Category Archives: Uncategorized

Mar5

Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 5, 2017 by jd785

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! We celebrated his birthday this week for Read Across America! Our sensory groups explored colorful boxes inspired by Dr. Seuss books. The fine motor groups made Seuss inspired art projects and the language group made a yummy snack to finish off the week. It was tons of fun and everyone LOVED the book we made to go with this unit—–be sure to check it out!

SENSORY GROUP

This box was filled with lots of Seuss (or Seuss like) items including the ABC book and a fabulous hat! The base of the box was shredded paper—-because Dr. Seuss wrote books back when they were all paper!

The language access point attend to familiar literary forms (ex. picture books) can be addressed here.

The Grinch is one of our favorite characters! The students used green float to form their own Grinch figures using a plastic ornament and some hands from a play dough set. Ok so the Grinch didn’t have purple hands in the original story but we still think they worked pretty well 🙂

The science access point recognize one or more external body parts can be addressed here.

We used some sawdust as the base of our Zoo box. There were a variety of animals and a little zookeeper to help take care of them. In addition, we put a picture of a lion at the bottom of the box and asked the students to find the animal that was the same as the picture.

Match animals based on a given shared characteristic is a science access point that can be addressed here.

We thought our shaker pom poms kind of looked like the tops of Truffula trees! Colorful, eye catching and so much fun to shake! We haven’t brought these out for a while and the students were pretty excited to see them again!

The science access point distinguish between objects in motion and at rest can be addressed here.

The students also got a little goofy and had fun pretending to be Truffle trees by putting the pom poms on their heads.

Pretty fun stuff 🙂

The students found the letters A B and C in colorful pasta. We put in 2 of each letter so the students could match them. Of course, it was also fun to just put hands in too!

Match objects by on observable property, such as shape is a science access point.

With a Dr. Seuss unit, you HAVE to have oobleck! Gooey, drippy, always fun!

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

There were 2 blue fish to find in our bubble filled water play. These fish were especially fun since they squirted water when squeezed—-there were lots of giggles with this 🙂

Recognize two objects that are the same size or color is a math access point.

We used Bath and BodyWorks apple scented bath gel in our water play and again for our lotion this week. This was a perfect scent to help us remember all the fun we had this week and was a hit with the students.

The science access point recognize one or more external body parts is addressed here.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made their own puff balls and became little Who’s to dance on them!

After discussing the circle shape of the puff ball and identifying it using communication symbols we mixed together shaving cream and glue.

The math access point recognize when an object or material is addressed here.

The students painted the mixture onto a purple circle. This thick gooey mixture dries like puffy paint—-so cool!

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

We added a little glitter and then each student put a cutout pictures of themselves to the puffball.

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

Ta Da———- super cute!!!!!!

On Wednesday the students made a Horton inspired elephant!

First we discussed the shapes we were using and asked them to identify a circle using communication symbols.

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

The students cut their circles in half using a paper cutter addressing the science access point recognize that pushing or pulling an object makes it move.

Then we looked at how the 2 half circles could be put back together to make a circle.

The math access point recognize parts of common objects can be addressed here.

The elephant’s trunk started as a RECTANGLE which the students then folded an crumpled to give it some dimension!

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

Then the students began assembling their elephants—-a big circle face, 2 half circle ears, a rectangle trunk AND 2 big, round googlie eyes!

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

TA Da!

Some of Horton’s cute relatives!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made an apple treat today in honor of the book 10 Apples up on Top. Here is the recipe that we used: lets-make-an-apple-delicious-dessert

We used Pixon communication boards throughout that had fringe vocabulary focusing on cooking.

We also used super large symbols such as the symbol “turn” when it was time to turn the page of our recipe book.

We started out by crushing up graham crackers using a rolling pin. We broke this part up between a couple of students, so after the first student crushed them a bit our students had to indicate that we needed to crush them up MORE.

Once the graham crackers were finished, we put them in a bowl and POURed melted butter on top. Our students helped STIR the ingredients together then we PRESSed them into a baking pan.

Next, we combined some whipped cream and cream cheese. Again, our students helped STIR the ingredients together. When finished, we SPREAD half of the mix over the graham crackers in the pan.

Then, we put some apple pie filling on top of the whipped cream mix! We ended up pureeing the apples since some of our students have special diets.

We finished it up by SPREADing the rest of the whipped cream mix on top of the apples and sprinkling some graham crackers on top.

Our delicious apple dessert was a hit——–YUM!!!!!

We all had a blast this week! Join us again next time for more fun——– Group by Group!

Feb26

Louisiana

Posted on February 26, 2017 by jd785

Louisiana

We traveled again this week but a little closer to home—-the great state of Louisiana! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts and symbols of the state. The fine motor groups used markers and crayons to complete their projects and the language group led a Mardi Gras parade.

It was a really fun week that both students and staff enjoyed—–so let the good times roll!

SENSORY GROUP

This box was filled with symbols of Louisiana including the state bird (pelican), beverage (milk), amphibian (frog), honey bees (insect), and mammal (black bear). We also recorded a version of “You are my Sunshine” one of the state songs, on a voice output device. All of this was put on a base of paper shred in state colors: blue, white, and gold!

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

We made 3 discovery bottles made using the state colors. One was all gold and one was all blue. The third was a mixture of white, blue, and gold beads floating around in gold glitter. VERY eye catching!

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

New Orleans, Louisiana is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations and the colorful beads thrown from the floats during parades! This box was filled with beads in Mardi Gras colors. Fun to look at, wear, touch, or watch move when pushed or shaken.

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

Looking super cute while wearing Mardi Gras beads–

that’s just how our students roll 🙂

This Mardi Gras rice was made for a unit we did a while ago and it was fun bringing it out again. It really is one of our prettiest mixtures and is just so eye catching! We put in letter L’s and a map of Louisiana for the students to find.

The social studies access point, associate an object, picture, or symbol with a location can be addressed here.

We made some sunshine yellow play dough for the state song “You are my sunshine”. The students had fun squeezing together, pulling apart, or rolling the play dough into balls. We also included a little textured rolling pin to make some “sun rays” and a cookie cutter letter L to add to the fun.

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

For our messy play we went back to the Louisiana state colors—-we sprinkled BLUE and YELLOW glitter into WHITE shaving cream! The students had fun making swirls, lines, letter L’s, or just squishing it between fingers 🙂

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

We put some plastic crawfish and a rubber alligator to swim around in our water this week. Bath and BodyWorks vanilla sugar bath gel was also added because we thought it smelled like beignets—-those yummy New Orleans donuts!

The science access point match animals that are the same can be addressed here.

The matching lotion was a hit with our students this week. They really liked its sweet aroma and after having it rubbed on hands and arms they left the group smelling like yummy beignets!

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

On Wednesday we made some trumpets in honor of Louis Armstrong who was born in Louisiana. We used the state colors again for this project!

We started by asking the students to identify a rectangle——the shape of the paper we were going to use.

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

Then they used markers and crayons to color or draw on their papers.

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

The drawings were wrapped around paper towel tubes that had been taped to paper bowls and……….TA DA!

Our students are ready to play a little jazz!

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students decorated a pelican, the state bird, using this: pelican-template

First we discussed the state colors and asked the students to identify the color blue using communication symbols.

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

Then the students scribbled on their penguins with blue and yellow markers. One of our students scribbled using a pressure switch activated vibrating massager with a marker glued to it. He activates switches using his elbow and is getting really good at it!

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

TA Da! We love the Pelican State!

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since Mardi Gras is coming up, we decided to have our own Mardi Gras celebration!

Our language group entertained the entire elementary staff and students with a small parade around the building.

Our students dressed up in hats and boas and gave out beads to all of the spectators. We even put on some zydeco music to walk to!

It was a fun crowd after all——– everyone loves a parade!

We are a really fun bunch 🙂

Once we rounded everyone up, we gathered together in the multi-purpose room for our party!

What is a party without cake and ice cream! We had King cake of course and topped with vanilla ice cream (thanks Jeannie) with apple juice to drink. The students requested what they wanted using communication symbol sentence strips.

YUMMY!!

With zydeco music playing, we had to start dancing 🙂

Our students have moves!!!!

Whether sitting and listening to music or getting their groove on—–

the students had a blast!

The photo booth was also so much fun and we had lots of colorful props!

Lots of opportunities for communication as the students had to communicate which props they wanted for their photos.

All of the dancing and fellowship was awesome and we all had a great time!

We hope your week was as fun filled as ours!

Be sure and join us next time for fun and learning——Group by Group!

Feb12

The Grammys

Posted on February 12, 2017 by jd785

The Grammys

It’s Grammy time! Our students really LOVE music so we figured it was the perfect time to do a unit on some of their favorite musicians. We really had fun putting this together and the students got a kick out of dressing up like their favorite musicians for the book—-be sure and check it out. The sensory group boxes are related to some of the singers in our book. The fine motor groups had a lot of shaking going on while making their art projects related to specific singers and the language group had a Grammy party!

SENSORY GROUP

Since we are all about the Grammy’s this week we had to let our students get a chance to make their OWN music! In this box we put some music recorded on a voice output device and a variety of musical instruments such as the always popular finger drums. We also included some sunglasses—-and you know our students can totally rock a pair of glasses 🙂

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

This jungle themed box is our take on the song Roar—-one of Katy Perry’s hits. Hidden amongst the silk leaves, flowers, and shiny beads (vines), were some jungle animals such as elephants and tigers. These were pretty cool because they made noise when the buttons on their tummies were pushed.

Distinguish between a plant and an animal is a science access point.

Bruno Mars was born in Hawaii so we made his box a little beach. There were some seashells to find, count and then cover up again with a mini beach shovel. A cookie cutter flower was also included so the students could make some sand leis.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Ziggy Marley is from Jamaica so we made his box in the colors of the Jamaican flag using black beans, and yellow and green rice. This bright colorful box was very eye catching and so much fun to run fingers through while searching for letter Z. We also put a map of Jamaica at the bottom of the box!

Associate a picture with a place is a social studies access point.

Country western singer Eric Church is another favorite! We went totally country with his box filling it with animal feed (bird seed) and some farm animals to find. The students LOVED the way the birdseed felt when they buried their hands down in it!

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

Love is a favorite theme when Taylor Swift writes a song so we put 2 different sized HEART shaped scoops in our box filled with red velvet cake mix. We chose red velvet cake mix as a nod to her huge hit album Red. This was another box with an interesting tactile feel.

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

Our scents this week were in honor of two other amazing singers. Since Beyonce has a song called Lemonade we used Bath and Bodyworks lemonade scented bath gel in our water this week. There were a couple of different sized scoops and a little yellow puffer fish for our students to have fun with.

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

Rhianna is from the island of Barbados and we learned that grapefruit were first grown there—-how cool is that! We had some Bath and Bodyworks grapefruit scented SHIMMER lotion with a wonderful aroma. Rubbed on hands, arms, or behind ears, it was the perfect choice for our budding superstars 🙂

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students made pictures the musician Prince would love using this: purple-rain-umbrella

First we discussed our paint color and asked the students to identify it using communication symbols. They did an awesome job!

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

After placing umbrella pictures in a lidded box, the students scooped up TWO paint covered marbles and dropped them on top.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

The lid was closed and then it was time to SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE!

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

Ta Da!

Purple Rain, Purple Rain!

Using this: michael-jackson-glove on Wednesday the students made some sparkly silver gloves—-like Michael Jackson!

First we counted the number of fingers on one hand and identified 5 using communication symbols.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Next the students painted their glove templates with some shiny silver paint mixed with a little glue.

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

Time to add GLITTER—–shake, shake, shake!

The science access point track falling objects can be addressed here.

Using glue again, we attached the glove to a paper bag and……..

………..TA thriller Da!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had a fun language group this week! We changed it up just a little bit again by not putting together a recipe (although you better believe we still had a snack!).

While snacking on some red jell-o (in honor of Taylor Swift’s “Red” album), our students got to listen to some of the music from the artists featured in our book.

We put a picture of each of the artists on an All-Turn-It spinner. Each of our students had to indicate that it was their TURN to activate the spinner by indicating “my turn” using picture symbols.

Once the spinner landed on an artist, we played a song by that artist. A symbol for “listen” was used to empasize to our students that they needed to listen to the music.

The students got to pick out some different props to wear such as sunglasses, feather boas, and hats.

It was fun seeing what the different students chose to wear 🙂

Of course with all that music we HAD to get up and start dancing!

We got our boogie shoes on big time:)

What a fun week—-hope your favorite musicians did well at the Grammys! Join us again next time for more fun and learning, Group by Group!

Feb5

Minnesota

Posted on February 5, 2017 by jd785

Minnesota

We have a paraprofessional and a student who hail from Minnesota so this week thought it would be fun to learn a little more about the state. This theme complements the Unique Curriculum unit our students are working on this month. The sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about Minnesota. The fine motor groups made art projects related to state symbols and the language group went shopping in our very own Owl Mart of America!

SENSORY GROUP

This box contained objects that represented fun facts we learned about Minnesota. Some of the things we included were a Tonka truck (first built in Minnesota), pink and white lady slipper petals (the state flower), a book (the first children’s library was built in Minnesota), Peanuts characters (Charles Schulz is from there), and loon (state bird) calls recorded on a voice output device. There was also a little purse and play money to represent the Mall of America.

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

We brought out our butterfly and caterpillar pasta to represent the state insect—-the Monarch butterfly! This pasta is so brightly colored and very eye catching. We also included 2 plates for sorting fun.

Match objects by an observable property, such as size, shape, and color is science access point.

The Minnesota Vikings football team colors are purple and yellow. We put a variety of chenille stems in those colors in this box.

The stems can be twisted together, looped into chains—–or WORN 🙂 The two colors also allow for sequencing or sorting practice!

In addition to the science access point match objects by one observable property such as size, shape, and color, the math access point recognize the next step in a simple pattern or sequence of activities can be addressed.

Judy Garland who starred in the Wizard of Oz is a famous Minnesotan. We thought our rainbow rice was a perfect choice for her box. In addition to some letter M’s to find, there was also a map of the state to find at the bottom.

The social studies access point locate pictures or symbols on a drawing or map can be addressed here.

The musician Prince, came from Minnesota. One of his most famous songs is Purple Rain so we used purple Bubber for his box. We included cookie cutters with the state initials——-M N.

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

We had to include a nod to those Minnesota winters so we gave the students some shaving cream “snow” to play in.

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

Minnesota is called the “land of 10,000 lakes” so Bath and Body Works dancing waters scent seemed the perfect bath gel for this week. Our tiny little lake included 2 different sized fish that squirted water when squeezed—-how fun is that! There was also a sifter scoop included.

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

The matching lotion was a hit with the students as it was rubbed on hands, arms, and on the backs of necks.

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students painted a walleye—the official state fish! We used this:walleye-template

First the students identified our paint color using communication symbols.

The science access point identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is addressed here.

The students stamped the yellow paint on the fish (cut from green poster board) using a bubble wrapped foam scrub brush. We emphasized stamping UP and DOWN.

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

After they had finished painting, the students squeezed on a glue dot and then added a googlie eye to their fish.

The math access point match one object to a designate space to show one-to-one correspondence, is addressed here.

A tongue depressor was taped to the back of the fish so the students could make their little fishes swim………

…………………….Ta Da!

On Wednesday we made Babe the Blue Ox using this: babe-the-blue-ox-template

First the students identified a circle using communication symbols.

The math access point recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as a circle.

Then they painted their paper plates BLUE——–we used really pretty turquoise blue!

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

Two glue dots were squeezed onto the plate and one big googlie eye placed on each glue dot.

We got our googlie eyes at the Dollar Tree—-we do love a bargain!

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

The snout and horns were then glued DOWN onto the plate to finish Babe’s face.

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

Ta DA!

It’s Babe the Blue Ox!

LANGUAGE GROUP

Our language group was a little bit different this week. Since we were talking about the Mall of America, we decided to take a trip to our very own “Owl Mart of America” to do some shopping. The Owl Mart is a little shop that was put together so that our Post Secondary students could have some vocational training. Students are able to shop with “owl bucks” that they receive for good behavior.

Very cool and super reinforcing!

After reading the book, we gave all the students some owl bucks to spend—–very exciting!

Then we set out for the Owl Mart of America.

It’s kind of a long way from the classroom so everyone got their exercise for the day 🙂

There were lots of things to look at, like jewelry, Valentine’s day crafts, and stuffed animals.

Decisions, decisions!

Once our students chose what they wanted to buy, they had to go up to the cashier, a post secondary student, and had to convey “I want” using picture symbols as well as “I all done”.

Adults helped the students count out the number of owl bucks that they needed to pay for their item and passed them to the cashier.

Our shopping experience was a success and everybody was pretty thrilled with their purchases!

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

Jan29

Super Heroes

Posted on January 29, 2017 by jd785

Super Heroes

The theme for our district’s literacy week was Super Heroes! This unit was especially fun to put together and we think the students really enjoyed what we came up with for the different groups. Our sensory groups explored boxes inspired by different super heroes featured in our book. The fine motor groups made some super hero themed props and the language group made the Ninja Turtles favorite snack—-pizza! It really was a fun filled week 🙂

SENSORY GROUP

The students used a cookie cutter to stamp the letter S—-for Superman—– into blue moon sand (we chose blue to match Superman’s suit). The bright blue moon sand was quite appealing to look at and also felt pretty fabulous sifted through fingers!

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

There were some slightly tacky web-like Wikki Stix in our Spiderman box. The colorful waxed strings stick to each other and have an interesting tactile feel.

They loved grabbing them and crumpling them up into little “spider webs”.

There was also a little vibrating spider to add to the fun. We have brought her out before and she always elicits lots of giggles 🙂

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

Most of the super heroes we are familiar with were originally from comic books. We used some colorful magazine shred to match that comic book feel.

We were given some photo booth props and masks (thanks Ms. Elaine) that proved to be lots of fun for the students.

They kind of had fun with the masks 🙂

There were also some action figures and even 2 little super hero books to read—-it was literacy week after all!

Recognize a person in a story is a social studies access point that can be addressed here.

Our Batman box was filled with black kinetic sand—— and BATS, of course! There were both grey and black bats which made for sorting and counting opportunities.

The math access point solve simple problems involving joining or separating sets of objects to 3 can be addressed here.

In comic books, Wonder Woman has a golden lasso. So golden lassos are a little difficult to find but we have plenty of gold beads and our students seemed pretty pleased with the swap 🙂

Whether shaking them, wearing them, or just touching them——they had a blast!

The math access point recognize length of real objects, such as big, little, long, or short can be addressed here.

We made some bubbling, glowing Ninja Turtle ooze for our students to explore this week. Tonic water made our ooze (oobleck) glow under the black light and pop rocks provided the bubbling sounds—-way cool!

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

In our water play, some lighted pool toys stood in for Iron Man’s power cell. We found them in the dollar section at Target. Whether the lights were on or off, they were pretty irresistible to the students!

Recognize sources of light is a science access point.

Our scent of the week was Pink Power Ranger (aka Bath and Body Works merry cranberry). This scent had quite a strong sweet aroma and was a total hit with the students—-even some who are sometimes unimpressed with our olfactory selections 🙂

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some Batman masks out of paper plates using this: batman-template

First, using communication symbols, we identified the color of the paint we were going to use.

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

Then the students brushed the paint over their masks.

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

TaDa——nanananana BATMAN!!!!!!!

On Wednesday the students made their own Super hero symbols!

First we discussed and identified the shape we were going to cut——a triangle.

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

The students used paper cutters and switch operated scissors to cut out their triangles.

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

Then the students glued a letter S (cut out on the Ellison machine) onto their triangle. We attached it to their shirts using double stick tape.

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

It’s a bird, it’s a plane—–

TA DA it’s a super hero!!!!!!

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, we made a snack that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would have LOVED. We made mini english muffin personal pizzas.

Each of the students got to make their own pizza. We focused on the words MORE and ALL DONE today, using picture symbols and verbalizations.

When making each pizza, only a little bit of sauce would be put on to spread around. Our students then had to indicate if they wanted MORE or if they were ALL DONE with the sauce. We did the same thing with the cheese. We found that these students were more likely to indicate MORE rather than ALL DONE 🙂

Our students who have a regular diet got to make their pizza on half an English muffin. Since we have a couple of students who are on a puree diet, Ms. Robin, the classroom teacher, made some mashed potatoes that she shaped and patted out using a hamburger press so it resembeled an English muffin. So cool!

While we waited for the pizzas to heat up, some of us took a little time for some Ninja Turtle selfies 🙂

We then asked our students if they LIKE the pizza or if they DON’T, using symbols. Seems like we got the thumbs up!

Viola——Mini Ninja Turtle Pizzas to enjoy!

YUM!!!!!

Our Superhero unit totally was SUPER FUN!

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

Jan22

Winnie the Pooh

Posted on January 22, 2017 by jd785

Winnie the Pooh

January 18th is Winnie the Pooh Day! We had a blast creating the book this week and our students looked adorable in their costumes. Ms. Judy and her students came through again with an amazing backdrop. All in all, it was a super fun week! We celebrated with colorful character themed sensory boxes. Our fine motor groups made some super cute crafts and the language group made a snack with Pooh’s favorite food—–honey!

SENSORY GROUP

Pooh’s adventures take place in the hundred acre wood. We filled our box with silk leaves and a variety of characters from the books. We even included 2 tiny Winnie the Pooh books. Since we had different versions of the characters, similarities and differences could be discussed such as hard/soft and big/small. Just for fun, we also recorded the Winnie the Pooh song on a voice output device.

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

Our Winnie the Pooh box had red and yellow pom poms to sort. Of course, we chose those colors based on Pooh’s yellow fur and red shirt as seen in the Disney version of the story. We did a similar box last week but our students can always practice sorting and counting, so we decided to do one again.

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

We are pretty fond of owls around here, so we had to have a box dedicated to Owl! This box was totally touch worthy with a couple of “owl feather” boas and a large plush owl that looked a lot like the character.

Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli, in this case tactile, is a science access point.

Our eye catching orange and black box rice box was totally Tigger-rific 🙂 We put in some letter T’s for the students to find and a picture of Tigger at the bottom of the box.

Match objects by an observable property, such as size, shape, and color is a science access point.

The science access point recognize a change in an object is addressed in this activity.

Piglet is Pooh’s best friend so we made some pink play dough in his honor! We added a letter P—-for Piglet—- cookie cutter.

The students found the color very eye catching and of course had lots of fun manipulating it.

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

Honey is Winnie the Pooh’s absolute favorite treat so after adding yellow food coloring, we made our oobleck with a honey like consistency this week. We also added a couple of craft foam bees to fly around in the “honey”.

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

We couldn’t find any honey scented bath gel for our water play this week, so we used Bath and Body Works vanilla sugar scent—-we figured it was a pretty close match to honey. The students had lots of fun with the different sized scoops and we also added a letter P—for Pooh!

Recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids (capacity) is a science access point that can be addressed in this activity.

The students really liked the honey scented lotion from Madina. They used verbalizations, gestures, or body movements to indicate what part of the body to place the lotion. The sweet scent was a wonderful reminder of all the fun we had visiting with Winnie the Pooh and his friends.

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made Winnie the Pooh faces out of yellow paper plates—-we got 20 for $1 at the Dollar Tree. That was a score! We used this template for both our fine motor groups this week: winnie-the-pooh-and-piglet-template

First we told the students we were going to use a lot of CIRCLES to make our art project and asked the students to identify a circle using communication symbols.

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

Then they used a large hole punch (with some help) to make 2 ears which were then glued on to the large paper plate. Some tape was added to make sure they stayed on.

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

Next they glued on ANOTHER circle, pre-made with the eyes and nose! We made sure to point out the different sizes of the circles we used for this project.

The math access point recognize similarities and differences in size of common objects can be addressed with this activity.

They finished by using a black marker to make a mouth. One of our students used a switch operated vibrating massager with a marker attached but the others just did it free hand.

After we were done, we realized we probably should have used a thicker marker (like the one we used in our sample) to make it show up better but our students creations still look pretty cute 🙂

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

TA Pooh diddly Da!

We love that Winnie the Pooh!

On Wednesday the students made some Piglet puppets out of pink paper bags.

First our students identified the color PINK using communication symbols.

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

To make the stripes on Piglet’s shirt, we encouraged the students to draw horizontal lines ACROSS the paper bag using black markers.

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship is a math access point.

Then the students glued 1 face and 2 pre-cut ears onto their paper bags.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Ta DA!!!!!!!!

Such cute little Piglet puppets!

LANGUAGE GROUP

During our language group, we made a sweet treat that we know Winnie the Pooh would like! We made mini banana-honey cheesecakes. Here is the recipe: lets-make-a-mini-honey-banana-cheesecake

We started out by letting each of our students FEEL the milk. We talked about how COLD it was. We had a student HELP POUR the milk into the bowl. Then we added the pudding mix to the bowl as well. Everyone got to look at it before we started mixing it up and we talked about how it would CHANGE from liquid to solid.

Once each of the students had a chance to turn the mixer on using a switch and the pudding was set, we added some whipped cream to it.

Since we have a couple of students who are on a puree diet, we decided to SQUISH up the chopped bananas so that we could add them to our mixture.

Our students helped STIR up all of the ingredients. We then counted out our pie crusts and spooned some of our pudding mixture into each one.

For our final step, each of our students got to help SQUEEZE some honey on top.

We decided it was a totally Pooh worthy dessert 🙂

This was a really fun unit, who doesn’t love Winnie the Pooh! Join us again next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Jan15

Past and Present

Posted on January 15, 2017 by jd785

Past and Present

We are complimenting our student’s Unique Curriculum theme this week by looking at how activities familiar to our students were done differently in the past. The sensory groups explored boxes related to different activities. The fine motor groups made some fun art projects and the language group learned made a yummy snack from long ago.

SENSORY GROUP

How we get to places has REALLY changed over the years! From horses to spaceships, we put a variety of transportation vehicles for the students to find in this box. The spaceship was especially popular because of its spinning light.

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

Fashion is another thing that has changed over the years! We put lots of fabulous fashion accessories for our students to try on in this box. We had fun seeing what piece each student was attracted to. They had a blast—-total fashionistas 🙂

The science access point recognize one or more external body parts can be addressed here.

Our students totally know how to rock a hat.

Just too cute—–and such style:)

While we prepare food differently now, we still GROW it in the ground. There were some vegetable play foods growing in our little plot of coffee grounds dirt. We included some bean seeds for the students to plant and there was also a picture of a fruit bowl to be found at the bottom of the box.

The math access point recognize two objects that are identical to each other can be addressed with this activity.

Back in the day, the abacus was the height of technology for doing math problems—-thank goodness for calculators 🙂 The students counted and sorted “bead shaped” pompoms. The soft texture of the pompoms made them especially inviting to touch for our students.

In addition to being counted, this activity can address the science access point identify objects by one observable property, such as color.

Today kids often play games on electric devices rather than board games. We filled this box with a variety of game pieces such as cards, checkers, and board game pieces. Smaller game pieces such as dice and jacks were sealed in a plastic jar—–such fun to shake!

Recognize objects that are identical to each other is a science access point.

Like people of long ago, the students used a plastic feather to write with this week.

Of course, people of long ago didn’t write in shaving cream but that made it much more fun 🙂

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

We put an old fashioned water wheel in our water play this week. Lots of scooping and pouring fun for sure!

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

It was a little tricky picking a scent for this week but we decided on Bath and Body Works cotton scent because both in the PAST and in the PRESENT we use cotton. It was a light scent that the students really liked.

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

FINE MOTOR

On Tuesday we talked about how people used to cook all their food over an open fire and then made a picture of one!

We counted the logs on our sample and used communication symbols to identify the number 2.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

The students used a paper cutter or switch operated scissors to cut 2 logs out of brown paper. They all did a great job!

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

Then they added glue with a glue stick and put their logs onto a piece of paper.

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

Next they crumpled up pieces of yellow and red tissue paper to make some flames.

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

Ta Da—–let’s get cooking 🙂

On Wednesday our students made hourglass pictures using this hourglass-template.

First we discussed the color of the sand we were going to use and used communication symbols to identify the color PINK.

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

Then they painted some glue onto their hourglass. We added a little pink paint to the glue so the mixture would show up better against the white paper.

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

Pink sand was then added—–an old spice jar made a perfect shaker! The students really liked this part 🙂

We glued it down onto a nice bright green piece of paper.

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

Ta DA—–lets tell some time!

LANGUAGE GROUP

Today, since we LOVE to cook, we made a recipe that is from the 18th century! We made Whipped Syllabub. Here is a link to the recipe: lets-make-an-18th-century-whipped-syllabub

We started out by pouring some heavy whipping cream into a bowl. Our students helped POUR the cream in. We talked about how we needed MORE after putting 1 cup in since it called for 2 cups.

Solve problems involving small quantities of objects using language such as enough, too much, or more is a math access point.

Next, our students got to use a switch to activate the mixer. Each of our students had a chance to turn ON the mixer. It took a while, but we saw the cream change from a LIQUID to a SOLID. Very neat!

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

Then, each of our students got to use a lemon squeezer to SQUEEZE out some lemon juice into a DIFFERENT bowl. We squeezed out juice from one lemon and one orange. It smelled so good!

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

Then, our students got to POUR some sugar and sparkling grape juice into the lemon/orange juice mixture. After that was stirred together we added it to the whipped cream and stirred it all together.

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

We counted out how many cups we needed and voila! We got to enjoy our 18th century syllabub.

Thanks for joining us this week. See you next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Jan8

New Years Around the World

Posted on January 8, 2017 by jd785

New Years Around the World

Happy New Year! We welcomed 2017 with a fun New Year’s theme. Our sensory groups explored boxes related to New Year’s celebrations. The fine motor group (we only had one because it was a short week) painted fireworks and the language group made some lucky New Year’s food!

SENSORY GROUP

Celebrating the New Year is all about the passing of time so we thought a “sands of time” box would be fun. Dry fluids are so mesmerizing as they are swirled around with fingers or drifting down from the sifter scoop.

Track a falling object is a science access point.

People often wear colorful beads while celebrating. As usual, this eye catching box of colorful beads was a hit with the students.

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

We recorded some firework sounds on a voice output device and added a couple of discovery bottles with beads and confetti——a total New Year’s Eve experience 🙂

The science access points track objects moving up and down; and apply a push to move an object are addressed here.

We put the numbers 2-0-1-7 for the students to find in a box of dried black eyed peas. Here in the south, black eyed peas are eaten for luck on New Year’s Day!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

We included a light box this week to represent all the colorful lights and fireworks associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Needless to say, the students really loved this box!

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

More color was found in our shaving cream messy play——it was sprinkled with confetti this week! The students had a blast creating their own swirling patterns.

Very eye catching!

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

Hands were rinsed in bubbly scented water from Philosophy. We had a couple of different sized scoops for the students to compare and contrast.

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

We found a Bath and Body Works lotion that was called Midnight so we HAD to use it for this theme 🙂 Whether rubbed on hands or necks, a great way to work on body part identification!

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

We finished by popping some firecrackers—–of the bubble wrap kind!

This is always a lot of fun and resulted in lots of smiles and giggles.

Vestibular, visual, and auditory input is provided in this activity which addresses the science access point recognize and respond to different sensory stimuli.

It also addresses the how to have FUN access point 🙂

FINE MOTOR GROUP

In keeping with our New Year’s theme, the fine motor group made fireworks pictures!

We started by discussing the color of our paper and then asked the students to identify the shape using communication symbols.

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

Then the students stamped a colorful mixture of neon paints onto their paper. We emphasized stamping UP and DOWN.

We made our stamper by fringing then rolling up a piece of craft foam. It’s held in place with a rubber band.

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

Glitter was added for added sparkle—-you know we never pass up the opportunity to add glitter to a project 🙂

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

Ta DA!

Colorful fireworks…….

The pictures looked pretty cool in regular lighting but the paint seemed to fade into the paper a little, so we brought out our blacklight.

WOW under blacklight——–let the oohs and ahhs begin!

LANGUAGE GROUP

This is going to be a new, fantastic year and we wanted to start it out by eating some foods that are considered lucky for the New Year.

We made 2 different things today for our lucky New Year’s snack. Here is a powerpoint with the recipes: lets-make-a-lucky-new-years-snack. Pixon communication symbols are used throughout the recipes so that our students could match the symbols on the book to their own symbols. The symbols used are some of the symbols that we use frequently.

First, we started by making some cornbread. Cornbread is supposed to symbolize gold because of its color. I’m sure none of us would mind finding some gold during this new year!

Our students helped count out the cupcake liners and we talked about the number 6.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Then we poured in the cornbread mix, an egg, and some milk.

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

Our students helped MIX up the ingredients. Then we put them in the oven to bake.

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

While the cornbread was baking, we started making our drink: Banana Grape Smoothies. In Spain, when the clock strikes midnight, people eat 12 grapes–one for each month of the new year. It’s been said that sweet grapes are a sign of good months to have while sour grapes are a sign of not so great months. We made sure all of our grapes were super sweet!

We first felt the grapes and bananas that had been in the freezer.

They were COLD!!

The science access point distinguish between hot and cold objects can be addressed here.

We put those in the blender then added some grape juice, vanilla Greek yogurt, and some cinnamon. Our students helped PUT each of these ingredients into the bowls. Very tricky at times (grape juice!) 🙂

The science access point recognize when an object has been added to a situation is again addressed here.

Then they got to activate the blender using a switch–always a fun time.

Recognize that electrical systems must be turned on (closed) in order to work is a science access point.

Finally, when our cornbread was ALL DONE, our students got to eat some cornbread with grape jelly and drink their grape smoothie.

Cheers to a brand new year!!

We are so happy to be back and looking forward to a year of fun and learning——Group by Group!

Nov13

Jobs at School

Posted on November 13, 2016 by jd785

Jobs at School

This week we looked at some of the jobs at our school. We have done this theme before, but looked at different jobs this time. The sensory group explored boxes related to the people in those jobs at our school. The fine motor groups made thank you cards for the people in our book and the language group had a special guest help them make a tasty treat.

SENSORY GROUP

Ms. Latoya, our assistant principal, graduated from FAMU. This box is dedicated to her alma mater. It is filled with the colors and symbols of the university. There were shaker pom poms, beads, and a football—-go Rattlers!

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point that can be addressed in this activity.

Nurse Caitlin likes the beach and Nurse Linda likes the color pink—–so their box is a pink beach 🙂 Pink rice and some seashells to make up this fun filled box. We also added their initials and a big pink scoop!

Scooping up the rice and watching it fall back into the box addresses the science access point: track a falling object.

This box was filled with purple kinetic sand (Ms. Alexis’ favorite color) and the letter R for “registrar”. Ms. Trenisha loves elephants and we think she would really like the cute pink one we included here.

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

The fun box was filled with birdseed and there were 3 little birds to find hidden in it—- Ms. Courtney’s favorite animals are birds! We haven’t used this box of birdseed in a while and the students really enjoyed feeling it on their hands.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point that can be addressed with this activity.

Ms. Lorry is from Chicago, also known as the “windy city”. Our students had breezy fun with a little hand held fan. Ms. Lori is from New York, which is filled with bright lights—-sort of like our little light toys!

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

We put our fake spaghetti strands into oobleck this week to make our version of fettuccine alfredo—-Ms. April’s favorite dish! This was a lot of fun and our students were really intrigued with the differing textures.

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

Hands were rinsed in our little water garden, complete with watering can—-Ms. Leslie loves to garden. The fact that the little floating flowers in it were lighted, made it even more fun!

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

Ms. Jane has been involved with Girl Scouts for years. We found these Girl Scout cookie scented lip balms—-perfect to leave our students smelling like yummy cookies! The students got to choose between Samoa, Tagalong, and Thin Mint scents. Turned out that Samoa was the most popular! Of course, we used the balm on wrists NOT on lips 🙂

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

We wanted to thank all the staff who appeared in our book this week so the fine motor groups both contributed to the making of the thank you cards for them.

On Tuesday, the students identified the rectangular shape of the paper we were going to use.

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

Each student squeezed pink, purple, and turquoise paint onto their paper and folded it over.

Distinguish between objects that are wet and objects that are dry is a science access point that can be addressed in this activity.

Then they rolled over the paper with a rolling pin—-great for bilateral coordination!

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

Ta DA!!!

Some pretty magical results!!!

On Wednesday, the students again identified the rectangular shape of the paper used for making our cards.

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

The students used a paper cutter to cut each piece of the previously painted paper into 4 pieces! They also cut green pieces of paper in half to make the base of the card.

Recognize parts of whole objects and parts of sets of objects, is a math access point.

Then the students began assembling the cards by gluing a colorful front onto the green card bases.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point. The math access point recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, is also addressed.

TA DA—-a colorful thank you to our wonderful staff members!

Thank you for helping us grow and learn 🙂

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week’s language group was extra special today! One of our nurses here at school, Jill, came in to bake some of her Blonde Brownies for us!

Here is her recipe: jills-blonde-brownies

She started out by talking about what we always do first before cooking, which is to wash our hands! Next, she measured out a cup of Bisquick. Our students had to indicate that they wanted to HELP by raising their hand, by touching the symbol for HELP, or by verbalizing. Since we needed 2 cups, our students indicated that we needed MORE to put in the bowl.

Then, we added the brown sugar. Again, our students had to tell us if they wanted to HELP.

One off the most fun parts of putting all of the ingredients in the bowl was using the EZ Cracker Egg Cracker! Since the recipe called for 2 eggs, 2 different students got to use the Egg Cracker. Once the egg was placed, our students had to SQUEEZE the handle which broke the eggs without getting it all over the place! Super cool!

We added 1 cup of oatmeal and 1 cup of chocolate chips and then STIRRED it all together.

While it was baking, we had another surprise guest, Ms. Maureen, the music intern. She stood in for our music therapist (Brenda) since she was teaching another class at the time. Maureen played several songs for our students and gave them shakers so they could participate as well.

They had SO MUCH FUN!!! And not just the students but the adults as well!

When the music was done it turned out the brownies were too so we all enjoyed our special treat from Jill!

THANK YOU so much to Jill and Maureen!!! You made our day 🙂

Another great week! Join us again next time for more fun and learning Group by Group!

Nov6

They Traveled to Space book

Posted on November 6, 2016 by jd785

They Traveled to Space book

This week, we are finding out about some of the people (and animals!) who traveled to space. Our theme ties into the Unique theme for this month. The book talks about the first monkey and dog who traveled into space as well as the first person. The book is in chronological order so you are able to see the progression of the “firsts” in space! The front cover features one of our highschoolers as an astronaut while the back features one of our post secondary students star gazing. Very neat!

Here is a link to the book: they-traveled-to-space