloring their kites, the students used glue to attach a key made with this:  key-template. We love the story of how Ben Franklin attached a key to his kite to study electricity, so of course we had to have keys for our kites! After they students put glue onto their keys they had to turn their key over and pat it DOWN onto their kite.

This activity addresses the math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down.

 

 

 

 

img_8339img_8362TA DA—-

img_8366                                                                    —–lets go fly a kite!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We kind of stretched it a little bit this week to incorporate inventing, one of Ben Franklin’s specialties, into our group.  We decided to invent a new recipe—–we’ll call it, Banana Split Pudding!

Here is a link to our recipe:  lets-invent-a-banana-split-pudding

 

img_8668We used Pixon picture symbols throughout so that our students could request and inform.

The targeted symbol was presented to each child and they had to locate it on a Pixon board with 50 symbols on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8605img_8597We started by making some instant banana cream pudding.  When getting the milk out, we passed it around and talked about how it was COLD.  We poured 2 cups into a measuring cup and then poured in into a bowl.

img_8606Recognize the temperature of items, such as food, as cool or warm is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

img_8614img_8665Then we carefully added the pudding mix!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8620img_8625Our students got to use a wireless switch to activate the mixer.

This is always fun for them and everyone got a turn!

 

 

img_8627Recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

img_8631img_8633We then counted out how many cups we needed for each student and found that we needed 6.  Everyone helped count!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8643We put 3 spoonfuls of the banana cream pudding into each cup.  Cara had already whipped up some chocolate pudding since we know that time is of the essence 🙂

We scooped in one big spoonful of the chocolate pudding into each cup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8660We all know that banana splits have whipped cream and cherries so we topped off each cup with whipped cream and chopped up cherries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8674img_8656Lastly, and most importantly, we ate our newly invented dessert!  In the opinion of our students———YUM!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8404Thank you for joining us and we hope you enjoyed learning a little about some of the people of the American Revolution! We will see you next week for more fun and learning Group by Group!

Planets

Planets

IMG_5246We explored a galaxy closer to home this week—–our own! Each box in the sensory group was related to one of the planets. The fine motor groups made some out of this world art projects and the language group made a yummy “spacey” snack.

 

 

 

 

 

Sensory Group

IMG_5256IMG_5028Before we got to our groups we brought out our cool solar system umbrella. It was easily made with some battery operated lights, yellow craft foam, and some super cool hanging planets (thanks Ms. Kim). The students totally LOVED it!

 

 

IMG_4791Recognize a space related object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5283IMG_5115Jupiter is the largest of the planets and Mercury is the smallest. With this box our students sorted BIG shaker balls and SMALL pompoms.

IMG_4832Recognize differences in sizes of objects is a math access point.

 

IMG_5060IMG_5120They REALLY had fun with the big shaker balls 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4869IMG_5287One of the most recognizable planets is Saturn with its famous rings. Our students used fluffy chenille stems to make circular shaped rings of their own.

 

 

 

IMG_5082Recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5112IMG_4797Mars is known as the “red planet”. We made used black cherry Koolaid to make the play dough this week and we think the color turned out really well and smelled nice too! A cookie cutter letter M was included.

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

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4808IMG_5314We learned that Venus is a very hot planet with lots of volcanic activity. We made an orange and yellow discovery jar that looks like the planet’s surface using a technique that we found at http://mom.com The jar was so much fun to make that we made 2 more with different colors 🙂

 

IMG_5096Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4863IMG_5064Since our planet Earth has a moon, we HAD to bring out our MOONSAND this week! The students used a round shape sorter to make circle shaped craters in the sand.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5290IMG_4817Our “deep space” black kinetic sand contained some fun things to find including a blue-green planet—— Saturn!

 

 

 

IMG_5277Recognize a space related object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5141IMG_5154The planet Neptune is a beautiful blue color like our water this week!  Since it is the furthest planet from the sun we figured it would be an ideal place to view other galaxies (lighted swim rings)!

There was also a scoop for pouring—-lots of splashy fun 🙂

IMG_5324The science access point observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a  science topic can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5155IMG_5338There are a lot of pretty noxious odors associated with some of the planets we explored! So rather than go realistic, we decided that midnight by Bath and BodyWorks was a pretty good choice—–after all, midnight is the perfect time for star gazing 🙂

IMG_5171Applied to hands, necks, or arms—–the science access point recognize one or more external body parts can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Motor Group

IMG_4910IMG_4912On Tuesday our students made space shuttles using this template: space shuttle  Recycled toilet paper rolls used to complete the project gave us a chance to discuss the Unique Curriculum theme for this month.

This group LOVED our solar system umbrella too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4914We started our art project by asking the students to identify red and blue using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4928IMG_4951The student used red and blue markers to scribble on their rockets. We used Pipsqueak Markers by Crayola because their size is perfect for our students.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4921To finish off the project, the students added a circle “porthole” with their photo. Nice pincer grasp practice!

Recognize a common object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4933IMG_4944We attached the space shuttle to a toilet paper roll to help it stand up and 10, 9, 8, 7,6…..

 

 

 

 

IMG_4956                                                                Ta Da we have lift off!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday our students made a solar system!

IMG_5178We started by discussing the shape of our planets and asked our students to identify it using communication symbols.

Recognize an object with a three-dimensional shape is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5191IMG_5204To make our planets we used styrofoam balls cut in half so that they were easier to glue down. The students then painted their planets and sprinkled on some confetti to add a little texture.

This gave us lots of opportunities to work on the math access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5216IMG_5226Then the students glued their planets around the sun. Stars were added with  some glue and glitter!

This activity addresses the math access point match one object to a designated space to show one-to-one correspondence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5234                                                  TA DA——-welcome to our solar system!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Language Group

In our true language group style, we made a treat for the students this week——– a Saturn Slush!  We got special help from one of our other SLPs this week, Judy, who came in and helped with the lesson.

IMG_5373IMG_5383To start off, we checked out the frozen strawberries and blueberries we were going to use for our recipe. We asked the students if the bags felt WARM or COLD!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5365IMG_5385We put some frozen strawberries in the blender.   Then our students helped POUR some orange juice into the blender.  We talked about how the colors of strawberries and the orange juice were different.

Recognize differences in objects is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5391IMG_5397After that, we put in some confectioners sugar.  Our students got to have some fun taking turns activating the blender.

 

 

 

IMG_5406The science access point recognize that electrical systems must be turned on in order to work, can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

IMG_5423IMG_5428Once the mixture was nice and smooth we POURED it into a bowl.

Then we put some frozen blueberries,  more orange juice, and confectioners sugar into the blender and blended again until it was smooth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5444IMG_5456We alternated the strawberry and blueberry mixtures into cups for our students (of course, counting the cups out first) so that they could see the different layers—–or at least that was the plan! Our pouring efforts ended up with everything kind of mixing together.

On the bright side the Saturn Slush tasted really YUMMY so no one really minded 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5103IMG_4874We had so much fun learning about the planets this week! Be sure to join us again next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Rhode Island

Rhode Island

IMG_4586We are giving a little shout out to our friends at the Cornerstone School in celebration of Rhode Island Independence Day! Our sensory groups explored some boxes related to different facts about the state of Rhode Island. The fine motor groups used unusual items for their Rhode Island art projects and the language group made an icy treat—-yum! Read along to see all the fun we had this week 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

IMG_4598IMG_4484Rhode Island was named for the red clay that lines its shore. We used red moonsand to represent that clay and cookie cutters with the state initials were included.

The students always have fun with moonsand, it has such a great texture!

 

IMG_4230Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4202IMG_4439This box was filled with coffee beans to represent the state beverage—–what an aroma! There were lots of little R’s to find and we included a fun little cup for scooping.

 

 

 

IMG_4599The science access point uses senses to recognize objects can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

IMG_4229IMG_4601The first circus held in the United States took place in Rhode Island! Our circus box was filled with colorful objects associated with the circus. There was rainbow basket filler, styrofoam circus peanuts, a popcorn container, and puzzle piece clowns.

We also included a fun noise tiger noisemaker that was really popular with the students.

IMG_4591Recognize a model of a real object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4632IMG_4193George Cohen was a composer who wrote Yankee Doodle Boy and You’re a Grand Old Flag was represented with our red, white, and blue rice. There was a big measuring cup and small spoon for scooping fun and comparisons. There was a flag picture to find at the bottom of the box.

IMG_4451Recognize similarities and differences in size of common objects is a math access point that can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

IMG_4184IMG_4446Jewelry making is a key industry for Rhode Island so we had some discovery bottles filled with sparkly “gold” and “jewels”.

These were irresistible!

 

IMG_4226Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4478IMG_4465 (1)Gilbert Stuart was an artist from Rhode Island who painted the portrait of Washington that was used for the dollar bill! Our little artists mixed shaving cream with food coloring to come up with their own original works of art 🙂

IMG_4650Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4188IMG_4607The first water driven cotton mill was built in Rhode Island. Our students experimented  with water power while watching our water wheel spin. They found it pretty fascinating!

Observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic is a science access point that can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4241IMG_4248Rhode Island is nicknamed the Ocean State so we used ocean scent from Bath and BodyWorks this week. It was a pretty strong scent that our students really noticed and liked having it rubbed on their skin.

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students painted violets—-the Rhode Island state flower!

IMG_4259IMG_4264We started by discussing the color of violets and then identifying the color using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

IMG_4312IMG_4275Next they used a paint brush to make green leaves and stems on their paper.

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4268IMG_4321Then they used a soda bottle to stamp purple violets. We reminded the students to stamp UP and DOWN.

IMG_4297Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

IMG_4304IMG_4358TA DA—-beautiful violets!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we discussed the fact that shipbuilding is another key industry of Rhode Island and made sailboats!

IMG_4503First we asked students to identify the shape of the sail—-a triangle!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4523IMG_4535Then they used paper cutters to cut out their own sails. Of course we counted the sides as the sails were cut!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4549The students used a glue stick to adhere their sails to popsicle sticks and pushed them into a pool noodle slice.

Recognize the next step in a sequence of activities is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_4522IMG_4576Time to see if the ships are seaworthy!!!!!

 

 

 

 

IMG_4533                                                                                Ta Da!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

It’s been getting pretty hot here lately, so since Del’s Frozen Lemonade is a fixture in Rhode Island, we decided to make our own using this recipe: Frozen Lemonade

IMG_4673IMG_4671We started by mixing the lemon juice concentrate, water, and sugar.  Our students got to TASTE and SMELL the lemon juice.

Although some of our students actually didn’t mind the sour flavor, others had a different opinion 🙂

Uses senses to recognize objects is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Our students activated the blender to mix the ingredients by pressing a switch hooked up to a power link.  They are getting so much better about holding the switch down, although some of them continue to tap it, making the blender turn off and on really fast.

IMG_4687                                                         They had a BLAST with this step!

Recognize that electrical systems must be turned on in order to work is a science access point that can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

IMG_4713IMG_4705We gradually poured in the ice and blended until it was smooth.  Once it was done, we counted out the cups for all of our friends and they all got to try a little bit.

 

 

 

IMG_4723As with the lemon juice, most of them really enjoyed it and others………. not so much:)

Definitely a drink to cool us off in this heat!

IMG_4635Hope you had as much fun as we did learning about Rhode Island. Join us again next time for more fun and learning——-Group by Group!

 

We Love Star Wars

We Love Star Wars

IMG_3481The Force was with us as we explored a galaxy far, far away——it was all about Star Wars with fantastic galactic fun for all our groups and some special  guests who joined us on “bring your child to work” day! The sensory boxes had things to touch, smell, look at, and listen to! Pinterest helped us find ideas for our fine motor groups and language groups!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

IMG_3756IMG_3769Our galaxy umbrella was a HUGE hit with the students. We used some scrap headliner fabric attached to poster board to make our Death Star and were totally pleased with the result! There were some little spaceships attached with fishing wire and with the Star Wars theme recorded on the voice output device this was one super cool umbrella—–the students LOVED it!

IMG_3605Recognize a source of light energy is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3442IMG_3504We put a variety of Star Wars paraphernalia into this box. There were figures and key chains representing of some of the main characters from the movies (thank you Jeannie for the donation). We found a fun “light saber” at the Family Dollar Store and the students had a blast with it—–lights and sounds with the push of a button, how cool is that!

IMG_3854The science access point observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3859

IMG_3789Luke Skywalker lived on the planet Tatooine which has a desert landscape. Our homemade “sand” had a little bit of cinnamon in it so it was not only not only fun to touch but it smelled really good too!

IMG_3638We put in a variety of wooden shapes so our students could build some local “structures”.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3521IMG_3608Recognize common three-dimensional objects such as cylinders or cubes is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3508IMG_3446 (1)Of course, we had to include a box dedicated to the ultimate bad guy—–Darth Vader! We put in some accessories from a “Darth Tater” kit in a box with our grey Floam so the students could build their own Vader.

IMG_3479The science access point recognize that the human body is made up of various parts can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3470IMG_3649Kraft mac and cheese came out with  these cool Star Wars pasta shapes. It took a couple of hours to dye but SO worth it! There were black Darth Vaders, yellow CP3Os, blue R2D2s, green Yodas, and red star fighters for sorting fun. The students also loved picking up handfuls of the colorful pasta!

IMG_3798Match objects with similar observable properties, such as size, shape, color, or texture is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3627IMG_3894We made a green jello swamp for our little Yoda—-complete with snakes, spiders, and a cute giant lizard.

 

 

IMG_3889Some of the students were a little hesitant to touch the cold, sticky goo but others thought it was pretty fantastic stuff 🙂

IMG_3454Recognize the temperature of items as cool or warm is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3779IMG_3467Those sticky hands were rinsed off in water scented with “Ewok” mahogany woods from Bath and BodyWorks. Ms. Kim donated these fun Star Wars themed diving sticks that were perfect for our water play activity. The students really loved watching the water stream out of the bottom of these sticks!

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3672IMG_3529The matching lotion was a hit with almost all of our students.

IMG_3902Recognize and respond to one type of sensory input is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our little Jedi turned to the dark side and made paper plate Death Stars. We adapted this idea from http://fun-a-day.com .To prep ours, we drew the lines with glue rather than white crayon.

IMG_3546IMG_3553We started by bringing out our galactic umbrella to give the students inspiration. It was a hit 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3558After the umbrella was reluctantly put away, we discussed the shape of the paper plate and asked the students to identify the shape using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3562IMG_3571Then the students painted over their plates with watered down grey paint using a sponge brush.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3574IMG_3567Ta Da……..

IMG_3577                                        ………looks like Darth Vader is in the house 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

We went Wookie on Wednesday! The idea for this project came from http://funfamilycrafts.com

Instead of fun fur used in the original project, we used furry duct tape purchased at Walgreens. The duct tape was adhered to some 6 inch rulers to prep this for our students.

IMG_3684We started by asking the students to count how many eyes a Wookie has and to identify the number using communication symbols.

We did the same thing for the nose.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3700Next the students cut strips of paper to use for the strap that Chewbacca wears. The paper cutter worked perfectly for this task!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3677Then the students glued googlie eyes, pompom noses, and strap onto their Wookies. To work on one-to-one correspondence we placed target glue dots onto the fur.

Match one object to a designated space to show one-to-one correspondence is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3694IMG_3683Ta Da!!!!

The force is strong with these young padawans 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made another yummy snack this week—— Galactic Ice Cream Sundaes!  Our students got to make choices of what they wanted using picture symbols, gestures, and verbalizations.

IMG_3931The first choice they got was to tell us how many scoops of ice cream they wanted in their bowl.  We used big numbers showing “1” and “2” and our students would either point or place their hand on the amount they wanted.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3952Next, they got to chose which kind of syrup they wanted: chocolate, strawberry, or butterscotch.  They were provided with symbols and again, would point or put their hand on the one they wanted.

Adjust body movement or nonverbal expression with prompting as necessary to communicate wants and needs is a language access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3941When asked if they wanted whipped cream, they would either use head shake/nod, verbalize no/yes, or point to a symbol no/yes.  If they said yes, they had to show us how many squirts they wanted using the “1” and “2”.

They REALLY like this part 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3943Finally, we poured some Star Wars cereal on top for a crunchy effect and let them choose which color pretzel/icing “light saber” they wanted: RED or GREEN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3935IMG_3947We think we hit this one out of the galaxy!

IMG_3966                                        YUM!!!!!

 

 

 

IMG_3924IMG_3898We hope your May the Fourth festivities are a blast! Be sure and join us again next time……Group by Group!

Nursery Rhymes

Nursery Rhymes

IMG_2798April is National Poetry Month so we decided to make nursery rhymes our theme this week! Our sensory groups had lots of messy fun exploring boxes related to different characters. Our fine motor groups made some fun animal character art projects and the language group made a yummy treat based on nursery rhyme character.

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

IMG_2949IMG_3216There were three number 3’s to find in our Old King Cole black bean “coal”.  The students had fun discovering the hidden numbers as they ran their hands through the beans.

They also like picking up handfuls and watching them drop back into the box.

 

IMG_2969Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2724IMG_2875Little Bo Peep’s lost sheep could be found in this box as well as some geese—that perhaps belonged to Mother Goose!

Both sets of animals came in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures for sorting fun.

 

 

IMG_2814Match animals that are the same is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3201IMG_3247Our Jack Be Nimble box contained Wikki Stix which are waxed strings like candles.

We also put a light toy that looked a little like a candle when the button was pushed.

 

IMG_2952 The students really had fun with this.

IMG_3172The science access point recognize a source of light energy and the science access point initiate a change in the motion of an object are addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2777IMG_3282Spiders scared Little Miss Muffet away but ours were super cute and not scary at all! We had 2 cute little furry spiders, one that jiggled when it’s string was pulled, and a discovery bottle with spiders that scuttled up and down.

 

 

IMG_2886The science access point track objects in motion can be addressed here.

Lots of giggles were heard with this box 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3291IMG_3186The Queen of Hearts and the baker both love to bake so this box was filled with red velvet cake mix. We put in 2 different size scoops and a heart shaped cookie cutter for our little bakers to play with.

IMG_2774This was pretty messy but LOTS of fun 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3160IMG_2931Speaking of Little Miss Muffet, we learned that curds and whey are kind of like cottage cheese. We added cotton balls to our oobleck to get a lumpy kind of texture and were pretty pleased with the results. The oobleck started out white with each group but hands that had explored the red velvet cake mix tinged it pink!

IMG_3196The science access point demonstrate pushing away (repulsion) and pulling (attraction) is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2921IMG_3256While rinsing their hands, the students had fun playing with Jack and Jill’s pail along with a couple of different size scoops.

The science access point recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids (capacity) is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2824IMG_2990As a nod to our Baker and the Queen of Hearts, both our water and lotion were raspberry scented (from Bath and BodyWorks). It was a really yummy smell that our students loved!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students made handprint sheep!

IMG_2834IMG_2835First we discussed the shape of our paper and asked the students to identify it using communication symbols.

Recognize common objects with 2-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2836IMG_2841Next we painted one of their hands with white paint. The students were pretty intrigued with this step 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2840IMG_2844Then we helped them press their hands onto our grassy green paper.

IMG_2842The science access point recognize a change in an object is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2857IMG_2853After their hands were cleaned, the students put 3 cotton balls onto their sheep’s tummy.

 

 

 

 

IMG_2849Match objects to designated spaces to show one-to-one correspondence is  math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2847IMG_2852Ta Baaaaaaa Da!

IMG_2862Tell Little Bo Peep we found her sheep 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday it was all about mice with our Hickory Dickory Dock clock! Our fabulous volunteers did all the set up for this project—-thanks ladies! Here is the template for the mice:mouse template for clock

IMG_3041We started by asking the students to out “mouse heads”  using adaptive scissors—-counting how many cuts it took, of course! We also discussed the fact that the shape was a TRIANGLE!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3009IMG_3045After they finished cutting out triangles, the students glued them onto an OVAL shaped body—complete with colorful tail. They added 2 big  CIRCLE ears and 1 little circle nose were added.

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

 

 

 

 

IMG_3021IMG_3017Ta tick tock Da!!!

IMG_3046                                                            The students were SO proud!

 

 

 

 

IMG_3067IMG_8174To finish up, the students glued their mice onto the fabulous clock that our volunteers made. Then we counted them!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

IMG_3322IMG_3325We channeled Humpty Dumpty for our language group and made some egg salad.  We had already pre-boiled the eggs and cut them up.

Before we put them in the bowl, we let each of our students smell the eggs——and got some pretty funny faces from some of the students 🙂

IMG_3317Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

IMG_3335IMG_3343Once the eggs were put INTO the bowl, our students counted out the spoonfuls of mayo (2) and the squirts of yellow mustard (3) that we put into the bowl as well.

Solve simple problems involving going or separating sets of objects to 5 is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3340IMG_3347Our students helped POUR the cut up green onions and pickles into the bowl and helped SHAKE a little salt and pepper in as well.

IMG_3348We had to STIR the ingredients around until they were all mixed up.

 

 

 

 

IMG_3364IMG_3367We made 1 sandwich and cut it in HALF to make 2.  Then we cut one of the halves in half and counted 3 pieces and then cut the other half and counted 4 pieces.  Math with food is always a fun and YUMMY thing!

Partition a rectangle into equal parts with equal area is a math access point that can be addressed with this activity.

IMG_3368Since it was her last day, we also had a surprise for  Joy’s practicum student——yummy cupcakes!  We are sure going to miss you Ali!