Lights! Camera! Action!

Lights! Camera! Action!

Since our school wide theme this year is Lights! Camera! Action!, this unit is movie themed and we focused on live action kids movies. The sensory groups explored boxes related to specific movies. The fine motor groups made movie themed art projects and the language group watched movie clips.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our Jumanji umbrella was a hit with the students! There was a little pop-up screen (ours was actually just an index card)from the movie that listed a character’s strength and weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

Music from the movie was recorded on a voice output device and there was a cute monkey finger puppet to add to the fun.

Pressing the voice output device allows the students to observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

This Star Wars box had a lot of fun items including some character items and figures. We also included a Darth Vader mask and a small light saber that made noise and flashed lights—-very cool!

 

 

 

The language access point identify characters or objects in familiar stories can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made our own little Jurassic Park with kinetic sand and some plastic dinosaurs. There were also some plastic plants and rocks.

 

 

 

 

Recognize objects related to science by name, such as animal or plant can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of fun things to explore in this box!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were 4 letter P’s to find in our Pink Power Ranger sand. We also included a fun sifter scoop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Track a falling object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indiana Jones may not like SNAKES, but our students sure had fun finding the 5 we hid in this box of lentils.

The lentils not only looked cool but were so much fun to run hands and fingers through!

 

Match objects with similar observable properties such as color, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a fun Superman toy to fly around in the fluffy shaving cream clouds on our messy play tray.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

There were little duck pirates floating around in our little Caribbean Sea. Of course, we used our old aquarium “shipwreck” to help set the scene. Fun scoop and pour fun to be had here.

 

 

 

 

Recognize differences in the sizes of containers that hold liquids is a math access point that can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

It was hard coming up with a scent for this week—-since we don’t have any popcorn scented lotion 🙂 We decided to use Bath and Body Works moonlit path scent. Many action movies have night scenes, so we thought it kind of worked……

 

 

 

The students liked the scent and did a great job of using the communication boards to indicate where they wanted it placed.

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday we made our own Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Using communication symbols, the students identified a star.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they used glue spreaders to spread glue all over the star. We just got these in and they worked pretty well!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we sang our glitter song while adding gold glitter to the star. Shake shake shake that glitter 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The students added their picture to the middle of the star, then glued that down on to a piece of grey paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our very own Hollywood stars!

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the student made movie posters using this:Jurassic Park

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they chose the 3 colors they were going to use to color their poster (a free dinosaur coloring page we printed out).

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students used either crayons or markers to decorate their posters. We had to remind some of them to use all 3 colors.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Then they glued THEMSELVES on to their poster and the poster on to the marquee!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since our theme is all about movies this week we had to watch a movie! Of course, if you watch a movie you have to MAKE popcorn!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First, we had to OPEN the box.

We counted 3 bags and decided that since we have a small class 1 bag would be enough for everyone.

One of the students got to HELP microwave the popcorn—-closely supervised of course!

 

 

 

 

 

While we were waiting for the popcorn to cook we drank some soda (flavored sparkling water). We took the can out of the refrigerator and the students touched it and told us whether it was COLD or WARM.

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

 

 

 

 

 

After they tasted the soda, the students let us know whether they LIKED it or DID NOT LIKE it. Most of the students thought it tasted pretty good…..

 

 

 

 

 

others not so much 🙂

 

 

 

 

After the popcorn was cooked we let the bag cool for a bit, so it was safe to touch then asked the students whether it was WARM or COLD.

Again, recognize objects as warm or cold is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We counted out bowls and then put a little popcorn in each bowl. The students used communication symbols or verbalized if they wanted MORE popcorn in their bowls.

Indicate desire for more of an object is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally! Time to kick back, eat some popcorn, and watch the movie!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This language group was a HIT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for joining us this week! Also don’t forget to look for your confirmation email if you want to follow us. If you don’t see it—-check your SPAM folder!

 

Come back next week for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!

August/September After Party

August/September After Party

Welcome to the After Party! Each week after the weekly blog featuring activities in the elementary department is posted, our sensory cart is parked in the media center where it is available for check out by the rest of the school.

Here are photos teachers have sent of their students exploring the different sensory boxes during the month of August/September 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

We started this school year with The Royal Wedding—-this was our final cart from last spring.

There were lots of fun things to explore in our “Megan Markle” USA box.

 

 

 

The students also had fun with our “Prince Harry” themed box.

We filled this one with all things British.

 

 

 

Their were lots of wedding themed items in this box,

including a veil, top hat, and the Wedding March recorded on a VOD.

 

 

 

A picture of a wedding couple could be found under our confetti rice.

Different sized hearts were stamped into red Moonsand.

 

 

 

The students had fun decorating a laminated cake

with the oobleck “royal icing”.

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed in water that included floating lights and……..

 

 

 

…….a little teapot for pouring fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Go On A Cruise, this was a fun theme. The book had photos from staff featuring their cruise adventures.

 

 

There were lots of fun things to find in our Disney Cruise box.

There were Disney figures, beads, sunglasses, and some Mickey Ears.

 

 

 

The Mickey Ears were especially popular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polar bears roamed in the Insta Snow of our Alaska cruise box.

We used Insta-Snow which feels very close to the real thing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The student cut dolphins and boats out of ocean blue play dough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They listened to ocean liner sounds on a voice output device, felt boat vibrations with a massager, and watched fish swirl around in a discovery bottle.

Lots of sensory experiences here.

 

 

 

Since many people cruise to islands, we included a beach box.

The students found the large “foot” particularly intriguing!

They really enjoyed using the sifter spoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shaving cream “sea foam” was fun to swirl around and make wavy patterns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Spangled Banner Day was September 2.

 

 

 

 

The pasta in patriotic shapes was fun to sort.

This cool pasta had bell, flag, and star shapes.

 

 

 

 

 

The RED box was filled with items of different textures and shapes.

So much to explore, but the little plush fox was a definite favorite!

 

 

 

 

The BLUE box also had lots of shapes and textures.

We also included a US flag.

 

 

 

More textures and shapes filled the WHITE box.

 

 

 

 

The cheerleader pom pom was a favorite with the students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students stamped stars into blue moon sand.

 

They worked on making stars and stripes in shaving cream sprinkled with blue and red glitter.

 

 

 

Our next theme CUBA was inspired by Hispanic Heritage month Ms. Judy’s vacation to Cuba.

 

 

 

We learned that Cubans eat rice and usually beans with every meal.

 

 

 

The students searched for letter C’s in a box of dried black beans and rice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The colors of the Cuban flag are red, white, and blue.

The numbers 1898, the year Cuba became an independent country, and a map to find at the bottom of the box.

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of symbols of Cuba to find in this box.

 

 

 

 

We included a voice output device with some Cuban music recorded on it.

 

 

 

Cuba resembles a crocodile from the sky.

So we included a crocodile cookie cutter in green kinetic sand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made “dulce de leche” oobleck—cocoa powder added some color,

and rinsed hands in some fishing waters with scoops, funnels, and different sized fish.

 

 

 

 

 

Cuba is a colorful country and we represented that with colorful pasta.

Chenille stems were added so the students could string the pasta.

 

 

 

 

We finished the month with a theme centered around jobs at school. The book featured school staff members.

Our reading coach was represented by a variety of books and book characters.

The PE department had a pool filled with pool noodles!

 

 

 

 

 

Red jello and plastic play food represented the cafeteria.

This box definitely was a hit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rice in school colors had numbers to find—-

representing our registrar who deals with LOTS of numbers!

 

 

It really was a fun month! See you next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

 

 

Whoo’s Who at School

Whoo’s Who at School

This week our book focused on what some of the adults, such as the registrar, resource officer, and bus coordinator, do at school. Our sensory group boxes were themed around some of these jobs. The fine motor groups made thank-you cards and the language group passed these cards out to those featured in our book. This theme compliments this month’s Unique Curriculum unit on Community Leaders.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our reading coach box had a base of paper shred—of course! We also put in some books, toy figures from books, and word cards. One of the books had buttons that made noise when pressed which made it quite popular with the students.

 

 

The language access point identify characters or objects in familiar stories can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our registrar deals with lots of NUMBERS, so we put some numbers for our students to find in our blue and yellow rice. Blue and yellow are our school colors. There was also a picture of a school to find at the bottom of the box.

 

 

The math access point associate quantities with number names can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Our yellow play dough had blue confetti mixed in it. With school colors and a cookie cutter in the shape of our mascot, the owl, we decided to call this the ” Principal Play Dough”.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

There were some toy medical items along with medicine cups and a little “student” in our school nurse box. Not only was the bear fun to take care of, but he made funny little noises when squeezed. The stethoscope, however, was the hit of this box!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bus coordinator’s box featured the letters B U S to find and a toy bus in our box of dried bean “gravel”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To represent our lunchroom staff we went with some real food for our messy play this week—-jello! There were some play foods and a variety of play kitchen tools in the box and at the bottom was a picture of some healthy foods to eat.

 

 

This was definitely a messy box and not all our students were that enthusiastic about exploring it, but those who did had a blast!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are lucky enough to have swimming as part of our PE program at school. Our little miniature pool had some pool noodles, scoops, and a funnel. Lots of fun here!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Back to the cafeteria for our scent this week. We went with mango mandarin from Bath and Body Works.

 

 

 

 

It had a nice citrusy smell that students liked on their arms, hands, or behind ears.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made thank you cards for the staff featured in our book.

First, we used communication symbols to identify the shape of our paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students folded their paper in half to make a card. They had to press down along the edge to make a crease.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using a glue stick, the students adhered a piece of paper with the words “thank you for all you do to help our school” onto the inside of their cards. They had to turn the paper over so that it would stick!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students used foam stamps to paint 2 different figures (a boy and a girl) onto their cards. With each stamp, we emphasized that they were to only stamp 1 time.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA——thank you—— DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made some super cute cards!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made more thank you cards!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Like our Wednesday group, the students folded their paper in half to make a card and pressed down along the edge to make a crease.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using a glue stick, the students adhered a piece of paper with the words “thank you for all you do to help our school” onto the inside of their cards.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students used markers to draw stems and vines onto the front of their cards.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students moved an empty plastic bottle UP and DOWN to stamp blue flowers. We have used this technique before and it is always a hit!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fabulous thank you cards!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

For this week’s language group activity, we handed out some of the thank you cards we made earlier in the week.

For our first stop, we visited the front office.

The students were instructed to GIVE the card to our honoree.

The phrase “thank you for all you do for our school” was recorded on a voice output device.

 

 

 

 

 

Everybody loved their cards!

 

 

 

 

We showed the students the cards we had left and asked them if we were FINISHED or if we had MORE to deliver! Everyone agreed there were more cards to hand out!

 

 

 

 

More cards meant MORE SMILES 🙂

 

 

Thank you for joining us this week for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Don’t forget if you follow us, you HAVE to click on the confirmation email that gets sent to use (and be sure to check your SPAM folder because it sometimes ends up there).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cuba

Cuba

It is Hispanic American Heritage Month ! Ms. Judy, one of our SLP’s, recently visited Cuba and this inspired us to learn more about the country. The sensory group explored boxes related to facts about Cuba. The fine motor groups made art projects portraying symbols of the country and the language group made a yummy dessert that Cuban children might eat.

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

This box contained a variety of items related to Cuban symbols or culture. The base of the box was filled with paper shred in the colors of the flag—-red, white, and blue.

Everyone really enjoyed the authentic Cuban music that we recorded on a voice output device!

 

 

 

Some of the items we included were a guitar (playing music is a popular pastime), a baseball glove (favorite sport), mariposa petals (the national flower), orange (citrus is one of the crops), and a picture of Fidel Castro.

The social studies access point associate a picture with a place can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cuba gained independence in 1898. Those numbers could be found in our red, white, and blue rice box.

 

 

 

 

 

There was also a map of Cuba to find at the bottom of the box.

Associate an object, picture, or symbol with a location is a social studies access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cuba is known as very colorful country and we wanted to come up with a way to represent that, so we decided to use our multi-colored pasta.

 

 

 

 

 

The students practiced their fine motor skills by threading the pasta tubes on to chenille stems.

The science access point identify objects by one observable property, such as shape, can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the country of Cuba resembles a crocodile from the air, in Spanish it is nicknamed El Cocodrilo” or “El Caimá”. Using our crocodile cookie cutter, the students made their own versions of the island in green kinetic sand.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

In Cuba, most meals contain rice and often beans as well. Our box of black beans and rice contained a 4 letter C’s for the students to find. Running hands through sifting beans is always fun!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We tried to make our messy play resemble Dulce de leche by adding some cocoa powder to oobleck. Not an exact match but as close as we could get, and the students still had a great time!

 

 

 

 

So much drippy, goopy fun 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a fishing boat and fish to catch in our water play. Fishing is one of Cuba’s industries.

Both the big and little fish could squirt water which added to the fun!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Sugar cane is Cuba’s biggest crop, so Bath and Body Works vanilla sugar seemed the perfect scent for this week. The students really seemed to like the sweet, yummy aroma!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made a map of Cuba using puffy paint. Our homemade puffy paint was made with shaving cream, glue, and green paint. We pre-cut the islands out of cereal boxes using a map we downloaded as a guide.

First, the students identified the color of the puffy paint using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students used foam brushes to apply paint. We found that dabbing the paint rather than spreading it around worked best. When the paint dries it will add a nice texture and 3-dimensional aspect to our project.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The island was then glued to a piece of blue paper and we added a pre-printed title.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Republic of Cuba!

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made a Cuban flag.

First, the students identified a triangle—-one of the shapes found on the flag.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The students glued a pre-cut star  to a red triangle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Then they cut 1 piece of white paper into 2 pieces using standard scissors, paper cutters or switch operated scissors.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The 2 white strips were glue ACROSS a sheet of blue paper.

Then the triangle was added to the flag.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!

Let’s visit Cuba!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We decided to make Flan, a dish many Cuban children might like to eat! We used a Jello box mix picked up at the grocery store.

The students used communication symbols to indicate their desire to HELP pour the syrup into small cups.

 

 

 

 

 

We counted out how many cups we needed. There were enough for students AND staff—–of course! 🙂

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

We found the MIXING BOWL on our communication board and then PUT the dry Flan mix into a mixing bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

The students felt the measuring cup containing milk. It was COLD!

Recognize objects or materials as WARM or COLD is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The milk was poured from a MEASURING CUP into the mixing bowl and we began stirring it up so the dry powder was absorbed.

 

 

 

 

 

Since the next step was heating the mixture up on the stove top, we left that to the adults!

The science access point distinguish between items that are wet and items that are dry can be addressed here.

 

 

 

We carefully poured the cooled mixture into the small cups and then put it in the refrigerator to set.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally the Flan was ready! Fortunately we didn’t have to wait long—-Ms. Joi had actually whipped up a batch the day before. Just like they do on tv cooking shows 🙂

The cups were turned upside down into bowls!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our tasters all agreed——-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flan tastes very good——–YUM!!!!!!

 

 

 

We so enjoyed learning about the colorful country of Cuba this week and hope you did too!

Join us again next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group! Also don’t forget to look for your confirmation email if you want to follow us. If you don’t see it—-check your SPAM folder!

Let’s Go On A Cruise Book

Let’s Go On A Cruise Book

Since lots of people go on cruises during the summer, we decided to start the year out with a theme about them!  Some of our teachers were lucky enough to go on cruises this past summer so our book features some of the photos they shared with us.  It also looks at different things you might see and do while on a cruise.

Check out all the awesome photos—–they will make you want to go on a cruise too!

 

 

 

Here is the link to the book: Let_s Go On A Cruise

Let’s Go On A Cruise

Let’s Go On A Cruise

Welcome back! We hope everyone had a fun filled summer. Cara, our SLP had an especially wonderful one—-she welcomed the most beautiful baby boy to her family! With Cara on maternity leave, Joi and Joy will be doing a little scrambling to fill her shoes—-so bear with us for the next few weeks until she gets back 🙂 Thankfully Ms. Robin and Ms. Nancy are also helping us out with communication supports!

For our first theme we are chose to feature photos from some of our teachers who were lucky enough to go on a cruise over the summer! Our sensory boxes focused on places you might go or things you might see on a cruise.  The fine motor groups made boat related art projects and the language group had fun comparing a cruise to Alaska and a cruise to The Bahamas.

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

With our vibrating massager and recorded cruise ship sounds on a voice output device our students got to experience some of the feel of being on a cruise. There was also a glittery ocean themed discovery bottle.

 

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

The vibrating tube was a big hit with the students 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tropical islands are popular cruise ship destinations. There were shells, a great big plastic foot for making footprints in the sand, some little palm trees, and a little crab hanging out on the beach.

The students found everything to be pretty intriguing!

 

 

 

The sifter spoon we included was especially fun!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Disney cruise box included a variety of Disney paraphernalia such as cartoon figures and a set of Mickey Mouse ears. We also put in some sunglasses, beads, and some play food! Lots to explore and discover in this box.

 

 

The language access point communicate recognition of familiar objects can be addressed here.

The Mickey Mouse ears were especially popular….

 

 

 

 

 

our students totally rock a hat 🙂

 

 

 

 

There were 2 polar bears ( thank you Ms. Caressa) and a little seal playing in the snow of our Alaska cruise box. There was also a small shovel for scooping fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neon food coloring made this bright ocean blue play dough really eye catching! The students cut out boats and dolphins using cookie cutters.

 

 

 

 

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

This was an especially popular box this week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We encouraged the students to make wavy motions in our shaving cream “ocean foam”.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Different animals might be spotted from a cruise ship, so we included a seal, dolphin, whale, and fun penguin strainer in our water play.

A little boat and measuring cup scoop added to the fun.

 

 

The science access point match common living things with their habitats can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Bath and Body Works coconut scented lotion was a perfect end to our group this week. The students really liked the aroma.

 

 

 

 


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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday we made cruise ship port holes using paper plates.

First the students identified a circle using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They chose which color marker they wanted to use.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they used dot markers to decorate the front of their port holes. We asked the students to stamp UP and DOWN.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

They identified their photos and glued them on to paper plates.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adults stapled the 2 paper plates together and……

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA! Time to set sail!

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students used corn syrup paint and this to make their art project: Cruise ship template

First, using communication symbols or AAC devices, they identified the color of the paper.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Next, they glued their ship DOWN on to the paper.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

We poured some corn syrup (tinted with blue food coloring) over the paper and the students used their brushes to spread it around the paper.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anchors Aweigh!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week we asked the students to identify whether a presented item went with a cruise to The Bahamas or Alaska. The adults emphasized that in the Bahamas it’s HOT and in Alaska it’s COLD.  In addition to visual supports we used actual objects or models. The social studies access point associate a picture with a place is addressed in this activity.

Here are some of the questions we asked:

If you went to The Bahamas would you need a parka or a bathing suit?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you went to Alaska would you need a hat to shade your eyes or to keep your ears warm?

Would you see polar bears or parrots in Alaska?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you went to Alaska would you have a snowball fight or play in the sand?

What kind of food would you eat in the Bahamas—-Alaskan salmon or bananas?

 

Our students needed a few prompts in order to correctly identify some of the objects, but they did a pretty great job overall.  We think they’re ready to go on their own cruise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great start to the school year so join us next time for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!

Don’t forget if you follow us, you HAVE to click on the confirmation email that gets sent to use (and be sure to check your SPAM folder because it sometimes ends up there).

Update

Update

Hi everyone, we just wanted to let you know that we are planning to start up our first post of the year on September 2! We have had some inquiries and wanted to reassure everyone—-we haven’t gone away 🙂 It just takes a while to gather photo permissions and for support staff to set up daily schedules and this usually takes a couple of weeks.

See you soon!

The Royal Wedding book

The Royal Wedding book

There has been SO much talk about the royal wedding recently, so we decided that it would be fun to have the royal wedding as a theme.

Our book talks about different facts about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, like who their parents are and where they are both from.  It also talks about the royal wedding. Check it out!

 

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: Let_s Watch The Royal Wedding