Tag Archives: crafts

May7

Japan

Posted on May 7, 2017 by jd785

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!

Apr30

Spring Fun

Posted on April 30, 2017 by jd785

Spring Fun

Spring brings lots of exciting events both in school and in the community. This made for a really fun theme this week! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to different events. The fine motor groups made decorations for the biggest spring event—–graduation! The language group led a fantastic spring parade and then had a party, with sweet treats 🙂

SENSORY GROUP

Spring break often means BEACH time around here! We put a little shovel and a measuring scoop in our play sand. The students had fun making sandcastles and finding shells in it.

Since the sandcastles could be counted, the math access point associate quantities with number names can be addressed here.

The Rough Riders visit our school the day before the city’s Springtime parade. Not only do they wear cool costumes but they pass out beads and teddy bears to all the students—-how cool is that! There were some HARD beads and a SOFT teddy bear for the students to explore in this box.

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

The FSU marching chiefs visit is another spring highlight for our school. We filled this FSU box with shaker pompoms, beads, garland etc. all in the school’s colors. We also included a toy saxophone which was a big hit with the students!

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

The school talent show is always so much fun—-we have some pretty talented students and staff! To help get our students in the show biz spirit, we put in a variety of costume props but the feather boa and glasses were the hits here!

While trying on the props, the students can identify one or more external body parts—-a science access point.

Graduation is THE event in spring. This box contained rice in our school colors along with our school initials. There was also a picture of our soon to be graduates at the bottom of the box. Lots of opportunities for visual and tactile discrimination in this box!

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

Memorial Day brings about the end of school and the beginning of summer. We put blue and red glitter to make our patriotic oobleck. The swirling glitter looked pretty cool!

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

Our students love participating in all of the sports activities in Special Olympics and SportsAbility events. We put our paddle wheel toy in our water play as a nod to the ever popular paddle boat ride at SportsAbility. As usual, lots of splashy fun here!

The science access point recognize that when an activity is repeated, it has the same result, can be addressed here.

A lot of our spring events happen outside and outside events mean sunscreen! we went with coconut scented bath gel and body lotion this week. Coconut is a pretty strong scent, leaving the students smelling like a day at the beach!

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made a garland to decorate the graduation festivities. We used craft foam stars purchased at the dollar store.

First the students used communication symbols to identify the color of the stars.

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

Then they squeezed glue onto the stars and added either a letter or number to their star—-either our school initials or 2-0-1-7!

Since they had to put these DOWN onto their stars, the math access point recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship is addressed.

Next the students added some sparkly blue glitter!

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

The students practiced their pincer grasp skills as they threaded some yarn through holes in the tops of the stars.

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

TA Da!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations class of 2017!

On Wednesday the students made decorations that highlighted each of our seniors. This time we used starts cut from yellow poster board.

First the students counted out 3 craft foam star stickers.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Peeling the backs off the stickers was a great opportunity to work on pincer grasp skills. They had to put their LITTLE stars onto their BIG star.

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

Then they added a picture of one of the graduates to their stars.

Recognize when 1 item has been added to sets of objects to 3, is a math access point.

To finish, the students pulled some shiny curling ribbon through a hole in the top of their stars.

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

TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We love our seniors!!!!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had such a great time celebrating spring this week during our language group! During the spring, we have a spring parade here in town, so we decided to mimic it with our OWN spring parade.

The language group dressed up in hats, tutus, and beads and we made our own parade floats using poster board that we attached to the front of the students in wheelchairs.

We had a special bubble blowing Grand Marshall, who was here for “Take your Child to work Day”, to lead the parade!

While we paraded through the elementary building, we handed out beads and bears to the parade goers.

Lots of fun and excitement!

Everybody LOVED their teddy bears!

They were a hit!

Once we made it through the parade route it was time for refreshments and socialization.

Each student had to use the symbol sentence strips provided in order to request what they wanted. There were different sentence strips for each of the items: ice cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and punch. Our students had to indicate “I want ___” in order to receive the food/drink items.

Food is super motivating so everyone did a great job using their symbols!

The ice-cream was REALLY yummy 🙂

We had music on to dance to and what a dance it was!

Everybody showed off their best moves 🙂

There were lots of opportunities for communicating as students asked a partner to dance with them!

We LOVE to dance!!!

Of course, we can’t have a party here without the photo booth! Our students got to choose what they wanted to wear for the camera.

So many great pictures come from the photo booth!

Everyone had such a great time and we can’t wait to do it again 🙂

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

Apr23

Beatrix Potter

Posted on April 23, 2017 by jd785

Beatrix Potter

This week we decided to learn about author Beatrix Potter who wrote lots of books including the tale of a very famous rabbit named Peter! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about her life. The fine motor groups made art projects based on characters from her books. The language group made a vegetable garden inspired smoothie—-Peter Rabbit approved!

SENSORY GROUP

Beatrix Potter was born in England so we filled this box with rice in the colors of the British flag. There were letter B’s and P’s to find and match, as well as a picture of Beatrix herself at the bottom of the box.

Recognize objects as the same is a science access point.

The students really had fun with the rice this week 🙂

Since Peter Rabbit is Beatrix Potter’s most well known character we decided to dedicate a box just to him. The students had fun stamping little Peter Rabbits in moonsand. We chose the blue moonsand because Peter Rabbit wore a blue coat in the story!

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

With a base of paper, this box contained some plush characters like the ones that appeared in some of her books. Since all of the tales take place in England, we also put in some British flag garland. There was even a board book featuring the Tale of Benjamin Bunny!

The social studies access point associate an object with a person can be addressed here.

In addition to being an author, Beatrix Potter was also a farmer. She even wrote a scientific paper about mushrooms! We brought out our box of coffee grounds “dirt” and some play food and dried beans for the students to plant.

The science access point recognize that plants grown can be addressed here.

Beatrix raised prize winning sheep on her farm. There was some soft wooly fabric to touch, a cute plush lamb puppet, and some picture cards with the word “sheep” in this box.

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

Ok, so the lamb puppet was totally the favorite thing in the box 🙂

We continued the sheep theme with our messy play. A little bit of a stretch here, but we thought shaving cream looked a little like fluffy sheep wool.

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

In the story, Peter Rabbit hid behind a watering can so along with a large scoop, we included one in our water play this week. This was a total hit—-the students had a blast with it!

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

We chose Bath and BodyWorks cucumber melon scent this week because we figured little bunnies would like to munch on those if they found them in a garden!

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made an art project based on the story of Peter Rabbit using this watering can template and a rabbit shape cut from the Ellison machine.

First we discussed the color of the paint and identified it using communication symbols.

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

Then the students stamped some GREEN grass using our craft foam painting tool (a fringed and rolled up piece of craft foam).

We emphasized stamping UP and DOWN.

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

As each student added a watering can and a rabbit to their pictures we discussed its spatial orientation ex. beside, over, under etc.

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

Ta DA!!!!!!!!

——hippity hoppity!

On Wednesday the students made an art project based on the character Jemima Puddle duck and once again used a shape cut from the Ellison machine.

First we identified the color of our ducks. The students did a great job—-everyone got it right!

Once again, the science access point identify objects by one observable property is addressed.

They also used communication symbols to identify the shape of Jemina’s puddle.

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

Then the students used blue markers to draw water LINES on their circles.

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

Time to glue everything DOWN!

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

TA quack quack DA!

These are some happy ducks!

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, we made a snack that we think Peter Rabbit would really enjoy! We made a fruity carrot smoothie using this recipe: Let_s Make a Fruity Carrot Smoothie

We started out by POURING 2 cups of orange juice into a blender. We talked about how we put in the LIQUIDS first.

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

Next, we added the coconut yogurt. It called for 4 tbsp but we ended up using the whole carton.

Recognize when items have been added to or removed from sets of objects to 4 is a math access point.

When we poured out 1 tbsp of honey, we talked about how it came out of the bottle SLOWLY.

Recognize an action as fast or slow is a science access point.

We added some frozen mixed fruit, but before we measured it, each student got to feel the fruit. We talked about how it felt COLD.

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

Finally, we added our chopped carrots.

Again, recognize when objects have been added or removed from a situation is a math access point.

Our students took turns activating the blender using a switch.

The science access point recognize that electrical systems must be turned on in order to work.

Finally, we counted out our cups and drank our yummy smoothie!

YUM!!!!!

We throughly enjoyed learning about Beatrix Potter this week. Join us again for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Apr16

National Siblings Day

Posted on April 16, 2017 by jd785

National Siblings Day

April 10 was National Sibling Day and we thought it would be a fun way for staff and students to participate in a unit. The sensory groups explored boxes related to siblings of some of our staff members. The fine motor groups made some fun art projects to share with their siblings. The language group performed science experiments!

SENSORY GROUP

Ms. Cara has a sister who lives in South Africa. This box was filled with a variety of animals found in Africa including large, medium, and small zebras! There was also a purple lei with flowers that resembled jacaranda which are grown in South Africa.

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

Ms. Jane’s brother works for NASA so we made a space themed box for him. In the black kinetic sand were an astronaut, star, and planet to find.

The science access point recognize a space related object can be addressed here.

Both of Ms. Thea’s siblings graduated from the University of Florida. Our Go Gators box had orange and blue play dough along with a little gator cookie cutter!

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

Ms. Caressa and Ms. Elaine both have sisters who are involved in music. This box was filled with some fun music instruments as well as some colorful scarves to wave around.

The students had fun with this one!

Recognize objects that create sounds is a science access point.

Ms. Jen and her brother are from Iowa which is famous for its corn. We put 3 colorful letter I’s to find in this box of corn kernels.

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

Ms. Vicki and her sisters like to get facials together. We put some food coloring into our shaving cream so the students could give our cartoon Ms. Vicki a facial. This was silly, messy, and LOTS of fun!

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

Ms. Joi and her sisters are from Miami. We put some colorful flashing lights and a letter M to fish out of the warm blue water.

The science access point recognize sources of light can be addressed here.

Since apple blossoms are the state flower of Arkansas—where Ms. Robin’s sister lives—-we chose Bath and Body Works country apple for our 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 door hanger presents for THEIR siblings!

First they identified the circle shape that was cut out from the top of the door hanger.

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

Then they got to choose which door hanger to decorate!

Next they used paint brushes to apply glue.

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

Time for glitter—-lots of it!

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

Ta Da—-we love how these turned out!

Our students are going to have some very happy siblings 🙂

On Wednesday the students made picture frames for their siblings!

First they identified the color of our paint—-sunshine yellow!

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

Then they applied the paint to their frames and added a cute smiley sun craft foam sticker!

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

Ta DA—–so colorful!!!!

There are going to be some more happy siblings!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We thought it was really neat that Mr. Noah’s sister is a scientist, so we decided to do some experiments ourselves since we haven’t done them lately. To make it EXTRA awesome, though, we used a black light so that we could have glowing experiments!

Here are the experiments that we did: Glowing Experiments. These experiments were found on www.growingajeweledrose.com website.

We started off by doing our Glowing Oil and Water experiment. Our students got to HELP squeeze some glow in the dark paint into 3 small cups of water. They had to STIR it all up so that it was completely MIXED.

They were so cool looking when they were placed by the black light!

Next, we put vegetable oil in a pie pan so that it completely covered the bottom of the pan. Then, our students took turns SQUEEZING the paint water into the pie pan. We observed how the oil and water never mixed.

Really neat!

The next experiment, Glowing Volcano, was even more neat! Our students helped POUR some baking soda into a plastic container. They got to SQUEEZE some paint in and also just a bit of dish soap.

Once the vinegar was POURED into the container was when the magic started. We did this experiment with each of the colors so by the end it was a mix-up of pink, yellow, and orange.

All of the colors were so COOL! It looked like a galaxy!

What a great week! Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Apr9

Cinderella Monkey’s Birthday

Posted on April 9, 2017 by jd785

Cinderella Monkey’s Birthday

What do you get when suggested themes of monkeys, Cinderella, and birthdays are accidentally combined—–Cinderella Monkey’s Birthday—–of course 🙂 Once we finished laughing we figured birthday parties and animals make a perfect combination.

It was lots of fun to put together both the book and all our activities. The sensory groups explored party themed boxes, the fine motor groups made party related art projects, and the language group had a birthday party treat!

SENSORY GROUP

We filled this box with everything party including ribbons, bows, and a mylar balloon. There was some fun play food like cookies and soda. We even put in a replica of the party girl herself—-Cinderella Monkey 🙂

The science access point recognize a model of a real object can be addressed here.

Since birthdays are all about how old you are, we put some numbers in our colorful rainbow rice. There was also a picture of a birthday cake to find underneath the box.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

This next party box was filled with lights and music. There were a variety of light toys and the Happy Birthday song recorded on a voice output device.

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

In our story, Lily Ladybug wants to give the birthday girl a hug. When the students gave our ladybug pillow a hug, it vibrated—–so much fun! This was definitely the favorite item this week 🙂

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

Colorful glitter helped make “funfetti” cloud dough. There were scoops and spoons for the students to use to make birthday cakes. Colorful dowels made for perfect candles.

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

We continued with the “funfetti” theme by adding confetti to our oobleck this week. Bright and shiny—-this stuff was irresistible!

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

There were a bunch of party animals in the water play this week 🙂 These fun bath toys were fun for the students to scoop out with our 2 different sized scoops.

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

Lemonade is the perfect party drink so we chose Bath and BodyWorks pink lemonade for our water and lotion this week. It was a nice sweet scent that the students really liked.

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students wrapped presents—-sort of 🙂

First the students used communication symbols to identify a square. Our squares were cut from colorful wallpaper scraps.

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

Then the students cut 1 piece of paper into 2 pieces to make the ribbons for our present.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

The students glued their paper ribbons onto their presents—-one going “up and down” and the other going “across”.

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

A big bow for a finishing touch and….

……….Ta Da, Happy Birthday Cinderella Monkey!

On Wednesday the students made a birthday cake using this: cake template

First we identified the number 3 since that was how many candles we were going to put on the cake.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

What is a cake without frosting! The students decorated their cakes with homemade puffy paint (shaving cream and glue mixture).

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

A little glitter never hurts 🙂

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

Time to add the candles! We used these cool striped chenille stems that look a lot like real candles—-so cool!

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

Ta Da!

Time to eat cake!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We were back to cooking this week in the language group 🙂

This week we made Birthday Cake Milkshakes using this recipe: Let_s Make a Birthday Cake Milkshake

We started out by taking out the ice cream and letting everyone feel it. We talked about how it felt COLD. Some of our students didn’t really seem fazed by how cold it felt while others really didn’t like it.

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

Once we put the icecream in the blender, we POURed in the milk. Our students then helped us count out FOUR tablespoons of cake batter mix which we added.

The math access point recognize the quantity of a set of objects to 3 and add 1 more can be addressed here.

Our students took turns turning the blender ON using a wireless switch. Once it was nice and smooth, we added some colorful sprinkles. Again, our students helped us count out 4 tablespoons.

Once that was all mixed up, we counted out how many cups we needed and then poured the milkshake into each one. When it was time to put the whipped cream on, only a little bit was put in each cup and our students had to convey if they wanted MORE or if they were ALL DONE.

Indicate desire for more of an action or object or indicate desire for no more of an action or object are math access points.

YUM! It turned out great!

Birthdays are so much fun aren’t they 🙂 Join us again for for fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Apr2

The History of Basketball

Posted on April 2, 2017 by jd785

The History of Basketball

With March Madness going on we thought it would be fun to learn a little bit about the history of the sport. The sensory group explored boxes related to different facts about the sport. The fine motor groups made basketball themed art projects and the language group played an adapted version of the game.

SENSORY GROUP

James Naismith invented the game of basketball. This box was dedicated to him and had lots of Canadian symbols since that is where he was born. We included a toy stethoscope because not only was he a PE teacher but he was also a physician—-how cool is that!

Recognize a model of a real object is a science access point that can be addressed with this activity.

Using Koolaid we made our play dough a nice bright basketball orange. The students could make balls, stamp letter B’s, or just squish and squeeze the play dough. They throughly had a good time.

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

Basketball is played with 2 teams consisting of 5 players each.We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reinforce some math facts with this box! There were 5 blue and 5 red items for the students to explore and sort——-or shake 🙂

The math access point solve simple problems involving joining or separating small quantities of objects can be addressed here.

There were more opportunities for sorting with this box filled with beads in the colors of the NBA—-red, white, and blue! Of course, it was mostly an opportunity to wear or shake the beads!

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

In 1936 basketball became an Olympic sport. Using giant fluffy chenille stems the students had fun making circles, joining them together, and taking them apart. The chenille stems also provided another opportunity to discuss colors.

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

The students were encouraged to draw circles/balls in this orange tinted shaving cream.

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

We put some foam numbers in our water play this week. The students got to “score” by scooping up either 2 or 3 points!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Since the original hoops were actually peach baskets, peach was the obvious scent to use this week for our water play and lotion! Our students are getting pretty good at using the Pixon board to tell us where they want the lotion.

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made their own basketball playbooks!

We started with a rectangular piece of paper with a basketball court sketch and some X’s and O’s drawn on it by Ms. Zenia the fabulous OT intern!

Then the fun began! The students got to operate a switch activated drawing tool to illustrate their play calling. There were certainly some interesting strategies planned 🙂

Distinguish between objects in motion and objects at rest is a science access point.

TA Da—-game on!

On Wednesday the students made paper plate basketballs!

We started by identifying the shape of our plates and color of our paint using communication symbols.

Recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point. Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

Then the students stamped their plates with a dish scrubber. We emphasized stamping UP and DOWN.

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

TA DA—-time to play!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had our own tournament today in honor of March Madness. We used an All-Turn-It spinner that had 2’s and 3’s all around it to signify the points that basketball players make during a game.

Both adults and students got to be in the tournament. We started out by picking 2 names out of a bag. These 2 people would play against each other.

We had communication boards in front of each student so that they could convey “my turn”. The 2 “players” took turns and had 3 times each to press the switch and see what points they got.

We used a white board to write down the points that each player made. Once they each went 3 times, we added up the scores and talked about who had MORE points.

Once we figured out who the winner was, the next 2 players competed and so on until we finally had an overall winner.

This group was so great today because it gave the adults a great chance to model the use of the communication boards while they were playing the game. Everyone got so excited, too, when we had to go into overtime if the players tied.

Finally, we had a winner!

Of course, we can’t NOT have a little snack in this group so we summed it all up with some basketball shaped Vanilla Wafers 🙂

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

Mar26

Israel

Posted on March 26, 2017 by jd785

Israel

Shalom! Our very own Nurse Jill recently went to Israel for a vacation so we decided to learn a little more about the country! The sensory group boxes were related to facts about Israel. The fine motor groups made art projects based on symbols of the country and the language group made a tasty Israeli snack.

We enjoyed learning lots of interesting things about Israel this week and hope you do too!

SENSORY GROUP

To get to Israel you have to fly on an airplane. We brought out our vibrating massager and recorded some airplane sounds (found on Youtube) on a voice output device to simulate the experience for our students. The students really liked the vibrating massager—–it is usually a hit 🙂

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

The colors of the Israeli flag are blue and white. Our blue and white rice contained letter I’s to find as well as a picture of the flag at the bottom of the box.

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

The Negev desert covers more than half of Israel! In our miniature version we included some wooden blocks to let the students recreate their own ancient ruins. Nurse Jill also brought back some little camels that we also included.

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

The Dead Sea is well known tourist destination and the waters are VERY salty! The students loved scooping up the salt and watching it stream out of the bottom of the funnel. There was also a map of Israel to find at the bottom of the box.

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

As opposed to the Dead Sea, the Eilat coral reef is teaming with life! The students got to make their own coral reef using pink Floam. The Floam texture is always pretty intriguing to the students and all they also liked all the colorful accessories such as little sea creatures and sea anemones we included.

Match common living things with their habitats is a science access point.

During Sukkot, a jewish holiday, children sleep in cabins decorated with fairy lights. We created a similar effect with a lighted umbrella which was definitely a hit with the students! This was a pretty simple umbrella to construct but it really had a lovely effect 🙂

Recognize sources of light is a science access point.

Israel is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. Our miniature version contained 2 small and 1 big fish to scoop up.

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

Israel grows a lot of citrus fruit so we chose a yummy orange scent this week. The students really liked having it rubbed on hands, arms, or behind ears!

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made a Canaan dog which is the national dog of Israel. We used this: canaan dog template

First we discussed the color of our paint and the students used communication symbols to identify the color BROWN.

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

Then the students began painting! We precut the dog templates out of orange poster board. A popsicle stick was taped to the back, this support made the dogs easier to hold.

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

We squeezed out a dot of glue and asked the students to add a little googlie eye. Then we helped them add a chenille stem to make a curly tail—–a feature of the Canaan dog. This was a great opportunity to practice pincer grasp skills!

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

Ta Woof Woof Da!

Such cute puppies 🙂

On Wednesday the students made an Israeli flag.

First we identified the color of the stripes on the flag.

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

Then the students used a paper cutter to cut 1 piece of paper into 2 pieces! We encouraged the students to use both hands when using the paper cutter—–practicing bilateral coordination.

Associate quantities with number names is a science access point.

Next they glued their papers strips near the TOP and BOTTOM of a white piece of paper. They glued a star of David to the MIDDLE of their paper.

The math access point recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship can be addressed here.

Ta DA!

Let’s visit Israel!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We were SO excited to have Nurse Jill come and help us with our language group today. We asked her what kinds of food she ate in Israel and she said that hummus was on the menu pretty much every day. So that’s what she helped us make today! Here is the recipe:Let_s Make Hummus!

We started out by putting the liquids into the blender. First we put olive oil in the blender and followed that up with the lemon juice. You know how much we LOVE taste testing lemon juice and today was no exception. We got a wide variety of reactions as usual 🙂

We talked about how the lemon juice was SOUR.

We poured some tahini into the blender next. Then we added the chickpeas and garlic.

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

Since it is so pungent, we passed the garlic around for everyone to smell.

Again, we found that students either really liked it or really didn’t!

Lastly, we added some salt. Our students had to HELP put the blender on using a switch. We observed the ingredients MIXING together until they were smooth.

This was fun!!

Jill brought some matza so that our students could use it to dip in the hummus. YUM!

THANK YOU so much to Jill for coming in and cooking with us and also telling us all about her wonderful trip!

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

Mar12

Youth Art Month

Posted on March 12, 2017 by jd785

Youth Art Month

March is Youth Art Month and to celebrate we learned about some famous artists. Each of the sensory group boxes represented a different artist. The fine motor group drew inspiration from some of the styles of famous artists to make their art projects and the language group made food art! This week was lots of fun and our theme also compliments the Unique Curriculum unit our students are working on.

SENSORY GROUP

Salvador Dali has a very famous painting with some melting clocks in a desert landscape. We replicated it using kinetic sand and some craft foam clocks (drawn by Ms. Erika) so there were 3 “melting” clocks to find. It was a fun box and the students were pretty intrigued with the clocks!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

The students cut different sized stars out of our Vincent Van Gogh starry night play dough! With the added blue and gold silver glitter, it sparkled quite nicely.

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

Harold Newton was one of the Highway Men famous for their Florida landscape paintings. This Florida box was fun to put together and filled with symbols of our state such as flamingoes, dolphins, pine trees, flowers, and oranges. Lots of things to explore!

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

Olivia is a character in illustrator Ian Falconer’s book series. Since Olivia is a pig, we went all pink with this box. We pulled out our pink sand and included a cute little toy pig. This play sand is really fine and perfect for sifting—-our students LOVED watching it fall from the sifter back into the box!

Track a falling object is a science access point.

Piet Mondrian used primary colors for his grid paintings. We put blue, red, and yellow pompoms to sort into matching plates in this box. Some of the students could do this independently while others needed help.

Either way, this was a very bright, eye catching box!

Match objects by one observable properties, such as color, is a science access point.

Shaving cream was perfect for drawing geometric shapes—–like those used by Alexander Calder in his mobiles.

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

Hands were rinsed in a seascape worthy of JMW Turner. There was a little sailing ship and octopus to find in the water. There were also 2 scoops, one of which had a hole in the bottom for some fun experimentation as well as scooping practice.

The science access point recognize differences in objects can be addressed here.

Flowers are the theme of some of Georgia O’Keefe’s famous paintings. She made one called Plumeria so we used that as our scent this week. We used Bath and Bodyworks plumeria and it was a light floral scent that the students really liked.

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made “drip” paintings like Jackson Pollock.

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

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

Then the students used more communication symbols to pick colors to use.

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

We used these kids eye droppers that we found at Walmart. They were fairly inexpensive and a nice size. Most of the students needed a little help with this part of the activity. They were all fascinated with the process!

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

Ta Da!!!!!!!!!!!!

So colorful!

On Wednesday the students made art projects inspired by Gustav Klimt.

We discussed the shape of our paper and identified it using communication symbols.

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

Then the students used a variety of cutting tools—-paper cutters, adaptive scissors, and regular scissors—-to cut strips of colorful paper.

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

Next we mixed all the pieces together and shared them among the students to turn OVER and glue DOWN on to their paper.

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

Klimt liked to add gold leaf to his paintings. We didn’t have any gold leaf but we did have gold paint and that worked pretty well!

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

Ta Da!

Just fabulous!

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since you know that we like to incorporate food into our language groups, it was a great excuse to use food to make art!

Each of our students got a piece of white bread which served as their blank canvas. We started out talking about the primary colors: RED, BLUE, and YELLOW.

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

We poured some sweetened condensed milk into 5 small cups. We put RED food coloring into one cup, BLUE food coloring into another cup, and YELLOW food coloring into a third cup (we put 10 drops of each coloring into each cup). Then the students got to stir the colors using brand new paint brushes!

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

We the talked about mixing the primary colors to make new colors. First we showed our students RED and BLUE and asked them to PREDICT what color it would make. We did the same with BLUE and YELLOW.

Then the students mixed up the colors again—–they thought it was really neat to see the colors changing!

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

Next, each of our students used communication symbols to indicate what color they wanted to paint with.

The colors ended up being so vibrant on the bread—-they really popped!

We found that we have some pretty good artists in our group!

Finally, after their edible art was complete, they got to eat their masterpieces.

YUM!

We will be gone next week for spring break but will back in a couple of weeks with more fun and learning——-Group by Group!

Mar5

Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 5, 2017 by jd785

Dr. Seuss

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

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pretty fun stuff 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ta Da———- super cute!!!!!!

On Wednesday the students made a Horton inspired elephant!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TA Da!

Some of Horton’s cute relatives!

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feb26

Louisiana

Posted on February 26, 2017 by jd785

Louisiana

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

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

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking super cute while wearing Mardi Gras beads–

that’s just how our students roll 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our students are ready to play a little jazz!

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

TA Da! We love the Pelican State!

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

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

We are a really fun bunch 🙂

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

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