Konnichiwa! Since May is Asian Pacific Heritage month, we decided to learn about the fascinating country of Japan this week. The sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about Japan. The fine motor groups made Japanese inspired art projects and the language group made a tasty Japanese inspired treat.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

The students sorted pompom’s in the colors of the Japanese flag—-red and white. We added some “training” chopsticks (tongs) to the box. Most of the students needed a little help using the tongs but some of them were able to manipulate them independently.

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

 

 

 

 

As a nod to the millions of lights in Tokyo, the capitol of Japan, we had a light box and some lighted toys for the students to explore. The students had so much fun with all the different light sources!

Recognize a source of light is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

The light box was really popular….

especially with the lights turned off!

 

 

 

 

 

This box contained a variety of objects that are related to Japanese culture including a “lucky” black cat, video game characters, toy cars, and cherry blossoms. We used red and white paper shred because those are the colors of the Japanese flag. Sesame Street characters were also included as a nod to Japanese-American actor Alan Muraoka who owns Hooper’s Store on the show.

The science access point recognize a model of a real object, is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

There are lots of different types of tea grown in Japan. The students searched for letter J’s in this box of tea leaves. We put in a little rake to give it a little “zen” feel. There was also a Japanese flag to find at the bottom of the box. The tea leaves had an interesting aroma and texture that our students found intriguing.

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

 

 

 

 

 

The character Hello Kitty originated in Japan and is now popular around the world! She loves the color pink so we had to use our pink rice for her box 🙂 In addition to some Hello Kitty toys and a picture at the bottom of the box, we put in 2 different sized scoops. This one was lots of fun!

The math access point recognize differences in size of objects can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano that can be seen from Tokyo and is a symbol of Japan. The students had a blast adding shaving cream snow to a laminated drawing of the mountain!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Ramen noodles are very popular in Japanese restaurants, so for our water play we used our plastic “ramen” noodles. They gave a really interesting textural feel to the water this week. For added fun, there were 2 little koi fish swimming around that squirted water when squeezed!

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

 

 

 

 

For both our water play and lotion we used Bath and BodyWorks cherry blossom scent. The students really liked the aroma! As usual, we used our Pixon board to help them communicate WHERE they wanted the lotion placed.

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made cherry blossom pictures!

They started by identifying the color PINK using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next they used a brown marker to make tree branches.

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

 

 

 

 

 

One of our students used our switch operated “writer” .

He is getting really good at using his switch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they used a soda bottle to stamp their cherry blossoms.

We directed them to stamp UP and DOWN with their bottles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta Da

We are ready for the cherry blossom festival!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made a koi pond using this: koi template

First we identified the color ORANGE using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next the students began painting their koi. We showed them a picture of real koi and pointed out that some of them had patches of color instead of being solid colored.

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students took turns adding their koi to the pond!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA! We made some colorful koi!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

It was a bit of a challenge coming up with something that we could cook that doesn’t require heating things up, but after some research, we found that in Japan they eat cheesecake for dessert.  Since cherry blossoms are in abundance during the spring, we decided to make mini cherry cheesecakes.  Here is the recipe we used: Let_s Make a Mini-Cherry Cheesecake.

We started out by measuring 2 cups of milk.  Before we measured it out, each student felt the milk.  We talked about how it felt COLD.

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

 

 

 

 

 

We PUT the milk in the bowl and added the cheesecake pudding mix.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, each of our students got a TURN to press the switch to activate the mixer.

Activate a device that uses electricity is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Once the pudding was set, we counted out how many mini-graham cracker pie crusts we needed.  Each student got to PUT 3 spoonfuls of pudding into their pie crust.

Then, they each counted out 3 cherries to go on top.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Once the pies were done, each student used their communication symbols to request a spoon by indicating WANT.

Then it was time to EAT.

YUM!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed learning about Japan this week and hope you did also.

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