Happy
Monday, y’all! Woo-hoo! Only four days left until Winter Break.
I think I
mentioned in my last post that I seem to have very little time to plan in
December. Probably like you, though, I have some groups that just require more
thorough planning. My middle school intellectual disabilities/autism class is
one of those groups. These guys require age- and ability-appropriate materials,
hands-on activities, visual aids, step-by-step instructions, numerous
communication opportunities, etc. I spend a good percentage of my planning time
coming up with lessons for groups like this. Sometimes, it is a little
overwhelming.
To make
it easier, I try to follow the same format in each session:
- Read
a book or watch a video related to our topic.
- Retell
the story or video using AAC and/or visual supports.
- Complete
a related activity-game, craft, etc. targeting additional communication goals.
- Complete
a summarizing worksheet that can be used for home practice as well.
This format works pretty well for us, and I pair it with a simple
visual schedule to keep us all on track.
Last week,
I wanted to focus on Christmas (luckily, we are allowed to use holiday-themed
materials). I thought making an ornament to hang on the tree at home would
provide a fun activity that could be taken home and (hopefully!) discussed
there. Of course, I turned right to Pinterest for decoration inspiration.
I found this cute-as-a-bug (also EASY) Yarn-Wrapped Ornament from The Inspired
Treehouse (I
did make a few changes for my boys):
After I found the activity I wanted, I
needed a book or video to go with it. I needed something simple with
age-appropriate pictures and graphics. For you middle school people out there,
you know how difficult it is to find this! It seems like all simple stories are
geared toward early elementary aged children. I scoured Teachers Pay Teachers,
but could not find what I needed, so I made one on Powerpoint Powerpoint
Following the story, I pulled up the slide about Christmas trees, and introduced the ornament craft.
Following the story, I pulled up the slide about Christmas trees, and introduced the ornament craft.
Using pictures and modeling, I
showed them how to
make carry
over some of the language skills targeted in
speech at home.
As a Christmas gift to you, I am providing a link to the
nonfiction story and take home sheet here: Let's Celebrate Christmas Story and Lesson
If you like this activity, you may find
other useful materials in my TPT store. I’d love to hear any comments or ideas
you have for your tough-to-plan-for groups as well!
Hoping you have a Merry Christmas and a
Blessed New Year!
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