Tag Archives: adapted

Family Game Night

Family Game Night

This week we are playing games! Our OT, PT, and SLP have come up with a variety of things to do. So break out the board games, gather everyone up, and have a fun family game night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY

Here are two fun sensory based versions of games to play with your kids!

We often put a hidden picture at the bottom of our sensory boxes. The students have to push the contents of the box to see the picture. You can easily adapt this to an I-Spy game at home using magazine or old calendar pictures. Look for a picture with lots of different things to find and tape it to the bottom of your container (cookie sheet, roasting pan, casserole dish, storage box etc) and then add sand, rice, or oatmeal. See how many details they can “spy” as they move the contents around.

 

One of my favorite games to play with my students is What’s in Ned’s Head. Students reach into “Ned’s Head” and try to identify an object before they pull it out OR pull the object out and match it to a picture. You could make your own variation of the game and play Bingo by putting a variety of toys in a drawstring bag. Pick toys with different textures, shapes, sizes ex. balls, hand fidgets, cars, action figures etc. Make simple Bingo boards with names of the different objects. Have your child act as the “caller” and pull out one object at a time.

 

 

 

 

GROSS MOTOR

Over the past few weeks, I have talked about a lot of different games you could play with your kids to incorporate gross motor skills, so this week I thought a fun activity would be to make your own board game and incorporate various gross motor activities into it.  This could be done indoors or outdoors using a variety of materials that you have at home, as well as, for students with different ability levels.

Use painters tape, chalk, paper plates, construction paper, large boxes, etc. to make a path for your child to follow.  Make lines straight, curvy, or zig zag for your child to walk, jump, or crawl on.  A hop scotch path could be fun to incorporate into your path too.

Incorporate challenges for them along the way using pool noodles to step over or walk on (if they are cut in half), cones to weave through, streamers to crawl under/step over, hula hoops to step through or walk around, couch cushions to walk on to challenge their balance.  You could incorporate different textures to such a bubble wrap, sand paper, carpet, tile, grass, sand, etc. and play bare footed for extra fun.

You could incorporate a targeting game that they have to master before they can continue to move along the path.  For example, a ring/bean bag/ball toss to a basket/bucket/box.  You could also include targeting skills focusing on kicking a ball into a box/basket/between 2 cones, throwing a ball to a target on the wall, or rolling a ball to a target (think bowling).

You could also incorporate a movement activity along the path.  For example, jumping jacks, wall pushups, etc.  Also, use various ways to move along the path (for example, bear crawl, frog jump, etc.).

Use a dice, number cards from a deck or cards, numbered strips of paper in a cup/bag to draw from to determine how many spaces to move forward (if you want to work on numbers).  You could also work on colors or letters if you wanted to instead of numbers using colored pieces of paper or alphabet cards, as long as, colors or letters are incorporated into your path/game board.

Use the above ideas, ideas from previous posts, or create your own ideas to make your own floor or outdoor area board game.  The most important thing is to get everyone involved and have fun!  Have a good week.

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR

We are lucky enough to have things like an All Turn It spinner to adapt games at school, but there are still ways to simply adapt things at home.

Here are some ways to adapt board games for easier access:

 

Put dice into small snack containers. Let your child throw the container or knock it off their tray when it is their turn to roll.

Use a section of a pool noodle with a slit on the top to hold playing cards.

If picking up small cards (ex. Candy Land) is difficult, tape colored paper to match game pieces to the sides of a small box. Let your child throw or drop the container—the color on top is their card.

Limit the amount or which cards are used, for example with Memory use fewer cards or in Uno remove all the reverse/skip/etc cards to simplify the game to simple color matching.

Tape a small photo of your child to their playing piece to make it easily identifiable.

To exchange a small playing piece for a larger one that is easier to grasp, you can use an empty medicine bottle or spice jar. Adding some coins or play dough inside will make it more stable.

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE

Here is a fun and engaging game that your child and you can play while working on the common core words GO and STOP.  Here are the symbols that you can use: Red Light Green Light

You can take turns being the person in control of the “light”.  Hold up the symbol for GO and for STOP whenever you are saying the words.  You can also use the color symbols.  It’s always fun to be able to control things that are happening so your kiddos should have a good time controlling the movement of people 🙂

For this game, you can either use either a Memory board game or these pictures: Memory game

Turn all the cards over face down and take turns choosing 2 cards at a time.  Talk about if they look the SAME or if they look DIFFERENT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LITERACY

We suggest this book from November 2018: Let’s Play Candy Land

We also suggest this book from September 2016: what-video-game-should-we-play

 

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

 

 

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The 1950’s

The 1950’s

To start the new year, we decided to take a look back——–WAY back, all the way to the 1950’s! The sensory groups explored boxes related to different facts from the decade. The fine motor groups made some cool art projects and the language group made a 1950’s inspired recipe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We put the numbers 1 9 5 0 in this rice box. In addition to running their fingers through the rice, the students had fun scooping it up and adding it to a small metal cup.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our outer space black beans and rice contained our nod to NASA which was started in 1958.

There was a cool rocket toy that had a spinning astronaut and flashing lights when the button was pushed.

 

 

 

Science access point: distinguish between objects in motion (kinetic energy) and at rest.

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Land and the Mickey Mouse Club tv show both had their start in 1955.

There were lots of fun things to find in this box, including Disney character figures, colorful beads, and a VOD that had the Mickey Mouse song recorded on it.

 

Social studies access point: recognize a character in a story that is not real.

 

 

 

 

 

Elvis had a hit with the song Heartbreak Hotel in 1956.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students made both BIG and LITTLE hearts in red moon sand.

Math access point: recognize the larger of two objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TV dinners were first introduced in 1953. Since they had foil trays and covers, we thought it would be fun to have a box with a foil. This space blanket was the perfect choice.

 

 

 

 

It was fun to throw up in the air and made a fun crackling noise when crunched—–it was a huge hit with the students!

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

A couple more photos—–this was a really fun experience for the students!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay made it to the top of Mount Everest in 1953.

 

 

 

 

 

The students swirled snowy shaving foam around a laminated mountain top for messy play this week.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20000 League Under the Sea was a movie released in 1954.

 

 

 

 

 

Our water play contained a little submarine and a variety of sea animals—-including a giant squid!

Science access point: match living things with their habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959! This inspired us to use Bath and Body Works pineapple as our scent this week.

 

 

 

 

The sweet aroma was a big hit with the students.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made Mount Everest models and then put themselves on the mountain using this template: mountain climber template

First, the students identified the shape of their poster board mountain. They also identified the shape of a tissue box that would be used for the project.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Then they added “snow” (a mixture of glue and shaving cream) to their triangle.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Next, they put themselves on to the mountain. Since there was glue in our snow mixture, we didn’t need extra glue!

The mountain was hot glued (by an adult) on to the tissue box to help it stand up and…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA from the top of the world!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We climbed Mount Everest!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students gave themselves a new look using this: elvis hair template

First, the students identified the color of the yarn we were going to use for the project.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Then, using regular, adapted, or switch operated scissors, the students snipped pieces of yarn.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Glue spreaders were used to spread glue around the black poster board hair template and applied their pieces of yarn.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA—-Elvis—- DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t tread on our blue suede shoes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a yummy treat that was popular in the ’50s: jello salad!  Here is the recipe that we used: let_s make blueberry vanilla jello salad

(The words that are capitalized are the targeted words on the communication boards)

We started by talking about how we were going to MAKE a jello salad, noting that this type of salad is DIFFERENT from the salad that we usually eat.

First, we PUT a box of vanilla instant pudding mix into a BOWL.  One of our students indicated they WANTed to HELP by raising their hand and indicating HELP.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we PUT vanilla yogurt into the BOWL.  We had 2 students HELP with this since the container was big.  We had to STIR the ingredients together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After that, we PUT cool whip in and STIRRED that together as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we added some blueberries and STIRRED those in, first talking about how the bag of frozen blueberries felt COLD.

 

 

 

 

We LOOKed at the ingredients and saw that the color was becoming DIFFERENT, going from white to a purple color.

 

 

 

 

Each student had to request some of the jello salad by indicating WANT.  They were only given a small amount, so they had to request MORE if they wanted more than what they got.  A spoon was not given to them either, which prompted them to request a SPOON as well.

 

 

 

We’re thinking these kiddos really LIKED their ’50s treat!  What do you think?  🙂

 

 

 

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

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Scotland

Scotland

One of our staff members, Ms. Ellen, recently travelled to Scotland so this week we learned about the country of Tartan—-and so much more! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about Scotland. The fine motor groups made symbols of the country art projects and the language group made a Scots inspired treat!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Since Ms. Ellen took a plane to get to there, we replicated the airplane experience using a vibrating massager and jet sounds recorded on a voice output device.

 

 

Of course, our plane ride lasted a whopping 3 minutes——just a tad shorter than the real thing 🙂

 

 

 

 

The vibrating tube was a HUGE hit with the students!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

We used rice in the colors of the Scottish flag for this box. There were letter “S”s to find and a map of the country at the bottom of the box. We also put in 2 different sized scoops.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The background of the Scottish flag is blue, so we pulled out our blue moon sand this week. The students used 2 different sized cookie cutters to stamp letter “S” into the sand.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

This box had a variety of items associated with Scotland including their national animal—-the unicorn! Symbols of famous Scottish authors such as J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes), and Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island) were a fun addition.

 

 

 

 

We also included a passport, a voice output device with some bagpipe music recorded on it, and a phone for Alexander Graham bell was pretty popular!

Lots to explore here!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

There are over 3000 castles in Scotland—–how cool is that! The students had fun making their own castles using grey Floam. We laminated some props including a kilted Scotsman.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Oatmeal added to our oobleck turned it into “porridge” this week! This lumpy oobleck was certainly a different texture and pretty  fascinating to our students—-although some were a little hesitant to actually touch it.

 

 

The science access point track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

The students found cute little Nessie  swimming around in “Loch”. You will notice that Nessie bears a striking resemblance to a My Little Pony seahorse 🙂 We also included 2 different sized scoops for added fun.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Since Scotland gets a lot of rainy weather, Bath and BodyWorks rain kissed leaves seemed a good scent to use this week. The students really liked the soft scent.

 

 

 

Recognize one or more external body parts.

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, our students made the Scottish flag.

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Then we cut 1 strip of white paper into 2 pieces using switch operated scissors or paper cutters.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next the students were asked to glue down the strips of paper in the shape of an X.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!!!!!

We love Scotland!

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, our students turned into Unicorns using paper plates !

We started by using communication symbols to identify the shape of our paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the used a glue stick to “color” their triangle. The glue in these sticks comes out purple which makes it easy to see.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students sprinkled pink and purple glitter onto the glue. Of course we sang our “shake that glitter” song (adapted from KC and the Sunshine Band’s famous song) 🙂

 

 

 

 

Track falling objects is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

The students glued their triangles DOWN on to a precut paper plate.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

We just spotted some Unicorns!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a popular Scottish dessert this week–raspberry cranachan.  Typically, this dessert has whiskey in it so we had to do some searching to find a kid friendly recipe.  Here is that recipe: Let_s Make Raspberry Cranachan

Cara had prepared the toasted oats before the group so we were able to skip the first part of the recipe.

Our students requested to put the whipping cream in the bowl.  We talked about how it was a liquid when it was poured into the bowl  Each of our students took turns pressing the switch to activate the mixer.   Once it thickened up, we talked about how it had turned into a solid.

Identify objects and materials as solid or liquid is an access point.

 

 

 

 

Next, we added some mascarpone and mixed that together with the whipping cream.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We added some honey and caramel sauce next.  We talked about how we were using a measuring spoon because we needed a smaller amount of each ingredient.  Our students got to taste the caramel sauce.

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

 

 

 

Before we added the honey and caramel sauce we tasted them. We talked about how they tasted SWEET.

 

 

 

 

This taste test received a unanimous thumbs up 🙂

 

 

 

 

Once the ingredients were all mixed up, we counted out cups for each of our students.  We layered the cups with raspberries, the whipped cream mix, raspberry preserves, and toasted oats.

The consensus was a positive one!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

It was a great week and we enjoyed learning so much about Scotland. Join us next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Colombia

Colombia

Hola—-we learned about the country of Colombia this week, thanks to Ms. Maria who is from Colombia and traveled there this past summer! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about Colombia. The fine motor groups practiced their cutting skills while making Colombian symbols  and the language group prepared a tasty Colombian treat!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Colombia has made different regions including a rainforest. We made our own little rainforest with vines, flowers, fruit, and a variety of animals you might find there. The fluffy plush sloth and big orange frog were big hits.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

The Andes run through Colombia and some of the summits are permanently snow-capped. The students had lots of fun digging and making snow balls in this box of Insta Snow. This stuff feels a lot like real snow—-but not quite as cold!

 

 

Use senses to recognize objects is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Colombia is world famous for its coffee! There was a measuring spoon for scooping and letter C’s to find hidden in some very aromatic coffee beans.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Colombia is also famous for the emeralds that are mined there. We thought our sparkly emerald green kinetic sand would be a good representation of those precious gems and we added a rolling play dough toy that left some cool “gem like” impressions in the sand.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Colombia has some beautiful beaches—-it borders both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans! In this sand filled box there were shells and a shovel. There was also a picture of a jaguar to find at the bottom of the box.

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

 

 

 

 

 

There are active volcanos in Colombia! For our messy play we made our own volcanos using shaving cream and food coloring. The students were pretty fascinated watching the changing colors as the red and yellow colors combined to make the lava on our laminated volcano.

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

 

 

 

 

 

So, a lot smaller than the Pacific, our little ocean contains a number of fish to catch. To add to the fun, the fish could squirt water when squeezed.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Bananas are a top Colombian export so we used that as our scent this week. The water was scented with Minions bath gel we got at Walmart. We purchased the lotion a few years ago at World Market but unfortunately they don’t carry it anymore 🙁  Banana is a really strong scent which the students loved!

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some Andean condors which are a symbol of Colombia. We used this template: Andean condor

First, we discussed the shape of our background paper using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students glued the condor’s body DOWN on to the background paper—-making sure to “pat pat pat” to make it stick.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students used adaptive scissors to snip some wing feathers. We used either table top or switch operated scissors, depending on the students skill level.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The wing was glued on to the top of the body—–we wanted it to be able to flap a little.

We also squeezed out a dot of glue and added a cool looking googlie eye.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!

 

 

 

 

 

The Andean Condor is a symbol of Columbia!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we made a Colombian flag.

First we discussed the color of our background paper and identified it using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students used a paper cutter or switch to cut a strip of red paper and a strip of blue paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

We glued the red strip at the bottom of the yellow paper and then glued the blue strip above the red strip. Some of the students preferred to glue the blue strip on first and then put down the red strip—–either way worked 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!

We love Colombia!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a pretty tasty frozen drink this week that is made in Colombia: Let_s Make Limonada de Coco!, also known as Coconut Limeade.

We started out by measuring out the cream of coconut and putting it in the blender.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we had to add some ice.  Each of our students felt the bag of ice.  We talked about how it felt COLD.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Since we needed 5 cups and our measuring cup only holds 2 cups, our students had to indicate that we needed MORE.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, we needed to add some lime juice.  Just like the lemon juice we used a couple of weeks ago, we had each of our students taste a little bit.  We talked about how it tasted SOUR.

We also let our students try the agave nectar, the next ingredient to go into the blender.  We talked about how it tasted SWEET.

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

 

 

 

 

 

We measured out our lime juice and added it to the blender.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the ingredients were in the blender, our students turned it on using wireless switches.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it was smooth, we all got to try it.  Not one of the most popular things we’ve made—a little too tart——– but a good experience nonetheless 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

On Old MacDonald’s Farm

On Old MacDonald’s Farm

September 16-23 is Farm Animal Awareness Week and we thought what a perfect time to do a unit on Old MacDonald! The sensory groups explored boxes with a variety of farm related tactile experiences. The fine motor groups used paint to create their art projects and the language group made yummy edible mud pies!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

In a base of raffia “hay” we put a variety of farm related items including play animals, fruit, vegetables, and a toy tractor. We also included a colorful red bandana and a dog puppet that sang when its muzzle was pressed—–too cute!

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

 

 

 

 

 

This box of corn contained the letters F, A, R, M for the students to find. Of course, they also had fun pushing their fingers and hands through the kernels. Visual and tactile discrimination skills can be addressed with this activity.

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

 

 

 

 

It was all contrast and compare with our fur and feather box! There were a variety of fake fur swatches along with some feather boas. A great opportunity to talk about which farm animals had fur and which had feathers. They made some great fashion statements also lol.

Sort objects by an observable property, such as texture, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

We put some play food for the students to plant and harvest in our coffee grounds “dirt”. There were also pictures of fruit to find at the bottom of the box.

The science access points match plants that are the same and recognize that plants grow, can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

Wheat flour was used  to make our play dough and this gave it a slightly grittier, more crumbly texture. Another interesting tactile experience!

We put in some farm animal cookie cutters (turkey, sheep, and duck) to add to the fun.

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

 

 

 

 

 

This week we put cocoa powder in the oobleck to make MUD. The students had fun helping our little foam piggy get a mud bath. It really smelled much better than the real thing too 🙂

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Our duck pond contained 2 rubber ducks—–1 big and 1 small. There was also a measuring cup for scooping fun!

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

 

 

 

 

 

A fruity scent seemed the perfect choice for a farm unit so we used Bath and BodyWorks pearberry scent this week.

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made “hay” using a rolling pin wrapped with some rubber bands.

We started by discussing the color of our paint and asked the students to identify it using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students needed to hold the rolling pin with both hands in order to make it roll properly—–great bilateral coordination practice!

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

 

 

 

 

 

To finish, they got to choose some farm animals (cut from the Ellison machine) to put on their pictures. Of course we  counted how many each student added!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta Da!

                                                                   E  I  E  I  O

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students used a craft foam tractor stamp. We hot glued a plastic thread spool to make it easier for them to hold.

First the students drew ACROSS lines on their paper using a pencil. These lines were the “furrows” in the field. They really did a great job with this!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Then we discussed the color of our paint and asked the students to identify it using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next the students stamped UP and DOWN to put 1 tractor on their fields.

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA Da!

                                                         Look at our cute little farmers!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a very tasty dessert this week!  We made Animal Cracker Caramel Mud Pies.  Here is the recipe that we used: Let_s Make Animal Cracker Caramel Mud Pie

During the recipe, we focused on the following words that were located on each of our student’s cooking communication boards: make, put, turn, more, all done, like/don’t like.  Each week, these are the most frequently used words.  Other words located on the boards are fringe vocabulary words such as the different ingredients used as well as the utensils and appliances used.

We started by making our chocolate pudding.  Our students helped put the pudding mix and 2 cups of milk into a bowl.  Then they took turns pressing the wireless switch used to turn the mixer on.  Our students helped to indicate if we needed to mix MORE or if we’re ALL DONE.

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

 

 

 

 

Next, we melted the butter talked about how it changed from a solid to a liquid. We put our -already-crushed-up animal crackers in the butter and added some sugar.  Then we stirred it up and put it in the pan

Distinguish between water as a solid or liquid is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Then we put cream cheese and powdered sugar into a bowl and mixed it up with the mixer, giving each student a turn.  We were SUPPOSED to add caramel to this part, but I missed that page so we added it at the end 🙂  You can do it any way you’d like!  We added some whipped cream and mixed it up again.

Solve simple problems involving putting together and taking apart small quantities of objects is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

We put that mixture on top of the animal cracker mix in the pan and added the chocolate pudding to the top.

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

 

 

 

 

A little caramel sauce and we were ALL DONE!

We counted out how many bowls we needed and then ALL enjoyed eating these yummy mud pies 🙂

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for joining us on Old MacDonald’s farm! Join us again next week for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

We Love Star Wars

We Love Star Wars

IMG_3481The Force was with us as we explored a galaxy far, far away——it was all about Star Wars with fantastic galactic fun for all our groups and some special  guests who joined us on “bring your child to work” day! The sensory boxes had things to touch, smell, look at, and listen to! Pinterest helped us find ideas for our fine motor groups and language groups!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

IMG_3756IMG_3769Our galaxy umbrella was a HUGE hit with the students. We used some scrap headliner fabric attached to poster board to make our Death Star and were totally pleased with the result! There were some little spaceships attached with fishing wire and with the Star Wars theme recorded on the voice output device this was one super cool umbrella—–the students LOVED it!

IMG_3605Recognize a source of light energy is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3442IMG_3504We put a variety of Star Wars paraphernalia into this box. There were figures and key chains representing of some of the main characters from the movies (thank you Jeannie for the donation). We found a fun “light saber” at the Family Dollar Store and the students had a blast with it—–lights and sounds with the push of a button, how cool is that!

IMG_3854The science access point observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3859

IMG_3789Luke Skywalker lived on the planet Tatooine which has a desert landscape. Our homemade “sand” had a little bit of cinnamon in it so it was not only not only fun to touch but it smelled really good too!

IMG_3638We put in a variety of wooden shapes so our students could build some local “structures”.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3521IMG_3608Recognize common three-dimensional objects such as cylinders or cubes is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3508IMG_3446 (1)Of course, we had to include a box dedicated to the ultimate bad guy—–Darth Vader! We put in some accessories from a “Darth Tater” kit in a box with our grey Floam so the students could build their own Vader.

IMG_3479The science access point recognize that the human body is made up of various parts can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3470IMG_3649Kraft mac and cheese came out with  these cool Star Wars pasta shapes. It took a couple of hours to dye but SO worth it! There were black Darth Vaders, yellow CP3Os, blue R2D2s, green Yodas, and red star fighters for sorting fun. The students also loved picking up handfuls of the colorful pasta!

IMG_3798Match objects with similar observable properties, such as size, shape, color, or texture is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3627IMG_3894We made a green jello swamp for our little Yoda—-complete with snakes, spiders, and a cute giant lizard.

 

 

IMG_3889Some of the students were a little hesitant to touch the cold, sticky goo but others thought it was pretty fantastic stuff 🙂

IMG_3454Recognize the temperature of items as cool or warm is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3779IMG_3467Those sticky hands were rinsed off in water scented with “Ewok” mahogany woods from Bath and BodyWorks. Ms. Kim donated these fun Star Wars themed diving sticks that were perfect for our water play activity. The students really loved watching the water stream out of the bottom of these sticks!

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3672IMG_3529The matching lotion was a hit with almost all of our students.

IMG_3902Recognize and respond to one type of sensory input is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our little Jedi turned to the dark side and made paper plate Death Stars. We adapted this idea from http://fun-a-day.com .To prep ours, we drew the lines with glue rather than white crayon.

IMG_3546IMG_3553We started by bringing out our galactic umbrella to give the students inspiration. It was a hit 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3558After the umbrella was reluctantly put away, we discussed the shape of the paper plate and asked the students to identify the shape using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3562IMG_3571Then the students painted over their plates with watered down grey paint using a sponge brush.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3574IMG_3567Ta Da……..

IMG_3577                                        ………looks like Darth Vader is in the house 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

We went Wookie on Wednesday! The idea for this project came from http://funfamilycrafts.com

Instead of fun fur used in the original project, we used furry duct tape purchased at Walgreens. The duct tape was adhered to some 6 inch rulers to prep this for our students.

IMG_3684We started by asking the students to count how many eyes a Wookie has and to identify the number using communication symbols.

We did the same thing for the nose.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3700Next the students cut strips of paper to use for the strap that Chewbacca wears. The paper cutter worked perfectly for this task!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3677Then the students glued googlie eyes, pompom noses, and strap onto their Wookies. To work on one-to-one correspondence we placed target glue dots onto the fur.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3694IMG_3683Ta Da!!!!

The force is strong with these young padawans 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made another yummy snack this week—— Galactic Ice Cream Sundaes!  Our students got to make choices of what they wanted using picture symbols, gestures, and verbalizations.

IMG_3931The first choice they got was to tell us how many scoops of ice cream they wanted in their bowl.  We used big numbers showing “1” and “2” and our students would either point or place their hand on the amount they wanted.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3952Next, they got to chose which kind of syrup they wanted: chocolate, strawberry, or butterscotch.  They were provided with symbols and again, would point or put their hand on the one they wanted.

Adjust body movement or nonverbal expression with prompting as necessary to communicate wants and needs is a language access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3941When asked if they wanted whipped cream, they would either use head shake/nod, verbalize no/yes, or point to a symbol no/yes.  If they said yes, they had to show us how many squirts they wanted using the “1” and “2”.

They REALLY like this part 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3943Finally, we poured some Star Wars cereal on top for a crunchy effect and let them choose which color pretzel/icing “light saber” they wanted: RED or GREEN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3935IMG_3947We think we hit this one out of the galaxy!

IMG_3966                                        YUM!!!!!

 

 

 

IMG_3924IMG_3898We hope your May the Fourth festivities are a blast! Be sure and join us again next time……Group by Group!

Nursery Rhymes

Nursery Rhymes

IMG_2798April is National Poetry Month so we decided to make nursery rhymes our theme this week! Our sensory groups had lots of messy fun exploring boxes related to different characters. Our fine motor groups made some fun animal character art projects and the language group made a yummy treat based on nursery rhyme character.

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

IMG_2949IMG_3216There were three number 3’s to find in our Old King Cole black bean “coal”.  The students had fun discovering the hidden numbers as they ran their hands through the beans.

They also like picking up handfuls and watching them drop back into the box.

 

IMG_2969Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2724IMG_2875Little Bo Peep’s lost sheep could be found in this box as well as some geese—that perhaps belonged to Mother Goose!

Both sets of animals came in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures for sorting fun.

 

 

IMG_2814Match animals that are the same is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3201IMG_3247Our Jack Be Nimble box contained Wikki Stix which are waxed strings like candles.

We also put a light toy that looked a little like a candle when the button was pushed.

 

IMG_2952 The students really had fun with this.

IMG_3172The science access point recognize a source of light energy and the science access point initiate a change in the motion of an object are addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2777IMG_3282Spiders scared Little Miss Muffet away but ours were super cute and not scary at all! We had 2 cute little furry spiders, one that jiggled when it’s string was pulled, and a discovery bottle with spiders that scuttled up and down.

 

 

IMG_2886The science access point track objects in motion can be addressed here.

Lots of giggles were heard with this box 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3291IMG_3186The Queen of Hearts and the baker both love to bake so this box was filled with red velvet cake mix. We put in 2 different size scoops and a heart shaped cookie cutter for our little bakers to play with.

IMG_2774This was pretty messy but LOTS of fun 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3160IMG_2931Speaking of Little Miss Muffet, we learned that curds and whey are kind of like cottage cheese. We added cotton balls to our oobleck to get a lumpy kind of texture and were pretty pleased with the results. The oobleck started out white with each group but hands that had explored the red velvet cake mix tinged it pink!

IMG_3196The science access point demonstrate pushing away (repulsion) and pulling (attraction) is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2921IMG_3256While rinsing their hands, the students had fun playing with Jack and Jill’s pail along with a couple of different size scoops.

The science access point recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids (capacity) is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2824IMG_2990As a nod to our Baker and the Queen of Hearts, both our water and lotion were raspberry scented (from Bath and BodyWorks). It was a really yummy smell that our students loved!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students made handprint sheep!

IMG_2834IMG_2835First we discussed the shape of our paper and asked the students to identify it using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2836IMG_2841Next we painted one of their hands with white paint. The students were pretty intrigued with this step 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2840IMG_2844Then we helped them press their hands onto our grassy green paper.

IMG_2842The science access point recognize a change in an object is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2857IMG_2853After their hands were cleaned, the students put 3 cotton balls onto their sheep’s tummy.

 

 

 

 

IMG_2849Match objects to designated spaces to show one-to-one correspondence is  math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_2847IMG_2852Ta Baaaaaaa Da!

IMG_2862Tell Little Bo Peep we found her sheep 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday it was all about mice with our Hickory Dickory Dock clock! Our fabulous volunteers did all the set up for this project—-thanks ladies! Here is the template for the mice:mouse template for clock

IMG_3041We started by asking the students to out “mouse heads”  using adaptive scissors—-counting how many cuts it took, of course! We also discussed the fact that the shape was a TRIANGLE!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3009IMG_3045After they finished cutting out triangles, the students glued them onto an OVAL shaped body—complete with colorful tail. They added 2 big  CIRCLE ears and 1 little circle nose were added.

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

 

 

 

 

IMG_3021IMG_3017Ta tick tock Da!!!

IMG_3046                                                            The students were SO proud!

 

 

 

 

IMG_3067IMG_8174To finish up, the students glued their mice onto the fabulous clock that our volunteers made. Then we counted them!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

IMG_3322IMG_3325We channeled Humpty Dumpty for our language group and made some egg salad.  We had already pre-boiled the eggs and cut them up.

Before we put them in the bowl, we let each of our students smell the eggs——and got some pretty funny faces from some of the students 🙂

IMG_3317Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

IMG_3335IMG_3343Once the eggs were put INTO the bowl, our students counted out the spoonfuls of mayo (2) and the squirts of yellow mustard (3) that we put into the bowl as well.

Solve simple problems involving going or separating sets of objects to 5 is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_3340IMG_3347Our students helped POUR the cut up green onions and pickles into the bowl and helped SHAKE a little salt and pepper in as well.

IMG_3348We had to STIR the ingredients around until they were all mixed up.

 

 

 

 

IMG_3364IMG_3367We made 1 sandwich and cut it in HALF to make 2.  Then we cut one of the halves in half and counted 3 pieces and then cut the other half and counted 4 pieces.  Math with food is always a fun and YUMMY thing!

Partition a rectangle into equal parts with equal area is a math access point that can be addressed with this activity.

IMG_3368Since it was her last day, we also had a surprise for  Joy’s practicum student——yummy cupcakes!  We are sure going to miss you Ali!

New Years Around the World

New Years Around the World

IMG_9613Happy New Year! We all had a wonderful and restful winter break, coming back ready to greet the new year with some exciting and new group activities.  For our first week back, we thought it would be fun to look at New Years traditions around the world—-there sure are a lot of different ones 🙂 Hope you enjoy seeing all the fun we had learning about them!

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

IMG_9639IMG_9450At the stroke of midnight around the world, confetti is tossed into the air! Our first box was filled with paper confetti, a clock, crazy glasses,  and noise makers.  We also included a glitter tube—-we thought the glitter looked like falling confetti. The voice output device in the box contained a clip of the countdown and people singing Auld Lang Syne. A peace sign was included to remind us that world peace is one of the things people hope for in the new year.

Also in the box was a toy suitcase because in Mexico people take a piece of luggage and run around the block; round play fruit—people in the Philippines eat round fruit for luck, and a toy plate because people throw plates at doors in Denmark—-all fun new years traditions!

IMG_9677There were so many different items to discover! It was fun seeing which items turned out to be favorites as little hands dug in and pulled out contents—-leaving trails of confetti across the table….and laps….and floor. We like to leave memories of our visit 🙂

Our students loved trying on the glasses, grabbing handfuls of confetti, and OF COURSE the noise makers! This was a really fun box!

The social studies access point of associating a celebration with an event is addressed in this and all our other boxes.

The science access point of applying a push or pull to move an object is also addressed.

 

 

 

IMG_9498Here in the South, eating black eyed peas on New Years day is an annual tradition. Our students loved running their hands through the peas or seeing how many scoops it took to fill their hands.

In addition to practicing scooping skills, the math access point recognizing when an object is added is addressed.

The math access point of solving problems involving small quantities of objects or action using language, such as enough, too much, or more is also addressed.

Don’t you just love the intent look of concentration on this students face 🙂

 

 

 

 

IMG_9745Our soft, crumbly cloud dough reminded us of the Armenian bread that is baked for good luck. Now that sounds like a very yummy tradition!

Cookie cutters with the numbers 2014 were included for the students to stamp impressions into the cloud dough.

In addition to number recognition, the science access point recognizing a change in an object is addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_9711IMG_9747In Spain they eat 12 grapes to celebrate the new year—one for each stroke of the clock at midnight.

We filled our “grape” box with big, soft, purple pom poms and small, hard purple beads. This box was so vibrant and colorful, really quite pretty!

The science access point of recognizing 2 objects that are identical to each other can be addressed with this box—-that is if you can pull the students attention away from those fabulous purple beads 🙂

 

 

 

IMG_9491Our light up toys flashed bright colorful lights just like fireworks that light up the skies during new year celebrations. We included 2 different kinds of light toys. Some of them were activated when struck, others when a button was pushed.

Some of our students preferred one toy over the other, others like this student here demonstrated some nice bilateral coordination using both at the same time!

Applying a push to move an object and recognizing sources of light are science access points addressed in this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_9683Speaking of fireworks—what could be more fun than firecracker oobleck! We added pop rocks to our oobleck for super popping fun. Ok, this is totally cool and fascinating—-a must try!

Tracking the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled is a science access point addressed here.

The science access point recognizing and responding to different types of sensory stimuli is also addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_9779In Scotland they waft the scent of juniper around the house to rid it of any germs! Lucky for us we found some Juniper Breeze bath gel at Bath and Bodyworks! Made it pretty easy to decide the scent for this week 🙂

We included a couple of measuring cups with our water play to address the math access point recognizing differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_9514The Juniper Breeze scent had a nice soft aroma and our students all seemed to really like it. They all anticipated their turn to smell the lotion and the students are getting very good at indicating on which body part they want the lotion.

The science access points recognizing and responding to one type of sensory stimuli and recognizing one or more external body parts are addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_9793IMG_9726We finished the group with fireworks—-of the bubble wrap kind that is! This is a great time of year to find scraps of bubble wrap and our coworkers gave us plenty of donations. We just laid pieces on the floor and had our students run, stomp, or roll over it. It really does sound like firecrackers, especially when the wheelchairs rolled over it.

The kids totally had a blast and yes——- so did the adults 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

IMG_9545On Tuesday we made fireworks pictures! We started by discussing the different colors of paint we were going to use and asked the students to identify the colors using the communication symbols. The students have been doing so well when given a choice of 2, that we decided to make it a little harder by giving them 3 choices. This also helps prepare them for the alternate assessment which is in a 3 answer choice format.

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

 

 

 

 

IMG_9560We counted out pieces of black paper, noting that it was a rectangle and also counting how many sides it had. Recognizing objects with 2 dimensional shapes and identifying the sides of a rectangle are math access points.

Then we began stamping our fireworks. The stamper is a toilet paper roll with slits cut into it (we saw this idea on Pinterest). The paint colors popped on the black paper and our students really got into it!

Applying a push or pull to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

IMG_9813IMG_9824After reading Cara’s book, we worked on putting the months of the year in the correct order.  The chart that we used had a picture for each month in case the student needed a visual prompt to match the word to.

Each student was given 3 different months to choose from when it was their turn.  The months presented were read aloud to the student and they chose which month was the correct month.  If they were unable to find the correct month with just auditory feedback, they could use the picture signifying the month as a visual prompt.

 

 

 

IMG_9817We had such a high success rate with this activity!  The students in Mrs. Robin’s class know their months of the year well.  Rote learning had taught them the order of the months and since Mrs. Robin goes over the months of the year each day in her class, these students were able to put the months in order with minimal prompting.  So cool!

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_9846IMG_9833After putting the months of the year together, we got the number chart out and began the New Years countdown. We gave our students noise makers, crazy glasses, party hats and…..of course we pulled out the bubble wrap again!!!!

 

 

 

IMG_9890                                                                        10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This week was so much fun, keep following us, there are so many more exciting things to learn and discover—-Group by Group!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

IMG_7921It’s turkey time around here! Cara’s book explored directional concepts and our students had fun putting a stuffed turkey in the different positions from the book. We explored a variety of Thanksgiving related items in our sensory groups. We made cute little turkeys in the fine motor group and our language group went on a turkey hunt!

The social studies access points recognizing a past event and recognizing an activity associated with a national celebration are both addressed in all our groups this week.

 

 

 

Sensory Group

IMG_7926IMG_8046This first box was filled with Thanksgiving related items nestled in the silk fall leaves, gourds and pine cones. There were some dimensional felt pilgrims and a discovery bottle with beads to remind us of the Wampanoag tribe of native americans who feasted at the first Thanksgiving.

A toy car and toy airplane remind us that some people travel to their Thanksgiving feasts. A toy Tweety Bird and clown puzzle piece are like the big balloons and people on parade floats. A little football was included because that’s something people like to watch on tv after the big feast. It’s usually chilly this time of year so there was a tiny scarf and pieces of yarn!

Speaking of feasts—we had to include some play food and a grocery store “gift card”! And finally a cute plush turkey—-the symbol of Thanksgiving, along with the words HOME and FAMILY.

This box was filled with opportunities to address the language access point respond to new vocabulary that is introduced and taught directly. It also addresses the science access point recognizing a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

IMG_7806Corn was one of the items on the first Thanksgiving menu! We put in some play food to find and hide again in the popcorn kernels. One of the cobs actually could be broken apart into 2 pieces and then put back together—-great for bilateral coordination!

Whether running fingers through it or exploring the play food, our students really enjoyed exploring the contents of this box.

The math access point recognizing parts of whole objects and parts of sets of objects is addressed here. Solving simple problems involving putting together and taking apart small quantities of objects is another math access point addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7945Our next box contained turkey feathers (a brown feather boa). This was fun to wrap around, wave in the air or just TOUCH—oh so soft!

Using senses to recognize objects is a science access point addressed here.

IMG_7811Of course, some of our students got quite creative—deciding our little stuffed turkey needed some more feathers 🙂

Just too cute!!!

The science access point: explore, observe, and recognize common objects in the natural world is addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7800IMG_8022There are lots of big football games coming up around Thanksgiving and we have lots of fans around here! We included a variety of colors in this pom pom shaker box so everyone could cheer for their favorite team!

Our students LOVE the pom pom shakers and had the best time with them as you can see!

The science access points recognizing that pushing and pulling an object makes it move and identifying objects by one observable property, such as color are addressed here.

 

 

 

 

IMG_7794We made some pumpkin pie scented playdough this week. Hmmm, it had such a wonderful aroma!

This turkey cookie cutter is very versatile—for either cutting out shapes in the playdough…….

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_8010 OR being stuffed with it 🙂

This is a great activity for addressing hand intrinsic functions—strengthening, finger individuation, pincer grasp etc.

The math access point solving simple problems involving putting together and taking apart small quantities of objects is addressed in this activity.

The science access point recognizing that the appearance of an object or material has changed is also addressed.

 

 

 

 

IMG_7925IMG_7981Pumpkin pie needs some whipped cream! Shaving cream made a perfect stand in and as usual, our students had a great time squishing, smooshing—technical terms 🙂 —it about.

Recognizing that pushing or pulling an object makes it move is the science access point addressed in this activity.

 

 

 

IMG_7783Cinnamon pumpkin scented bath gel from Bath and Bodyworks made our rinsing water smell just delicious! Our students had fun playing with the different sized measuring cups.

Recognizing differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids (capacity) is the science access point addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7820The cinnamon pumpkin scented lotion left our students smelling like yummy pumpkin pies!

Recognizing one or more external body parts is the science access point addressed with this activity.

Recognizing and responding to one type of sensory stimuli is another science access point addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Motor Group

On Tuesday we made some cute little turkeys. We started by discussing how we cut a circle plate into 2 pieces to make semi-circles.

IMG_7840IMG_7852Then we decorated the feathers using a variety of colorful markers. These fat markers are nice because they can be gripped at the top which is easier for some of our students. For our students with physical disabilities we used Joy’s adapted switch toy—-always a huge hit!

The science access points recognizing that the appearance of an object has changed and sharing objects with a partner are addressed with this activity.

The switch toy addresses the science access points tracking objects in motion and applying a push or pull to move an object. It also addresses the math access point of indicating a desire for more of an action.

 

 

 

IMG_7871Next we glued down a toilet paper roll…..

and attached a pre-made turkey face with googlie eyes. We discussed the different parts of the turkeys face and pointed out those parts on ourselves—-recognizing external body parts is a science access point!

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7889                                                                  TA gobble, gobble DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Thursday art project was a pilgrim ship! This was constructed with cardboard, paper, and a wooden dowel—a true trash to treasure project!

IMG_8117We started by showing our students a bottle of brown paint and asking them to show us the color brown on the communication board. They did a great job!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifying an object by one observable property, such a color is a science access point.

IMG_8138IMG_8130Then we proceeded to paint the ship. We mostly used a variety of fat handled brushes to get the job done. A brush taped to a paint stick made for an excellent adaptation.

The science access points recognizing that pushing or pulling moves an object and recognizing a change in an object are addressed in this activity.

 

 

 

IMG_8159When the ship was painted we added a sail and some pilgrims and native americans (thanks to Sarah, our volunteer, for making them for us)! We added both students and staff faces to the figures—our students were pretty tickled with them.

For our Ta Da shot, our plan was to take a group shot of all our happy little pilgrims…..

Yes, lets try to get 5 little kids ALL looking at the camera and smiling at the same time—-yep, GOOD PLAN lol 🙂

 

 

Language Group

IMG_8068IMG_8075After reading Cara’s book we had our own turkey hunt! Cara made clues and hid laminated pictures of turkeys around the room.

Our students acted like pilgrims on the first Thanksgiving and searched for the turkeys using the clues they were given.  Some examples of the clues were, “look UNDER the table; look ON the chair; look IN the box”.  Our pilgrims did well with following the clues to find the turkeys.  Way to go!

 

 

 

 

IMG_8094The last turkey was outside the door and BESIDE a tree located in the hallway.  Lo and behold, the turkey brought a snack with him so that he wouldn’t be eaten!

This activity addressed the language access point respond purposefully to referent objects or pictures of objects or actions in a familiar read-aloud text.

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_8101The students enjoyed the cheeseballs and didn’t seem to mind that they weren’t getting a turkey dinner.  We let the students request how many they wanted to eat by indicating on a number board if they wanted 1, 2, or 3. Our student with a visual impairment used a number stick to select his choice.

This addresses the language access point of effectively communicating wants, and needs using referent objects, gestures, signs, pictures, symbols, or words.

 

 

 

IMG_8111IMG_8115Yum! Even our turkey joined the feast 🙂

We won’t be having groups next week because of the holiday. We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Rainbow

Rainbow

IMG_7681It was all about COLOR with our rainbow theme this week! Our sensory boxes were so vibrant—just beautiful. Due to a special school activity our fine motor group only had one art project but it turned out pretty fabulous. Our language group had a blast making rainbow toast! All the students enjoyed Cara’s book, in each classroom we discussed the colorful objects on each page and looked around the room to find people wearing the different colors.

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

IMG_7400IMG_7436Our primary color boxes were filled with a variety of textures and objects. Lots of things to look at and touch!

There were things to shake….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7519Pull apart…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7467IMG_7420Explore and discover!

All our boxes addressed the science access point identifying objects by one observable property—-color 🙂

IMG_7489Individual items addressed the science access points applying a push or pull to move an object, tracking objects in motion, and recognizing common objects in the natural world through observation.

IMG_7545Purple Bubber filled this box. We have extolled the virtues of this stuff before but we can’t sing its praises enough. It’s so soft and squishy but dry—you just have to keep touching it!

We included a letter R (for rainbow) cookie cutter. While making letters the science access point applying a push to move an object is addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7497It took a couple of hours to dye our pasta this nice vibrant orange but it was totally worth it. There was also a definite auditory component as the pasta trickled off fingers or was swirled around.

We included 3 orange items to find in the pasta. The items differed in size and shape from the pasta making it especially interesting to our students with visual impairments.

This box addresses both visual and tactile discrimination.

The science access point using senses to recognize objects is addressed here.

The math access point associating quantities with number names is also addressed.

 

 

 

IMG_7403We used dried split peas for our green box with a little scoop and also 3 green items to find—-including a Yoda figure which our students found pretty intriguing!

These peas feel so soft as fingers are run through them—very relaxing!

Responding to new vocabulary that is introduced is a language access point that can be addressed here. After all, it’s important that our students know their Star Wars characters 🙂

 

 

 

IMG_7594Finally, what do you get when you put all the colors together? A rainbow of course 🙂 We had to include our rainbow rice in this unit!

There were 3 letter R’s to find and a colorful rainbow picture taped to the bottom of the box.

Applying a push or pull to move an object is the science access point addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7516We finished with Rain kissed Leaves lotion from Bath and Bodyworks—without rain you wouldn’t have any rainbows 🙂

A nice soft aroma and a fitting scent to remember  all the colorful fun we had!

It also addressed the science access point recognizing and responding to one type of sensory stimuli.

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Motor Group

IMG_7708These book dividers were cast offs from the media center—-score! We hot glued them to some dollar store sponges to adapt them for our students. Sometimes it does pay to be a hoarder 🙂

We used them to make sponge painted rainbows seen on the Teaching 2 and 3 year olds blog.

 

 

IMG_7673First we counted out pieces of rectangular paper (counting all four sides) and then practiced writing our names.

Recognizing the sides of a rectangle and recognizing objects with 2 dimensional shapes are math access points.

We pressed our sponges onto the paint trays and then slid them across the paper.

Applying a push or pull to move an object is a science access point.

 

 

IMG_7691IMG_7701It was kind of magical how the rainbows appeared. Our students were pretty excited about their projects—

Ta DA!

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

 

 

 

 

Language Group

IMG_7603This week, we decided that it would be fun to make something edible—-food is always fun 🙂  Cara typed out directions for making rainbow bread, using a recipe found on food.com.

Recognizing the next step in a simple pattern or sequence of activities is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7615We started out by pouring sweetened condensed milk into 6 clear plastic cups.  Then, we went around the table and the let students pick out which color they wanted to add to the milk using a color board made with Boardmaker symbols.  They used food coloring  to add the colors.  We discussed the fact that 2 colors were needed  to make purple or orange.

Effectively communicating information, wants, and needs using pictures, symbols, or gestures is a language access point addressed here.

 

 

 

IMG_7641Next, we mixed the colors into the sweetened condensed milk.  This was fun!  Each student got their own cup and watched how the colors changed.

The science access points applying a push or pull to move an object and recognizing a change in an object are addressed in this activity.

We counted out the bread and the plates.  The students then used the paintbrushes to “paint” the colors onto their bread.  The colors looked so vibrant on the bread!  Very cool.

 

 

 

IMG_7656IMG_7662After painting the bread, we toasted it and then got to enjoy the goodness!  YUM!

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_7482Such a fun, colorful week we had! Be sure to join us again next week where there will be more fun things to discover and learn about—-Group by Group!