This week we decided to take a look at some of the characters of ancient myths and legends around the world. The sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to different characters. The fine motor groups made some inspired headdresses and the language group made a not so mythical snack!
SENSORY GROUP
Our starry night umbrella was very eye catching and worthy of Nott the Norse goddess of the night! With some twinkle lights, a moon, and silver stars this really captured the students interest.
The science access points recognize that there are many stars in the sky and recognize a full moon as a circle can be addressed here.
Zeus is associated with weather—-especially thunderstorms. In this box, we put a fan for wind, a fiber optic toy for lighting, a rainstick, and a SUPER COOL thunder tube! This is the first time we got to use the thunder tube and it really did sound like the rumbling sounds of thunder. This box was a hit!
Recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is a science access point.
With glitter and sequins which made our play dough even more eye catching, the students used a butterfly shaped cookie cutter to make colorful wings like those of Egyptian goddess Isis.
The science access point recognize that the appearance of an object or material has changed, is addressed here.
In addition to a couple of ancient Egyptian figures, there were some pyramids, a rake, and 2 giant carrots in our play dirt box dedicated to Osiris who supposedly taught the world about farming. The play dirt feels similar to kinetic sand and the students had lots of fun with it.
Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move, is a science access point.
We think Venus would be tickled with all the hearts and valentines to discover in this box. There was red and white paper shred, heart beads, red bows, a valentine bear, and lots of other heart shaped items. Lots to explore and discover!
The math access point recognize similarities and differences in the size of objects is a math access point.
Yellow food coloring and gold glitter made our oobleck dedicated to Apollo pretty “sunny” this week.
The science access point track objects in motion can be addressed here.
Since Sedna was an Inuit sea goddess, we put some animals that might be seen around the arctic ocean regions. The students were able to scoop out toy animals such as a whale and walrus.
We also included a measuring cup for scooping fun.
The science access point recognize objects related to science by name, such as animal, can be addressed here.
Thor was associated with lots of different things including the oak tree so we used Bath and BodyWorks oak scent for our water this week. Since we didn’t have a matching lotion, we used their mahogany scent which we figured was close enough—-both truly heroic scents 🙂
Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
On Tuesday we made headdresses inspired by Venus. We found the supplies on the give away table—–one man’s trash is another’s treasure 🙂
We started by identifying the color of supplies using communication symbols.
Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.
Next, we cut pieces of bulletin board trim using switch operated scissors or paper trimmers.
Recognize the appearance of an object has changed is a science access point.
Then the students glued a large heart on to their paper strip.
The math access point recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape can be addressed here.
Ta DA!
We are spreading the love!
On Wednesday we made headdresses inspired by those worn by the ancient greeks and romans.
First the students identified the color of the leaves using communication symbols.
Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.
Then they also chose how many leaves they were going to put on their headdress.
Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.
The students twisted paper to make “grapevines”. Some of them could do this independently but most needed a little help. It was a great activity for bilateral coordination!
The science access point recognize the appearance of an object has changed is addressed here.
The students squeezed glue on to their leaves and then glued them DOWN on their grapevines.
Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down, is a math access point.
Ta—- toga—- DA!
Our students are legendary!
LANGUAGE GROUP
Since Osiris was a god who helped man learn to farm, we decided to make a smoothie made with ingredients that need to be farmed. Here is the recipe we used: Let_s Make A Blueberry Spinach Smoothie. Don’t let the ingredients trick you into thinking this isn’t going to be good!
We started out by putting some frozen blueberries into a blender. Each of our students got to touch the bag. They communicated that the bag felt COLD. We talked about how we needed to use a measuring cup in order to measure out the blueberries.
Recognize objects or materials as warm or cold, is a science access point.
Next, we added some frozen bananas to the blender. Our students had to request if they wanted to help by raising their hand or indicating “help” on their communication board.
We added some baby spinach to the blender next. This got a few funny looks, both from the students as well as the staff!
Milk and vanilla Greek yogurt were also added to the mix.
Recognize when an object is added to a situation, is a math access point.
Finally, we added some honey. Each of our students got to taste test the honey before we put it in the blender. We talked about how it tastes SWEET.
Our students took turns pressing the switch to activate the blender so we could blend all of the ingredients up. We counted out how many cups we needed (thank you to grandma for showing the kiddos how many cups we needed!) and poured some for each student.
Associate quantities with number names is a math access point. Solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more is another math access point addressed here.
All the students and adults thought this smoothie was pretty delicious, despite the ingredients being so deceiving 🙂
YUM!!!!
Join us again next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!