Famous Scientists

Famous Scientists

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

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR

On Tuesday our students made a galaxy!

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

img_2122Sparkly stars were added using chunky silver glitter.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2124img_2183Ta Da!

img_2093                                                                  It’s a galaxy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

The students identified the color using communication symbols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

img_2537img_2509TA DA!

Let’s do some experiments!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

img_2642Our students loved seeing the colorful fizz!

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

September After Party

September After Party

img_9651img_0507Welcome 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 September—–enjoy!

 

 

 

 

The first unit complimented the Unique Curriculum theme for September. We learned about People of the American Revolution.

img_8746img_8726The students had fun making buildings just like President and architect Thomas Jefferson. They used blue Floam to make their buildings.

They searched for the numbers 1776 in red, white, and blue rice.

 

 

 

 

 

img_9681img_9042They found letter A’s in tea like Abigail Adams might have like.

 

 

 

 

 

img_8918                                 Lots of fun to sift through and a nice aroma too!

 

 

 

 

 

img_9649img_9676Another american revolutionary was silversmith Paul Revere.

There were also 2 different sized horses to find.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8730img_0501Wikki Stix were used to make glasses—

—-0916161115a–Ben Franklin invented bifocals!

 

 

 

 

 

img_9032img_8994The students used shaving cream to re-style Georgia Washington’s hair—-or give him a beard 🙂

img_8975Then they went fishing, enjoying Patrick Henry’s favorite hobby.

 

 

 

 

 

Our video game unit was a BIG hit!

img_9720img_0160The students sorted green Luigi and red Mario pompoms.

img_0218They did a really great job!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_9774img_0674Video games have lights and sounds. We recorded some video game sounds on a voice output device and then put a bunch of light producing toys in this box.

img_0509These were  a real hit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_0726img_0162The students stamped Minecraft squares into red moonsand.

img_9731The sand is soft but can be molded easily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_0221Big chenille stems were joined to form rings, like those in the game Sonic the Hedgehog!

img_0513img_0511Some of our high school boys and fun just making creations with their rings—-they got pretty creative 🙂

 

 

 

 

img_0217img_0510Our box with things you might find in the game Legend of Zelda was another big hit.

 

 

 

 

 

img_0179img_0198There was lots to discover and explore!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_0672img_0690From craft foam we cut out some Pac Man figures and put them in our oobleck

 

 

 

img_9796                                                                       —-so much fun!

 

 

 

 

Next we looked at Extracurricular Activities—-the things kids do after school!

img_1123img_1806This box contained pompom shakers—-for all the cheerleading

img_4163                                                              ……..and wig fans 🙂

 

 

 

 

img_1144img_1812Shaker pompoms are so much fun!

img_0806What’s not to love 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1813img_1802Sports are always popular. The students made different sized balls out of white Floam.

img_1176The students also “fished” in our little pond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1115img_1804For the music fans, we included our always popular finger drums, a tambourine, and a maraca.

img_1153                                                      This was a popular box!

 

 

 

 

img_1116img_0791Some students go to an After School program. This was represented with rice in our school colors and alphabet letters to find.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1132img_1110The students practiced making circles and ovals like race tracks, in shaving foam.

img_0780This does get a little messy but is sure to produce a few giggles.

 

 

 

img_1797img_0794Our dance box had scarves, head dresses, feather boas, and a voice output device with ballet music.

img_4164This box also brought out the sillies in more than a few students 🙂

 

 

 

img_1189We finished with some yummy vanilla scented lotion, which reminded us of Girl Scout cookies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended September with a unit that looked at Opposites. The book featured lots of our students demonstrating opposites and was a real hit!

img_0516img_0517Students compared sizes, shapes, and other physical features of a variety of materials.

 

 

 

img_0520img_2741In and Out was the theme for our purple beans and rice box.

img_1844                                                    A very inviting box to explore.

 

 

 

 

 

img_2677img_2338They pushed Hard cookie cutters into Soft play dough.

img_1826Of course, some of the students branched out a little with their own creations.

 

 

 

 

 

img_2239img_2368Rough and Smooth were explored with this box.

img_1827                                                                 Lots of textures!

 

 

img_2676img_1850The plastic spaghetti strands were especially intriguing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2717img_1830The box of balls—-all different sizes—–was a hit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2243img_2339The large fluffy balls were also a textural contrast to the Koosh balls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1842img_2704Watching the beads and glitter drift Up and Down in the discovery bottles was pretty mesmerizing.

img_2350                                                      These are so cool!

 

img_2685Watching both at the same time—-even better!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_2248img_2260Oobleck is the ultimate opposite because it behaves like a Solid and a Liquid!

img_1848After rinsing hands, the students experimented to see which objects Sank and which Floated in the water.

 

 

 

 

img_2334img_1853The Light box was another big hit with this unit!

img_1854The colorful lights made it especially eye catching!

 

 

 

img_2689img_2354Well that is it for another month. The students really had lots of fun AND got some learning in too! See you next month!

Opposites book

Opposites book

img_0956We talked all about opposites this week during our groups.  We found that there are opposites EVERYWHERE!  The book goes over just a few of these such as wet/dry, up/down, and dark/light.  Our wonderful students are featured in the book demonstrating opposites.  When reading the book, we had our verbal children fill in the opposite.  For instance, “Some toys are BIG and some toys are ….” and the students would say “LITTLE”.

Check out the book to see all of the different opposites we talked about!

 

 

 

 

img_1705Here is a link to the book: opposites-are-everywhere

Opposites

Opposites

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

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

Lots and lots to touch and explore.

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1006img_1027Ta DA!

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1370img_1420TA DA—-

img_1406                                                 we are going in the right direction!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

Extracurricular Activities book

Extracurricular Activities book

img_0535img_0522This week, our focus is on some of the different extracurricular activities that children participate in.  Around this time of year, students are busy with school as well as ALL of the other activities they have going on.  The pictures from our book feature the children and grandchildren of some of the staff here who are participating in things like sports, music, and acting.

Thank you to all of the staff members who shared their personal pictures with us!

 

 

 

img_9907Here is a link to the book: we-have-fun-in-our-extra-curriculars

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular Activities

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

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_0130img_0151Ta Da!!!

Our students are winners for sure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

img_0410img_0437Ta DA——

img_0466                                                           let’s go fishing!

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

img_0632img_0625The students finished by gluing down their picture choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

Video Games book

Video Games book

img_9434In honor of National Video Game Day (September 12), our theme for the week was video games!  We love having our students in our books and this was the perfect opportunity.  Some of the video games that are featured in the book are Mario Brothers, Pac Man, and Zelda.  The repetitive line for this week is a question, so our students used the pre-programmed voice output device to ask the question and then the answer was read to them.  Such a cute book with such cute characters.  Look for yourselves and see!

 

 

 

 

img_9467Here is a link to the book: what-video-game-should-we-play?

Video Games

Video Games

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

img_9432Did we mention our students REALLY liked the lights 🙂

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

This scent was a real hit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8881img_8894Ta Wakka Wakka Da

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_9244img_9253Ta Da!

img_9219                                                       Some not so angry birds.

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

img_9455                                                          LEVEL 1 COMPLETE!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

img_9513                                                      LEVEL 3 COMPLETE!

 

 

 

 

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

img_9554                                                       LEVEL 4 COMPLETE!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

August After Party

August After Party

IMG_5912IMG_7079Welcome 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—–enjoy!

 

 

 

 

IMG_7090IMG_7529Our first cart, about Kansas, was actually the last one from the previous school year. The teachers are want to quickly get their routines going so we always make sure to have one available since it takes us a couple of weeks to get up and running with our new themes for the year.

IMG_6900Sunflowers,cowboy hats, and yellow brick roads were pressed into this bright yellow moonsand box.

 

 

 

IMG_691320160826_140521Another nod to the Wizard of Oz was our discovery bottle which had red Barbie shoes floating in green glitter.

IMG_6916The students were also pretty fascinated with our salt box—-Kansas has a salt mine that is open to the public!

 

 

 

20160826_140408IMG_7142Cowboy hats reminded us of Kansas’ wild west past.

IMG_7539The students really had fun with this box.

 

 

 

IMG_7089IMG_7534There were other fun things to discover in this box such as Amelia Earhart’s airplane

IMG_6897                                                            and cowboy figures.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_6904IMG_7112They loved the American Buffalo plushies, especially the one that made noise when squeezed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7080IMG_6914There were letter K’s to find in this corn filled box.

IMG_7085                                                     A popular box to explore.

 

 

 

 

IMG_6901IMG_7138Pool noodle pieces for scooping and a funnel added to our fun water play.

IMG_7527Kansas has the largest hand dug swimming pool!

 

 

 

Our first theme for this year was Brazil. After all the excitement of the Olympics, it was fun to learn a little more about the country.

IMG_7814IMG_7815Brazil is home to 60% of the rainforest, so of course we brought out our rainforest umbrella!

IMG_7563                                                                  Always a big hit!

 

 

 

 

img_7567-1img_7852This box was filled with symbols of Brazil including citrus fruits, native animals, and a shiny boa—-perfect for wearing to Rio Carnival!

img_7827There were also discovery bottles filled with “gems” like those mined in Brazil.

 

 

 

 

img_7824img_7856Coffee is a major export from Brazil.

img_7568There was a map to find underneath the box along with a scoop and funnel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_7592img_7844There were letter B’s to find in this box. Beans are a favorite food of Brazilians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_7870img_7593Our oobleck was colored yellow and sprinkled with green glitter—-the colors of Brazil! Messy hands were rinsed in water filled with some toothless piranha 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We traveled a little closer to home for our last unit—–Iowa.

img_8141img_8171The students found play food in a box of REAL cornflakes!

They also used a cookie cutter to cut out play dough apples. Red Delicious apples were first grown in Iowa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_8145img_8170Bellevue State Park has a fabulous butterfly garden. Our students sorted red pasta butterflies and green pasta caterpillars.

The looked for letter I’s in the rice and beans box—–the colors of the University of Iowa.

img_8148Then they wrote letter I’s in shaving cream.

What a great start to the school year. See you next month with more After Party fun!

 

 

 

 

People of the American Revolution Book

People of the American Revolution Book

img_8422Our theme this week complimented our students Unique unit for the month.  We found several people who were an important part of the American Revolution and talked a little bit about them and what their parts were during this time in history.  We have 2 of our students featured on the front and the back of the book dressed up as George Washington and Abigail Adams.

Take a look and find out some neat things about the American Revolution!

 

 

 

 

img_8402Here is a link to the book: people-of-the-american-revolution