Category Archives: Occupational Therapy

Sep14

Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico

It is Hispanic Heritage Month and we are learning about Puerto Rico. The sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about the country. The fine motor groups made colorful crafts and the language group hosted a Carnaval de Ponce!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We put the letters P and R in red, white, and blue rice—–the colors of the Puerto Rican flag.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of different things associated with Puerto Rico in this flower filled box including animals and foods grown there. There was a big white star like the one on the flag and the words HOME and FAMILY.

 

 

 

We also put in photos of famous Puerto Ricans and a voice output with a recording of a Ricky Martin song 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students stamped stars like the one found on the Puerto Rico flag.

 

 

 

 

 

The moon sand we used for this box has such a nice soft texture the students loved!

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold can be found in the rivers of Puerto Rico. The students loved exploring or wearing the shiny gold beads!

 

 

 

 

 

So much fun!

 

 

They were fascinated by the swirling gold glitter in the discovery bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

This box was a hit 🙂

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico is known for beautiful beaches. There were sea shells to find and sand castles to build in our kinetic sand beach.

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of our favorite materials ever!!!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coconuts can be found in Puerto Rico so our oobleck became “coconut milk”  this week—-what fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Goopy and drippy as usual 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We put a boat and different size fish in our water play since Puerto Rico is an island.

 

 

 

 

 

Both the fish squirted water which made them extra fun!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico is known as the Land of Enchantment so we used Bath and Body Works “be enchanted” scent for our bath gel and lotion.

 

 

 

 

Whether placed on hands, arms, neck, or behind ears it was a hit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made Puerto Rican flags.

First, the students identified the shapes found on the flag—-star, triangle, and rectangle!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they cut strips of red paper and glued them on to a piece of white paper.

The students used a variety of cutting tools.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

They were asked to glue their 3 strips to the TOP, BOTTOM, and MIDDLE of their papers.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they added a pre-cut triangle and big white star.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s visit Puerto Rico!

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we made Ponce Carnival masks using this template: Ponce mask

First, the students put glue on their masks using a glue stick.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they chose which color glitter they wanted to use on their mask.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We added glitter——and sang our glitter song of course. For those new to us, the glitter song is our take on that old KC and the Sunshine band song. It goes like this: shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake that glitter, shake that glitter! Repeat as many times as needed 🙂

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are ready for the Ponce parade!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

There is a week-long celebration in Puerto Rico called the Carnaval de Ponce which is similar to Mardi Gras.  There are parades and parties.  We decided to have a social get together for the beginning of the year by having a Ponce celebration!

 

 

 

 

The language group used the masks they made earlier in the week as their costumes for the parade.  They also got to wear colorful ponchos and costumes 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Our students paraded through the halls……

 

 

 

 

 

 

……the crowds cheered!

 

 

 

 

 

We passed out beads and smiles………

 

 

 

 

 

 

………to the spectators.

 

 

 

 

 

After the parade, we all congregated for a “street party” in the hallways.  Students got to socialize and listen to authentic Puerto Rican music.

 

 

 

We had so much fun dancing to the music!

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, what’s a party without snacks?  For our party-goers we had some goldfish (Puerto Rico is an island after all), some coconut Oreos (lots of coconut in Puerto Rico), and some juice.  We had sentence strips out so that students could request what they wanted.

 

 

What a great party!

 

 

 

It was a great week and we want to give a shout out to our fabulous volunteers who helped make everything possible.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for your confirmation email if you want to follow us and join us again next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Sep6

Let’s Go On A Safari

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Let’s Go On A Safari

We are going on safari—-it is our school wide theme this year! The sensory groups explored animal themed boxes and the fine motor groups made animal themed art projects. The language group made a tasty animal themed treat!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

This box contained safari themed items such as a toy camera, hat, sunglasses, jeep, compass, and a variety of toy animals.

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, the students had fun trying on the props 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our bright colorful “tiger” rice was very eye catching. It might just be our favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were 3 camouflaged tigers to find in the rice!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of animals, including monkeys, butterflies, lizards, bees, and bird to find in our jungle themed umbrella.

 

 

 

 

 

We also included a sloth hand puppet and a voice output with jungle sounds.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yellow and brown pom pom’s filled this giraffe themed box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether just feeling their soft texture or sorting by color, the students really enjoyed this.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More eye catching colors could be found in our butterfly and caterpillar pasta box.

 

 

 

 

 

There were a variety of other butterflies to find.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students mixed yellow food coloring with shaving cream to make a fluffy mane for the laminated lion in our messy play.

 

 

 

 

 

Our lion ended up with some pretty wild hair 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed in a little lake containing a crocodile and hippo.

 

 

 

 

 

Two different sized measuring cups were included for scooping fun.

Science access point: match living things with their habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are using up the last of our banana scented lotion with this unit. PLEASE start stocking it again World Market 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Whether placed on hands, arms, neck, or behind ears, this lotion was a hit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made paper bag zebras.

First, they identified the paint color.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they used a fun patterned roller to add stripes to their zebras.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they added a nose, ears, eyes, and a cool mohawk cut from scrap paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

Some zany zebras!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick—–take a picture!!!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we made sunset safari pictures.

First, the students identified the paint color.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students tore pieces of colorful tissue paper. The students really had fun with this part 🙂

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they used paint brushes to spread glue over the yellow background paper and patted down strips of tissue paper on to the glue.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elephants were added by stamping UP and DOWN.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA— trumpety trump— DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We saw a herd of elephants.

What fabulous safari pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a yummy safari treat this week in our language group.  Here is the recipe that we used:  Let’s Make A Zebra Striped Parfait  Disclaimer: we changed it a little bit by using 2 boxes of mix rather than 1 and using 3 cups of milk instead of 2 due to the amount of kiddos we had.

We started out by PUTTING white chocolate pudding mix into a bowl.  Students who said they would HELP were given the pudding mix box.  We waited for a few seconds while the students tried to open the boxes.  After they were unable to open the boxes themselves, they were prompted to ask for HELP from staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the boxes were open, the mix was poured into the bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, each student got to touch the milk.  They indicated whether it felt COLD or HOT.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since we used 3 cups, 2 DIFFERENT students got to HELP.  We first measured out 2 cups.  The students were then asked how many MORE cups we needed to add.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Once the pudding mix and milk were in the bowl, each student got to HELP mix it up.

After each student, we LOOKED at the bowl to see if the pudding was ALL DONE or if we needed to mix it MORE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the pudding was ALL DONE, we set it aside.  Each student got a bag with 3 Oreo cookies.  Students had to make sure they each had the correct amount.  Then, they got to SMASH their cookies into pieces.

We used an ice cream scoop as a hammer and it worked perfectly!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had to indicate that they WANTED some pudding in their CUP.  Then, they each added HALF of the Oreos and repeated the pudding and Oreos again.

 

 

 

TaDa!  A yummy zebra striped treat 🙂

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the safari! 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 choose to follow us.

Aug30

We Had A Great Summer

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We Had A Great Summer

We are back and this become a little tradition of ours; we are beginning the school year with a summer themed post highlighting what staff did over the summer. The sensory groups explored boxes related to the different places staff visited. The fine motor groups practiced their cutting skills and the language group made a refreshing summer treat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Ms. Joi’s dad celebrated a milestone birthday this summer and we continued the celebration with birthday cake cloud dough 🙂 We added two cookie cutters to stamp the number 70.

 

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

An astronaut, rocket ship, and stars could be found in our “spacey” black beans. Ms. Judi visited NASA with her family.

 

 

 

 

The rocket was a BIG hit!

Science access point: recognize a space related object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Robin cruised around the British Virgin Islands so we put a flag banner and little boat in this box.

 

 

 

 

The boat was pretty much ignored—-waving the banner around was way more fun 🙂

Science access point: recognize an action as fast or slow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our yellow and green rice represented the colors of Brazil—-Ms. Maria vacationed there. There were 3 letter B’s and a picture of the Brazilian flag to find.

 

 

 

 

This colorful rice was very eye catching!

Science access point: recognize objects as the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Danni visited Iceland! Our kinetic sand was just like the black sand beach she saw there.

 

 

 

 

 

Fish molds added to the fun for our students.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were some laminated pieces to build castles in green Floam in this box. Ms. Joy got to see lots of castles while visiting the Scottish Highlands.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dolphins and other fish swam around in our mini version of Discovery Cove. Ms. Ashley and her children got to swim with the dolphins there—-how cool is that!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Our students were pretty intrigued with the dolphin and puffer fish toys.

Science access point: match living things with their habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used Sunset by the Pool Bath and Body Works lotion for our scent this week since it seemed the perfect reminder of summer fun 🙂

 

 

This scent was a hit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made a camping scene using this template: tent

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

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize objects with two dimensional shapes.

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

 

 

 

 

Then, they stamped silver stars on their paper—-to look like a starry night sky.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The students cut the door opening of their tents. They had to be sure and STOP cutting at the end of the line.

 

 

 

 

Some of the students used switch operated scissors.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tent flaps were folded back and glued to the paper with a photo of each student inside.

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

Summer camping fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, the students made a fun summer memory using colorful craft stick frames.

First, the identified a square.

Math access point: recognize objects with two dimensional shapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they used paper cutters to cut a squares out of old calendar pages. We counted the sides of the square as we trimmed it.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize the sides of a square.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they glued on a picture of themselves on fabulous tropical beach scenes.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tropical Island fun!

We had a great summer!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Because it’s still hot here, we decided to make a nice cool drink that we could enjoy during this heat.  In honor of the watermelon festival that one of our staff members went to this summer, we are making watermelon lemonade!  Here is the recipe we used: Let’s Make Watermelon Lemonade.

We started by measuring out 4 cups of chopped watermelon.  We had a measuring cup that can hold 2 cups, so we talked about how we would have to measure the watermelon 2 times.  We had 2 students HELP PUT the watermelon in the blender.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we had to squeeze 4 lemons.  Our students HELPED by pressing a switch to activate the juicer.  We counted how many lemons we had squeezed.  Each student got to smell and then taste a little bit of lemon.  They got to say if they LIKED or did NOT LIKE the smell and also got to indicate that the lemon tasted SOUR.

 

 

Science access point: recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli.

 

 

 

 

 

After we poured the lemon juice into the blender, our students HELPED TURN the blender on by activating a switch.

Science access point: recognize that electrical systems must be turned on in order to work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the watermelon and lemon juice was all mixed up, we poured it into a pitcher.  Next, we added some water.  Each student felt the jug of water.  They had to indicate whether it felt HOT or COLD.  We had to PUT 6 cups in, so 3 DIFFERENT students got to HELP.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we added some sugar and stirred it all up until the sugar dissolved.

Science access point: recognize a common substance that dissolves in water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had to request some of the lemonade by indicating that they WANTED some.

Pretty good first treat of the year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are so happy to be back and are looking forward to all the exciting things we have planned for the year.

 

 

 

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

 

May19

Graduation

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Graduation

This is a bittersweet time of year for us—-the time we say goodbye to our graduating seniors. For our unit, we are focusing on all the fun aspects of graduation. The sensory groups explored boxes with lots of different textures and colors. The fine motor group art projects were all about shapes and the language group made a unique dessert!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We put a lot of fun items in this box, including an actual graduation cap! Also included were mylar balloons, play money, toy camera, phone, sunglasses, etc.

Always fun to see what intrigues each student.

 

 

 

Pomp and Circumstance was recorded on a voice output device.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The numbers 2 0 1 9 were found in colorful confetti rice.

 

 

 

 

 

At the bottom of the box was a picture of a cute owl in a cap and gown.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This box was dedicated to our school mascot—–an owl!

 

 

 

 

 

There were 2 plush owls and a fluffy feather boa that reminded us of owl feathers.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some graduates go on to college programs, so we represented that choice with a box of colorful cheerleader pompoms in the colors of nearby Universities.

 

 

 

 

So much fun to shake—-go team!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parties are a part of graduation events and when you have a party there is usually CAKE! Our cloud dough was made using strawberry cake mix and it smelled SO good!

 

 

 

We put a small spoon and a larger measuring cup as well as toy whisk.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping in the celebratory mood we added some colorful Mr. Bubble bath crackles into our oobleck.

 

 

 

 

The snap, crackle, and pop sounds were really fun!

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some lucky graduates might get to go on a cruise! We put in a couple of little boats to float around a mini ocean. There were also some fun fishy bath toys and pool noodle pieces.

 

 

 

Coconut scented bath gel made for some aromatic bubbles!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our scent this week is a follow up on the cruise experience and so we used a True Blue lotion called Tahiti Sweetie. We thought it would smell like coconut, but it turned out that it smelled like mango!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made decorative banners.

First, they identified a triangle using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they used paper cutters, switch operated scissors, and regular scissors to cut out triangles.

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They used star stampers and glitter to decorate their triangles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little curling ribbon finished it off!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We celebrate our graduates!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, the students made graduation caps using paper bowls.

First, they identified the shape of their paper using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they used markers to decorate their squares. We had previously cut the 8 inch squares out of poster board.

They could draw any design they wanted, but we did encourage them to use different colors.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Time to add a little glitter! Of course, we rocked out to our glitter song—-“shake, shake, shake, your glitter”! It is sung to tune of that old KC and the Sunshine Band song.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

The square was glued to a paper bowl and the adults helped attach a tassel (pre-made using scrap yarn) and……..

 

 

 

 

…………TA DA!!!

It’s graduation time!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, we made some cute little edible diplomas!  Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Diploma S’mores

We started by counting out how many plates we needed.  This recipe is a little different in that each student got to participate in each step of the recipe.

Each student had to request a small tortilla.  They PUT that on their plate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they had to request some marshmallow fluff.  Once they said they WANTED some, they had to SPREAD it around with a spoon.  There were lots of comments about how sticky it was 🙂

 

 

 

 

Then, each student had to request some Nutella and they SPREAD that on top of the fluff.

 

 

 

 

 

We then had to ROLL up the tortilla to look like a rolled up diploma.

To finish it off, we used a strip of Twizzlers pull’n’peel and they had to TIE it around the tortilla.  This was a little bit difficult for our students, so they had to make sure and ask for HELP if they needed it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TADA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A yummy (yet slightly messy) graduation treat 🙂

 

 

 

 

We still have an After Party post coming, but this is our last regular post of the school year. Hope you will be back in August to join us—–Group by Group!

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

Apr6

Where We Go On CBI

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Where We Go On CBI

Our older students have the opportunity to go out into the community on a regular basis to practice independent functioning, communication, social, and academic skills. We call this Community Based Instruction. Our sensory groups explored boxes related to the different community locations. The fine motor groups made some fun art projects and the language group made frozen treats you might buy while out and about!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Students used cookie cutters to stamp B U S into school bus yellow moon sand.

 

 

 

 

School buses are used to transport the students to their various CBI destinations.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue and white rice represented one of the most popular CBI locations—— Walmart! There was a picture of a bus and another of a Walmart store to find at the bottom of the box.

 

 

 

There were also two different sized spoons to use for scooping fun!

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another popular location is the Publix grocery store. Here the students purchase food/snacks for themselves or classroom activities.

 

 

 

 

We put a variety of fun food items—–some of which made noise when squeezed!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When going shopping, the one thing you need is MONEY!

 

 

 

 

 

There were different play money coins to find buried in this box of multicolored beans.

Science access point: recognize coins as money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes our students get to participate in sporting events—-such as bowling or basketball.

 

 

 

 

 We thought that making balls out of bright yellow Floam would be a great representation of those activities.

Math access point: recognize a common three-dimensional object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Messy play represented the Community Arts program. We put some drops of food coloring in the shaving foam and let our artistic students mix it together.

 

 

 

This was a lot of fun but made for some multi-coloring fingers when done 🙂

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of our parks have a lake or water feature. Our water feature contained the letters C B I to scoop up. We also included some fun scoops.

 

 

 

 

Messy hands sometimes made some very colorful rinsing water!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bath and Body Works vanilla sugar scent reminded us of some yummy Publix cookies 🙂

 

 

 

 

It was definitely a hit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made a CBI map.

First, they identified the shape of their paper and the color of their marker.

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They used the black marker to scribble roads on their maps.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they used a paper cutter or scissors to cut out some of the most popular CBI stops.

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They glued the pictures and a school bus (cut from the Ellison machine) on to their maps.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are ready……..

……..let’s go on CBI.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made chicken nuggets—-a favorite treat to pick up on CBI.

First, the students identified the number 3 and the shape of our plate.

Math access point: associate quantities of number names.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we mixed some rice krispies into our paint to give it texture and painted our 3 nuggets.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Since it is nice to have a little dipping sauce, we tinted some corn syrup and dripped a little of that on to the nuggets 🙂

The corn syrup will dry to a glassy finish.

Science access point: track objects that fall to the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken nuggets—-YUMMY!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since shopping can tire us out, we made our own icees using this recipe: Let’s Make Strawberry Lemonade Icees

First we PUT 6 cups of ice into the blender.  We talked about the ice being COLD and why it was cold.

Each student got to HELP PUT some ice in the blender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we PUT some water into the blender.  We were going to TURN it on, but we saw that something was wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

Our students had to indicate that we needed the top on first.  We turned it on to crush up the ice some.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, we added some lemonade mix.  We observed that the color of our ice water was changing to a DIFFERENT color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we PUT some strawberries with sugar into the blender.  Time to mix it up!

Each student got to HELP press the switch to TURN on the blender.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once it was ALL DONE, each student had to request an icee by indicating and/or saying WANT or DRINK.  They would also have to indicate that they wanted MORE.

Students told us if they thought the drink tasted SWEET or SOUR.

 

 

These were very tasty!  A good treat for all 🙂

 

 

 

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

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Mar31

Green

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Green

Between the first day of spring and St. Patrick’s day, March is all about GREEN! Our sensory groups explored monochromatic boxes with lots of different textures. Our fine motor groups used green paint to complete their art projects and the language group made a tasty green treat!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

This first box contained a variety of green objects including beads, a shaker pompom, plastic leaves, a toy lizard, shamrocks, and a cute green frog puppet.

 

 

 

 

There were lots of different things to explore!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our green rice included some colorful contrasting beans. It was a very eye catching box with a real springtime feel! There were two different sized spoons for scooping fun.

 

 

 

 

There were also both upper and lower case letter G’s to find.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using a cookie cutter, the students stamped letter G into bright green kinetic sand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also put in a fun dinosaur figure to find.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students loved squeezing and crumbling this green Bubber.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also included another cookie cutter——this time a shamrock!

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our light box was very eye catching and a hit with the students.

 

 

 

 

 

We used a cut up green plastic file folder and hot glued it to the sides of a clear shoebox. The battery packs are attached to the lid with velcro.

Science access point: recognize sources of light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green oobleck was super fun to explore. The green food coloring did tint fingers a little——- but Hulk hands are pretty cool 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

We love messy fun!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two different sized green scoops and a toy tugboat added to the fun of our water play. We scented the water with Bath and Body Works rain kissed leaves bath gel.

 

 

 

 

The scent seemed a perfect choice for this week!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rain kissed leaves lotion had a light scent that the students really liked…..

 

 

 

 

 

…..whether rubbed on hands, arms, behind ears, or under chins!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday, the students used an adapted stamper to paint some green grass.

First, the students identified the shape of their paper and the color of their paint.

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students stamped UP and DOWN.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they chose a colorful butterfly to add to the scene.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome spring and……

……everything GREEN!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, the students painted this green bug: bug template

First, they identified the color of the paint.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bug template was put in a clear box and the students added 3 paint colored marbles.

Time to shake, shake, shake that box!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

We pulled the bug out and glued it DOWN on the background paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students added some chenille stem “legs”.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful green bugs!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Of course, we are making a GREEN treat for the language group.  This week we made green milkshakes using this recipe: Let’s Make A Green Milkshake

We started by TURNing the page to see the first step of the recipe.  Since it was ice cream, we let each student touch the container first and indicate that it felt COLD.  We talked about why it was cold as well and located the freezer.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Then we measured out 2 cups of ice cream and PUT it in the BLENDER.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We measured out a cup of milk and PUT that in the BLENDER as well.  We observed that there is one cup of milk in a container of school milk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we added some green food coloring.  Our students HELPed count out 10 drops.

Then we TURNed on the blender.  After each student, we asked if the milk shake was ALL DONE or if we needed to blend it some MORE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once it was all finished, we poured the milk shake into cups. Our students got to have some whipped cream and green sprinkles too.

 

 

 

 

Shake, shake, shake your sprinkles 🙂

 

 

 

 

Green milkshakes—–YUM!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are so happy to be back with 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.

 

Mar17

Machines

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Machines

This goes along with the Unique Curriculum unit some of our students are learning about this month. The sensory group explored boxes related to different machines. The fine motor groups made machine themed art projects and the language group used machines to make a yummy snack.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

School buses are machines that most of our students are familiar with. There were 2 different buses to find in the black beans of this box.

 

 

 

 

 

There was a small yellow school bus and a larger orange one—-which left us wondering where they drive orange buses!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Everybody loves trains! A train engine cookie cutter was included with blue moon sand so the students could stamp as many trains as they wanted!

 

 

 

 

Of course, they also loved the feel of the sand itself. Moon sand is so soft to the touch.

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

 

 

 

 

Construction vehicles are popular machines around here! There were 3 different toy construction vehicles to rearrange some coffee grounds and dried beans.

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A much smaller machine—-a pencil sharpener inspired this box! The students had fun “writing” in sawdust with a big giant pencil!

 

 

 

 

There were also two different sized scoops included to add to the fun.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Battery operated fans provided wind power…..

 

 

 

 

 

and lots of giggles 🙂

Science access point: indicate awareness of air moving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A toy airplane flew around fluffy shaving cream clouds.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed under a spinning water wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our water wheel is always a hit with the students.

Science access point: recognize one way people use water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We added a twist to our scent this week. Special scratch and sniff cards that had oil and gasoline scents were presented first.

 

 

 

We all agreed we did not like these scents!

We then switched to pumpkin pie paradise from Bath and Works. Pumpkin pies are something you might use a machine to make 🙂

 

 

 

 

And much yummier smelling!

Science access point: recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli.

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday we made some big trucks!

First, the students identified the shapes of our art materials.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students identified which rectangle was BIG and which was LITTLE.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rectangles were glued down on a piece of paper starting with the LITTLE one, then gluing the BIG one beside it.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we counted out 3 bottle cap “wheels” and glued them to the bottom of the truck.

 

 

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love machines!

Keep on trucking!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made a clothes dryers using this template:dryer template

First, they identified the shapes of our materials.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We gave the students a circular piece of paper with clothes drawn on it and asked them to color the clothing with different colors.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

They glued their clothes circle on to a paper plate and then glued the paper plate and dryer clothes on to a large piece of paper.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love machines—–

they help make our chores easier!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We used 2 different compound machines today when we made our recipe!  Here is the recipe we used: Let’s Make Dirt Cups

We started by talking about what we were going to MAKE.  One of our students was hesitant about this because of the name of the recipe, so we talked about the word edible again and students located EAT on their boards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First, we PUT instant chocolate pudding mix into a BOWL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had to measure out 2 cups of milk.  Each student felt the bottle of milk and indicated that it was COLD.

 

 

 

 

 

We had a pint of milk, so we measured out 1 cup and then had to measure out 1 MORE.  We talked about how there are 2 cups in a pint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used our first compound machine, the mixer, to mix up the pudding.  Each student got to HELP press the wireless switch to TURN on the mixer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got the pudding ready by mixing Cool Whip into it. The students helped stir the mixture and watched it change from a mix of colors to just one color.

 

 

 

 

 

We set the pudding aside and got out our 2nd compound machine, a food processor.  We PUT 5 Oreos into the food processor and TURNED it on.

One of our students got to HELP PUT the Oreo “dirt” on the tops of each treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student got a small amount of the pudding mix. They had to request MORE.

 

 

 

 

 

This dirt is yummy!

 

 

 

We off for the next week for spring break but we will back after that with more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

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Mar10

Women in Sports

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Women in Sports

March is Women’s History Month and this year we decided to take a look at some famous women in sports. The sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to some of the women featured in our book. Each box also contained a photo of the athlete. The fine motor groups made sports themed art projects and the language group hosted a sports event!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

This box was filled with gold beads, reminding us of all the gold medals won by sprinter Wilma Rudolph.

 

 

 

 

 

Whether worn, shaken, or just explored the beads were a hit with the students.

Science access point: uses senses to recognize  objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students made their own basketballs out of orange Floam in this box dedicated to famous WNBA player Lisa Leslie.

 

 

 

 

 

Floam has a unique texture which many of our students find intriguing as they squeeze it into shapes.

Science access point: recognize a common three dimensional object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Thomas was the first woman to referee an NFL game. There were black, white, and striped pompoms to sort.

 

 

 

 

Of course, the students loved exploring the soft texture also.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jackie Joyner Kersee is ranked as one of the greatest athletes of all time! She donned red, white, and blue to compete in four olympic games!

 

 

 

 

 

Our colorful rice contained two different size measuring cups for scooping fun.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Chloe Kim competed in the winter olympics we filled her box with some insta snow. We also put in a rake and shovel, so the students could make their own half pipes!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students made tracks in shaving foam. We put in a little car for them to race around their track like famous race car driver Janet Guthrie.

 

 

 

 

The students had a lot of fun with this, especially when we made engine sounds as the car raced around 🙂

Science access point: recognize that an object can move in different directions, such as left to right, straight line, and zigzag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim the English Channel—how cool is that! We put in some fish themed toys and pool noodles in her box.

 

 

 

 

The fish toys were especially fun as they had holes for water to drip through.

Science access point: recognize different containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking of the flower blankets winning horses wear, we used Crabtree and Evelyn rose scent for our lotion this week.

 

 

 

While most of the adults were not fans of the scent, most of the students seemed to like the aroma!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made basketballs. We have done this craft before but since it fit our theme so well, we did it again 🙂

First, the students identified the shape of their ball and the color of the paint we were going to use.

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students stamped UP and DOWN using a bubble wrapped kitchen scrubber.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

The ball was glued on to a piece of paper and…..

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

Let’s play ball!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, the students made referee shirts.

First, they identified the color of their markers.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they drew stripes on their shirts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the students used a switch operated drawing tool.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

These referees are ready for game day!!!!

Who is ready to play 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since we are talking about women in sports this week, we decided to have our own heptathlon!

We started out by having a parade of athletes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other students who were not participating were part of the crowd cheering everyone on.

 

 

 

 

 

For the first event, we had wheelchair relay races.  These were so fun!  Athletes racing had to WAIT until they saw the GO symbol and then they were off!  We talked about going FAST.

 

 

The winner was the first to cross the pink ribbon.

 

 

 

 

 

The next event we held was the javelin.  Our students had to THROW the pool noodle and see who could get it the FARTHEST.  Some of our students needed a little more help than others with throwing 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had another throwing event: the discus.  Again, our students had to THROW the “discus” and see which one went the farthest.  We’ve got some competitive kiddos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 4th event was the pool noodle hurdle.  Students had to step or jump OVER the pool noodles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again, some students required a little more help than others, but they made it through!

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we held the snowboard balance event.  Students had to use good balance to stay up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a difficult event, but they did wonderfully!

 

 

 

 

 

The 6th event, the trampoline high jump, was a fun event!  Jumpers had to see how HIGH they could get while jumping on the mini-trampoline.

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Our 7th and final event was the bean bag archery event.  Students had to THROW the bean bags into the holes.  Awesome job!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout our events we had students use sentence strips to say, “my turn”.

We also had ones with positive statements on them like “you did awesome”, “great job”, and “way to go” so that our students could cheer each other on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we had the medal ceremony.  All participants received a medal or trophy for their hard work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are all winners!

 

 

 

 

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

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Mar3

Aladdin

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Aladdin

This week we went with a fun theme—-Aladdin! The sensory group explored magical boxes. The fine motor groups made colorful art projects using recycled materials and the language group made some magic carpet treats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our magic carpet ride umbrella was colorful and eye catching! In addition to the Genie figure attached to the handle, there were Aladdin and Jasmine toy figures riding craft foam magic carpet to find.

 

 

 

To add to the experience, there was a voice output device with music from the movie.

Science access point: recognize a source of light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We put a laminated picture of the Cave of Wonder for Aladdin and Abu to find as they trekked through kinetic sand.

 

 

 

 

At the bottom of the box there was also a picture of Aladdin.

Science access point: apply a push to move an object

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cave of Wonder contained many treasures—-just like our discovery bottles.

 

 

 

 

Sequins, beads, glitter swirled around and were pretty mesmerizing!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were 6 colorful relatives of Abu to find in this box of turquoise beans. We put in 2 green, 2 purple, and 2 orange monkeys.

 

 

 

 

Fun to find AND hook together!

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to or taken away from a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Rajah box was VERY eye catching and the students loved it! There were 2 big and 1 little tiger that were pretty well camouflaged in the orange rice and black beans.

 

 

 

 

A picture of Princess Jasmine could be found at the bottom of this box.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food coloring gave our oobleck a genie-like tint this week!

 

 

 

 

 

It was fun to watch as it swirled around the tray or dripped off fingers!

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed in Bath and Body Works jasmine-ginger scented water.

 

 

 

 

 

There was a letter A to find and 2 different scoops to use.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, we used the matching lotion!

 

 

 

 

 

The scent was a little different and definitely intriguing to the students!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the students liked the scent——-others not so much 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We remembered that there were fireworks in the movie Aladdin and since we had a big supply of bubble wrap, we decided to end our group with our own fireworks!

 

 

 

 

Whether in wheelchairs or rolling chairs…..

……….. the students had a BLAST 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made magic carpets!

First, they identified the shape of their cardboard (we used cut up cereal boxes).

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the student tore pieces of tissue paper. We gather our tissue from presents past, such as a recent baby shower 🙂

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tissue paper was glued down.

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to or taken away from a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We decided our carpets needed a little sparkle, so it was time to “shake, shake, shake that glitter”!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students glued pictures of themselves on to the cardboard and…….

 

 

 

 

 

…….TA DA!!!!!!!!!!

 

Let’s go on a magic carpet ride!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made magic lamps using this template: genie lamp

First, we identified the color of the genie.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students painted their lamps using gold paint. Thanks to our wonderful volunteer Kaley who cut out the cardboard, glued the paper printout to it, and then stapled it to paper cups so the lamps would stand up!

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Next, polyester fiberfil was pulled apart and glued to the top of the lamp.

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta-make a wish-Da!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to let the genies out of their lamps!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We’re back to making a tasty snack this week.  In honor of Aladdin, we made edible magic carpets!  Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Edible Magic Carpets

We started by talking about what we were going to MAKE.  We discussed what “edible” means and our students had to convey that it is something that we can EAT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first thing we had to do was vote on a color for the magic carpets.  We decided to choose between yellow and blue: our school colors.  Each student voted and it was a tight race throughout. Since we had an even number of students and there was a tie, we had our Vision teacher make the tie-breaking choice.  Blue magic carpets.

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

We PUT a container of Cool Whip into a BOWL and added some drops of BLUE food coloring.  Each student HELPed STIR the Cool Whip.  We made observations about how it looked DIFFERENT once the food coloring was all mixed in.

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

Next, each student got one graham cracker to PUT on a PLATE.

They each got some of the blue Cool Whip and they had to SPREAD it to cover the graham cracker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we PUT multicolored sprinkles on a spoon and they SPRINKLED it all over the top.

 

 

 

 

 

They are almost too pretty to eat——ALMOST 🙂

 

 

What a magical week! Join us again for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!

And don’t forget to check your spam folder for your confirmation email if you want to follow us.

Feb24

Random Acts of Kindness

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Random Acts of Kindness

February 17 was National Random Acts of Kindness Day! Our students learned different ways they can be kind and thoughtful to others.

Our sensory boxes matched some of the examples shown in our book. The find motor groups made art projects that the language groups shared with others.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

There were great ideas for presents in this box. We put a variety of little things that a kid might want to buy for a friend, such as toys, balloons, or beads.

 

 

 

We also put in some play money—-this was a big hit 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cards are always a nice gesture and even better when signed with hugs and kisses.

 

 

 

 

 

Hugs and kisses—-X’s and O’s—-were stamped into red moon sand.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bright pink slime looked a little like gummy candy.

Little plastic “gummy bears” with the letters K for kind and C for candy added to the fun.

 

 

 

 

This was our first time using slime and the students were really intrigued!

 

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This colorful box contained silk flower petals, leis, and 2 plush roses.

 

 

 

 

Definitely an eye catching box!

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

 

 

 

 

With pasta and play food, there was a complete meal in this box 🙂 The pasta made lots of noise when the noodles were stirred!

 

 

 

 

We also included a small cup for empty/fill fun.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yellow food coloring was added to shaving cream so students could make smiley faces.

 

 

 

 

It was really fun to see all the different designs!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students used a colorful scrubber to wash a toy car in our water play. A heart shaped measuring cup was perfect for rinsing off the shaving cream.

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize one way people use water.

 

 

 

 

 

We thought a floral scent was the perfect complement to this unit so we used Bath and Body Works plumeria.

 

 

 

 

 

It was a light scent to rub on hands, arms, or behind ears.

Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made flowers using paper plates.

First, they identified the color of the flower stem and leaves.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they chose a marker and began coloring their flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

After they finished coloring, they chose how many leaves they wanted and glued them on to the flower stem.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made some beautiful flowers……….

……..to share with friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday we made some more flowers to share!

The students identified the color of the flowers.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Then they decorated their paper cup flower pots with stickers.

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had a variety to choose from.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they counted their flowers and inserted them in holes in the bottom of their cups. We used plastic straws for the stems.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

TA—flower power—-DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More flowers to share with friends.

These beautiful flowers……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…….will certainly make someone’s day!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We changed it up a little bit today in language group.  Instead of making an edible treat for ourselves, we decided to embrace the random acts of kindness and deliver the flowers we made in the fine motor group to staff around the school.

Each student got to choose WHO they wanted to give their flower to.  They used the yearbook from last year to indicate the staff member they wanted to give their flower to.

 

 

 

Once they had decided WHO, we set out to deliver our flowers.

 

 

 

 

Each student used a sentence strip that said “I want to give you this”.  Verbal students said each word while nonverbal students pointed to each word on the strip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff who received flowers were so excited and happy!  Our random act of kindness made everyone feel good 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Before leaving each staff member, the students used another sentence strip to convey “have a great day”.  We think from their reaction to the flowers that they did have a great day 🙂

 

 

 

Such a fun filled week that we hope inspires you to engage in some random acts of kindness. Don’t forget to check your spam folder for confirmation emails if you want to follow us.

We will be back next week with more fun and learning—–Group by Group!