Tag Archives: Special Education

Jan19

Hobbies

Posted on January 19, 2020 by jd785

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

SENSORY GROUP

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

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

The accordion tube was a hit!

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

Ms. Laurie loves to cross stitch.

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

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

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

We also included a small rake.

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

Coach Kevin likes to golf in his spare time!

The students made golf balls with white Floam.

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

Ms. Kim enjoys reading.

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

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

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

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

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

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

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

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

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

Strawberry guava was a perfect choice!

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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

First, they identified the shape of their paper plate.

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

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

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

TA DA!!

We made collages like Ms. Jessica!

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

First, they identified the shape of of their paper.

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

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

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

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

Then they glued their picture on to a BIGGER rectangle!

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

TA DA!!

We are artists like Ms. Judy!

What a great hobby!!!!

LANGUAGE GROUP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

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

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

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

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Jan12

1920’s

Posted on January 12, 2020 by jd785

1920’s

Just into a brand new decade we decided to look back—–WAY back to the 1920’s! The sensory groups explored boxes related to different events of the decade. The fine motor groups crafted projects with paint and cardboard. The language group made a vintage recipe.

SENSORY GROUP

Rice in the colors of the Suffragette movement, celebrated the ratification of the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote.

There were numbers 1 9 2 0 and a picture of Suffragettes to find at the bottom of the box.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

The 1920’s was known as the Jazz Age!

The students enjoyed listening to some jazz recorded on a voice output device while exploring beads—-like the flappers used to wear.

Science access point: recognize objects that create sounds.

We found out the traffic light was invented in 1923 by Garret Morgan.

The students had fun sorting red, yellow, and green pompoms.

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

Charles Lindberg completed the first transatlantic plane flight in 1927. A vibrating massager simulated the feel of an old-time airplane.

To add to the effect we included some goggles and a toy airplane—-the students had a blast!

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

The massager REALLY was a hit 🙂

The stock market crash, which led to the great depression, occurred in 1929. The students looked for coins hidden in dollar symbol pasta (mixed with some regular pasta).

The students had fun exploring the different coins or shaking the pasta.

Social studies access point: recognize an example of money.

Baseball was considered the “national pastime” in the 1920’s. We learned that Babe Ruth set a home run record that stood for 70 years—-how cool is that!

We had the students make circles, like baseballs, in shaving cream.

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

Mickey Mouse first appeared in Steamboat Willie in 1928.

Our water play this week featured a small toy tugboat and Mickey character.

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

Bubblegum was invented in 1928 so we chose that as our scent this week.

We used Mr. Bubble bubble bath in our water and instead of lotion we used bubblegum scented Chapstick (applied to wrists or behind ears—-not on lips, of course!).

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made model airplanes using cardboard rolls and tongue depressors!

First, the students chose their paint color—they had a choice between red or blue.

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

Then, they painted their planes.

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

TA DA!!

Our pilots are ready for their transatlantic flight!

On Wednesday the students made trumpets using paper bowls and cardboard tubes. We hot glued the paper bowls and valves to the cardboard tubes prior to the start of the activity.

First, the students identified the shape of trumpet’s opening.

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

Then, they applied gold paint.

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

TA DA!!!

Let’s play some jazz!

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week we made a recipe that people in the 1920s would eat: a Waldorf salad. Here is the recipe we used: Let’s Make A Waldorf Salad

We started out by PUTTING a chopped apple into the bowl. On the recipe page, the students saw what a whole apple looks like next to a chopped apple. We saw that they look DIFFERENT.

Next, we measured out 1 cup of quartered grapes. Students had to identify the measuring cup on their communication board. They also had to observe to see when the grapes reached the 1 cup mark. If there weren’t enough grapes, they had to indicate MORE.

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

We PUT 2 stalks of chopped celery into the BOWL and followed that up with 1/4 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup walnuts. Students observed that 1/4 cup is LESS than 1 cup.

Math access point: distinguish parts of objects from whole objects.

Finally, we measured out some plain Greek yogurt. Students HELPED by making sure it was measured out correctly before it was PUT into the bowl.

Each student had a chance to STIR the ingredients together.

Students had to request a PLATE and a SPOON. They had to indicate that they WANTED salad. Only a small amount was put on their plate and they had to request MORE.

We thought it was a pretty delicious healthy recipe!

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

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Dec22

Oh What Fun We Had This Year!

Posted on December 22, 2019 by jd785

Oh What Fun We Had This Year!

For our last post of the calendar year we thought it would be fun to look back at some old posts from the year. The sensory and fine motor groups explored some of our favorite materials. The language group made a yummy treat—-of course 🙂

SENSORY GROUP

We use colorful rice almost every week in our groups. This eye catching watermelon pink rice is one of our favorites!

We added a fun car to drive around the rice and a picture to find at the bottom of the box.

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

All sorts of beans and peas find their way into our boxes, but these lentils have such a cool texture and they are are definitely one of favorites.

They are so much fun just to bury hands in, but we added a measuring cup and wide mouth funnel for even more fun!

Science access point: track a falling object.

Shiny colorful beads are always a hit with the students!

Fun to touch, look at, listen to, or wear!

Science access point: use senses to recognize objects.

Around here we LOVE kinetic sand! This stuff is so cool—-we just can’t stop touching it 🙂

Since the new year is just around the corner with put in 0 and 2 cookie cutter numbers.

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

Slime isn’t something we use a lot but when we bring it out, the students are always intrigued.

Little teddies with letters F U N were included.

Science access point: recognize that pushing or pulling makes an object move (contact force).

We recently added some jello to shaving cream and thought the result was SO COOL we had to do it again!

The mixture ends up being sort of firm and very fluffy—–so much fun!

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

In the water play there were some rubber spiral noodles to scoop up using a sifter spoon.

We included two more measuring cups for additional scooping fun.

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

Since our students are so awesome, we chose Bath and Body Works “mad about you” as our scent this week 🙂

The students really liked the aroma!

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

The fine motor group made cardboard gingerbread houses. We only had one group this week—-it is a busy time of year!

First, the students identified the color brown and shape of our houses.

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

Math access point: recognize common three-dimensional objects.

Then, the students painted their houses with a mixture of glue and shaving cream—-we just love homemade puffy paint!

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

The student chose to add glitter or confetti to their houses. We sang our glitter song—another favorite 🙂

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

TA DA!!!

Look at our gingerbread houses……

……we are ready for the holidays!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We got to decorate some cute gingerbread cookies this week in our language group.

Each student first got to choose which gingerbread cookie they wanted. They got to choose from Santa Claus, a snowman, a Christmas tree, and a gingerbread man. Picture symbols of each type of cookie were available and students had to choose the one they wanted and place the picture on the sentence strip. They then had to request “I want ___ please” using the sentence strip.

Once they picked their cookie, they got to choose what color icing they wanted. They chose from red, green, white, and black. Again, they had to use the sentence strip in order to request what they wanted.

Finally, they got to choose from 3 different types of sprinkles. They requested help if they had difficulty getting the sprinkles onto the cookie.

We don’t usually do TADAs in our language group but we did today!

So many fun and yummy creations 🙂

Join us after the holidays for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

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Dec15

Winter Holidays Around The World

Posted on December 15, 2019 by jd785

Winter Holidays Around The World

This week we learned about winter celebrations in other countries. This compliments the student’s Unique Curriculum unit for the month. The sensory groups explored boxes related to different holidays. The fine motor groups made some colorful art projects used during the language group’s holiday parade and party.

SENSORY GROUP

On December 8, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi day. One of the ways they celebrate is to decorate a Bodhi tree with colorful lights.

We made a Bodhi tree umbrella using colorful lights and heart shaped leaves.

Science access point: recognize a source of light.

Hanukkah is known as the festival of lights during which, for eight days, a candle is lit on a menorah.

Wikki Stix are strings covered in wax—-just like candles! Since dreidels are also symbols of Hanukkah, we included some of them in this box.

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

Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and it celebrates African American heritage.

The students sorted pompoms in the colors of Kwanzaa—-black, green, and red.

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

Las Posadas is celebrated in Mexico. We put letters L and P in a box of rice in the colors of the Mexican flag.

There was a picture of a donkey to find at the bottom of the box.

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

Junkanoo is celebrated in the Caribbean with lots of parades and music.

There were feather boas, masks, and noise makers.

Parade music recorded on a voice output device added to the fun.

Our students totally know how to rock a look!

Social studies access point: associate a celebration with an event, such as a holiday.

Natilla Colombiana is often eaten during Navidad en Colombia.

We made our messy play version using oobleck dusted with cinnamon—-it is a shame it doesn’t taste as good as it looks 🙂

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

In China they celebrate the winter solstice or Dongzhi festival. During the festival people eat Tang Yuan which are glutinous rice balls served in boiling water.

The students used a soup ladle to scoop 3 plastic “rice balls” out of warmish water.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

Our scent for the unit was Bath and Body Works winter candy apple. We chose the scent as a reminder of all the sweet treats people eat during the holidays.

The sweet scent was very popular!

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

Like the people who celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali we finished with some fireworks, although ours were of the bubble wrap kind 🙂

There were lots of giggles with this activity!

Science access point: observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic.

The students had a BLAST!!!!!

So many giggles!!!!!!

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made Diwali lamps out of paper plates.

First, the students identified the shape of their plate.

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

After choosing a color, the students used markers to color their plates.

Some of the students used a switch operated vibrating massager with a marker attached with velcro.

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

Next, we folded the paper plates in half and glued a flame on top and……….

Ta Da!!!

Let’s celebrate Diwali!

On Wednesday, the students made colorful costumes to wear during the Junkanoo parade.

First, they identified the shape of their paper.

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

They used paper cutters and switch operated scissors to cut the paper into strips.

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

Then, they glued the pieces down on to another sheet of paper. Of course, we counted the pieces!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

Next, it was time to add glitter—–shake, shake, shake that glitter!

Singing our glitter song always makes it more fun 🙂

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

TA DA!!!

There are a few more things that will be added later but…….

……….we are almost ready…………

for the Junkanoo parade!!!!!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had a Junkanoo parade and holiday party this week and it was lots of fun!

Our language group students got to wear what they had made in the fine motor group earlier in the week.

Staff joined in also 🙂

Students got to shake rattles and we also had Junkanoo parade music playing as we walked along!

Students and staff lined the hallways.

We even had Santa Claus make an appearance.

One of our students wore the costume and he did an awesome job with the part 🙂

All the onlookers cheered as we went by!

Smiles were everywhere.

It was quite exciting and…….

………..so much fun!

After the parade, everyone gathered for some snacks, drinks, and socialization. Students used sentence strips that were located on the tables to indicate what they wanted.

They had lots of tasty choices!

They enjoyed dancing and taking pictures with their classmates and friends.

We had some great music that you might hear during a Junkanoo parade playing in the background.

Adults and students seemed to have a wonderful time celebrating all of the different winter holidays together!

It was certainly a fun filled week! Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

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Dec8

Holiday Gift Bringers Around The World

Posted on December 8, 2019 by jd785

Holiday Gift Bringers Around The World

We had a lot of fun learning about different traditions this week! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to the different characters. The fine motor groups made holiday themed art projects and the language group made a tasty treat that any of the gift bringers would like to sample!

SENSORY GROUP

Children in France leave out carrots for Pere Noel’s donkey! There were 3 carrots to feed the donkeys—-ok so ours are actually horses, but that is all we had on hand 🙂

We put a picture of Pere Noel to find at the bottom of the box.

Science access point: identify basic need of animals.

Our box of garland was gold just like the Christkindl’s wings and hair!

The students had a lot of fun with the garland—-whether shaking OR wearing it!

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

Los Reyes rice in the colors of the Spanish flag was very eye catching. There were numbers 1, 2, and 3 to find.

There was also a picture of the 3 kings at the bottom of the box.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

We put a whole bunch of Christmas things in this box——lots to explore and discover!

In a base of green, white, and red paper shred there was a mini kaleidoscope, mini sweater and scarf, reindeer, Santas, and other symbols of the season.

Of course, we included a Santa hat 🙂

Social studies access point: associate a celebration with an event, such as a holiday.

La Bafana fills children’s socks with candy. We thought our colorful pasta resembled candy and put in a small sock for the students to fill.

It was also fun to run hands through pasta to listen to it rattle.

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

Sinterklaus put coins and candy into children’s shoes! Chocolate cloud dough was perfect for this box and was so much fun to run fingers through. It smelled really good too!

Five colorful coins were hidden in the dough.

Social studies access point: recognize coins as money.

Our water play had 2 different sized scoops to use for scooping up foam letter C’s.

We used Bath and Body Works sugarplum swirl which gave the water a lovely holiday aroma!

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

The matching sugarplum swirl lotion was the perfect reminder of all the fun we had in group.

Whether placed on hands or behind ears 🙂

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made Los Reyes Magos crowns. We used craft foam crowns we found at the craft store.

First, the students identified the color of their crown and glitter.

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

Then, they squeezed glue on to their crowns.

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

Time to add glitter and sing our glitter song—–shake, shake, shake, that glitter 🙂

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

TA DA!!!

Our Kings and Queens like their crowns!

We are ready for 3 Kings Day!

On Wednesday, the students made ornaments for their families—-so they could become gift bringers!

First, the students identified a circle—-we used circle shaped embroidery hoops with fabric for this activity.

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

Next, they glued precut felt trees to their ornaments. To attach the tree, they had to turn the tree to put the glued side down.

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

Then, they added pompoms to decorate their trees.

Math access point: match one object to a designated area to show one to one correspondence.

TA DA!!!

Our gift bringers…..

……with their fabulous gifts!!!!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a holiday sweet treat today. After we made it, we figured out a way to make it more appealing to the eye, but here’s the recipe for how we made it this week: Let’s Make A Sweet Holiday Snack Dip

We started by touching the milk. Students identified the COLD symbol to describe how it felt.

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

Students who wanted to HELP pour the milk in the bowl had to locate the symbol HELP.

Next, we added 5 drops of green food coloring into the bowl. Students helped by counting out each drop. We observed the bowl to see that there were 2 different colors–green and white. We talked about how it would look DIFFERENT when we were done mixing.

Each student got to HELP turn on the mixer using our wireless switch.

Next, we crushed some Oreos. Our students HELPED by using a can to crush the Oreos.

Once they were crushed, we mixed them into the pudding.

We added some red sprinkles to the mix by singing our “shake shake shake the sprinkles” song we love so much 🙂

Each student had to request a PLATE by indicating WANT and then the picture of the plate or by verbalizing “I want plate”. They then had to request some pudding and Teddy Grahams (which were supposed to be for dipping, but this turned out to be a little bit difficult, so we used some spoons as well.)

Sooo…this turned out to look PRETTY interesting to say the least lol. We think this might be a better suggestion as to how to put this snack together: put the crushed Oreos in cups first, then put the green pudding on top and then top with the sprinkles. Much more appealing to the eye; however, our students didn’t seem to mind too much about how it looked as it tasted really yummy 🙂

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

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Nov24

Utah

Posted on November 24, 2019 by jd785

Utah

Utah has 5 National Parks so we thought it would be a great place to learn about for National Take a Hike Day which was on November 17. The sensory group boxes highlighted facts about Utah. The fine motor groups made art projects related to symbols of the state and the language group made a tasty treat featuring the Utah state fruit!

SENSORY GROUP

We used plastic pine branches as the base for this box which contained objects and symbols related to Utah. There was a plush elk (state animal), allosaurus (state dinosaur), and honey bees (state insect). There was a black ball representing coal mining.

We also included a little wooly hat, scarf, and snowflakes—-Utah is famous for its snow!

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

Gold and silver are mined in Utah.

Our gold and silver beads may not be the real thing, but they were certainly eye catching and a hit with the students.

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

Arches National Park is famous for its rock features. We put some laminated photos of arches and a letter U cookie cutter into this box of moon sand.

There was also a dinosaur mold so the students could make their own fossils.

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

There were more letter U’s to find in yellow and black “honey bee” rice.

A picture of one on the national parks could be found at the bottom of the box.

Science access point: recognize objects as the same.

Utah may have the “greatest snow on earth” but Insta Snow is pretty great stuff too!

The students had a blast!

We stored it in the refrigerator which kept it even colder!

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

Jello is the official state snack of Utah so we sprinkled some on top of our shaving cream this week!

The Jello gave the shaving cream a fabulous texture that was so COOL!!! Everyone was fascinated!

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

Despite it’s salinity, the Great Salt Lake does contain some fish, so we put one in our mini version.

We also included sifter scoops and measuring cups.

Science access point: recognize different containers that hold liquids.

Cherries are the official state fruit of Utah!

The students liked the fresh fruity scent of Bath and Body Works cherry scented lotion and bath gel.

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students decorated a map of Utah.

First, they identified the color green.

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

Then, they stamped 6 trees (representing the National Forests found in Utah) on their maps. We hot glued a thread spool to a foam stamp to make it easier to hold. The students had to stamp UP and DOWN to make the trees.

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

The maps were glued to a background.

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

TA DA!!!

Let’s visit Utah!

On Wednesday we added snow the letter U!

First, we identified the color of the cotton balls.

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

Then, the students squeezed out some glue.

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

They added cotton snowballs to their U.

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

TA DA!!!!!

We love Utah!

Let’s hit the slopes 🙂

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a treat using the state fruit of Utah: cherries! Here is the recipe that we used: Let’s Make Mini-Cherry Cheesecakes

We started by measuring out 2 cups of milk. We used milk cartons, so whoever said they WANTED to HELP was given an unopened milk carton. If they were unable to open it, they had to request HELP.

Once we measured out 2 cups, we PUT the milk in a BOWL.

Next, we added some instant cheesecake pudding mix. Again, a student was given the unopened box of pudding mix and had to request HELP if they couldn’t open it.

We started to mix it up using a mixer and a wireless switch. After a couple of students HELPED TURN it on, we observed how it looked. Since it still looked like we could DRINK it, we PUT the mixer on AGAIN until it was firm.

We counted out plates for each student. Then they had to request a mini graham cracker pie crust by saying they WANTED one.

Each student got a small amount of pudding at first. If they wanted MORE, they had to request it.

Finally, each student had to request cherries. They were only given one at first, so again they had to request MORE if they wanted more.

Time to eat!

Happy Thanksgiving! Join us again in a couple of weeks for more fun and learning —–Group by Group!

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Nov17

Lets Celebrate National Sesame Street Day

Posted on November 17, 2019 by jd785

Lets Celebrate National Sesame Street Day

November 10 was National Sesame Street Day and the show’s 50th anniversary—–how cool is that!!!! Our sensory groups explored boxes dedicated to some of the shows characters. The fine motor groups made projects with circles and the language group made a tasty treat!

SENSORY GROUP

Abby Cadabby is cute pink character, so we used pink sand for her box. Between its eye catching color and soft texture, this box was a huge hit with the students!

A scoop and sifter made for fun explorations.

Science access point: track a falling object.

Oatmeal with some black bean “chocolate chips” made a perfect Cookie Monster box.

There were 3 play food cookies to find!

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

There were numbers to find in our box dedicated to The Count.

We put them in a box of lentils which were really fun to run fingers through!

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

The students had fun making Grover’s face in a box of blue moon sand. Of course, there were some Picasso versions 🙂

We also included some scooping tools.

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

Our chenille stems are just like the colorful stripes in Bert and Ernie’s shirts.

The students had fun wrapping the chenille stems around the toys or themselves 🙂

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

Shaving cream was tinted Big Bird Yellow!

The students pushed the yellow shaving cream and a yellow Big Bird figure around a yellow tray—when we go with an idea, we go all the way 🙂

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

Oscar the Grouch and Elmo bobbed along in water this week.

We found a cute little garbage can that made a perfect scoop!

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

Bath and Body Works hot cocoa lotion left our students smelling like yummy chocolate chip cookies.

Thankfully Cookie Monster wasn’t around 🙂

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students made Elmo!

First, they identified a circle and the color red.

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

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

Then, they painted their plates!

Science access point: recognize a change in an object.

Next, eyes, a mouth, and a nose were added.

Math access point: match one object to a designated space to show one-to-one correspondence.

Ta DA!

It’s Elmo!

On Wednesday we made some paper plate cookies!

First, we identified the shape of the paper plate.

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

Then, the students chose how many chocolate chip circles they wanted to cut out using a circle punch. They could choose to cut 3, 4, or 5.

We discussed that these circles were SMALL and the paper plate was LARGE.

Math access point: associate quantities with number names.

The small circles were set aside while the students painted their plates.

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

Next, they glued their chocolate chips on to their plates.

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

TA—-chocolate chip—– DA!!

Hey Cookie Monster……….we’ve got the cookies!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a treat that we think Cookie Monster would really love to have. Here’s the recipe that we used: Let’s Make A Chocolate Chip Cookie Shake

We started out by talking about how the ice cream felt COLD. Then we PUT 6 cups of ice cream in the BLENDER. Our students had to indicate that they wanted to HELP.

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

Next, we had to count out 8 chocolate chip cookies and we PUT those in the BLENDER.

We then added some milk. Our students observed that one milk carton equals one cup of milk!

We PUT in a little bit of vanilla extract and then PUT in one cup of frozen cool whip.

Each student got to HELP TURN on the blender by pressing the wireless switch. Our blender was super full, so this took a minute 🙂

Once the milk shake was SMOOTH, each student had to request that they WANTED some. If they were not given enough, they had to request MORE.

These were pretty delicious!

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

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Nov10

JK Rowling

Posted on November 10, 2019 by jd785

JK Rowling

November 1 is International Author’s Day so we decided to learn about one of the most popular authors on the planet! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to JK Rowling and her books. The fine motor groups made simple but magical art projects and the language group made a yummy magical treat!

SENSORY GROUP

There were lots of things to discover in this box. We started with a base of shredded paper—-JK Rowling wrote BOOKS after all 🙂 There were some plush and laminated characters from her books as well.

Of course, the wizard hat, Harry Potter glasses, and “magic” wands were especially popular. We also included items such as pink beads (her favorite color), a British flag, and some play food sushi (her favorite food).

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

In blue and white rice were letters J and K as well as a picture of the Scottish flag at the bottom of the box.

We picked the rice colors to match the colors of the Scottish flag. JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter books in Edinburg Scotland.

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

JK Rowling came up with the idea for the Harry Potter series while on a train. We put a wooden train engine (actually a chunky puzzle piece) in some tea leaves—-we figured since JK Rowling is British she MUST drink tea 🙂

There were a couple of train pictures to find at the bottom of the box.

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

The students sorted pompoms in the colors of the different Hogwarts houses.

Red for Gryffindor, blue for Ravenclaw, yellow for Hufflepuff, and green for Slytherin.

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

Since our school mascot is the owl, we HAD to dedicate a box the Harry Potter’s owl Hedwig!

Two owls—-1 big and 1 small as well as a fluffy feather boa made this a very touchable box!

Math access point: recognize differences in size of objects.

Oobleck in JK Rowling’s favorite color became a little more magical with the addition of some shiny confetti.

The confetti was fun to watch as it swirled around or dripped down the oobleck.

Science access point: track objects in motion.

Mermaids and sea serpents are some of the magical creatures found in JK Rowling’s books.

Two different sized measuring cups and a funnel added to the fun in our water play this week.

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

Bath and Body Works vanilla sugar was as close we could get to Butterbeer, but we think it totally worked.

The sweet scent left our students with yummy memories of all the fun we had!

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some wizard hats!

First, the students identified the color BLACK and a TRIANGLE.

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

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

Then, the students used paper cutters or switch operated scissors to cut a triangle out of black paper.

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

Next, they stamped golden swirls on to their hats.

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

TA DA!!!

What cute little wizards!!!!!

On Wednesday, we made magic wands out of sticks.

First, the students chose a wand and identified the color of their chenille stem.

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

Then, they wrapped the chenille stem around the stick.

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

The tip of the wand was dipped into glue and then some gold glitter.

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

TA DA!!!

Time for a little magic…..

……our wizards are ready for work 🙂

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had lots of fun making cute little edible owls this week! Here’s the recipe we used: Let’s Make An Edible Owl

The students first had to indicate that they WANTED a rice cake. Then they had to locate PEANUT BUTTER to request it.

Students were given the small container of peanut butter. If they were unable to open it, they had to request HELP.

Students then had to SPREAD the peanut butter on the rice cake. Again, if this task was challenging, they had to request HELP.

Next, each student got 2 slices of banana and 2 blueberries to serve as the eyes. They counted out each fruit as they received them. They had to PUT the bananas and blueberries at the TOP of the rice cake.

Then, they had to request 2 apple slices and PUT them on the SIDES of the rice cake. We compared these “wings” to our arms.

Students got to PUT 1 dried cranberry beak on their owl, making sure to put it UNDER the eyes.

Finally, they added some Cheerios as feathers. Each student was given only 1 or 2 Cheerios at first and had to request MORE.

These turned out so cute…..

…….and yummy!

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

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Nov2

Watch Out For Monsters!

Posted on November 2, 2019 by jd785

Watch Out For Monsters!

For our final October unit, we were inspired by the Scooby Doo series! The sensory groups explored boxes highlighting different villains of the series. The fine motor groups crafted some fun projects and the language group hosted a monster party!

SENSORY GROUP

There were all sorts of items to discover in this box. There were laminated and plush characters from the series, a treasure chest, plastic footprint, furry werewolf fur, and a vampire puppet.

Of course we included a voice output device with the Scooby Doo theme song!

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

There were four spooky bats to find in a box of black beans and rice. There were 2 white and 2 grey to compare and contrast.

As usual, it was also fun to run fingers through the beans.

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

The students used Mr. Potato Head and pumpkin accessories to turn make their own Frankenstein monsters in green Bubber.

We think their creations turned out pretty cool!

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

Cookie cutters in bone and dog shapes cut orange play dough into Scooby snacks!

Orange Kool-aid made the play dough not only look good but smell good too!

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

Strips of gauze were wrapped around a doll to turn it into a Mummy! We also included some small plastic mummy figures as well as a discovery bottle filled with sand and jewels!

Sometimes the doll got wrapped—-and sometimes the student was 🙂

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

The students made ghosts with shaving foam.

We included some “ghostly” features made from black craft foam.

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

There was an old pirate shipwreck at the bottom of the water tub this week.

Two different sized measuring cups were included for scooping fun.

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

Bath and Body Works twilight woods seemed a good spooky choice this week.

The aroma was a hit with the students!

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made different monsters out of cereal boxes using this template: monster template

First, we identified the shape of the cereal boxes.

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

Some of the students painted their boxes green.

Then, they added Frankenstein facial features, hair, and scars.

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

Other students worked on their Vampire and Mummy boxes.

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

TA—-rut rho—– DA!!!!

SPOOKY!!!!

These are some cute monsters 🙂

On Wednesday the students made a fun poster.

First, the students identified the paint colors.

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

Everyone took turns painting the “swampy” background.

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

Then, we put some spooky trees, bats, ghosts, and a full moon! The bats and ghosts were traced from cookie cutters. The tree was free form cut.

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

We put our students’ photos in a Mystery Machine and added that to the poster.

TA—-Scooby Dooby Doo—–Da!!!!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had an eerily good time in our language group this week. We decided to have a party and of course we invited all of the classrooms that participate in our groups to come along.

Some of the students and staff got dressed up in DIFFERENT costumes. We didn’t have a parade this time, so everyone went straight to the party room.

We decorated the room with lots of different Halloween and monster decorations.

Students and staff also got to take pictures in front of the background for our book. We had also props 🙂

Of course, we also had some snacks. Students got to choose what they WANTED to eat. There were sentence strips set out for each option they had: candy corn, marshmallows, chips, and cookies.

They could also choose to drink “bug juice” or “blue goo” (dressed up Gatorade).

The music got everyone in the mood to dance.

It was so much fun!

A great time to practice socializing 🙂

We had a hauntingly good week and hope yours was as much fun as ours. Join us next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!

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Oct27

Monet

Posted on October 27, 2019 by jd785

Monet

October 25 is International Artist’s Day so this week we are learning about Monet. Our sensory groups explored colorful boxes related to the artist. The fine motor groups made Pinterest inspired art projects and the language group made a Monet inspired treat!

SENSORY GROUP

This box contained a variety of items related to facts about Monet—-including play food and a grocery basket that represented the family business. Monet served in the calvary so we put in a soldier and horse. Of course, we also included a paint brush, paint, and flowers!

There were 2 colored plexiglass panels that let the students see the world in a different light—like Monet!

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

We put beads in the color of the French flag in this box.

Whether shaken, worn, or just admired—these beads were a hit.

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

This colorful pasta reminded us of the beautiful colors in Monet’s paintings.

There were also letter M’s to find.

Science access point: recognize objects as the same.

Some of Monet’s most famous paintings are of gardens. Our coffee ground dirt contained colorful flower bangles and a small rake.

A picture of one of Monet’s paintings could be found at the bottom of the box.

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

We continued with the flower theme cookie cutters and yellow moon sand.

The bright yellow sand was very eye catching and its soft texture very appealing.

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

The students became artists by making their own masterpieces in our multicolored oobleck around.

The colors looked so cool as they swirled around—–very eye catching!

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

Our little pond contained some water lillies and a small goldfish.

There were also 2 measuring cups and a fun watering can!

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

A pretty floral scent seemed the perfect choice for a unit about Monet. We used Bath and Body Works sweet pea scent for our water play and lotion.

The students left group smelling like they just walked in Monet’s garden 🙂

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

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made lily pad ponds.

First, we identified the shape of the plate.

Math access point:

Blue and green paint was squirted onto paper and the students began painting. We realized we added a little too much green so our ponds ended up looking like they have a little too much algae 🙂

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

Lily pads and cupcake liner were then glued to the picture and……..

TA—–Monet—— DA!!!

On Wednesday we made a garden painting. One of our volunteers taped down a “bridge” on each of the papers.

First, the students identified their starting paint color.

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

The students painted for about 10 seconds and when time was up, they shared their paint with their neighbors!

Science access point: share objects with a partner.

After we finished rotating through the paint colors, the masking tape was peeled off—-with a little help from the adults. Then, a paper towel was placed over the picture to blot the paint.

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

TA DA!!!!!!

Look at our gardens!

Monet would approve 🙂

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made some edible art this week and it turned out looking so good!

Each student got to choose a pastel color. Once they chose a color, they got a couple spoonfuls of frosting with some food coloring. They had to STIR up the frosting until it changed colors.

We had 7 different colors to use.

We counted out plates for the students and then counted out graham crackers for our students to use to “paint” on.

Each student got a little of each color of frosting on their graham cracker. Once each color was passed to each student, they started to create their art.

The colors blending into each other was really beautiful! Some students added some pastel sprinkles on top for texture.