Tag Archives: Sensory

Sep3

Making Our Year Magical

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Making Our Year Magical

Because our school is where magic happens every day, Disney was chosen as the school wide theme this year. Of course this is right up our alley and this week we went all out Disney with our activities! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to different characters. The fine motor groups made art projects with a Disney flair and the language group made a yummy treat you can buy when visiting Disney World.

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

This first box was filled with some Disney character figures, Mickey ears, a Minnie Mouse mirror box, and a magic wand. Lots of things to explore and discover in this box! Of course, the Mickey ears were particularly popular 🙂

The language access point communicate recognition of familiar persons or objects can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

The students had fun pressing Disney images into our Bippity Boppity Boo blue moon sand.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Our Prince Charming rice box contained some plastic knights in 2 different colors to match and sort. There was also a little horse and a picture of the prince to find at the bottom of the box.

Recognize 2 objects that are identical to each other is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

We put 2 stretchy toys to let the students practice being strong like Hercules! There was a soft starchy dog and a stretchy bug also vibrated when pulled apart——eliciting lots of giggles 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

Our Tinker Bell light box was a huge hit and very entrancing to the students. There were 3 strands of battery operated lights in the box so it REALLY eye catching!

Recognize a source of light is a science access point.

Pretty darn magical——–

                                           if we do say so ourselves 🙂

 

 

 

 

The fairy dust discovery bottles were also very intriguing to the students. They loved watching the glitter swirling around. Both shaking and rolling the bottles produced similar results.

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

We put some fluorescent paint into our oobleck to make it MAGICAL this week. It really looked pretty awesome under the black light. We also added a little glitter for some extra sparkle!

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

 

 

 

 

Hands were rinsed in Ariel’s mermaid lagoon! Along with a little mermaid toy, we put in a measuring cup for scooping fun.

The math access point recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids can be addressed with this activity.

 

 

 

 

 

Our scent for the water play and lotion this week was Bath and BodyWorks One Thousand Wishes. We are not sure exactly what a thousand wishes smells like but the name kind of fit with our theme so— we went with it 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some Mickey Mouse ears using paper plates!

First we identified our paint color using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then we counted our paper plates and identified the number 2.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since we had two ears there was a lot of painting needed for this project, so we decided to use sponge brushes to get greater coverage.

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

 

 

 

 

 

We finished by stapling the “ears” onto  black paper plates (bought at the dollar store) with the center section cut out.

M I C —– K E Y

                                                           M O U S E!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday we made some magic wands!

The students got to choose a craft foam star and then identified the color using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students decorated their stars using an assortment of stickers and putting them DOWN onto their stars.Peeling the backing off those stickers is a great way to practice pincer grasp skills!

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

                                           We going to make it a magical year!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, we made a cool treat that is actually sold in Disney World–a Pineapple Whip.  Here is the recipe that we followed: Let_s Make a Disney World Pineapple Whip!

We started by pouring in a small can of pineapple juice followed by 3 tbsp of honey.  We asked our students what we would use to measure out the honey: a tablespoon or a measuring cup.

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

 

 

 

 

 

We then added some frozen pineapple.  Each student got to feel the bag.  They conveyed whether it felt HOT or COLD.  Recognize the temperature of items, such as food, as cool or warm is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Then we added the pineapple and some Cool Whip topping.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our students then had to turn on the food processor using a switch.  Since it was a little runnier than it was supposed to be, we added some ice.

Observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic is a science access point that can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

Once it was all blended and smooth, we counted out cups for each of our students——-7 cups for 7 students! Each student had to request a cup of Pineapple Whip and also a spoon if they wanted one.

                                                          YUMMMM!!!

The language access point adjust body movement or nonverbal expression with prompting as necessary to communicate wants and needs is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

This year truly is going to be magical!

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

Aug27

What Teachers Do For Fun!

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What Teachers Do For Fun!

Our staff are such a fun loving group that we decided to showcase them for our first theme of the year! We thought our students would also get a kick out of seeing the adults around them being a little goofy 🙂 The sensory, fine motor, and language groups this week were all related to the different ways the staff have fun!

So, welcome back to school and let the fun and learning begin!

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Every time we have an event at school, someone dresses up as Hootie the Owl—-our school mascot. For Hootie we put a little owl and the letters O-W-L in a box filled with birdseed. We don’t use birdseed a lot but it has a really cool feel that our students really loved exploring.

The science access point recognize common objects in the environment is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Digging holes on a sandy beach is a fun way to spend an afternoon! Our little beach contains kinetic sand which is always a lot of fun especially with the little shovel and rake we put in this box.

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

 

 

 

 

Playing with their dogs is another way some of our teachers have fun. The students used a dog shaped cookie cutter to cut out some green play dough puppies. We chose the unusual color because it’s Ms. Robin’s favorite color and she gave us her picture for our book 🙂

The science access point apply a push to move an object is addressed here. The math access point associate quantities with number names can also be addressed.

 

 

 

 

Our annual Talent Contest is always a hit with both students and staff showing off their talents! The Dancing Divas were totally fun and this box contained some props and voice output device with recorded music letting the students channel their own inner divas!

Recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is a science access point that can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 


Joy got to hang out with some Norwegian mountain trolls last summer—-how cool is that! In this box, 3 laminated trolls were added to climb around or hide in our grey Floam mountain.

The math access point associate quantities with number names can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Everyone knows teachers LOVE to glitter things—–so this week we glittered our shaving cream! We chose a bright pink glitter that was REALLY eye-catching.

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

 

 

 

 

Our water play basin was a little smaller than the water slide from Fun Day but there was still fun to be had. The students were pretty intrigued watching the spinning water wheel.

The science access point observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 


Ms. Maria sure looked like she was having fun eating her Columbian mango dessert so we used Bath and BodyWorks mango scent for both our water play and lotion this week. It was a nice sweet scent that the students really liked.

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students used glitter to decorate some “Dancing Diva” musical notes made from black construction paper using this: music note

We started by letting our students choose which color glitter they wanted to use. They had a choice of green, red, or purple—–with the overwhelming favorite being PURPLE!

The language access point adjust body movement or nonverbal expression with prompting as necessary to communicate wants and needs is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

After squeezing out some glue, the students used a brush to spread it around.

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

 

 

 

 

Singing to the tune of that KC and The Sunshine Band song it’s “Time to SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE, SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE, Shake that glitter”!

The math access point solve problems involving small quantities of actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

TA la la DA!

                                                                 So sparkly!

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students again used glitter but this time they decorated some wooden door hangers. These were left over from another project and we had just enough for this group!

First the students chose their door hanger and then used  brushes to “paint” them with glue.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next the students identified each glitter color using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students used the different colored glitters to decorate their door hangers. Shaking that glitter again 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                             Glitterville!!!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

It is SOOOOO hot here, so our recipe was a cold one that was very appreciated!  This week we made mango frosties.  Here is the recipe we used: Let_s Make a Mango Frosty!

Throughout the group, picture symbols were presented to the students to help them locate the appropriate symbols on their communication boards.  The adults in the room helped model the use of the boards.

We started by measuring out the coconut milk.  We talked about how we needed a measuring cup rather than measuring spoons.  We then added the honey, vanilla, and salt.  Our students were great helpers and poured each ingredient into the food processor.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Since Cara accidentally forgot the lime at home (whoops!), we skipped that part and went onto the frozen mangoes and bananas.   We brought the frozen fruit around and each student touched the bag.  We talked about how COLD the bags were.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Once all the ingredients were in the food processor, our students helped turn it on by activating a switch.  It took a little while to get really smooth so each student had a chance to help out.

The math access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects or action using language, such as enough, too much, or more is addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

When the frosty was ready, we counted out cups for each of our friends.

                                                         We needed 7!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Then, our favorite part, we got to eat!

YUM!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a great start to the school year!

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

May21

Let’s Go To The Beach

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Let’s Go To The Beach

Summer vacation is coming up soon so you know what that means—–let’s go to the beach!  The sensory groups explored boxes filled with items you might find at the beach. The fine motor groups made beach themed art projects out of paper plates and the language group made a beach inspired treat.

It was a fun filled week and a great theme to end this school year!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Play sand is a great medium to explore. Not only is it soft to the touch but so fun to watch stream down through the funnel we put in this box!

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Down near the water the sand denser and perfect for building sandcastles—–like our moon sand! In this box a plastic crab, toy sea turtle and 2 shells could be found. There was also a fun play dough toy. It could be used to make sand castles or rolled along to make footprints in the sand—-very cool!

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

 

 

 

 

 

While we don’t have any black sand beaches here, we think they would be pretty cool to explore! Our black sand beach was actually kinetic sand—-always popular with both students and staff! Everyone loves the way kinetic sand feels but since it molds well, we put a cute starfish mold in this box.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Playing along the seashore means feeling a cool breeze and water spray. There were a variety of hand operated fans to mimic ocean breezes. We had some with whirling lights and others that did not have blades at all—-very cool!

The students found them fascinating.

The really fun part of this box was our misting water bottle! After we sprayed the water into the air, there were LOTS of giggles from the students as the water droplets fell down on them 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, with a beach unit we HAD to include our ocean umbrella! Both dolphin and whale sounds were recorded on a voice output device. As usual, this umbrella was a hit—-it really is one of our favorites 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

Since this is our last post of the year—–and our students are so VERY cute,

                                                here are a few more photos 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

For our messy play this week we asked the students to make wavy ocean wave lines in our “sea foam” shaving cream. A really fun way to work on pre-writing skills!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Our water play featured a fun little fish and some different sized scoops. Water is always fun for our students and a great way to rinse off messy hands 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

Sunscreen is a MUST for a day at the beach! Bath and BodyWorks aruba coconut bath gel in our water and its matching scented lotion left our students smelling like they had spent a day at the beach!

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students made paper plate sea shells. To make the plates look like shells we just freehanded a little curve along each side of a small paper plate—-pretty easy.

To start out we asked the students to identify the color of our paint using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the students painted their sea shells PINK!

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

 

 

 

 

 

We added some glitter to give the shell a little sparkle!

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!

Fabulous sea shells!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made crabs using paper plates. Paper plates were folded in half and stapled prior to the group. We also pre-made the crab pincers.

Using communication symbols, the students identified the color of the paint they were going to use to paint their crabs.

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

 

 

 

 

They also identified a semi-circle—–the shape of our crabs!

Recognize a half of an object as part of the whole object is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

The students added 2 crab pincers (made with chenille stems and construction paper) by putting the chenille stem through holes punched in the plates. They did a really great job with this!

The math access point associate quantities with number names can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Then the students painted their crabs with bright YELLOW paint!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 glue dots were added for 2 googlie eyes! We pre-glued the googlie eyes on to paper circles to make for easier handling.

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

 

 

 

 

 

TA DA!!!

Such cute little yellow crabs!

 

 

 

 

They are super cute BUT…….

better watch out for those crab claws 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

We did things a little bit differently today.  Instead of making something to eat, we made ourselves a nice cool drink!  We made a copycat recipe of Sonic’s Ocean Water drink.  Here’s the recipe we used: Let_s Make Sonic Ocean Water

We started out by measuring some sugar.  We talked about how we use measuring spoons rather than measuring cups.  We added some water and then microwaved the ingredients for 30 seconds.

 

 

 

 

 

While the ingredients were in the microwave, we talked about how things get HOT when they are heated up.  Once the sugar and water was finished, we stirred it up and let it sit for a bit to cool down. When it was safe, the students got to feel the warm bowl.

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

 

 

 

 

 

We counted out 4 drops of food coloring and then added some coconut extract.  We stirred it all up and watched as the color CHANGED.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We POURED 2 cans of sprite into a pitcher.

Then we poured the other ingredients in and stirred it all up and……

VOILA! We created our own Ocean drink!

The math access point associate quantities with number names is addressed here. The science access point recognize a change in an object is also addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

Our students got to request if they wanted any goldfish crackers to go with their drink.  They were only given a small amount and had to ask for MORE if they wanted more.

Both the drink and the crackers were hits 🙂

Indicate desire for more of an action or object is  math access point.

I think we’re all ready to visit the beach!

 

 

 

 

Well thank you for joining us! We hope you enjoy your summer as much as we plan to! Hope to see you in the fall for more fun and learning Group by Group!

May14

Sweet Treats

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Sweet Treats

Ms. Erika, one of our interns, loves candy and came up with this theme for us—–she did a pretty great job! Our sensory groups explored colorful, candy themed boxes. The fine motor groups made sweet art projects and the language group made a Sweet Treat of course!

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

Don’t you love how our dyed beans turned out—–so colorful and eye catching! They looked just like real jelly beans. We were a little concerned that our students would try to eat them but fortunately it did not turn out to be a problem 🙂 We put in 3 letter C’s for the students to find.

The math access point recognize two objects that are the same size or color can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

Some candies are SOFT and others are HARD. In this box we put in a variety of items that were either hard or soft for our students to compare and contrast. There were lots of fun things for the students to explore and they really had a blast!

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

 

 

 

 

Watermelon Kool-aid made our play dough a PERFECT bubble gum pink—-it really looked like the real thing! The students used an oval shaped cookie cutter to cut out pieces of “gum”.

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

 

 

 

 

 

There were tons of colorful foam “circus” peanuts for the students to scoop and pour in this next eye catching box!

The math access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects using language, such as enough, too much, or more, can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

There were 2 different sized heart shaped cookie cutters in this box. The students used them to cut out Bubber “candy” hearts.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Cocoa powder was added to the oobleck this week to make “chocolate” syrup! It smelled REALL good and the students were quite fascinated with it.

The science access point track the movements of objects that are pushed or pulled can be addressed here.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Kim got us some packages of Mr. Bubble Magic Bath Crackles for our water play this week. These things were AWESOME—-like pop rocks on steroids. We could hear them crackling from across the room! Hard to photograph of course, but take our word for it—–this was cool 🙂

Recognize and respond to common sounds is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

Vanilla sugar scent from Bath and BodyWorks was the perfect scent for this week. Our students left the group smelling just like sweet treats themselves 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students made some “chocolate” donuts!

First they identified a circle using communication symbols.

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as circle is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then they painted their “donuts” with glitter glue.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Time to add sprinkles!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Ta Da!!!!!!

                                                  These are SWEET!

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made a bowl of candy using this: candy bowl template

First they identified the shape of our paper—–a rectangle!

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, such as circle is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

Next they identified the shape of the candy—-a circle!

Again, the math access point Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes, is addressed here.

 

 

 

Then they started stamping LOTS of colorful circles in their candy dishes. We used dollar store stamps with craft foam circles stuck to the bottom of the caps. They worked pretty well.

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

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!!!!

Time for some sweet treats!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, we made some treats with one of nature’s candies: blueberries!  Here is the recipe that we used: Let_s Make Blueberry Delights

We started out by making vanilla pudding.  Each of our students felt the bottle of milk and indicated on their communication board that it was COLD.

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

 

 

 

 

We PUT 2 cups of milk into a bowl and then added the white chocolate pudding mix.  Before each item was poured into the bowl, the student helping had to indicate– either verbally, with sign, or with their communication board– that they wanted to help.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Each student got to help MIX the ingredients using a switch.  Throughout, they had to indicate that the pudding had to be mixed MORE until it was all done.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we added some blueberry pie filling to the pudding and STIRRED it around.  Then we counted out fillo shells for each student and added 1 spoonful to each shell.

The science access point recognize changes in observable properties of materials can be addressed here. The math access point associate quantities with number names is also addressed.

 

 

 

 

Last, each student had to indicate whether or not they WANTed whipped cream or if they just wanted to get started eating their sweet treat 🙂

 

                                                                   YUM!

 

 

 

 

We had a pretty SWEET time this week 🙂 Join us again for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

May7

Japan

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Japan

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

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

Recognize a source of light is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

The light box was really popular….

especially with the lights turned off!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made cherry blossom pictures!

They started by identifying the color PINK using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next they used a brown marker to make tree branches.

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

He is getting really good at using his switch!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta Da

We are ready for the cherry blossom festival!

 

 

 

 

 

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

First we identified the color ORANGE using communication symbols.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

The students took turns adding their koi to the pond!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA! We made some colorful koi!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Then it was time to EAT.

YUM!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

Apr30

Spring Fun

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Spring Fun

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

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Next the students added some sparkly blue glitter!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

                                              Congratulations class of 2017!

 

 

 

 

 

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

First the students counted out 3 craft foam star stickers.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love our seniors!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Lots of fun and excitement!

 

 

 

 

 

Everybody LOVED their teddy bears!

                                                         They were a hit!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

The ice-cream was REALLY yummy 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Everybody showed off their best moves 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

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

We LOVE to dance!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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

So many great pictures come from the photo booth!

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apr23

Beatrix Potter

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Beatrix Potter

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

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

Recognize objects as the same is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

 

The students really had fun with the rice this week 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

We emphasized stamping UP and DOWN.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Ta DA!!!!!!!!

                                                      ——hippity hoppity!

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to glue everything DOWN!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA quack quack DA!

These are some happy ducks!

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we added our chopped carrots.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our students took turns activating the blender using a switch.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

YUM!!!!!

 

 

 

 

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

 

Apr16

National Siblings Day

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National Siblings Day

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

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

The students had fun with this one!

Recognize objects that create sounds is a science access point.

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Since apple blossoms are the state flower of Arkansas—where Ms. Robin’s sister lives—-we chose Bath and Body Works country apple for our scent this week!

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made door hanger presents for THEIR siblings!

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

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

 

 

 

 

Then they got to choose which door hanger to decorate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next they used paint brushes to apply glue.

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

 

 

 

 

Time for glitter—-lots of it!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta Da—-we love how these turned out!

Our students are going to have some very happy siblings 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made picture frames for their siblings!

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

Ta DA—–so colorful!!!!

There are going to be some more happy siblings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Really neat!

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

Apr9

Cinderella Monkey’s Birthday

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Cinderella Monkey’s Birthday

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

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

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students wrapped presents—-sort of 🙂

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A big bow for a finishing touch and….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

A little glitter never hurts 🙂

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta Da!

                                                           Time to eat cake!

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

YUM!  It turned out great!

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

Apr2

The History of Basketball

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The History of Basketball

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

 

 

 

 

 

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made their own basketball playbooks!

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

TA Da—-game on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday the students made paper plate basketballs!

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

TA DA—-time to play!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

                                               Finally, we had a winner!

 

 

 

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

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