Crazy Faces

A new, yet exciting challenge I am faced with this year, is having a few non-verbal students on my caseload. Many of my materials will most likely be based around using Mayer- Johnson's boardmaker icons for visual support. This past week my full class lesson focused on identifying facial features and attributes. Every student was provided with a communication mat- seen in the picture below. My non-verbal students used the mat to identify parts and to respond to questions. My verbal students used the mats to assist in making their verbal responses.

Each student had the opportunity to look in the mirror and use the communication mat to describe themselves. My targeted concepts were long, short, straight, and curly for describing hair and various colors for describing eyes and hair. The students also identified special features such as glasses and freckles.

Everyone then created the paper plate faces- also in the picture. I held on to the faces for a follow up activity with some students in their pull out sessions which included discussing the concepts same and different in reference to the hair color and eye color of their classmates.

Apples, Apples, Apples!

I have tons and tons of apple themed worksheets- thanks mom! - so every September I dedicate a week or two to the theme. This year I've created some new materials that I have used over and over with many students. This first picture is my apple and worm sequencing activity. The picture attach to the sentence strip with Velcro ( my new favorite material). I use it the same way I would any set of sequencing cards but the kids seem to love attaching and removing the pieces with the Velcro! I have to admit, I, too, love the sound of ripping Velcro. Lol

The next picture is my apple preposition book. Now, I really can't take credit for this because I found it online- possibly on speakingofspeech.com- I don't remember. :-/ I love this book because it's a fun way to practice spatial concepts. I use it to work on following directions- put the apple under the tree- and for where questions- where is the apple? The greatest part about this activity is that it can be remade for many different themes. I already have a 'leaf' version ready for my fall lessons.

I hope you enjoy these! If you have any other fun apple ideas, please share them in the comments!!

Back to School! Back to Blogging!

Hey all! I took a little break for the summer and needed to get settled into the school year but I am back to blogging!! So far September has been great! I have a new office, new desk and chair (which finally came today!!), I'm waiting on a computer and I will be all set! I have a few great activities that I've been using, so I will post a few new blogs today so I can share!