Fall Leaves
Fall Leaves, one of the art projects this month. The purpose of the project was to invites students to appreciate the beauty of Fall. This project took three days where students had 1) decorate their handout with tissue paper 2) search for leaves that they like and 3) glue their leaves on the worksheet.
Clay Art
We participated in clay art with Mr Hamar’s LALS class. Both Mr Hamar and I believe in the importance of helping our student to build long-lasting friendship through various social interactions. We wish to create situations where students can collaborate and work together. This is through looking at their interests and abilities and use paired or group activities to encourage interaction. During these art sessions, teaching our students the basics of being kind to peers is essential. Although we noticed that sometimes our students develop close friendships this way, other times they will remain classmates. We do not force a friendship, but encourage our students to share, say kind things, and be good to each other.
Language Arts: News 2 You and Social Stories
Social Stories
As educators, we use casual phrases with our students that are mostly second nature: “hands to self,” “walking please,” and “play nice.” But what do these phrases really mean to a child with diverse learning needs? We understand that social situations and the accompanying expected set of behaviours are challenging to them. Many are still developing their Theory of Mind; the ability to think how others might feel during a particular social situation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_mind)
Phrases like “keep your hands to yourself” may also not offer all the information a student needs to respond correctly. Thus, social stories are essential to teaching children with diverse abilities through cues that guide them to handle unfamiliar social situations. This month, we read two stories. The topics were related to appropriate touching and the importance of staying on task. The applications of social stories are limitless and can be catered to your child’s comprehension and needs. If anyone is interested in developing their own social stories at home, see the attached files for further information.
News 2 You
“Deliver world events and breaking news in a differentiated, age-respectful, ELA standards-aligned weekly newspaper that enables your students to access informational text and take part in meaningful discourse in school or at home.”
https://www.n2y.com/total-solution/
As educators, we use casual phrases with our students that are mostly second nature: “hands to self,” “walking please,” and “play nice.” But what do these phrases really mean to a child with diverse learning needs? We understand that social situations and the accompanying expected set of behaviours are challenging to them. Many are still developing their Theory of Mind; the ability to think how others might feel during a particular social situation. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_mind)
Phrases like “keep your hands to yourself” may also not offer all the information a student needs to respond correctly. Thus, social stories are essential to teaching children with diverse abilities through cues that guide them to handle unfamiliar social situations. This month, we read two stories. The topics were related to appropriate touching and the importance of staying on task. The applications of social stories are limitless and can be catered to your child’s comprehension and needs. If anyone is interested in developing their own social stories at home, see the attached files for further information.
News 2 You
“Deliver world events and breaking news in a differentiated, age-respectful, ELA standards-aligned weekly newspaper that enables your students to access informational text and take part in meaningful discourse in school or at home.”
https://www.n2y.com/total-solution/
how-to-write-social-stories.pdf | |
File Size: | 867 kb |
File Type: |
socialstoriestips.pdf | |
File Size: | 310 kb |
File Type: |
Cooking Program
Cooking ProgramThank you to all the parents and guardians who have paid for the cooking program. We are aiming for two cooking projects per month. So far we made omelette in a mug and grilled cheese sandwiches. Each project will encompass a demonstration and a time for students to make the recipe with/without support. Also, we will emphasise on shopping skills and clean up duties.
Outings and Field trips
Outings and Field trips
One of the highlights this month were the field trips. Although they are challenging to organise, I would like to incorporate at least one field trip per month. The reason is that it gives our students a break from the usual school day, offering them the opportunity to experience an attraction with classmates in a slightly relaxed manner than the typical school environment. We created our own pumpkin patch at Memorial Park. We hid the pumpkins and then have the students in groups to find them. The scavenger hunt was challenging, but not so complicated that it took away from the fun. The purpose was to create opportunities for students to build friendships!
One of the highlights this month were the field trips. Although they are challenging to organise, I would like to incorporate at least one field trip per month. The reason is that it gives our students a break from the usual school day, offering them the opportunity to experience an attraction with classmates in a slightly relaxed manner than the typical school environment. We created our own pumpkin patch at Memorial Park. We hid the pumpkins and then have the students in groups to find them. The scavenger hunt was challenging, but not so complicated that it took away from the fun. The purpose was to create opportunities for students to build friendships!