Category Archives: Occupational Therapy

Mar1

Greece

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Greece

One of our families recently took a trip to Greece—–how cool is that! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to Greek history and culture. The fine motor groups practiced cutting skills while making their art projects. The language group celebrated Apokries, a Greek carnival, by having a parade and street dance!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

The ancient Greeks gave us zodiac constellations, some of which could be found on our starry night sky umbrella.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The twinkling lights, dangling planets, and colorful pictures were all so eye catching!

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a space related object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Touring ancient Greek ruins is a must for any tourist!

 

 

 

 

 

The students made their own buildings using some wooden blocks. We also included a small rake so they could look for any hidden ancient relics!

Science access point: recognize that pushing or pulling makes an object move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue and white are the colors of the Greek flag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beads, whether worn, grabbed by handfuls, or sorted—-so much fun!

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ancient Greeks invented the Olympic games!

The students twisted colorful chenille stems into olympic rings—–or other pretty inventive sculptures 🙂

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter G’s could be found in blue and white rice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a map of the Greek islands at the bottom of the box.

Science access point: match objects with similar observable properties, such as shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This box contained symbols of Greece, including an owl, laurel leaves, and foods grown there. We also put in some things that you might need while touring around—-such as a backpack, sunglasses, and camera.

 

 

 

 

There was even recorded some traditional Greek music on a voice output device.

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students swirled shaving cream clouds around Mount Olympus.

 

 

 

 

 

Messy play is so much fun!

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Greece has so many islands, we put in a small fishing boat in our water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was also a dolphin which is a symbol of Greece and 2 small fish to catch.

Science access point: match common living things with their habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We chose Bath and Body Works juniper for the scent this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Junipers are shrubs that grow in Greece!

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made their own ancient Greek temple!

First, the students identified triangle and rectangle shapes.

Math access point: recognize a common object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they used cutting tools to cut out their “building blocks”.

Science access point: recognize a change in the external appearance of an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students glued their blocks down on a background paper to assemble their temples.

It didn’t matter how the temples were assembled—-they were supposed to by ancient ruins anyway 🙂

 

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s visit Greece!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we made some Greek flags to use as decoration for our upcoming Apokries festival.

First, they identified the color blue and a rectangle—there are lots of rectangles in the Greek flag.

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

Math access point: recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

Next, the students cut 4 strips of white paper. They used regular scissors, switch operated scissors, or paper cutters depending on their ability.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

They glued their long white stripes on to the blue background paper.

Math access point: recognize length of objects, such as long or short.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, a pre-made cross was placed at the TOP LEFT corner of their flag.

Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is festival time—–kales yiortes (happy feasts!

 

We love Greece!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We love our parties here at school and this one was no exception!

The Greek festival Apokries is celebrated at this time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our language group students dressed up in togas and we paraded through the halls with traditional Greek music and the students playing tambourines.

 

 

 

 

 

They all looked so cute!

 

 

 

 

 

The parade goers had a great time watching their friends parade in their Greek attire.

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone had so much fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, after the parade everyone was invited to a “street” dance in the hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made our own version of the Parthenon and our students and staff got to dance and socialize.

 

 

 

 

We had treats set out with sentence strips so that our students could request what they wanted.

The sentence strips were modeled and our students imitated.  They got to choose from cookies, applesauce, chips, and blue Gatorade.

Not very Greek, but preferred by our students 🙂

 

 

We had so much fun!  Took lots of pictures and danced the day away.  Opa!

 

 

 

 

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

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for a confirmation email if you want to follow us!

 

Feb23

Jack And The Beanstalk

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Jack And The Beanstalk

We chose a fun theme this week and did our own take on the classic fairy tale! The sensory group explored boxes with a variety of textures. The fine motor groups crafted art projects based on characters in the story and the language group made a recipe————-using beans, of course 🙂

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our colorful box of “magic beans” contained letter B’s—-both upper and lower case.

 

 

 

 

 

The students loved running their hands through the beans and the colors were so eye catching.

Science access point: match objects by an observable property, such as size, shape, or color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were all sorts of cows roaming in this field of green rice. We even included magnets that spelled the word COW!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was also a picture of a cow to find at the bottom of the box.

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An umbrella was turned into a beanstalk—-complete with a giant peeking out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were pretty happy with the effect we achieved.

Science access point: recognize objects related to science by name such as animal, and plant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


There were 5 golden eggs and lots of golden beads along with a cute plush goose in this box!

 

 

 

 

So cute!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wanted to reinforce the concepts of BIG and SMALL so in this box we added some big fluffy ball and some small spiked balls.

 

 

 

 

 

The different textures were really intriguing to the students.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We put a green accordion tube and some silk leaves into a cloud of shaving cream so students could make their own bean stalks.

 

 

 

They had a blast!

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a small cup and big watering can in the water play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students loved watching the water stream from the spout of the watering can!

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bath and Body Works rain kissed leaves seemed a good choice for our scent this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether rubbed on arms or behind ears, the students loved the aroma.

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students stamped some golden eggs using this template: goose

First, the students identified an oval.

They did a really great job!

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

Next, they glued their goose on to the back ground paper.

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they stamped some golden eggs!

We made the stamp by cutting ovals from extra thick craft foam and sticking the shapes to kitchen scrubbers.

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

TA—we are rich—- Da!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We found the goose that lays the golden eggs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, we made bean stalks! This template was used in the project: castle

First, the students identified the color of the yarn. Everyone picked the correct color!!!!

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students wrapped the yarn around a paper towel tube.

Science access point: recognize that pushing or pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they added leaves to their bean stalks.

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beanstalk was topped off by a castle in the clouds—made by gluing polyfil and paper castle to a poster board circle.

 

 

 

 

 

TA—fie fi fo fum— DA!!!

Looks like our magic beans worked!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made some bean dip that we think Jack would really enjoy!  Here’s the recipe: Let’s Make Jack’s Bean Dip

We started out by mixing together sour cream and a dry ranch packet.  The student who WANTED to HELP was given the unopened packet of dry ranch.  Since she wasn’t able to open it by herself, she was prompted to ask for HELP.

 

Students located the STIR communication symbol on their boards and HELPED to STIR the ingredients together.

 

 

 

 

 

Each student requested their own bowl to put their dip together in.  They were given some refried beans and were told to SPREAD them out on the bottom of their bowls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, each student had to request the sour cream/ranch dip.  Again, they had to SPREAD it ON TOP of the beans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they PUT diced tomatoes ON TOP of the ranch dip.  Some students were given just a few pieces.  If that was not enough to their liking, they had to request MORE.

We PUT some black olives ON TOP of the tomatoes.  Again, if it was not enough, students had to indicate they WANTED MORE.

 

 

 

 

 

When asked if there were any ingredients that they saw on the communication boards that had not been used yet, students had to LOOK at their boards and locate the picture of cheese.

Once the bean dip was all layered and ready, students had to request chips.

 

 

Students were prompted to SCOOP the dip with the chips; however, lots of them chose to eat the dip with their spoon instead 🙂

 

 

 

 

We really had so much fun this week! Join us again next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for a confirmation email if you want to follow us.

Feb16

Fun Facts About Presidents

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Fun Facts About Presidents

Since Presidents Day is coming up, we thought it would be fun to learn about some of our past Presidents. The sensory groups explored boxes related to presidents featured in our book. The fine motor groups made art projects featuring presidents and the language group made a patriotic treat!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

President Kennedy’s family came from Ireland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students used a big cookie cutter to make shamrocks—-a symbol of Ireland—-out of bright green play dough.

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Obama was born in Hawaii.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This eye catching box was filled with colorful flowers, leis, and a cute little Hawaiian doll.

Science access point: recognize objects as the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Theodore Roosevelt once saved a bear cub and teddy bears are named after him!

 

 

 

 

 

The piece of faux bear fur, a big mama bear, and 2 little bear cubs here were a hit with the students.

Science access point: match animals that are the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Ronald Reagan used to be a movie actor and then the Governor of California.

 

 

 

 

 

The numbers 4 and 0 could be found in this box of popcorn—-Reagan was our 40th president!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Eisenhower loved to cook and was known for his cornmeal pancakes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soft cornmeal (mixed with some potato flakes to decrease the dust), 2 different sized spoons, and a picture of the Eisenhower at the bottom could be found in this box.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of common objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ice cream was one of George Washington’s favorite treats! We sprinkled jello powder into the shaving cream to get an ice cream look.

 

 

 

 

Needless to say, the students had a blast!

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator—-how cool is that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We put a little alligator in our water play this week, along with 2 different sized measuring cups.

Math access point: recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We chose Bath and Body Works cherry blossom for our scent this week. President Taft’s wife planted the first cherry blossom trees in Washington DC.

 

 

 

 

It was a great scent to help us remember all the fun facts about Presidents!

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made dimes out of paper plates.

First, the students identified the shape of the paper plate.

Math access point: recognize a common object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students painted their plates with silver paint.

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students added a picture of President Franklin Roosevelt! We used a coloring page from the US mint printed on grey paper.

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made dimes!

Anybody need some spare change 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made MORE money 🙂 We found some cute samples we could download for free.

First, the students identified the shape of the money.

Math access point: recognize a common object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they cut the money into individual bills using a variety of cutting tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: solve simple problems involving taking apart small quantities of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they used markers to add color to their bills.

Science access point: recognize a change in the external appearance of an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at all the Presidents!

Let’s go shopping!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, we made a patriotic treat for President’s Day.  Here’s the recipe that we used: Let’s Make A Patriotic Snack

We started out by making the whipped cream.  One of our students HELPED measure out 1 cup of heavy whipping cream.  They had to LOOK to see if there was enough in the measuring cup or if we needed MORE.  Then we PUT that in the bowl.

 

 

Math access point: Solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we had to measure out powdered sugar and vanilla extract.  Students had to identify the tablespoon when it was held next to the teaspoon.  They were prompted to find the BIGGER one.

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

When the ingredients were all in the bowl, each student had a TURN using the wireless switch to turn on the mixer.

This is always fun for our students.

 

 

 

 

Each time someone took a TURN, we LOOKED in the bowl to see if we needed to mix MORE or if we were ALL DONE.

Once it was DONE, we observed how it had changed from a liquid to a solid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in the external appearance of an object.

 

 

 

We counted out cups for each student.  We layered red Jell-o, whipped cream, blue Jell-o, and then MORE whipped cream.

Each student had to request each part of the snack using their communication boards.

 

 

Math access point: indicate desire for more of an action or object.

 

 

 

 

 

After they indicated that they needed a spoon to eat with, they dug in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

These were so pretty looking and were pretty tasty too 🙂

 

 

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

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for your confirmation email if you want to follow us!

Feb9

Local African American Leaders

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Local African American Leaders

For Black History Month we are taking a look at some of our local African American leaders. Our sensory groups explored boxes related to each of the people featured in the book. Our fine motor group made a banner and the language group made a yummy recipe!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our sheriff, Walt McNeil, wears a gold star on his chest.

 

 

 

 

The students used two different sized star shaped cookie cutters to make stars out of gold kinetic sand.

Science access point: recognize the larger of two objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doris Maloy is our county tax collector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Ms. Maloy has to deal with numbers all day, we mixed numbers 1-5 with dollar sign and colorful pasta.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students got to pretend to be doctors like Dr. Friall who is the chief medical officer at one of our  hospitals.

 

 

 

 

 

We included some cute little patients and a variety of play medical instruments in this box.

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casanova Nurse is a meteorologist for a local TV station.

 

 

 

 

 

Weather related items filled this box, including a fan, rain stick, slinky rainbow…..

….craft foam sun flakes, and a thunder tube.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize different types of weather conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Leonard Hamilton is leading FSU basketball to a winning season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students helped cheer on the team using colorful pom poms.

Science access point: distinguish between objects in motion and at rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dean Anthony Jones oversees the math and science department at TCC.

 

 

 

 

 

Oobleck is a science experiment to begin with but when we add bath crackles it become even cooler!

Science access point: track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joy Bowen is on our school board. In her spare time, she likes to go fishing with her family!

 

 

 

 

 

Our little pond contained 3 fish that squirted water when squeezed. We also included a net and measuring cup for scooping fun.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We chose Bath and Body Works cucumber melon scent this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The scent reminded us of foods that Chef Shac, a Chopped champion, might prepare.

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

Due to scheduling, we were only able to have one fine motor group this week. The students made a banner using photos of our local African American leaders.

First, the students identified the color of the yarn.

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they chose a hero and glued the name UNDERNEATH  their photo.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they threaded their hero on to the banner using a big plastic needle attached to the green yarn.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize the next step in a sequence of activities.

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

We are celebrating our local African American Leaders!

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a recipe that we think Chef Shac would enjoy.  Since we learned that Chef Shac started cooking using Bahamian recipes, we found a healthy and tasty recipe we think can represent the islands.  Here’s the recipe we used:  Let’s Make Mango Salsa

We started out measuring the mangos. Since the recipe said to cut up 2 mangos, we wanted to measure it out to see how much that would be.  We found that it came out to 2 cups.  A student HELPED to PUT them in the bowl.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

Next, we found out how much a half of a chopped red pepper measured out to, which was 1 cup.  We PUT that in the bowl.

Math access point: recognize parts of whole objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it was time to measure out 2 tbsp of onion, our students had to indicate which measuring spoon was the tablespoon.  They were prompted to find the BIG one.

We measured out 2 tbsp of cilantro after that and PUT that into the bowl.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it was time to measure out lime juice, our students HELPED squeeze our hand juicer.  Once we measured out the amount we needed for the recipe, each student got to try some lime juice.

 

 

 

They had to indicate whether it was SWEET or SOUR.  Our students did the same when measuring out the lemon juice.  We got some pretty great reactions 🙂

 

 

 

 

Finally, our students had to STIR up the ingredients.

They requested a plate, some salsa, and some chips.

 

 

 

 

Pretty yum!

 

 

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

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for a confirmation email if you want to follow us!

Jan31

Let’s Learn About Famous People From France

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Let’s Learn About Famous People From France

January 30 is National Croissant Day and to celebrate, we decided to learn about famous people in French History! Our sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to some of the different people we learned about. The fine motor groups crafted art projects inspired by some creative French geniuses and the language group made a tasty French snack!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We used red, white, and blue rice to represent the colors of the French flag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were pictures of Napoleon both in and underneath the box as well as letter N’s to find.

Science access point: recognize objects as the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marquis de Lafayette helped us win the Revolutionary War so we made a patriotic box for him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students explored pasta in different patriotic shapes including the Liberty Bell, flag, and star.

Science access point: match objects with similar observable properties, such as shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Marie Curie we used colorful discovery bottles that looked like they contained science experiments!

 

 

 

 

 

Their whirling, swirling contents were all pretty mesmerizing!

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students made castles out of sand and wooden blocks in this box dedicated to Joan of Arc.

 

 

 

 

We found some plastic knights in the dollar store and included some of them too.

Science access point: recognize that objects can stick together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coco Chanel was a famous designer. We filled her box with a variety of items including beads, fabric, sunglasses, and some fashion model dolls.

 

 

 

 

There were lots of different textures to explore!

Our fashionistas had a blast 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli.

 

 

 

 

 

We made royal oobleck using bright food coloring and LOTS of gold glitter for King Louis the XIV!

Colorful, shiny and very eye catching.

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacques Cousteau’s ocean was filled with ocean animals, different sized measuring cups, and a large “net”.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the fish squirted water when squeezed—-so much fun 🙂

Science access point: match living things with their habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Nostradamus had predicted we would use Bath and Body Works french lavender this week he would have been right 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Put on arms, necks, hands, or ears—-the perfect scent to go with a French unit!

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some Degas ballerinas using coffee filters!

First, we identified the shape of the coffee filter.

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also identified the color of our markers.

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then each student colored 2 coffee filters.

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we folded the coffee filters in HALF and then into QUARTERS.

Math access point: recognize a half of an object as part of the whole object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We glued them onto a ballerina coloring page—-to make the ballerina’s tutu! The coloring page was an internet freebie.

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA—let’s dance— DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Degas worthy ballerinas!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, the students became fashion designers like Coco Chanel!

First, the students identified the shape of the fabric swatches.

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They chose a variety of fabric squares and began gluing them down on to a shirt shaped poster board. We used food coloring to tint the glue a little bit to make it easier for the students to see.

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA—-runway—- DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our students are fashion designers….

…..and ready for the show!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We celebrated National Croissant day by making some croissant sandwiches!  Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Croissant Sandwiches

We started out by measuring 3 cups of chicken.  Since our measuring cup only holds 2 cups, we measured out the 2 cups and then our students indicated that we needed MORE.  After measuring out the chicken, we PUT it in the BOWL.

Math access point: solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language such as enough, too much, or more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we had to measure out a cup of chopped pickles.  Students HELPED to measure and PUT the pickles in the BOWL.

We added some chopped celery next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the celery, we had to measure out 1 cup of mayonnaise and a 1/4 cup of mustard.  Students had to indicate which measuring cup was SMALLER to show which one was the 1/4 cup.

 

Math access point: identify parts of a whole.

 

 

 

 

 

Once we added all of the ingredients to the bowl, students had to HELP STIR them all up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had to request a plate and a croissant.  Once they had each item, they had to request some chicken salad.  If they were not given as much as they wanted, they had to request MORE.

Math access point: indicate desire for more an action or object.

For the most part, our students enjoyed making and eating their croissant sandwich!  It was a pretty good croissant celebration 🙂

 

 

 

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

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for a confirmation email if you want to follow us.

 

 

Jan24

Let’s Go On An Adventure

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Let’s Go On An Adventure

Our theme this week is a really fun one. The book features students dressed for a variety of adventures so be sure to check it out. The sensory groups explored boxes related to the different scenarios depicted in the book. The fine motor groups crafted some fun art projects and the language group went on an adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

With bright stars, planets, and a rocket ship, our outer space umbrella really let the students feel like they were in space!

 

 

 

 

 

Very eye catching!

Science access point: recognize a space related object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joining the circus would be big adventure—-even more fun if you could be a clown!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wood shavings formed the base of this box and a rake to move them around to discover a clown picture at the bottom.

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorful dinosaurs of different sizes roamed around in dinosaur eggs (turquoise beans).

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students loved the feel of the beans running through their fingers

Math access point: recognize similarities and differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students searched for buried pirate treasure in black kinetic sand.

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of coins to count!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of Safari themed items including a jeep, camera, compass, binoculars, and jungle animals to find and discover in this box.

 

 

 

 

We also included a voice output device with recordings of jungle animal sounds.

Our students TOTALLY rocked the sunglasses!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A toy Superman flew around shaving cream clouds in our messy play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soft and fluffy——- so much fun!

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling makes an object move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed in a small mermaid lagoon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also included a funnel and measuring cups for scooping fun.

Math access point: recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bath and Body Works ocean scent helped the students remember all the fun they had today.

 

 

 

 

 

Whether applied to arms, necks, or behind ears—-the students really loved the aroma!

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made super hero pictures using this template: super hero

First, the students identified the shape and color of our base paper.

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes.

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, using tabletop or switch operated scissors, the students cut “buildings” from paper strips.

Science access point: recognize a change in the appearance of object.

 

 

 

 

 

These pieces were glued down on to the base paper to make buildings.

Math access point: solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they added a superhero to the scene.

Science access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!! It’s a bird, it’s a plane,…………

 

 

 

 

 

 

…………..it’s a SUPERHERO!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students became Mer-people 🙂

First, they identified our paint colors. We used regular paint and some colorful glitter glue (thank you Ms. Judy!)

 

 

 

 

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they used kitchen sponges covered with bubble wrap to stamp fish scales on giant tails! We reminded the students to stamp DOWN and UP.

 

 

Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Say hello to our Mermaids and Mermen 🙂

Let’s go on an ocean adventure!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We went on our own adventure this week during the language group.  It was snow day at our school, so our language group had to figure out challenges in order to get to the snow.

We used these challenges on the way: Adventure Challenges

Our students were stopped several times and had to answer questions about the different adventures that were in our book.  They had a visual prompt to help them out.  For instance, the first question was “what does a knight ride on?  A horse or an elephant”.

 

 

 

If students had difficulty answering the question, they had to request HELP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we made it to the snow!  Students got to feel the snow.

 

 

 

 

 

They had to indicate if it was COLD or HOT.

 

 

 

 

 

They also got to choose whether they wanted to ride on a sled or an inner tube to get down the hill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once they were at the bottom, they indicated whether they LIKED it or did NOT LIKE it.

It was a really fun adventure!

 

 

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

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Jan12

1920’s

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1920’s

Just into a brand new decade we decided to look back—–WAY back to the 1920’s! The sensory groups explored boxes related to different events of the decade. The fine motor groups crafted projects with paint and cardboard. The language group made a vintage recipe.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Rice in the colors of the Suffragette movement, celebrated the ratification of the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote.

 

 

 

 

 

There were numbers 1 9 2 0 and a picture of Suffragettes to find at the bottom of the box.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 1920’s was known as the Jazz Age!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students enjoyed listening to some jazz recorded on a voice output device while exploring beads—-like the flappers used to wear.

Science access point: recognize objects that create sounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We found out the traffic light was invented in 1923 by Garret Morgan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students had fun sorting red, yellow, and green pompoms.

Science access point: match objects with similar observable properties, such as shape or color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Lindberg completed the first transatlantic plane flight in 1927. A vibrating massager simulated the feel of an old-time airplane.

 

 

 

 

To add to the effect we included some goggles and a toy airplane—-the students had a blast!

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The massager REALLY was a hit 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The stock market crash, which led to the great depression, occurred in 1929. The students looked for coins hidden in dollar symbol pasta (mixed with some regular pasta).

 

 

 

 

The students had fun exploring the different coins or shaking the pasta.

Social studies access point: recognize an example of money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baseball was considered the “national pastime” in the 1920’s. We learned that Babe Ruth set a home run record that stood for 70 years—-how cool is that!

 

 

 

 

We had the students make circles, like baseballs, in shaving cream.

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mickey Mouse first appeared in Steamboat Willie in 1928.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our water play this week featured a small toy tugboat and Mickey character.

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bubblegum was invented in 1928 so we chose that as our scent this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used Mr. Bubble bubble bath in our water and instead of lotion we used bubblegum scented Chapstick (applied to wrists or behind ears—-not on lips, of course!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made model airplanes using cardboard rolls and tongue depressors!

First, the students chose their paint color—they had a choice between red or blue.

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they painted their planes.

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our pilots are ready for their transatlantic flight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made trumpets using paper bowls  and cardboard tubes. We hot glued the paper bowls and valves to the cardboard tubes prior to the start of the activity.

First, the students identified the shape of trumpet’s opening.

Science access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they applied gold paint.

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

Let’s  play some jazz!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week we made a recipe that people in the 1920s would eat: a Waldorf salad.  Here is the recipe we used: Let’s Make A Waldorf Salad

We started out by PUTTING a chopped apple into the bowl.  On the recipe page, the students saw what a whole apple looks like next to a chopped apple.  We saw that they look DIFFERENT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we measured out 1 cup of quartered grapes.  Students had to identify the measuring cup on their communication board.  They also had to observe to see when the grapes reached the 1 cup mark.  If there weren’t enough grapes, they had to indicate MORE.

Math access point: solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more.

 

 

 

 

 

We PUT 2 stalks of chopped celery into the BOWL and followed that up with 1/4 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup walnuts.  Students observed that 1/4 cup is LESS than 1 cup.

 

 

 

Math access point: distinguish parts of objects from whole objects.

 

 

 

 

Finally, we measured out some plain Greek yogurt.  Students HELPED by making sure it was measured out correctly before it was PUT into the bowl.

Each student had a chance to STIR the ingredients together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students had to request a PLATE and a SPOON.  They had to indicate that they WANTED salad.  Only a small amount was put on their plate and they had to request MORE.

We thought it was a pretty delicious healthy recipe!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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Dec22

Oh What Fun We Had This Year!

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Oh What Fun We Had This Year!

For our last post of the calendar year we thought it would be fun to look back at some old posts from the year. The sensory and fine motor groups explored some of our favorite materials. The language group made a yummy treat—-of course 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We use colorful rice almost every week in our groups. This eye catching watermelon pink rice is one of our favorites!

 

 

 

 

 

We added a fun car to drive around the rice and a picture to find at the bottom of the box.


Science access point: track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All sorts of beans and peas find their way into our boxes, but these lentils have such a cool texture and they are are definitely one of favorites.

 

 

 

 

They are so much fun just to bury hands in, but we added a measuring cup and wide mouth funnel for even more fun!

Science access point: track a falling object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shiny colorful beads are always a hit with the students!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun to touch, look at, listen to, or wear!

Science access point: use senses to recognize objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around here we LOVE kinetic sand! This stuff is so cool—-we just can’t stop touching it 🙂

 

 

 

 

Since the new year is just around the corner with put in 0 and 2 cookie cutter numbers.

 

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slime isn’t something we use a lot but when we bring it out, the students are always intrigued.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little teddies with letters F U N were included.

Science access point: recognize that pushing or pulling makes an object move (contact force).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We recently added some jello to shaving cream and thought the result was SO COOL we had to do it again!

 

 

 

 

 

The mixture ends up being sort of firm and very fluffy—–so much fun!

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the water play there were some rubber spiral noodles to scoop up using a sifter spoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We included two more measuring cups for additional scooping fun.

Math access point: recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since our students are so awesome, we chose Bath and Body Works “mad about you” as our scent this week 🙂

 

 

 

 

The students really liked the aroma!

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

The fine motor group made cardboard gingerbread houses. We only had one group this week—-it is a busy time of year!

First, the students identified the color brown and shape of our houses.

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

Math access point: recognize common three-dimensional objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students painted their houses with a mixture of glue and shaving cream—-we just love homemade puffy paint!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The student chose to add glitter or confetti to their houses. We sang our glitter song—another favorite 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at our gingerbread houses……

……we are ready for the holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We got to decorate some cute gingerbread cookies this week in our language group.

Each student first got to choose which gingerbread cookie they wanted.  They got to choose from Santa Claus, a snowman, a Christmas tree, and a gingerbread man.  Picture symbols of each type of cookie were available and students had to choose the one they wanted and place the picture on the sentence strip.  They then had to request “I want ___ please” using the sentence strip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once they picked their cookie, they got to choose what color icing they wanted.  They chose from red, green, white, and black.  Again, they had to use the sentence strip in order to request what they wanted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, they got to choose from 3 different types of sprinkles.  They requested help if they had difficulty getting the sprinkles onto the cookie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We don’t usually do TADAs in our language group but we did today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

So many fun and yummy creations 🙂

 

 

Join us after the holidays for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

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Dec15

Winter Holidays Around The World

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Winter Holidays Around The World

This week we learned about winter celebrations in other countries. This compliments the student’s Unique Curriculum unit for the month. The sensory groups explored boxes related to different holidays. The fine motor groups made some colorful art projects used during the language group’s holiday parade and party.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

On December 8, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi day. One of the ways they celebrate is to decorate a Bodhi tree with colorful lights.

 

 

 

 

 

We made a Bodhi tree umbrella using colorful lights and heart shaped leaves.

Science access point: recognize a source of light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanukkah is known as the festival of lights during which, for eight days, a candle is lit on a menorah.

 

 

 

 

 

Wikki Stix are strings covered in wax—-just like candles! Since dreidels are also symbols of Hanukkah, we included some of them in this box.

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and it celebrates African American heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

The students sorted pompoms in the colors of Kwanzaa—-black, green, and red.

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Las Posadas is celebrated in Mexico. We put letters L and P in a box of rice in the colors of the Mexican flag.

 

 

 

 

There was a picture of a donkey to find at the bottom of the box.

Science access point: match objects by an observable property, such as shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Junkanoo is celebrated in the Caribbean with lots of parades and music.

 

 

 

 

 

There were feather boas, masks, and noise makers.

Parade music recorded on a voice output device added to the fun.

 

 

 

 

 

Our students totally know how to rock a look!

Social studies access point: associate a celebration with an event, such as a holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natilla Colombiana is often eaten during Navidad en Colombia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made our messy play version using oobleck dusted with cinnamon—-it is a shame it doesn’t taste as good as it looks 🙂

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In China they celebrate the winter solstice or Dongzhi festival. During the festival people eat Tang Yuan which are glutinous rice balls served in boiling water.

 

 

 

The students used a soup ladle to scoop 3 plastic “rice balls” out of warmish water.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our scent for the unit was Bath and Body Works winter candy apple. We chose the scent as a reminder of all the sweet treats people eat during the holidays.

 

 

 

 

The sweet scent was very popular!

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like the people who celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali we finished with some fireworks, although ours were of the bubble wrap kind 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of giggles with this activity!

Science access point: observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students had a BLAST!!!!!

So many giggles!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made Diwali lamps out of paper plates.

First, the students identified the shape of their plate.

Math access point: recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After choosing a color, the students used markers to color their plates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the students used a switch operated vibrating massager with a marker attached with velcro.

Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we folded the paper plates in half and glued a flame on top and……….

Ta Da!!!

 

 

 

 

Let’s celebrate Diwali!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, the students made colorful costumes to wear during the Junkanoo parade.

First, they identified the shape of their paper.

Math access point: recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They used paper cutters and switch operated scissors to cut the paper into strips.

Science access point: recognize a change in the appearance of an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they glued the pieces down on to another sheet of paper. Of course, we counted the pieces!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, it was time to add glitter—–shake, shake, shake that glitter!

Singing our glitter song always makes it more fun 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are a few more things that will be added later but…….

……….we are almost ready…………

for the Junkanoo parade!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had a Junkanoo parade and holiday party this week and it was lots of fun!

Our language group students got to wear what they had made in the fine motor group earlier in the week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff joined in also 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students got to shake rattles and we also had Junkanoo parade music playing as we walked along!

 

 

 

 

 

Students and staff lined the hallways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We even had Santa Claus make an appearance.

One of our students wore the costume and he did an awesome job with the part 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All the onlookers cheered as we went by!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smiles were everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

It was quite exciting and…….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

………..so much fun!

 

 

 

 

 

After the parade, everyone gathered for some snacks, drinks, and socialization.  Students used sentence strips that were located on the tables to indicate what they wanted.

 

 

 

 

They had lots of tasty choices!

 

 

 

 

 

They enjoyed dancing and taking pictures with their classmates and friends.

We had some great music that you might hear during a Junkanoo parade playing in the background.

 

 

 

Adults and students seemed to have a wonderful time celebrating all of the different winter holidays together!

 

 

It was certainly a fun filled week! Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for a confirmation if you want to follow us.

Dec8

Holiday Gift Bringers Around The World

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Holiday Gift Bringers Around The World

We had a lot of fun learning about different traditions this week! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to the different characters. The fine motor groups made holiday themed art projects and the language group made a tasty treat that any of the gift bringers would like to sample!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Children in France leave out carrots for Pere Noel’s donkey! There were 3 carrots to feed the donkeys—-ok so ours are actually horses, but that is all we had on hand 🙂

 

 

 

 

We put a picture of Pere Noel to find at the bottom of the box.

Science access point: identify basic need of animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our box of garland was gold just like the Christkindl’s wings and hair!

 

 

 

 

 

The students had a lot of fun with the garland—-whether shaking OR wearing it!

Science access point: distinguish between objects in motion and at rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Los Reyes rice in the colors of the Spanish flag was very eye catching. There were numbers 1, 2, and 3 to find.

 

 

 

 

 

There was also a picture of the 3 kings at the bottom of the box.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We put a whole bunch of Christmas things in this box——lots to explore and discover!

 

 

 

 

 

In a base of green, white, and red paper shred there was a mini kaleidoscope, mini sweater and scarf, reindeer, Santas, and other symbols of the season.

 

 

 

 

Of course, we included a Santa hat 🙂

Social studies access point: associate a celebration with an event, such as a holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

La Bafana fills children’s socks with candy. We thought our colorful pasta resembled candy and put in a small sock for the students to fill.

 

 

 

 

It was also fun to run hands through pasta to listen to it rattle.

Math access point: solve problems involving small quantities of objects using language such as enough, too much, or more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sinterklaus put coins and candy into children’s shoes! Chocolate cloud dough was perfect for this box and was so much fun to run fingers through. It smelled really good too!

 

 

 

 

Five colorful coins were hidden in the dough.

Social studies access point: recognize coins as money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our water play had 2 different sized scoops to use for scooping up foam letter C’s.

 

 

 

 

 

We used Bath and Body Works sugarplum swirl which gave the water a lovely holiday aroma!

Math access point: recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The matching sugarplum swirl lotion was the perfect reminder of all the fun we had in group.

 

 

 

 

 

Whether placed on hands or behind ears 🙂

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made Los Reyes Magos crowns. We used craft foam crowns we found at the craft store.

First, the students identified the color of their crown and glitter.

Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they squeezed glue on to their crowns.

Science access point: apply a push to move an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to add glitter and sing our glitter song—–shake, shake, shake, that glitter 🙂

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

Our Kings and Queens like their crowns!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are ready for 3 Kings Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, the students made ornaments for their families—-so they could become gift bringers!

First, the students identified a circle—-we used circle shaped embroidery hoops with fabric for this activity.

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as a circle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they glued precut felt trees to their ornaments. To attach the tree, they had to turn the tree to put the glued side down.

Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they  added pompoms to decorate their trees.

Math access point: match one object to a designated area to show one to one correspondence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our gift bringers…..

……with their fabulous gifts!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a holiday sweet treat today.  After we made it, we figured out a way to make it more appealing to the eye, but here’s the recipe for how we made it this week: Let’s Make A Sweet Holiday Snack Dip

We started by touching the milk.  Students identified the COLD symbol to describe how it felt.

Science access point: recognize objects or materials as warm or cold.

 

 

 

Students who wanted to HELP pour the milk in the bowl had to locate the symbol HELP.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we added 5 drops of green food coloring into the bowl.  Students helped by counting out each drop.  We observed the bowl to see that there were 2 different colors–green and white.  We talked about how it would look DIFFERENT when we were done mixing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student got to HELP turn on the mixer using our wireless switch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Next, we crushed some Oreos.  Our students HELPED by using a can to crush the Oreos.

 

 

 

 

Once they were crushed, we mixed them into the pudding.

 

 

 

 

 

We added some red sprinkles to the mix by singing our “shake shake shake the sprinkles” song we love so much 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had to request a PLATE by indicating WANT and then the picture of the plate or by verbalizing “I want plate”.  They then had to request some pudding and Teddy Grahams (which were supposed to be for dipping, but this turned out to be a little bit difficult, so we used some spoons as well.)

 

Sooo…this turned out to look PRETTY interesting to say the least lol. We think this might be a better suggestion as to how to put this snack together:  put the crushed Oreos in cups first, then put the green pudding on top and then top with the sprinkles.  Much more appealing to the eye; however, our students didn’t seem to mind too much about how it looked as it tasted really yummy 🙂

 

 

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

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