Tag Archives: discovery bottle

May23

Hello Summer

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Hello Summer

Well it has certainly been a different end to the school year! This will be our last post until we start back again in the fall. In anticipation of some free time with school over, our OT, PT, and SLP have come up with some activities for you to do at home since our students are Too Cool for School 🙂

 

 

We don’t have a central theme this time, it is simply all about FUN—-enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY

Our students always enjoy messy play with shaving cream but we recently found a way to make it even more fun—–add some jello powder! Just sprinkle some on top of the shaving cream and it becomes this cool substance—still shaving cream but more durable and moldable!

You really need to try it!

 

 

 

Another fun activity is making your own Discovery Bottle. There are lots of YouTube videos out there but the general instructions are pretty easy. You need any empty plastic bottle that has been well cleaned. Add a generous amount of clear glue, mineral oil, or baby oil. Add glitter and if you want—a few small beads or toys. Fill with water AND—this is important—-securely GLUE the lid closed!!! Now it is time to SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE.

At school, any time we shake something we sing along to that old KC and The Sunshine band song—always turns it into a fun time 🙂

Your child will have a blast but be sure to supervise carefully 🙂

 

 

 

 

GROSS MOTOR

Just as this 4th 9 weeks has been different, summer will be different too with the Summer Olympic Games being postponed.  So, what if you had your own Summer Olympic Games with your family?

You could divide into teams or compete as individuals.  Have each person or team come up with a team name or represent a country (you could even include some social studies by doing research about different countries, but it is summer so that is up to you).

 

Then choose your games or activities.  There have been a lot of activities listed in previous posts that you could use or you can look online for others.  Maybe even let each participant/team choose one or two activities, so you have a variety.  Modify the activities as needed, so everyone can participate.

Finally, hold your Olympic Games.  They could be held inside, outside, or a combination of the two.  They could be held in one day, over a week’s time, or throughout the entire summer if you did one or two activities a week.  If you do the later, you could “hold practices” to practice the skill to prepare for the “big day” much like an athlete would practice their sport.

It would also be fun to have family members that live outside of your home watch to cheer you on using FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, etc.

 

Lastly, come up with a way to keep points or score until the end of your Olympic Games.  And of course, at the end of the games, have an award ceremony to recognize everyone’s achievements and to celebrate a job well done.  Everyone will be a winner because you created, competed, and celebrated together.

Have a safe and wonderful summer!

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR

Two fun projects for you—one quick and easy, the other will take a little more time.

If you don’t have balls handy for your Olympic Game—-you can make your own!

Grab a piece paper, fold it in half, and crumple it up into a ball (this is a great activity for building hand strength and working on bilateral coordination). Have your child squeeze it really hard to make it as compact as possible. They can knock, drop, kick, or throw to make a goal/score a point!

Make ENOUGH paper balls to almost fill a plastic shopping bag. Tie the bag closed and VOILA—instant beach ball 🙂

 

Another activity to do with your child is to make a Summer Scrapbook! I did this with my children when they were little and it made such great memories. It is also a great way to practice writing and cutting skills. Here are a few suggestions for pages:

Stamp your child’s HAND and FOOTPRINT on a page on the first day of summer break. Then do the same at the end of summer.

Draw a self PORTRAIT and a picture of the SUN.

Pick favorite MOVIE, BOOK, TOY, TV, VIDEO GAME, PLACE, SONG etc. and have your child draw a picture about it. If your child needs to practice writing have them write a sentence as well.

 

 

 

Gather old magazines and have your child tear or cut pieces of their favorite COLOR and glue down to make a collage.

Of course, take lots of PICTURES and add them to the scrapbook!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE

We’ve had some summertime beach thoughts lately, so this week I’m including 2 different recipes that can hopefully quench your thirst for the sandy beach.

Here is the first recipe: Let’s Make Sonic Ocean Water  This is a recipe that copies the Sonic ocean water drink.  We made this with our students in 2018 so we included some pictures on each of the pages of them putting together the recipe.

 

 

 

Here is the second recipe: Let’s Make A Beach In A Cup  We made this recipe in 2017 with our students so again, we have pictures of them carrying out the steps of the recipe.

 

 

 

 

 

While making these recipes, make sure to use your child’s communication system if they have one in place.  We always emphasize core vocabulary words like PUT, TURN, HELP, WANT, MORE, AGAIN, and ALL DONE.  Talk about how the ingredients feel: wet/dry, hot/cold, hard/soft.  Talk about the taste of the recipes: good/bad, sweet/sour, like/don’t like.  Talk about how the ingredients look when they are mixed together–how they can change from a liquid (milk and pudding mix) to a solid (pudding when it has set).

What’s most important is to have fun, be together, and always keep modeling and using language for your child/student.  Repetition is KEY so repeat, repeat, repeat!

 

 

 

LITERACY

Books based on some familiar stories are always a hit—here are a few of our favorites!

We recommend this book from October 2015: Let’s Go To Neverland!

We also recommend this one from March 2019: Who Are The Characters In Aladdin

Finally, one more from December 2015: Who Will We Meet in Arendelle

 

Thank you all for following along with us this year. Please join us again in the fall for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!

 

 

 

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Jan31

Let’s Learn About Famous People From France

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Let’s Learn About Famous People From France

January 30 is National Croissant Day and to celebrate, we decided to learn about famous people in French History! Our sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to some of the different people we learned about. The fine motor groups crafted art projects inspired by some creative French geniuses and the language group made a tasty French snack!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We used red, white, and blue rice to represent the colors of the French flag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were pictures of Napoleon both in and underneath the box as well as letter N’s to find.

Science access point: recognize objects as the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marquis de Lafayette helped us win the Revolutionary War so we made a patriotic box for him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students explored pasta in different patriotic shapes including the Liberty Bell, flag, and star.

Science access point: match objects with similar observable properties, such as shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Marie Curie we used colorful discovery bottles that looked like they contained science experiments!

 

 

 

 

 

Their whirling, swirling contents were all pretty mesmerizing!

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students made castles out of sand and wooden blocks in this box dedicated to Joan of Arc.

 

 

 

 

We found some plastic knights in the dollar store and included some of them too.

Science access point: recognize that objects can stick together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coco Chanel was a famous designer. We filled her box with a variety of items including beads, fabric, sunglasses, and some fashion model dolls.

 

 

 

 

There were lots of different textures to explore!

Our fashionistas had a blast 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

We made royal oobleck using bright food coloring and LOTS of gold glitter for King Louis the XIV!

Colorful, shiny and very eye catching.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jacques Cousteau’s ocean was filled with ocean animals, different sized measuring cups, and a large “net”.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the fish squirted water when squeezed—-so much fun 🙂

Science access point: match living things with their habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Nostradamus had predicted we would use Bath and Body Works french lavender this week he would have been right 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Put on arms, necks, hands, or ears—-the perfect scent to go with a French unit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some Degas ballerinas using coffee filters!

First, we identified the shape of the coffee filter.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also identified the color of our markers.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then each student colored 2 coffee filters.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we folded the coffee filters in HALF and then into QUARTERS.

Math access point: recognize a half of an object as part of the whole object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We glued them onto a ballerina coloring page—-to make the ballerina’s tutu! The coloring page was an internet freebie.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA—let’s dance— DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Degas worthy ballerinas!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, the students became fashion designers like Coco Chanel!

First, the students identified the shape of the fabric swatches.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They chose a variety of fabric squares and began gluing them down on to a shirt shaped poster board. We used food coloring to tint the glue a little bit to make it easier for the students to see.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA—-runway—- DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our students are fashion designers….

…..and ready for the show!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We celebrated National Croissant day by making some croissant sandwiches!  Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Croissant Sandwiches

We started out by measuring 3 cups of chicken.  Since our measuring cup only holds 2 cups, we measured out the 2 cups and then our students indicated that we needed MORE.  After measuring out the chicken, we PUT it in the BOWL.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we had to measure out a cup of chopped pickles.  Students HELPED to measure and PUT the pickles in the BOWL.

We added some chopped celery next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the celery, we had to measure out 1 cup of mayonnaise and a 1/4 cup of mustard.  Students had to indicate which measuring cup was SMALLER to show which one was the 1/4 cup.

 

Math access point: identify parts of a whole.

 

 

 

 

 

Once we added all of the ingredients to the bowl, students had to HELP STIR them all up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had to request a plate and a croissant.  Once they had each item, they had to request some chicken salad.  If they were not given as much as they wanted, they had to request MORE.

Math access point: indicate desire for more an action or object.

For the most part, our students enjoyed making and eating their croissant sandwich!  It was a pretty good croissant celebration 🙂

 

 

 

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

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for a confirmation email if you want to follow us.

 

 

Jan19

Hobbies

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Hobbies

For National Hobby Month we let staff take center stage in our book this week. The sensory groups explored boxes related to specific hobbies. The fine motor groups made art projects using techniques from some of our hobbyists and the language group made a tasty treat!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Ms. Trenisha collects elephants—-how cool is that! There were lots of different elephant items in this box including a hat, plush toys, and a discovery bottle with floating elephant beads.

 

 

 

There was also an accordion tube the students could use to form their own elephant trunks.

The accordion tube was a hit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Laurie loves to cross stitch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students stamped letter X’s into purple Bubber——our version of cross stitching 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Noah and Ms. Betsy enjoy gardening. We put a variety of vegetables in our play dirt this week and let the students dig their own gardens.

 

 

 

 

We also included a small rake.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Kevin likes to golf in his spare time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students made golf balls with white Floam.

Math access point: recognize three-dimensional objects, such as balls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Kim enjoys reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since animals are always fun to read about, we put some cool magnets that spelled the animal words into a box of beans.

Science access point: match objects by an observable property, such as shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Brenda loves to bake! For her box we brought out some chocolate cloud dough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A variety of different sized scoops and spoons were used to fill up a small cupcake tin.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In her spare time, Ms. Thea  likes to go kayaking and fishing.

 

 

 

 

 

The students had fun seeing how many fish they could catch in our pond.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To go along with our gardeners, we chose a fruity scent this week.

 

 

 

 

 

Strawberry guava was a perfect choice!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made a tissue paper collage on a paper plate!

First, they identified the shape of their paper plate.

Math access point: recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they tore colorful tissue paper into smaller pieces and glued them down on to their plates.

Science access point: recognize a change in the external appearance of an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We made collages like Ms. Jessica!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students practiced their painting skills by painting with water! Thank you Ms. Jeannie for donating “paint with water” coloring books!

First, they identified the shape of of their paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students dampened their paint brushes with water and began painting. It was so cool watching the paint appear!

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in the external appearance of an object.

 

 

 

 

 

Glue was added to the back of the picture—-we followed the shape of the paper reminding the students that it was a RECTANGLE.

Then they glued their picture on to a BIGGER rectangle!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

We are artists like Ms. Judy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a great hobby!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made yummy banana pudding parfaits this week in the language group.  Here’s the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Banana Pudding Parfaits

We started out by PUTTING instant vanilla pudding mix into a BOWL.  The student who HELPED was given the box of pudding mix.  If they were unable to open it, they requested HELP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the pudding mix was in the bowl, we measured out 2 cups of milk.  We poured one carton of milk into the measuring cup and found that we needed MORE.  We found that 2 cartons of milk from the cafeteria equals 2 cups!

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Each student had a change to HELP MIX the ingredients up.  Since each student helped out, they were asked “who’s next” after their turn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we crushed up some vanilla wafers.  Each time a student was finished HELPING, we observed the bag to see if they needed to be crushed up MORE or if we were ALL DONE.

 

 

 

We adapted our glitter song and sang “crush your cookies instead of shake your glitter 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had to request a CUP.  Then they had to request the ingredients to build the parfait.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First, they requested the crushed cookies.  We PUT some pudding on top of that and then added 3 slices of banana.  Each student counted out 3 slices.

 

 

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

Finally, we PUT some whipped cream on top.  Each student was only given a small amount, so they had to indicate whether they wanted MORE or they were ALL DONE.  When the parfait was all ready, they had to request a SPOON.

 

 

 

 

I think we can all agree with Ms. Brenda that cooking can be a very fun hobby 🙂

 

 

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

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Sep22

Which Dora the Explorer Character Can I Be?

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Which Dora the Explorer Character Can I Be?

With the new Dora movie coming out, we are learning about the characters. The sensory group explored colorful boxes related to characters from the series. The fine motor groups made art projects inspired by characters and the language group went on a treasure hunt!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We found out that Dora came from Mexico so this box had rice in the colors of the Mexican flag—-red, green, and white! There were characters to go UNDER, AROUND, and THROUGH obstacles in this box.

 

 

 

Letters spelling D O R A could also be found as well as a map at the bottom of the box—so much to explore and discover!

Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A purple backpack is a character in the series. The students used plastic facial features to make faces in purple Bubber.

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, it was also fun to run fingers through Bubber’s silky texture.

Science access point: recognize the human body is made up of various parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this box there were lots of items related to Dora including a backpack, compass, flowers, and a treasure box.

 

 

 

 

We also recorded the Dora theme song on a voice output device which got some of our students really moving and grooving 🙂

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instead of a box we used a purple backpack to hold 2 discovery bottles 🙂 One bottle contained Dora characters and the other bottle had animals—-like the ones her cousin Diego saves!

 

 

 

These bottles were really intriguing to the students. Also, just in case you were wondering—we hot glue the lids closed to deter curious hands.

Science access point: match objects by an observable property such as shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was fun to put the bottles in and out of the backpack!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dora’s friend Bennie wears a colorful striped vest. There were lots of stripes—-of the colorful chenille type in this box. The students could line them up, twist them around, drape them over the box……

 

 

 

………..or hang them on a friend’s arm 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Dora travels around the world we used a laminated picture of earth for our messy play.

 

 

 

 

The students swirled around fluffy shaving cream clouds!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed under a waterfall made by a splitting water wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a HIT!!!

Science access point: initiate a change in motion of an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our lotion this week had a nice fruity aroma. We chose mango mandarin from Bath and Body Works because those fruits are grown in Mexico.

 

 

 

 

Our students are smelling really yummy this week!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made a fox mask! We used purchased eye masks and this template: fox

First, we counted the eye holes in each mask.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students used popsicle sticks to scrape the black overlay to reveal rainbow colors underneath.

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize changes in observable properties of materials.

 

 

 

 

 

We finished by gluing the rainbow mask onto the fox mask  and…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…………..TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you guess which Dora character we are pretending to be?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made backpacks out of tissue boxes we covered with white paper!

First, the students chose which color marker for their backpack.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They used markers to decorate their backpacks—–some of the students used a switch to operate their drawing tools!

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize changes in observable properties of materials.

 

 

 

 

 

Time to add a one nose, one mouth, and………….

………….. TWO big googly eyes!

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

We taped some paper straps to the back of our backpack boxes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

Let’s go explore!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We changed it up in our language group today.  Instead of making a yummy treat, we went in search of one!  We used a map, just like Dora, to look for our treasure.  We had to make sure and follow all of the directions on the map.

 

We saw on the map that the classroom was where we start.  Our students looked at the map to see where they had to go next: THROUGH the tunnel!

We really love this tunnel because it’s big enough for our kiddos in wheelchairs 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we had to go out of the gate and around the front of the school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we had to figure out which was the right gate to go into.  Our students had to compare the gates to see which one matched the one in the picture on the map.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we went through the DIFFERENT gate, our students had to step on the circles that were down the hall.  Our ambulatory students got to step ON padded circles that squeaked while our wheelchair friends had to go OVER their circles.

One of our volunteers stepped on the padded circles as our wheelchair friends went by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had to check the map again to find WHERE to go next!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we saw on the map that we had to find where the fish were.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each student had to catch ONE fish before we could go on to the next and final step: the treasure!

 

 

 

 

 

Students had to look at the map one last time to find the treasure box.

They opened it and found………..yummy Golden cookies!!

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed exploring with us this week! Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for a confirmation email if you choose to follow us.

 

Sep14

Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico

It is Hispanic Heritage Month and we are learning about Puerto Rico. The sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about the country. The fine motor groups made colorful crafts and the language group hosted a Carnaval de Ponce!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

We put the letters P and R in red, white, and blue rice—–the colors of the Puerto Rican flag.

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: match objects with similar observable properties, such as shape.

 

 

 

 

 

There were lots of different things associated with Puerto Rico in this flower filled box including animals and foods grown there. There was a big white star like the one on the flag and the words HOME and FAMILY.

 

 

 

We also put in photos of famous Puerto Ricans and a voice output with a recording of a Ricky Martin song 🙂

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students stamped stars like the one found on the Puerto Rico flag.

 

 

 

 

 

The moon sand we used for this box has such a nice soft texture the students loved!

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold can be found in the rivers of Puerto Rico. The students loved exploring or wearing the shiny gold beads!

 

 

 

 

 

So much fun!

 

 

They were fascinated by the swirling gold glitter in the discovery bottle.

 

 

 

 

 

This box was a hit 🙂

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico is known for beautiful beaches. There were sea shells to find and sand castles to build in our kinetic sand beach.

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of our favorite materials ever!!!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coconuts can be found in Puerto Rico so our oobleck became “coconut milk”  this week—-what fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Goopy and drippy as usual 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We put a boat and different size fish in our water play since Puerto Rico is an island.

 

 

 

 

 

Both the fish squirted water which made them extra fun!

Math access point: recognize similarities and differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico is known as the Land of Enchantment so we used Bath and Body Works “be enchanted” scent for our bath gel and lotion.

 

 

 

 

Whether placed on hands, arms, neck, or behind ears it was a hit!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made Puerto Rican flags.

First, the students identified the shapes found on the flag—-star, triangle, and rectangle!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they cut strips of red paper and glued them on to a piece of white paper.

The students used a variety of cutting tools.

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in the appearance of an object.

 

 

 

 

They were asked to glue their 3 strips to the TOP, BOTTOM, and MIDDLE of their papers.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they added a pre-cut triangle and big white star.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s visit Puerto Rico!

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we made Ponce Carnival masks using this template: Ponce mask

First, the students put glue on their masks using a glue stick.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they chose which color glitter they wanted to use on their mask.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We added glitter——and sang our glitter song of course. For those new to us, the glitter song is our take on that old KC and the Sunshine band song. It goes like this: shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake that glitter, shake that glitter! Repeat as many times as needed 🙂

 

 

Science access point: recognize the change in the motion of an object.

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are ready for the Ponce parade!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

There is a week-long celebration in Puerto Rico called the Carnaval de Ponce which is similar to Mardi Gras.  There are parades and parties.  We decided to have a social get together for the beginning of the year by having a Ponce celebration!

 

 

 

 

The language group used the masks they made earlier in the week as their costumes for the parade.  They also got to wear colorful ponchos and costumes 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Our students paraded through the halls……

 

 

 

 

 

 

……the crowds cheered!

 

 

 

 

 

We passed out beads and smiles………

 

 

 

 

 

 

………to the spectators.

 

 

 

 

 

After the parade, we all congregated for a “street party” in the hallways.  Students got to socialize and listen to authentic Puerto Rican music.

 

 

 

We had so much fun dancing to the music!

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, what’s a party without snacks?  For our party-goers we had some goldfish (Puerto Rico is an island after all), some coconut Oreos (lots of coconut in Puerto Rico), and some juice.  We had sentence strips out so that students could request what they wanted.

 

 

What a great party!

 

 

 

It was a great week and we want to give a shout out to our fabulous volunteers who helped make everything possible.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for your confirmation email if you want to follow us and join us again next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Mar3

Aladdin

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Aladdin

This week we went with a fun theme—-Aladdin! The sensory group explored magical boxes. The fine motor groups made colorful art projects using recycled materials and the language group made some magic carpet treats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our magic carpet ride umbrella was colorful and eye catching! In addition to the Genie figure attached to the handle, there were Aladdin and Jasmine toy figures riding craft foam magic carpet to find.

 

 

 

To add to the experience, there was a voice output device with music from the movie.

Science access point: recognize a source of light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We put a laminated picture of the Cave of Wonder for Aladdin and Abu to find as they trekked through kinetic sand.

 

 

 

 

At the bottom of the box there was also a picture of Aladdin.

Science access point: apply a push to move an object

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cave of Wonder contained many treasures—-just like our discovery bottles.

 

 

 

 

Sequins, beads, glitter swirled around and were pretty mesmerizing!

Science access point: distinguish between objects in motion and at rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were 6 colorful relatives of Abu to find in this box of turquoise beans. We put in 2 green, 2 purple, and 2 orange monkeys.

 

 

 

 

Fun to find AND hook together!

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to or taken away from a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Rajah box was VERY eye catching and the students loved it! There were 2 big and 1 little tiger that were pretty well camouflaged in the orange rice and black beans.

 

 

 

 

A picture of Princess Jasmine could be found at the bottom of this box.

Math access point: recognize similarities and differences in size of common objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food coloring gave our oobleck a genie-like tint this week!

 

 

 

 

 

It was fun to watch as it swirled around the tray or dripped off fingers!

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed in Bath and Body Works jasmine-ginger scented water.

 

 

 

 

 

There was a letter A to find and 2 different scoops to use.

Math access point: recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, we used the matching lotion!

 

 

 

 

 

The scent was a little different and definitely intriguing to the students!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the students liked the scent——-others not so much 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We remembered that there were fireworks in the movie Aladdin and since we had a big supply of bubble wrap, we decided to end our group with our own fireworks!

 

 

 

 

Whether in wheelchairs or rolling chairs…..

……….. the students had a BLAST 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made magic carpets!

First, they identified the shape of their cardboard (we used cut up cereal boxes).

Math access point: recognize objects with a two-dimensional shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the student tore pieces of tissue paper. We gather our tissue from presents past, such as a recent baby shower 🙂

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tissue paper was glued down.

Math access point: recognize when an object is added to or taken away from a situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We decided our carpets needed a little sparkle, so it was time to “shake, shake, shake that glitter”!

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: indicate desire for more of an action or object.

 

 

 

 

 

The students glued pictures of themselves on to the cardboard and…….

 

 

 

 

 

…….TA DA!!!!!!!!!!

 

Let’s go on a magic carpet ride!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made magic lamps using this template: genie lamp

First, we identified the color of the genie.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students painted their lamps using gold paint. Thanks to our wonderful volunteer Kaley who cut out the cardboard, glued the paper printout to it, and then stapled it to paper cups so the lamps would stand up!

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Next, polyester fiberfil was pulled apart and glued to the top of the lamp.

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta-make a wish-Da!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to let the genies out of their lamps!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We’re back to making a tasty snack this week.  In honor of Aladdin, we made edible magic carpets!  Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Edible Magic Carpets

We started by talking about what we were going to MAKE.  We discussed what “edible” means and our students had to convey that it is something that we can EAT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first thing we had to do was vote on a color for the magic carpets.  We decided to choose between yellow and blue: our school colors.  Each student voted and it was a tight race throughout. Since we had an even number of students and there was a tie, we had our Vision teacher make the tie-breaking choice.  Blue magic carpets.

 

 

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

We PUT a container of Cool Whip into a BOWL and added some drops of BLUE food coloring.  Each student HELPed STIR the Cool Whip.  We made observations about how it looked DIFFERENT once the food coloring was all mixed in.

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

Next, each student got one graham cracker to PUT on a PLATE.

They each got some of the blue Cool Whip and they had to SPREAD it to cover the graham cracker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we PUT multicolored sprinkles on a spoon and they SPRINKLED it all over the top.

 

 

 

 

 

They are almost too pretty to eat——ALMOST 🙂

 

 

What a magical week! Join us again for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!

And don’t forget to check your spam folder for your confirmation email if you want to follow us.

Jan27

Movies We Love

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Movies We Love

January 19 was National Popcorn Day so we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to do another movie theme—they are just so much fun! Our sensory groups explored colorful movie themed boxes. The fine motor groups made cartoon character art projects and the language group got to be movie critics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Students searched for letter M’s to find in this box of popcorn kernels.

The students loved the feel of the kernels running through their hands!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of fun movie themed items could be found in this box. There were some plastic and plush characters from movies in this box including Winnie the Pooh and Toy Story.

Since it is fun to eat a snack during movies, we put in a popcorn box and some play food.

 

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

For our Peter Pan box, we put in a Captain Hook figure and a crocodile cookie cutter.

 

 

 

 

 

The green kinetic sand was especially eye catching and so much fun to explore!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We thought these potato flakes resembled the look and feel of sawdust. They are soft but have a crunch quality—-very intriguing!

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the various circus figures, there was a spoon for scooping fun.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow the Yellowbrick Road was recorded on a voice output device to go along with Wizard of Oz discovery bottles.

The students had fun finding “ruby slippers” and “witchy shoes” in one of the bottles.

 

 

Glittery swirls in both bottles were mesmerizing and a huge hit with all the students this week!

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insta-Snow filled our Frozen box. The students were intrigued with the snow, not only is it fun to sift through fingers but actually FEELS cool—-just like the real thing!

 

 

 

 

Of course, we included some fun figures and a little scoop!

Science access point: recognize objects or materials as warm or cold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both Dory and Nemo could be found swimming around our little ocean this week. Not only were the colorful fish very eye catching but, they wiggled when strings were pulled!

 

 

 

Lots of fun with this splashy box!

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used Bath and Body Works “be enchanted” scent this week….. because doesn’t everyone want to be enchanted when they go the movies!

The students are encouraged to use the Pixon communication boards to indicate WHERE they want the lotion.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday, the students made Troll wigs using these templates: boy troll  girl troll

First, the students identified the color of their paper wig. We used PURPLE paper for the girl wigs and BLUE for the boy’s.

Science access point: match objects by one observable property, such as size or color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they used textured paint rollers to apply glue to the wigs. The rollers didn’t work quite as well as we had hoped, but the students still enjoyed using them.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The students used either BLACK or PURPLE glitter on their wigs. Everybody sang the glitter song of course! In case you are new to the blog, we sing “shake, shake, shake that glitter” to the tune of that old KC and the Sunshine band song 🙂

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                              Such cute hair!

Such cute Trolls!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made Dalmatians using this template: dalmatian

First, they identified the color of the ink and the shape of the stamp they were using.

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Next, the students stamped UP and DOWN to make spots on their Dalmatians. We made the stamps by adhering sticky back craft foam circles to sewing thread spools. The size of the spools makes them easy to grip for our students.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Then they glued their Dalmatians DOWN on to a piece of red construction paper.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point:  recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down.

 

 

 

 

TA—-spotty—–DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have 101 Dalmatians!

Well, almost 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We changed things up a little bit this week.  Although we still had food (we HAD to have some popcorn), our students didn’t participate in the making of any food.

Instead, our students acted as movie critics.  Each student had a chance to request to watch a movie clip from one of the movies from our book.

 

 

 

 

They had to use the sentence strip that was provided to say “I want to watch” and then they had to point to the movie they wanted to see.

 

 

 

 

The movie clips weren’t longer then about 2 1/2 minutes.  After the clip ended, each student had a chance to indicate that they thought the movie was good and they liked it, or they thought the movie was bad and they didn’t like it.

 

 

 

We used a voice output device that the students used to indicate if it was good or bad.

 

 

 

 

 

After watching the movies, our critics’ outcome was that the best movie out of all of the movies was Sherlock Gnomes, but there were 2 close seconds–Toy Story and Finding Dory.

We noticed that once we were all done, the room looked a little bit like a movie theatre with all the popcorn on the ground 🙂

 

 

 

 

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

Also, don’t forget to check your SPAM folder for your confirmation email if you want to follow us.

 

Dec2

Let’s go Shopping

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Let’s go Shopping

This time of year, there is a lot of shopping going on so we thought it would be a fun theme to pick for this week. Our sensory groups explored shopping themed boxes. The fine motor groups decorated shopping bags and the language group got to go shopping at our very own Owl Mart!

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Blue and yellow rice (our school colors) contained some the letter S—–for shopping, of course!

 

 

 

 

We also included some different sized spoons for scooping fun.

Science access point: recognize two objects that are identical to each other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our students ride buses when they go out into the community to shop.

 

 

 

 

 

There were two different school buses to drive along a black bean road.

Science access point: recognize the larger of two objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When going shopping you have to have money! We put paper money, play coins, a purse, a money clip, and dollar sign mardi gras beads.

 

 

 

 

We also put in a money themed discovery bottle which was lots of fun to shake. There were even some “credit/debit” cards.

Social studies access point: recognize coins as money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping for clothes is always fun! The students used cookie cutters shaped like a t-shirt, hat, and 2 different sized boots to cut clothes out of yellow moonsand.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our food court box was filled with lots of play food—-such as soda, cookies, burgers, and french fries!

The students loved the squeaky cupcake and pizza oven mitt!

 

 

 

 

The students had a lot of fun with the play food, but the green paper shred was pretty popular also!

Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cinnabons, another food court staple, inspired our messy play this week.

 

 

 

 

 

We thought our oobleck looked just like the frosting on those yummy treats!

Science access point: track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As usual, the students had so much fun exploring one of our favorite substances—-it’s amazing what you can make with a little cornstarch and water 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staying with the food court theme, hands were rinsed in Bath and Body Works cinnabon scented water.  There were a variety of different sized scoops and spoon for some splashy fun.

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanilla sugar scented lotion was a hit with the students this week!

 

 

 

 

Our students left the group with a sweet reminder of all the fun we had 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students used foam stamps to decorate canvas shopping bags.

First, we identified the shape of the shopping bags.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students chose stamps to decorate their bags. We glued plastic thread spools to the stamps to make them easier to hold. The students had to lift the stamps UP and DOWN.

Math access point: recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are ready to go shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students decorated their shopping bags using textured rollers!

First, they identified the shape of their bags.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

After paint was applied to the rollers, the students began rolling them across the canvas. We had a variety of cool textures to choose from!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’re going to shop til we drop!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Our school has a little student run store called the Owl Mart that our language group got to go to this week.  As a reward for good behavior, our students are able to earn “owl bucks”.  They can then use those owl bucks to buy different things at the Owl Mart.

We all walked over to the Owl Mart after reading the book, making sure to grab the bags that we had made during the fine motor group earlier in the week.

We worked on staying together while we walked.

 

 

 

 

 

When we got to the Owl Mart, students walked around with the staff to find something they wanted to buy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They could choose from toys, clothes, jewelry, books, stuffed animals, and Christmas objects.

 

 

 

 

 

Just like in the book, they had to make choices based on how many owl bucks they had.

 

 

 

 

 

Once they decided what they wanted, they had to go and pay for their item.  Students worked on counting out their money.  We had sentence strips for them to use if they needed HELP.

 

 

Once their items were bought, they put their new treasures in their bags.

 

 

 

 

 

Everybody was happy with their purchases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a successful trip 🙂

 

 

 

What a fun, fabulous week. Join us again next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

Don’t forget if check your SPAM folder for a confirmation email if you want to follow us 🙂

Sep2

Let’s Go On A Cruise

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Let’s Go On A Cruise

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

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

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

 

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

The vibrating tube was a big hit with the students 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

The students found everything to be pretty intriguing!

 

 

 

The sifter spoon we included was especially fun!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

The Mickey Mouse ears were especially popular….

 

 

 

 

 

our students totally rock a hat 🙂

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

This was an especially popular box this week!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 


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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

First the students identified a circle using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They chose which color marker they wanted to use.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adults stapled the 2 paper plates together and……

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA! Time to set sail!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anchors Aweigh!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

Here are some of the questions we asked:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Would you see polar bears or parrots in Alaska?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

Apr29

Sharky’s Band

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Sharky’s Band

This was a really fun week! Not only were we excited about our original book, but the whole unit was a blast. To add to the fun, on Thursday it was Take your Child to School Day so we had a couple of extra special guests this week!

 

 

Our sensory groups explored boxes with an aquatic theme. The fine motor groups painted with corn syrup to make their watery art projects and the language group made a “fishy” treat!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Our undersea umbrella is one of our favorites and has a pretty magical feel. We recorded the song “under the sea” from the Little Mermaid on our voice output device which added to the experience!

 

 

 

 

Match living things to their habitats is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Sharky’s band box featured a cute shark puppet, a lighted sea urchin toy,  and plush crab that made noise when squeezed. Of course, we included some musical instruments such as a ukulele, tambourine, and a colorful wooden noise maker—–this box was lots of fun!

 

The science access point recognize and respond to common sounds can be addressed here.

Here are a few more photos——

 

 

 

 

 

 

————-there was so much to explore!!!

 

 

 

 

 

This box was filled with color! The students molded pink Floam to make their own coral reefs. A sea turtle, fish, and octopus  could be added to the scene.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

We thought that our kinetic sand was a little like the sandy bottom of the ocean! There were a variety of “fishy” play dough stamps, sea shells, and a starfish  to press into the sand.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

There were 3 ocean themed discovery bottles that were very intriguing to the students—–very eye catching! Various items were in each bottle, including a toy submarine, some toy crabs, plastic fish, and a little toy submarine.

 

 

 

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

We also included some ocean blue pom pom yarn which was  a hit with some of the students 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students made waves or practiced writing the letter S in the “ocean foam” shaving cream tray.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Our miniature ocean featured some plastic “kelp” strands, a shipwreck, a glowing octopus, and a couple of cute fish. The students found the kelp particularly intriguing!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Our little ocean also featured bubbles which were totally giggle producing!

 

 

 

 

 

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Bath and Body Works has an ocean scent so of course we used it this week. Not sure if it actually smells like the ocean but it was pretty popular with the students 🙂

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made a Sharky picture using this: shark

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The students squeezed glue to the back of their shark……

 

 

 

 

 

 

…………..and then patted it DOWN on to their paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A googlie eye was added. This is an opportunity to work on pincer grasp or index isolation skills.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students used paint brushes to spread corn syrup (tinted with food coloring) around their paper. When the corn syrup dries it still looks shiny and wet—–very cool!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Some of the students used our adaptive paintbrush made by taping a regular brush to a wooden paint stirrer. While we helped keep the brush stabilized, the students actively moved the paintbrush around.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Sharky!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students colored some pop up cards Ms. Kim gave us—-perfect for our unit!

First the students identified the shape of their cards using communication symbols. They also identified the color of out corn syrup!

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students used crayons to color the details of the card.  When needed, adults helped the students differentiate different features and encouraged the use of different colors.

 

 

 

Recognize parts of objects is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

After they had finished coloring, the students added some of the colored corn syrup for a watery feel. They also added a picture of themselves wearing a mask and snorkel—-it looked super cute!

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Splish splash under the sea!

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a snack that we think Sharky and his band would really enjoy!  This week, we made an ocean in a cup.  Here’s the recipe we used: Let_s Make An Ocean In A Cup

We started out by putting vanilla pudding mix and milk into a bowl.  Each student got to feel the milk before we poured it in.  They had to indicate on their communication boards whether it was HOT or COLD.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

For the students who put the ingredients in the bowl, they had to first indicate HELP to inform that they wanted to help out.

 

 

 

 

 

Our students are getting better and better at using their communication boards!

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we added some blue food coloring to the ingredients.  Each student got to look in the bowl before we began mixing.  We talked about how it would look DIFFERENT once it was mixed.  The symbol for ‘different’ was modeled by adults.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Each student got to HELP turn the mixer on.  They had to indicate MORE to inform that more mixing was needed and ALL DONE to indicate that no more mixing was necessary.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Next, each student helped crush some graham crackers.  Again, the word DIFFERENT was used to show how the graham crackers looked once they were crushed up.

The science access point recognize a change in the appearance of an object, is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

Then we counted out how many cups we needed.  Each student got to have their cup right in front of them.  They each PUT some of the graham cracker “sand” in their cups.

 

 

 

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

We added 3 spoonfuls of pudding “ocean water” into the cup next, counting each spoonful as they were scooped out.

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, each student got 3 gummy fish.  They had to put each of them in their cup.  This required some prompting since each student wanted to put the fish directly into their mouths 🙂

Done!  It looks like an ocean in a cup but sure doesn’t taste like one 🙂  YUM!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We think we pulled off another great week!

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