Tag Archives: kids

Nov18

Wyoming book

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Wyoming book

To celebrate National Take A Hike Day (November 17) we are learning about Wyoming.  Wyoming has lots of cool places to take a hike like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.  We learned about some common animals that are seen in Wyoming and also found out that the national food is pinto beans.  Our own Joy took a trip to Wyoming this summer with her family so we featured some of her pictures in the book as well.  Take a look to learn about this beautiful state!

 

 

Here is a link to the book: Let_s Learn About Wyoming

Nov18

Wyoming

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Wyoming

November 17 is National Hiking Day, so we are looking at the state of Wyoming—–a great place to go hiking! The sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about the state. The fine motor groups’ art projects were symbols of Wyoming and the language group made a yummy dip using pinto beans—the state food!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Since we are recognizing National Hiking Day, we had to include a hiking box with this unit! The box contained plastic pine branches and a “petrified wood” tree.

 

 

 

 

There was also a small backpack, compass, and sunglasses. We even included a plush grizzly bear and bison! Wolf howls were recorded on a voice output device. The students were pretty fascinated by the wolf sound we recorded on a voice output device.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinto beans are the state food of Wyoming!

 

 

 

 

 

The students had fun running their hands through this box of dried beans to find letter W.

 

Math access point: recognize two objects that are the same size or color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wyoming is known as the “cowboy state”. We put 2 horses, a cow, and a little cowgirl to find in this box of brown rice. There was a picture of a cowboy to find underneath.

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: match animals that are the same.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fossil Butte national monument has the richest deposit of fish fossils—-which we thought was pretty cool!

 

 

 

 

The students used plastic fish and bones to make “fossil” impressions in kinetic sand. We found a cool plastic frog skeleton that was also included in this box.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wyoming gets a LOT of snow! Insta-snow is pretty close to the real thing—-it even feels a little cold!

 

 

 

 

A small shovel and measuring cup were used to practice scooping skills.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The snow capped Grand Tetons are one of our national parks. We had the students swirl shaving cream “snow” around a laminated Grand Tetons.

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of fun here 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yellowstone National Park is also located in Wyoming. One of the features of the park are the colorful prismatic hot springs.

 

 

 

To make our mini version, we used colorful Crayola bath drops and white craft foam (to simulate the crusty top of the springs). A measuring cup and small funnel added to the fun.

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

The state tree of Wyoming is the Plains Cottonwood, so we chose Bath and Body Works cotton scent for this week.

 

 

 

 

As usual, the students used vocalizations, gestures, or communication symbols to indicate WHERE they wanted the lotion.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday we made a bison using this template: bison

First, using communication symbols, we identified the color of the bison.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students glued their bison DOWN on to a blue background.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, the students used either tabletop or regular scissors to snip small pieces of brown fluffy yarn.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students applied some glue (with help as needed) to their bison then added yarn.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at our herd of bison!

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made the Grand Tetons!

First, the students identified the color BLUE.

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

Then, they identified a TRIANGLE.

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students used paper cutters or regular scissors to cut out triangles. We discussed that triangles have 3 sides!

Math access point: recognize the sides of a triangle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They glued their triangle “mountains” on to a blue background, then used glue spreaders to add glue to the top.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Time to add the snow! We enlarged the holes in the tops of some spice jars and filled them with fake snow. This worked pretty well but we found that it was better if we didn’t “pack” the snow into the container.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA—-Grand Teton—– DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lets visit Wyoming!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since the state food of Wyoming is pinto beans, we decided to make some pinto bean dip for our language group today.  Here is the recipe we used: Let_s Make Pinto Bean Dip

We started by PUTTING a can of rinsed pinto beans into a food processor.

The student who wanted to HELP had to indicate HELP on their communication board or verbally state that they wanted to HELP.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had to turn the food processor on to get the beans mashed up a bit before adding the other ingredients.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we PUT 2 tbsp of sour cream into the food processor.  The students were shown a tsp and a tbsp and had to indicate which one was BIGGER.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We added the ranch seasoning mix next.  We talked about how we were using the SMALL measuring spoon.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After all the ingredients were PUT into the food processor, each student had a chance to TURN the food processor on until the ingredients were smooth. They always have fun with this part 🙂

Science access point: recognize that electrical systems must be turned on (closed) in order to work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We PUT the dip into a microwaveable bowl and added a little bit of cheese.  The students indicated that we should PUT MORE cheese into the bowl.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of our students helped TURN on the microwave.  We talked about how the dip would be HOT once it was done.

Science access point: recognize the temperature of items, such as food, as cool or warm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After each student indicated that they WANTed to EAT, they got a spoonful of dip and some chips.

YUM!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Also, don’t forget to look for your confirmation email if you want to follow us. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your SPAM folder!

 

Nov11

We Salute the Troops book

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We Salute the Troops book

We’re celebrating Veteran’s Day this week by learning about all of the different brances of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.  There are a couple of facts about each of the branches in the book and we have students that are dressed up like a soldier from each branch as well.  It’s pretty cute, if we say so ourselves…and we do 🙂  Check it out and help us celebrate all those in the military.

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: We Salute The Troops-

Nov11

We Salute The Troops

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We Salute The Troops

We learned about our armed forces this week. The sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to different services branches. The fine motor groups decorated service vehicles with camouflage and the language group made a patriotic treat.

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

This box was dedicated to animal mascots—-goat for the Navy, bulldog for the Marines, bear for the Coast Guard, mule for the Army, and falcon for the Air Force. There were plush or laminated pictures of each of the mascots in this box. The Marine Corps hymn was recorded on a voice out put device and also placed in this box.

 

Social studies access point: recognize a patriotic song.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little Coast Guard ship roamed around this blue kinetic sand ocean.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

There were 6 (3 in green and 3 in desert uniforms) Army soldiers to find in this box of “camouflage” beans. It was made by combining a variety of dried beans and we think it looks pretty cool.

 

 

 

 

Math access point: solve simple problems involving joining sets of objects with the same quantity to 3.

 

 

 

 

We went pretty patriotic with the play dough this week—-we had red, white, and blue! The students used cookie cutters with letter M (for Marines) and a star shape.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Our rice was red, white, and blue too! There was a picture of planes to find at the bottom of the box and a little plane to fly around in the rice. There were also 3 letter A’s—-for Air Force.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

A little Air Force jet flew around in some fluffy shaving cream clouds for our messy play this week.

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Navy ship and a Navy submarine floated around our ocean. There were 2 different sized measuring cups included for scooping fun.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went with Bath and Body Works ocean scent this week—-in honor of the Navy and Coast Guard armed forces.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students tore green, brown, and tan paper into pieces and glued them onto an Army transport truck using this template: army truck

First, using communication symbols the students identified the colors BLACK, GREEN, and BROWN.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

They tore BIG pieces paper into SMALL pieces.

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they glued the pieces of paper DOWN on to their trucks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go ARMY!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students painted fighter jets using this template: fighter jet

First, they identified the colors of the paint.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

After paint was added to a stamper, the students stamped UP and DOWN on their jets. We made the stampers by adding foam stickers to some kitchen scrubbers.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Go Air Force!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

In honor of Veterans Day, we made some edible American flags during the language group.  Here is the recipe that we used: Let_s Make Edible American Flags

We started by each student getting 1 graham cracker.  In order to get the graham cracker, they had to request it using WANT and then pointing to the picture of the graham cracker.  When asked where the graham cracker should be put, our students had to indicate PUT and then point to the picture of the plate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, each student got a spoonful of vanilla frosting.  They had to spread it on the cracker, asking for HELP if they needed it.

Once it was spread, each student got to lick the spoon.  They had to indicate whether it tasted SWEET or SOUR.

 

 

 

 

Each student then got 4 blueberries.  If they were not given the entire amount, they had to request MORE.  They had to follow the direction to PUT the blueberries in the top left corner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, they each got some cut up strawberries.  They had to follow the direction to PUT the strawberries in lines on the cracker.  If they did not have enough, they had to request MORE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once they were ALL DONE, they had to indicate that they wanted to EAT the edible flag.

Yummy AND patriotic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Also, don’t forget to look for your confirmation email if you want to follow us. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your SPAM folder!

 

Nov4

Candy Land book

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Candy Land book


We’re talking all about the game, Candy Land, this week during our groups and it has been so much fun!  The book features some of our students dressed up as characters from the game such as Gramma Nutt, King Kandy, and Princess Frostine.  The background of the book was painted with Ms. Judy during art and it’s so colorful and pretty to look at!

 

Here is a link to the book:  Let’s Play Candy Land

Nov4

Candy Land

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Candy Land

Every kid’s favorite board game and perfect theme for the end of October—-Candy Land! The sensory groups explored boxes related to each of the characters in the game. The fine motor groups made candy inspired art projects and the language group hosted a Candy Land party. It was a super fun week!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Candy colored beans filled this King Candy box. There were letter K’s and C’s to find and match in this eye catching box.

 

 

 

Science access point: identify objects by an observable property, such as size, shape, and color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students used Mr. Potato Head pieces and purple Bubber to make their own Plumpy characters. We like how the Bubber feels a lot like circus peanuts, making it perfect for this unit!

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our snowflake umbrella is showing it’s age, but it still looked pretty with the glittery foam candy shapes we added. We think Queen Frostine would certainly approve!

 

 

 

 

The students had fun counting the gingerbread men and candy eggs that were hanging down.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And a couple more photos—-they really liked this umbrella!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red and black was the theme for Lord Licorice’s box.

 

 

 

 

 

There were hard beads and soft chenille stems to explore or sort.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A circle shaped cookie cutter was used to make “lollipops” in colorful rainbow kinetic sand.

 

 

 

So mesmerizing to watch the colors oozing together! The Lollipop Princess would just love this stuff 🙂

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as a circle or square.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The character Gloppy is a big drippy fudge monster. With the addition of cocoa powder and some big googlie eyes, the students made their own Gloppy monsters!

 

 

 

Lots of drippy fun!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students scooped out foam noodle “peppermints” in our water play this week. We also added Bath and Body Works peppermint scented bubble bath to the water for a totally Mr. Mint experience!

 

 

 

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used the matching peppermint scented lotion to leave our students smelling sweet as candy this week 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

This strong sweet scent really captured the students’ attention!

Science access point: recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made glittery paper lollipops!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as a circle or square.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the students painted glue on to the circle. The lollipop stick was already attached so that made it easier for the students to hold.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Then, it was time to “shake, shake, shake that glitter”.

We passed each color around so everyone got a little (or a lot) of each color 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize that the appearance of an object or material has changed.

 

 

 

 

TA—-lollipop—- DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SWEET!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made mini Candy Land boards—-and put themselves in the game!

First, we looked at a real Candy Land game board and identified its shape. The students used communication devices, verbalization, or pointing to communicate their answer.

 

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as a circle or square.

 

 

 

 

Each student got to choose a different colored strip of paper. Of course, we asked them to identify the color of their strip using communication symbols.

 

 

 

 

Science access point: identify objects by an observable property, such as size, shape, and color.

 

 

 

 

Then, they cut on the lines to make squares. The students used regular scissors, adapted scissors, or switch operated scissors to cut their paper.

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as a circle or square.

 

 

 

 

 

We divided up the different colored squares among the students so the students could start gluing them down on their “game boards”. Adults drew a curvy guide line with a pencil.

 

 

 

 

Math access point: recognize the next step in a simple pattern or sequence of activities.

 

 

 

 

Cute little gingerbread men (we traced around a cookie cutter to get the shape) with the students faces were added and……….Ta DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Play Candy Land!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We decided to have a little party during the language group this week.  The students in the language group got dressed up as the characters in Candy Land for a parade.

 

 

 

We talked about who was in the FRONT of the parade and who was in the BACK of the parade.

 

 

 

 

We made our way all around the elementary building,

and the crowd was pretty entertained!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we all joined together to have a little Candy Land party!

Students were able to request what they wanted to eat using picture symbol sentence strips.  They had to indicate “I want _____” in order to get what they wanted: M&Ms, Trix, chips, or a drink.

 

 

 

 

If they were not given a lot at first, they had to request MORE.

 

 

 

 

We practiced our social skills with our friends while listening to Halloween music and eating our snacks.

 

 

 

 

 

We had lots of fun all around 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

Everyone got to pose in front of the backdrop we used in our Candy Land book.

 

 

 

Say CANDY LAND!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

What a great way to end the month, join us again next time for more fun and learning—-Group by Group!

Also, don’t forget to look for your confirmation email if you want to follow us. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your SPAM folder!

Oct28

Favorite Book Characters

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Favorite Book Characters

We are celebrating National Book Month by looking at some of our favorite book characters. Our sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to the characters featured in our book. The fine motor groups turned book characters into art projects and the language group made a yummy Very Hungry Caterpillar inspired treat.

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

There was a lot of dress up fun and giggles in our Fancy Nancy box. There was a fabulous feather boa, beads, and a variety of “fancy” sunglasses.

 

 

 

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

Yep, our students totally rocked this look 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOO CUTE……

and way too cool for school  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Pinkalicious rice had some letter P’s to find, a large pink scoop, small pink spoon, as well as a picture of the character herself to find at the bottom of the box.

 

 

 

 

The students found the pretty rice very eye catching and as usual, loved running their fingers through it.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green Floam was used for our Babar box. We picked green to match the suit he wore. The students could make their own elephants or press an elephant shaped cookie cutter in to it.

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, the cookie cutter didn’t work to cut out elephants like we had hoped but the students still had fun exploring the Floam 🙂

Science access point: recognize that objects can stick together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a hungry caterpillar and some play food to find in this colorful box of pasta. The bright green caterpillars and red butterflies were very eye catching!

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize that animals eat food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheerleader pompoms made great Truffula trees in this box dedicated to The Lorax. Bright, colorful and SO much fun to shake—–these are always a favorite with our students!

 

 

 

Lots of future school cheerleaders here!

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amelia Bedelia may not have been a very good maid, but she made fantastic pies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students had fun exploring the shaving cream “meringue”.

There were also a few giggles along the way 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Foam letters that spelled R E A D were scooped out of our water this week.

 

 

 

 

 

Since one of our favorite book characters is Goodnight Gorilla, we used banana scented bubble bath from Walmart to scent the water.

Science access point: recognize that an object can move in different directions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We used our World Market banana scented lotion this week.

 

 

 

 

They loved the yummy way is smelled when rubbed on hands, arms, or behind ears!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday we made Where the Wild Things Are monster puppets using this: monster

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students used scissors to snip around the circle to make monster “fur”. They used regular or adaptive scissors.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to add some MONSTER features—-nose, eyes, teeth, and horns!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild Things!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made Babar crowns!

We started by squeezing white and black paint into a container.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students mixed the paint together and saw that black and white mixed together make GREY.

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, using communication symbols, they chose how many elephants to stamp on their crown.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We adapted a foam elephant stamp by hot gluing a plastic thread spool to it which made it easier for our students to use. The students stamped UP and DOWN on their paper strip.

A tiny gold crown was put on the head of one of the elephants to make him Babar!

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students loved their Babar crowns!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We’re back to making a delicious treat this week in the language group.  We were inspired by one of the foods that the Very Hungry Caterpillar ate: cherry pie.  We made our own rendition of it, though.  Here is the recipe that we used: Let_s Make Very Hungry Caterpillar Cherry Cheesecake

**Words that are capitalized were targeted on our recipe communication boards**

 

 

 

 

We started by PUTTING the cheesecake pudding mix into a BOWL.  The student who wanted to HELP PUT the mix in had to indicate HELP on their board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the mix was in the bowl, we got some milk out.  Each student touched the milk and located COLD to describe how the milk felt.  2 students got to HELP measure the milk out.  After we PUT 1 milk carton into the measuring cup, we saw that it wasn’t enough milk and we needed MORE.  We PUT 1 more milk carton in and now saw that it was enough and we were ALL DONE with the milk.

Science access point: recognize the temperature of items, such as food, as cool or warm.

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

 

 

 

After a student poured the milk into the BOWL it was time to use the MIXER.  Each student had a TURN to press the switch to TURN on the mixer.

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize that electrical systems must be turned on in order to work.

 

 

 

 

Once the pudding was ALL DONE, we got the pie crust ready.  Students HELPed PUT the pudding into the pie crust.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of our students helped open our can of cherry pie filling then each student got to taste a little bit of it.  They indicated on their board whether it tasted SWEET or SOUR.

We found that our students are not huge fans of cherry pie filling by itself 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

We topped the pie with the cherry pie filling and voila!

Each student had to indicate WANT EAT on their boards so they could have a piece of their pie.

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed our post this week. Join us again for more fun and learning——-Group by Group!

Also, don’t forget to look for your confirmation email if you want to follow us. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your SPAM folder!

Oct21

Florida Animals book

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Florida Animals book

This week, we are learning all about some of the animals that live in Florida.  This goes hand-in-hand with the Unique theme for the month which is all about animal habitats.  We have lots of really neat animals here–from alligators and manatees to black bears and panthers.  The front cover features one of our students as a black bear while the 2 students on the The End page are dressed as a flamingo and alligator.  Take a look to learn about some of our awesome animals!

 

 

 

Here is a link to the book: Look At The Animals In Florida

Oct21

Florida Animals

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Florida Animals

This week we learned about Florida animals and their habitats. This compliments the Unique Curriculum unit of our students this month. Each of the sensory group boxes was centered around a specific animal. The fine motor groups made animal themed art projects and the language group played animal sound Bingo.

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

This woodland box contained leaves, pine cones, and flowers that you might see while walking in the Florida woods. We also put in some plush and plastic animals that also wander those woods such as panthers, deer, raccoons, and squirrels

 

 

The students loved listening to the animal sounds we recorded on a voice output device.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize objects related to science by name, such as animal, and plant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Our black bear box contained some soft fake fur and two cute little plush bears.

 

 

 

 

Science access point: match animals that are the same.

 

 

 

 

There were pictures of seagulls and pelicans to find at the bottom of our sandy beach box. We included 2 different sized scoops and a funnel which were lots of fun!

 

 

 

 

Science access point: track objects in motion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida has LOTS of squirrels! In our part of the state you sometimes get a glimpse of a white albino squirrel— how cool is that! The students used a squirrel shaped cookie cutter to cut  squirrels out of moon sand.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are lots of different kinds of birds in Florida, including the mockingbird which is our state bird. We put models of some of these different birds in this box of bird seed.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with some leaves, bugs, and snakes, a  couple of different alligators roamed around a green jello Everglades swamp this week.

 

 

 

 

Science access point: match living things with their habitats.

 

 

 

 

Our water play contained a shark and dolphin—marine animals that can be found in Florida waters. There were also 2 different sized measuring cups for scooping fun.

 

 

 

Science access point: Recognize different containers that hold liquids.

 

 

 

 

Oranges are a symbol of Florida and something that our animals might like to snack on, so we thought that Bath and Body Works orange lotion was the perfect scent to finish our group!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Wednesday the students made zebra longing butterflies—our Florida state butterfly—using this: zebralongwing

First, we identified color of our butterfly.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using white paint, the students were instructed to paint LINES across their butterflies.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Then they glued their butterflies on to a sheet of blue paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Florida butterflies!

 

 

 

 

On Thursday the students made manatee habitats using this: manatee

First, we identified the color of our paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The students used a glue stick to apply glue ACROSS the back of a manatee, turned it OVER, and glued it DOWN on their paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students used scissors, adaptive scissors, and switch operated scissors to snip the green paper “sea grass”. After cutting, we crumpled it up a bit to give it more dimension.

 

 

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

 

 

 

 

 

After they had finished snipping their sea grass, they added it to the paper.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love manatees!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We changed it up a little bit this week.  Instead of making a tasty treat, we played a fun game of Florida animal BINGO!

Each student took a turn and listened to an animal sound.  They started by using picture symbol supports to say/indicate “I listen”.  The sounds of the different animals were recorded on a Go Talk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After listening to the animal sound, the students had to locate the correct animal.  If they did not know which animal it was, they had to use the picture symbol supports to say/indicate “I need help”.

They would then have to listen to a descriptor about the animal.  “This animal is black” or “this animal lives in the water”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the student figured out the correct animal, they would use the picture symbol supports to say/indicate “I hear a ___” and would either say the animal or locate the picture of the animal on their BINGO board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was really neat watching our students listening to the sounds.  They would get very quiet so they could hear.  They enjoyed hearing the growls and squeaks and tweets.

 

 

 

Science access point: recognize and respond to common sounds.

 

 

 

 

When the game was over, each student got to take the Go Talk and press whichever animal sound they liked the MOST.

 

 

 

 

 

BINGO!!!!

 

 

 

The students really had fun learning about Florida animals!  Join us again next time for more fun—–Group by Group!

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Oct7

Italy book

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Italy book

We are traveling all the way to Italy to learn a little bit about it for Italian-American Heritage month.  Our guidance counselor, Mrs. Lori, was lucky enough to take a trip to Italy this summer and she has graciously allowed us to use some of her beautiful pictures for our book.  You’ll have to read it to find out some really neat facts about Italy.

Take a look and celebrate Italian-American Heritage month!

 

 

Here is a link to the book:  Let’s Learn All About Italy