tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58119268316494482252024-03-14T06:33:14.545-04:00Adventures in FlappingKarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-68973531075217424892016-06-02T22:42:00.000-04:002016-06-02T22:44:21.339-04:00Using Literacy to Work Through Science GoalsWith the end of year state tests quickly approaching, our mentor sessions have focused around the actual implementation of the tests as well as how we actually prepare students. In each class I work with, there are at least 2 kids who are working on following single step directions, recognizing basic sight/functional words; as well as potty training and following instruction. <br />
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While I see the value in assessing students, I question whether the people developing these tests have actually every worked with students on this level. But that is a topic for another day...<br />
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What we came up with were tasks that at least exposed the students to the topics. We developed tasks for these students to work on during teacher time or independent time, if for nothing other than exposure. Here is what we came up with dealing with animals (habitats and food chains) that also correspond to their IEPs. Hopefully you can find something in this post to help you as well. <br />
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We began with Reading A-Z.com (<i>yes, again</i>) for text that supported the theme. The book that was chosen was a multi-level book.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOCOSEKZx64/V1DlopgXjWI/AAAAAAAABR4/Ed7Kc7RqIZgRB1YOPmiLYslNy4VDrQYiACK4B/s1600/IMG_2704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOCOSEKZx64/V1DlopgXjWI/AAAAAAAABR4/Ed7Kc7RqIZgRB1YOPmiLYslNy4VDrQYiACK4B/s320/IMG_2704.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wordless book was used to label the animals. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2p2HlU0DzY/V1Dls0Xue3I/AAAAAAAABSA/n00C9BAAXF0U5xXw-_Kbd0gGBNYLsQpcgCK4B/s1600/IMG_2705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2p2HlU0DzY/V1Dls0Xue3I/AAAAAAAABSA/n00C9BAAXF0U5xXw-_Kbd0gGBNYLsQpcgCK4B/s320/IMG_2705.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The midlevel book was used to focus on goals on a few of the student's IEPs that focus on verbs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVVhAecgd-w/V1DlxHwtH-I/AAAAAAAABSI/TgGBUgY-hwUtIMzNSCLED9RJYca86ZlxgCK4B/s1600/IMG_2702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVVhAecgd-w/V1DlxHwtH-I/AAAAAAAABSI/TgGBUgY-hwUtIMzNSCLED9RJYca86ZlxgCK4B/s320/IMG_2702.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highest level book will be used either for a teacher-read text or for a student reading task.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86ahTVt7sXs/V1DorxpfiUI/AAAAAAAABS4/CYZUEw4IoDgmbAhk6ZfC5-EF2KNu4uWWwCK4B/s1600/IMG_2689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86ahTVt7sXs/V1DorxpfiUI/AAAAAAAABS4/CYZUEw4IoDgmbAhk6ZfC5-EF2KNu4uWWwCK4B/s320/IMG_2689.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This task used photographs to identify habitats.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FODVqaMIUc/V1Dp1ozEVsI/AAAAAAAABTQ/-i236FTz0v84bcmlUqtbKRw9eRClhb8-ACK4B/s1600/IMG_2699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FODVqaMIUc/V1Dp1ozEVsI/AAAAAAAABTQ/-i236FTz0v84bcmlUqtbKRw9eRClhb8-ACK4B/s320/IMG_2699.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a comprehension task based on the animals from the Readinga-z book. (It will use Wiki-Sticks to "draw" a line to the photo that shows the answer.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZOKKpgWwmM/V1DpYwiNfOI/AAAAAAAABTE/pZOtU9lFvJMx5rMpaGvQzUkGTexk6-gvQCK4B/s1600/IMG_2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZOKKpgWwmM/V1DpYwiNfOI/AAAAAAAABTE/pZOtU9lFvJMx5rMpaGvQzUkGTexk6-gvQCK4B/s320/IMG_2690.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a book format, this task focuses on what each animal eats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCuD1azs_9c/V1DquHUxnCI/AAAAAAAABTg/wH0RmQB3risBEUdiOpPFR3juT2yoiXl_wCK4B/s1600/IMG_2698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCuD1azs_9c/V1DquHUxnCI/AAAAAAAABTg/wH0RmQB3risBEUdiOpPFR3juT2yoiXl_wCK4B/s320/IMG_2698.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Based on the ReadingA-Z book, this task focuses on placing animals in the appropriate habitat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94ArA3f3ApE/V1DrIubQu6I/AAAAAAAABTo/_VLHkAoapGUa2NUQjFhF7Kt5u3_WCoEbgCK4B/s1600/IMG_2686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94ArA3f3ApE/V1DrIubQu6I/AAAAAAAABTo/_VLHkAoapGUa2NUQjFhF7Kt5u3_WCoEbgCK4B/s320/IMG_2686.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This task asks the students to match the photograph to the outline of the animal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--y5mS1on-Hk/V1DrbWvD9GI/AAAAAAAABT8/Nd95Ek1sYfI5CvVfk0UOhHJbupRH7kSCACK4B/s1600/IMG_2796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--y5mS1on-Hk/V1DrbWvD9GI/AAAAAAAABT8/Nd95Ek1sYfI5CvVfk0UOhHJbupRH7kSCACK4B/s200/IMG_2796.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same task with the labels covered up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dcu7eHav-yw/V1DraVyt4lI/AAAAAAAABT0/9bALrrcOVFQvnKac05efN2sy_5dt0E6NwCK4B/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dcu7eHav-yw/V1DraVyt4lI/AAAAAAAABT0/9bALrrcOVFQvnKac05efN2sy_5dt0E6NwCK4B/s200/IMG_2797.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorting task for herbivores, carnivores or omnivores with labels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuZIl4N8yos/V1DsBI0HsNI/AAAAAAAABUI/2_MyIEkglcsNGU2LBiUlzMGr39udQoelQCK4B/s1600/IMG_2696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuZIl4N8yos/V1DsBI0HsNI/AAAAAAAABUI/2_MyIEkglcsNGU2LBiUlzMGr39udQoelQCK4B/s320/IMG_2696.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a reading comprehension task. The animals in this task are from the ReadingA-Z book.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgFFJKT0io0/V1DnwBbZ1oI/AAAAAAAABSg/fMfx-5miUxIeMUv-qlKazhHbs0bjWdJWQCK4B/s1600/IMG_2687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgFFJKT0io0/V1DnwBbZ1oI/AAAAAAAABSg/fMfx-5miUxIeMUv-qlKazhHbs0bjWdJWQCK4B/s320/IMG_2687.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An AB Pattern task using pictures from Board Maker.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-by5zRref1XI/V1DsiBIUXII/AAAAAAAABUk/KIofVwOl0rMHl1f_dVK1GJ-VhUnoInkaACK4B/s1600/IMG_2693.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-by5zRref1XI/V1DsiBIUXII/AAAAAAAABUk/KIofVwOl0rMHl1f_dVK1GJ-VhUnoInkaACK4B/s200/IMG_2693.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1MfCBrpVSw/V1Dsh2ATX7I/AAAAAAAABUc/k4OkQ7X_oSMv0OX1ai-jNrapab4gow4tACK4B/s1600/IMG_2692.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1MfCBrpVSw/V1Dsh2ATX7I/AAAAAAAABUc/k4OkQ7X_oSMv0OX1ai-jNrapab4gow4tACK4B/s200/IMG_2692.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zVkh6v-zOg/V1DsfMuSmhI/AAAAAAAABUU/v9NGdp9EtjwEgG2vixAaoQpjp2WylVubACK4B/s1600/IMG_2694.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3zVkh6v-zOg/V1DsfMuSmhI/AAAAAAAABUU/v9NGdp9EtjwEgG2vixAaoQpjp2WylVubACK4B/s200/IMG_2694.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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These activities were printed from the Reading A-Z website for some of the higher level students to use during 1:1 time.<br />
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I hope you have a lovely weekend! -Kara</td></tr>
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-68737746728462686602016-05-01T21:53:00.000-04:002016-05-01T21:53:22.728-04:00Literacy...Last weeks mentor session with one group revolved around literacy. The teachers are using ULS, but are finding that it either isn't enough or it isn't a good fit for the kids this year. We discussed a variety of ways to include literacy in tasks. One of the teachers is a former upper elementary General Ed teacher. Once we began discussing how to integrate, her brain clicked and she came up with a ton of ways she could incorporate some Gen Ed literacy for her non verbal kiddos. We had lengthy discussions about how difficult it is to move a kid from an adapted curriculum to the Common Core and how those gaps can be filled.<br />
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For tasks this week, we used some of the books from <a href="http://www.readinga-z.com/">www.readinga-z.com</a> that aligned with the skills either in ULS or the science theme. We then made a few activities that corresponded to both the books and IEP goals. Now there are both teacher guided activities as well as activities to include in work baskets.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFP_Fa4AE74/VyaohhjU0_I/AAAAAAAABPs/csgIS4sNVjQfV9ZjrBeppp9o1wXMcZW9ACLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BWork%2BBox%2BActivities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFP_Fa4AE74/VyaohhjU0_I/AAAAAAAABPs/csgIS4sNVjQfV9ZjrBeppp9o1wXMcZW9ACLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BWork%2BBox%2BActivities.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">These tasks were for work boxes, to accompany the book <u>Animal Tongues</u>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDsdCOjL3Ow/Vyaog0f-6JI/AAAAAAAABPg/eTHYASIjwrEvO1oNQ_mydMbWkMR_ZuKlACLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BLabeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDsdCOjL3Ow/Vyaog0f-6JI/AAAAAAAABPg/eTHYASIjwrEvO1oNQ_mydMbWkMR_ZuKlACLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BLabeling.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The animals from the book were used to make a labeling task<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0qlHlbOUNM/VyaogyXB5JI/AAAAAAAABPc/Y0YQw62NyTkRrwIxgDyqK-F6GXOPQucMgCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BTracing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0qlHlbOUNM/VyaogyXB5JI/AAAAAAAABPc/Y0YQw62NyTkRrwIxgDyqK-F6GXOPQucMgCLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BTracing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These vocabulary words were used to create a tracing task for a work box<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Po7JlEmKGKo/Vyaog40k5oI/AAAAAAAABPk/R2eWyqgRQ-IABxRavlRS5hOuXyaeWlZjACLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BVocab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Po7JlEmKGKo/Vyaog40k5oI/AAAAAAAABPk/R2eWyqgRQ-IABxRavlRS5hOuXyaeWlZjACLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BVocab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These vocabulary words were added to these shapes and used to create an animal from the book<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdib1gv5x7E/Vyaohe52VSI/AAAAAAAABPo/yPUvJOlN7qMF75ELoRBwkUK5MuXJ4pazQCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BWord%2BMatching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdib1gv5x7E/Vyaohe52VSI/AAAAAAAABPo/yPUvJOlN7qMF75ELoRBwkUK5MuXJ4pazQCLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BAnimal%2BTongues%2BWord%2BMatching.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The book was created for multiple uses. If the teacher uses the red outlined words, the student will be identifying the animal. If the teacher uses the blue outlined words, the student will be identifying other vocabulary words. The cards on the right were printed from the activities that accompanied the book from the website.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uORG1RFN0ck/Vyaok4DjWmI/AAAAAAAABQ0/K4TtucZFcxwJIItT1ciLvwcT-VwQzJjDACLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2Bw%253AActivities%2BMuscles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uORG1RFN0ck/Vyaok4DjWmI/AAAAAAAABQ0/K4TtucZFcxwJIItT1ciLvwcT-VwQzJjDACLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2Bw%253AActivities%2BMuscles.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">These tasks were created to accompany the book <u>Muscles</u>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQckIWEoCNQ/VyaoiZDQyuI/AAAAAAAABP8/XFCEXs9p8TkW6nCOaDPyxQ_B8PdKfbfvgCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BMuscles%2BVocab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQckIWEoCNQ/VyaoiZDQyuI/AAAAAAAABP8/XFCEXs9p8TkW6nCOaDPyxQ_B8PdKfbfvgCLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BMuscles%2BVocab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This copy of the book was adapted as a comprehension task where<br />the final word of the sentence was filled in from a field of 2.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt3-2Z-jEco/VyaoiFFREvI/AAAAAAAABP4/0usrjUCY0KwlDrf5HbYmBKCBhbN9eVreQCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BMuscles%2BComprehension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt3-2Z-jEco/VyaoiFFREvI/AAAAAAAABP4/0usrjUCY0KwlDrf5HbYmBKCBhbN9eVreQCLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BMuscles%2BComprehension.jpg" width="240" /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtT5HommOGI/VyaoicjnveI/AAAAAAAABQA/tNa4hWfDMzE5o9aQmXJjznn2v6lyTCzIACLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BMuscles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtT5HommOGI/VyaoicjnveI/AAAAAAAABQA/tNa4hWfDMzE5o9aQmXJjznn2v6lyTCzIACLcB/s400/Adapted%2BBook%2BMuscles.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This book was adapted as a sentence construction task.<br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LO4DyzGMewY/VyaojU65J0I/AAAAAAAABQU/SShfqQuzyvsNoOHZzRUpSP_Yim3U9fcsgCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LO4DyzGMewY/VyaojU65J0I/AAAAAAAABQU/SShfqQuzyvsNoOHZzRUpSP_Yim3U9fcsgCLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp8TmW2u24o/VyaojMUxUEI/AAAAAAAABQM/wXlGs3c2UrwnDGZ35cGONdslk5UZvKbUACLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp8TmW2u24o/VyaojMUxUEI/AAAAAAAABQM/wXlGs3c2UrwnDGZ35cGONdslk5UZvKbUACLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__JoKkJSsNA/VyaolNVxaSI/AAAAAAAABQ4/TqRY956X6uUZd9c7EW4PsDineEBDvCjxgCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2Bwork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2BVocab2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__JoKkJSsNA/VyaolNVxaSI/AAAAAAAABQ4/TqRY956X6uUZd9c7EW4PsDineEBDvCjxgCLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2Bwork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2BVocab2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This task came from one of the activities on the <br />website for the book. It is simply flap book with <br />the definition under each vocab word.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etY8sxhuqq8/Vyaoj2M3AHI/AAAAAAAABQc/c4v9PuO7oE8-xPzbDxE49sNYT1Y8G26kwCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2Bcloze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etY8sxhuqq8/Vyaoj2M3AHI/AAAAAAAABQc/c4v9PuO7oE8-xPzbDxE49sNYT1Y8G26kwCLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BMuscles%2Bcloze.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is another task from the website<br />as a cloze sentence task. We made<br />2 copies of this. One as a writing task<br />and another as a fill in the blank for those<br />students who are unable to write.<br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8auZGe381xY/VyaohhWSxKI/AAAAAAAABPw/CqEhdgq1B1IlJHHvyj74OzS31gPmh6B3QCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BJob%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8auZGe381xY/VyaohhWSxKI/AAAAAAAABPw/CqEhdgq1B1IlJHHvyj74OzS31gPmh6B3QCLcB/s320/Adapted%2BBook%2BJob%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6-dq9UflEmQ/Vyaoh9lF0EI/AAAAAAAABP0/E4I-3RSIDUEyH5P87iRevF64ZssQ3uOgwCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BJob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6-dq9UflEmQ/Vyaoh9lF0EI/AAAAAAAABP0/E4I-3RSIDUEyH5P87iRevF64ZssQ3uOgwCLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2BJob.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">This book was created to address a speech goal for a student. The student will identify the job, based on the description in the book.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">These tasks were based around the book <u>Rocks</u>.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fa_i0SNulw/Vyaoi5CEgXI/AAAAAAAABQI/OaBs6Z4-PGo4_QmYS0UtuxtIrVgcVi-WgCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BRocks%2Bsent%2Bcompletion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fa_i0SNulw/Vyaoi5CEgXI/AAAAAAAABQI/OaBs6Z4-PGo4_QmYS0UtuxtIrVgcVi-WgCLcB/s400/Adapted%2BBook%2BRocks%2Bsent%2Bcompletion2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just an identification task based on the science skills for the unit.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPTaMZNLihU/VyaokV9dqFI/AAAAAAAABQk/BNhyhKb2dZk-iNHPIoOIhl2LXvCAOdpVQCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BRocks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPTaMZNLihU/VyaokV9dqFI/AAAAAAAABQk/BNhyhKb2dZk-iNHPIoOIhl2LXvCAOdpVQCLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BRocks2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This task is from one of the activities <br />on the website. The rocks are highlighted <br />to help with identifying the size.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmHzz3Sy4HU/Vyaoj-7lNWI/AAAAAAAABQg/VjHQieO1Tk4kS1j0wC4JFDcT7AdYcGPXACLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BRocks%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmHzz3Sy4HU/Vyaoj-7lNWI/AAAAAAAABQg/VjHQieO1Tk4kS1j0wC4JFDcT7AdYcGPXACLcB/s200/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BRocks%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8JUosIsAg0/VyaokXiH-rI/AAAAAAAABQo/JlvXTEV7-M8UA7wnK8k1l_Hnht7Q214CQCLcB/s1600/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BRocks%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8JUosIsAg0/VyaokXiH-rI/AAAAAAAABQo/JlvXTEV7-M8UA7wnK8k1l_Hnht7Q214CQCLcB/s400/Adapted%2BBook%2BWork%2BBox%2BRocks%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is another task from the website. Again, this was created for a student who<br />is able to comprehend but does not have the ability to complete paper/pencil tasks.</td></tr>
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I hope you find these helpful!<br />
<br />
Kara<br />
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-62048785781385527742016-03-14T22:31:00.000-04:002016-03-14T22:31:55.436-04:00I can't believe how long it is since my last post, things have been very busy around here. The last few weeks have included both math and reading tasks. Today I am sharing some of the math tasks I have made over the last few weeks. <br />
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Our system adopted a new math program a few years ago, but most schools kept the old manipulative kits just in case they were needed for something later. I rescued some of those manipulatives...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1g4_H7FG06k/Vudwp0lwvTI/AAAAAAAABOc/-IrhdAj0BewmPVEo8Q1DwVF7b03yTSzrw/s1600/IMG_2259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1g4_H7FG06k/Vudwp0lwvTI/AAAAAAAABOc/-IrhdAj0BewmPVEo8Q1DwVF7b03yTSzrw/s320/IMG_2259.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A puzzle with a few pieces missing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSJ56yoh2js/VudwqDGXL2I/AAAAAAAABOg/KjDLw_EaCZY82C0VYG0wULGgBhbMaNhQg/s1600/IMG_2260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSJ56yoh2js/VudwqDGXL2I/AAAAAAAABOg/KjDLw_EaCZY82C0VYG0wULGgBhbMaNhQg/s320/IMG_2260.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A puzzle with most of the pieces missing. The pieces were shaded in order to help the students figure out which pieces went where.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00hg3qo9Q60/Vudwp2_NoMI/AAAAAAAABOY/FIxzJ5s31bcQsKKn5SerIKM_pPFyCDg5g/s1600/IMG_2316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-00hg3qo9Q60/Vudwp2_NoMI/AAAAAAAABOY/FIxzJ5s31bcQsKKn5SerIKM_pPFyCDg5g/s320/IMG_2316.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colored squares with letters on them for name building. Each classmate's name is in a bag with the corresponding cubes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6vg2y_s0Vg/VudxKXDW4iI/AAAAAAAABOs/2MtkYUFNoxoEsKXC8xbSXZzOD0PuzQG_Q/s1600/IMG_2098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6vg2y_s0Vg/VudxKXDW4iI/AAAAAAAABOs/2MtkYUFNoxoEsKXC8xbSXZzOD0PuzQG_Q/s320/IMG_2098.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A multi-functional task. A ziplock bag holds the additional cards to differentiate for specific skills. {I used overhead coins & blank printer labels so they would be easier to read}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IT-JgOCnn4Q/VudxKNT702I/AAAAAAAABOk/ZSi7fVSmDykSGqY1iJpxIarIBGIUYE88A/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IT-JgOCnn4Q/VudxKNT702I/AAAAAAAABOk/ZSi7fVSmDykSGqY1iJpxIarIBGIUYE88A/s320/IMG_2102.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geoboards & loom bands to match upper & lower case letters. {We used loom bands for students who have more limited dexterity. Rubber bands could be used to provide more resistance}</td></tr>
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I hope this helps you come up with some of your own ways to repurpose old math manipulatives.<br />
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...KaraKarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-19379153256385257032016-01-26T23:45:00.000-05:002016-01-27T23:40:40.910-05:00Task Tuesday"Can you make something from this?" <i>{handover pile of random buttons, stickers, clothespins, and other small items}</i><br />
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That was the response I got when I asked how I could help in one classroom. There was no other instruction given. When I asked what the teacher wanted, the response was "it doesn't matter". When I specifically asked if I should focus on reading, math, writing, fine motor, put in...I just got a blank stare. I have asked a few times what needs the students/classroom have and the response is always "we will take anything". I think that the teacher is good with the kids, but as far as what they are learning...well I'm not to sure. I can't decide if the teacher is just so far in the weeds that she doesn't know what she needs or if she doesn't really care. Either way, it's not good. Initially, I was just offering my services to create tasks...now I'm worried. But for right now, I'm just going to create away. In the meantime I hope that I can help in other ways in the not too distant future.<br />
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This week's tasks are focusing on combined fine motor & educational tasks. I figured that some of the tasks might need to double team on some skills. Here is what I created...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxtENPhNqA8/VqmZB4I8cwI/AAAAAAAABLs/4sv2ypMB2kQ/s1600/IMG_1605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxtENPhNqA8/VqmZB4I8cwI/AAAAAAAABLs/4sv2ypMB2kQ/s320/IMG_1605.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hF9yPmimuS4/VqmZB1Ij-VI/AAAAAAAABLk/rv5Ll3eC2is/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hF9yPmimuS4/VqmZB1Ij-VI/AAAAAAAABLk/rv5Ll3eC2is/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1:1 Correspondence; Color Matching</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RofHsKdviJc/VqmZBz5osSI/AAAAAAAABLo/j_m4mHX5ICU/s1600/IMG_1608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RofHsKdviJc/VqmZBz5osSI/AAAAAAAABLo/j_m4mHX5ICU/s320/IMG_1608.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Number/Number Sets; Fine Motor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix5C9p_Yu1E/VqmZCsBGkGI/AAAAAAAABL0/1nywZPVsFjQ/s1600/IMG_1609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix5C9p_Yu1E/VqmZCsBGkGI/AAAAAAAABL0/1nywZPVsFjQ/s320/IMG_1609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching Number Sets; Fine Motor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyFUy6By3Mo/VqmZC_ghGCI/AAAAAAAABL4/fgMcahQK67w/s1600/IMG_1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyFUy6By3Mo/VqmZC_ghGCI/AAAAAAAABL4/fgMcahQK67w/s320/IMG_1610.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puzzle: Number Sets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgMgjAYHGfY/VqmZC16bUwI/AAAAAAAABL8/uK12cvj1nSw/s1600/IMG_1653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgMgjAYHGfY/VqmZC16bUwI/AAAAAAAABL8/uK12cvj1nSw/s320/IMG_1653.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1:1 Correspondence; Color Matching</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2SNsCSjFQk/VqmZDU79nmI/AAAAAAAABMI/pRdtCfY_gdA/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2SNsCSjFQk/VqmZDU79nmI/AAAAAAAABMI/pRdtCfY_gdA/s320/IMG_1654.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Number to Number Sets</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI59syUkwYA/VqmZDkfyOOI/AAAAAAAABMQ/OSmiY-oxL7o/s1600/IMG_1767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI59syUkwYA/VqmZDkfyOOI/AAAAAAAABMQ/OSmiY-oxL7o/s320/IMG_1767.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skip Counting by 5s</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0-85ctTu_k/VqmZDyp16AI/AAAAAAAABMU/Ae61blWSjac/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0-85ctTu_k/VqmZDyp16AI/AAAAAAAABMU/Ae61blWSjac/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puzzle Jig<br />(pieces are color coded and separate)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Counting by 2s</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visual Discrimination; 1:1 Correspondence</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shape discrimination</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K67G50pu-s/VqmZF46An1I/AAAAAAAABNc/igGKGLqvqEM/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4K67G50pu-s/VqmZF46An1I/AAAAAAAABNc/igGKGLqvqEM/s320/IMG_1988.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puzzle Jig</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern Recognition; Pattern Continuation<br />(This task has 2 sets of cards--one for each skill)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">I had a lot of fun creating tasks this week, even though I was limited by the pieces that I was given. I hope the teachers are able to readily incorporate these tasks into their classroom instruction. More tasks to come soon!</span></div>
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-80590659798829915342016-01-26T22:14:00.001-05:002016-02-12T22:34:20.556-05:00Mentor Session<div><br></div>What a fun day! I was able to spend time today with a new teacher who knows a lot, but doesn't realize how much he knows. We spent some time today discussing a student who has been a challenge for him. Not the physically, mentally exhausting child; but the sweet, gentle kid who hasn't shown any any proclivities or interest in classroom activities. What skills does this child have? What tasks do you have this child work on? You know there is something in there, but how do you get it out?<br>
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I forgot how much I enjoy trying to figure out the puzzle!<br>
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When I asked the teacher what skills the child had, he said "I just don't know". But when we got down to it, he did know. He was able to brainstorm a few things that are strengths, as well as a few things that need to be addressed. <div><br></div><div>By the time I left, he had a plan worked out on a few new tasks to create as well as a few new ideas for approaching 1:1 time and group times with the student. For our next session, we are going to tackle data collection. Can't wait to see what he does with his rediscovered knowledge!</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-92224189589671290812016-01-06T22:22:00.001-05:002016-01-06T22:22:40.288-05:00Adapted Books<br />
Adapted Books are one of my favorite classroom resources. I am a firm believer that students need to read, read, read. Unfortunately, in some of the classes that I have observed in, books are rare; Kids read with the teacher sure, but reading for enjoyment is often nonexistent. I always made a point to give my students free-reading time. In 2 of the classes that I have been working with, there are no books for the kids to read independently. That is going to change...<br />
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One of my favorite resources for creating adapted books is the website Readinga-z.com. The books are easy to print in a variety of sizes. They are also super easy to modify for a wide range of kids. I frequently adapt the same title for more than 1 reading level/skill level.<br />
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Here are a few of the books that I created this week. Some are from Reading A-Z and others are books that I had in the charity box that my personal kids had outgrown.<br />
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Label pictures or simple comprehension</div>
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This book is for a student whose IEP goals are to unscramble sentences. I made it somewhat of a self-correcting task in that the velcro pieces alternate on each page. The hook strip is under the page on one side; The other side is loop.<br />
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<i> (I apologize for the following sideways photos, they keep turning themselves every time I upload them)</i><br />
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This was a book that I reprinted from my files on BoardmakerShare. The cards are for 2 different skill levels, matching images or comprehension.</div>
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This book was one in my box of "I know I can do something with that later" stuff. One of the kids in the level 2 class is able to read, but struggles with pincer grasp. I taped a flap on each page to see if it would make it easier for her to turn the pages.</div>
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Matching photo to photo</div>
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I didn't create words, but it could also be set up for the kids to match word to word.</div>
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These books were bound in a few different ways. Since the teachers I have been working with have not used adapted books, I want them to try a variety of bindings. That way they can determine their preference for how they want them bound or which works better for the kids. On one of the books, I stapled the binding and then duck taped over the staples. Others are board books that once I added the velcro, the pages were spaced making them open easier. Other books are bound with 2 different spiral bindings. </div>
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I hope you find these helpful, more adapted books to come soon.</div>
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-86565277804608331322015-12-15T21:04:00.000-05:002015-12-15T21:11:58.833-05:00Put in Tasks<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few of the teachers I have been working with have requested some updated put in tasks as theirs were well worn. Some of the tasks require wrist manipulation and some pincer grasp. Here are some of the ones I came up with today...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thumb & finger pincer grasp</span>...This is for a group of kids who have been working on OT tasks and have mastered pulling larger items off a container. I used "gems" for the pieces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wrist manipulation...This task was to replace a very loved task in one of the classrooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This task was for a younger child working on wrist manipulation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm working on a few adaptive books for next term and will post them as soon as they are complete.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cheers!</span></div>
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-35630820530971760022015-12-15T15:21:00.001-05:002015-12-15T15:25:34.376-05:003rd Time is a CharmA few years ago, I decided to start a blog around my self-contained Autistic classroom. Not long after, my world literally turned upside down and moved 1/2 way around the world. I tried to keep up with the blog but life kept throwing curve balls. <div><br></div><div>As par for the course, my life has once again been turned upside down. Now, I am a stay at home mom doing a lot of volunteer work at my kids school & for former coworkers. </div><div><br></div><div>The large majority of my volunteer work has centered on developing tasks for the classes I am working with. This time around, I am just going to focus on tasks for use in a TEACCH modeled classroom. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hence, I am resurrecting my blog. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Feel free to tag, pin, repost anything you feel is useful. I'm also open for ideas,so if you want me to create a task focused on a specific skill just let me know. </div><div><br></div><div>It feels good to be (partially) back!</div><div><br></div><div>Kara</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-34649801983470325882013-09-12T10:58:00.001-04:002013-09-12T10:58:26.817-04:00Data CollectionWell, I am back to data collection again! It seems that I am just never satisfied. Last school year I tried to go paperless. It worked to some extent, but I wasn't super happy. It was challenging to compile all of my various data sets in different virtual arenas. <div><br></div><div>For the last term of the 2012/2013 school year, I also took on the role of Special Needs Coordinator full time. In that role, I realized that we had no data collection tool for our people to use. In the current system, I am responsible to writing each student's IILP(International Individual Learning Plan), similar to an IEP. That being said, there was no data collected that wasn't subjective in nature. Each Learning Facilitator (teaching assistant) that worked with individual kids was giving me updates, but there was nothing concrete to examine. It was just their interpretation of the situation. I really need to work on that for this coming school year!</div><div><br></div><div>Personally, I used BehaviorTracker Pro, which I wrote about in a previous blog post. I really like the app, and I am definitely partial to them after the fabulous customer service I received last fall. However, it is one of those "in the know" apps. You need to completely understand the language of, at the very least FBAs, but also Applied Behavioral Analysis. It's not an intuitive app by any means. It would be next to impossible to get an non-trained Learning Facilitator to use without skewing my results. </div><div><br></div><div>I have been looking into other options out there for data collection. I could just build spreadsheets for every child, but it would still have some limits. I am looking for something that everyone has access to, but can't change info by accident. I am trying to find an app that is more intuitive than a spreadsheet and BTP. One complaint I have about BTP is that I have to remember what skill I am tracking for each child, each time I enter the app. It doesn't automatically keep each behavior selected for the kids. My other complaint about BTP is that I can't take data on multiple kids at one time.</div><div><br></div><div>Last night I came across IEPPal. It looks kind of like what I'm looking for. It seems to be more intuitive, and you can take data on multiple kids at a time. I can upload pictures for each of the kids and multiple people can enter data, which is good. It isn't super expensive, but I am not sure it would be worth the investment. Although I really need to update the way we collect data on Sped kiddos in my school. Last year we began the year with 10 Sped kiddos across 11 age groups. This year we will begin with 25 across 12 age groups. Its a WHOLE lot more to keep up with. </div><div><br></div><div>Has anyone out there used IEPPal? Can anyone give me thoughts on it? (I'm afraid that the company website might be a little bit biased.)</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-53478993620569927002013-08-11T17:56:00.000-04:002013-08-11T17:56:47.139-04:00Back to SchoolIt has been way too long since my last blog, but with school year, I vow to do more blogging. I feel very settled and I am so thankful to be back to work full time. <br />
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That being said, I am going to make a few changes around here. When I initially started my blog, I was working in a district where people had been written up for things they said on their blog. As a result, I created a pseudonym for my blog name. I've hated using it, because it felt fake (which it was). Anyway...from here on out, I will be signing off as myself. </div>
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I will also be posting about things in and around my school. I feel that there are some really wonderful things going on that people should be aware of. So in the future, you might be seeing things about more than just my classroom. </div>
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Cheers,</div>
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Kara</div>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-5738603753104016352013-03-25T12:11:00.001-04:002013-03-25T12:11:32.995-04:00Diary of a Social DetectiveWell today was a wonderful day! I ordered a few books about 1 month ago & they <strong><em>finally </em></strong>arrived! I almost kissed the delivery driver, but since I thought it would violate a few social morays, I didn't. Afterall the books I was waiting for were dealing with social skills. <br />
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The book I was most excited about was this glorious one...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKGKhUJCjxM/UVBvlfS0F5I/AAAAAAAAAFA/IYpIgBwgChQ/s1600/Diary+Social+Detective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKGKhUJCjxM/UVBvlfS0F5I/AAAAAAAAAFA/IYpIgBwgChQ/s1600/Diary+Social+Detective.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
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I have been on the hunt for a while for a book to use in a social skills group. I have read tons of reviews and was going back and forth between this one and SuperFlex. I chose this one over SuperFlex because I thought it was more appropriate for my older students. The premise of this book is that Johnny is a young man who used to be socially awkward, but applied to his detective skills to help him navigate the social maze. Now that he is socially aware, he runs a detective business whereby he helps his not-so-knowledgable peers discover why they are less socially adept. It provides a story to support a social scenario & then he and his peer develop solutions to the problem. </div>
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The author even has a website where students can write in with their own scenarios:</div>
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<a href="http://www.socialdetectives.com/">www.socialdetectives.com</a></div>
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My book is already flagged up with stickies & notes. I have been furiously working on how my group is going to run. I am a bit nervous about the whole thing, as I have never run a "social skills" group before. I mean, outside of my autistic classroom. Somehow this feels completely different, but I am really excited about it. </div>
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While I was waiting for my book to arrive, I tried to find some activites to correspond to the book like people have for SuperFlex, but I guess since it is a book for higher level students there isn't much out there. So today I worked on a few. At the end of the book, there are questions that can be answered for each chapter that is read. I took the questions and made a "worksheet". I am also not planning on reading the book chapter by chapter. I am starting with the most appropriate chapter for my group, which happens to be about excessive talking & misreading body language (a lot of the chapters deal with misreading body language). This is what I have come up with so far, but I haven't used it with a group yet, so I am sure that I have some tweaking to do yet.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1maMBEp0acA/UVB0PJCQ0qI/AAAAAAAAAFI/DuE1b_izf-I/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1maMBEp0acA/UVB0PJCQ0qI/AAAAAAAAAFI/DuE1b_izf-I/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also created this page to help us with body language interpretation.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0zeit5JmWQ/UVB2SZvzFPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/loZnzG5NtgQ/s1600/Mysteries.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0zeit5JmWQ/UVB2SZvzFPI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/loZnzG5NtgQ/s1600/Mysteries.PNG" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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(This one is on BoardmakerShare.com)</div>
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I plan to begin our group sessions once we return from Spring Break. In the meantime, I hope everyone is enjoying warm weather, because it was cold and snowy here today!</div>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-8814640122552084342013-03-14T18:46:00.002-04:002013-03-14T18:46:37.562-04:00Johari WindowsSo one of my students and I have been working on his self-advocacy skills. He is at that age, where it is important for him to be able to advocate for his own needs, but his parents are adamant that he not know he is autistic. It makes it a bit challenging to not be able to label something, but I am desparately trying to honor their request. Although, I really feel like he needs to know! Anyway, a collegue and I were discussing self-knowledge & he suggested I look up Johari Windows. Never having heard of them, I was a bit intrigued by them, so I looked them up. Here is what I found:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzQ4zZK4kbU/UUJSrnVZSEI/AAAAAAAAAEw/J7YwYXimS5I/s1600/Johari+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzQ4zZK4kbU/UUJSrnVZSEI/AAAAAAAAAEw/J7YwYXimS5I/s320/Johari+window.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you remember all the way back to Biology, it might look a bit familiar. (Think Mendeleev's peas) The "window" is a way to define yourself both to yourself and to others. <br />
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My little friend has found this activity very challenging. We began with identifying the things that are his Open Self and he found it easy to complete the square. I knew the other 3 squares would be a challenge for him, but I didn't think it would be so challenging. I thought that if he had some parameters, then he would surely be able to complete the Hidden Self square . It is proving to be more of a challenge than I anticipated. The good news is that we have had some productive discussions that we may not have had otherwise. The downside is that the activity is taking much longer than planned. Hopefully we will be able to complete the activity before we break for our end of term break. I really hope this helps him be able to advocate for his needs in the future!<br />
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-27208733440506933772012-12-14T04:59:00.002-05:002012-12-14T04:59:16.042-05:00Social SkillsWow! It sure has been a LONG time since I have blogged. I apologize for my absence, but I must say this move has been more difficult than I anticipated it being. I thought it would be a walk in the park since I spoke the language. Boy was I wrong! It has taken me months to just figure out the grocery stores! Anyway, now that I feel more comfortable, I am going to get better about blogging.<br />
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So...<br />
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I know that I posted this fall about my new job, but I haven't posted anything about what I have actually been doing. I am working with 3 students who have been identified as Aspergers and are all in a mainstreamed classroom. One of the students I am working with is in middle school & has been working on effectively working in cooperative groups. Another student & I are working on social interaction. He has the skills to interact with his peers, but as he says, "I just don't see why I have to play with other kids. I like myself." My third student is working on task completion and classroom participation. <br />
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I have been doing a wide variety of things with the kids I have been working with because they are all at different points in their AU lives. I am working in much more of a therapist role, although if I am being honest, I still don't really feel as comfortable in this role as in my previous role. I am hoping that blogging about my new job will help me sort myself out and help me become just as comfortable in this role.<br />
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First things first...<br />
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I have been using fewer picture cues and more lists & flow charts than ever before. For my one child who likes himself, we had to develop a plan for how to approach people on the playground. Recess at my school is very different than in the States. Everyone, K-8, has recess at the same time two times a day. It is wonderful, in that there are so many opportunities to interact with a variety of kids and to engage in a wider range of activities. On the downside, it is a bit overwhelming when you don't know what to do. This particular student didn't know how to join into a group or even how to approach someone to play. We were able to create a flow-chart to help him know what to do. He was so funny when we were creating it, because he was very particular about how he wanted it to be color coded because the colors all had a significant meaning for him. When he first began using the script, he was very rigid and couldn't vary the script at all; but eventually, he was able to deal with the fluctuations in responses and adapt his questions and statements. (The statements on this chart are in his own words.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIumW4spnSs/UMr4IruO4nI/AAAAAAAAAEU/DV1qmUywSzg/s1600/Flow+Chart.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIumW4spnSs/UMr4IruO4nI/AAAAAAAAAEU/DV1qmUywSzg/s320/Flow+Chart.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
When we started to work on other ways to approach someone, he suggested that we make another flow-chart. At one point, I think we had 5 different flow-charts on approaching people and asking to join and/or play a game! I was so flow-charted out it was crazy, but he was so gung-ho for them I had to giggle. Gotta love AU kiddos!<br />
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<span id="goog_1827171097"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1827171098"></span><br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-11269320563528282622012-12-13T16:34:00.001-05:002013-02-04T06:50:53.688-05:00Collecting data digitallySo in my goal to go digital, I have been struggling with making things work. One of the things I have done to try to help my digital data collection, is to buy Notebinder. It is an app for my iPad. So far, I am liking this app because I can have virtual binders with tabs that resemble the binders I used previously. I like the virtual binder over the bound binder, because it takes up significantly less space and I can still separate things with tabs. I am able to write using my different color pens & everything. If there are notes that I take, I can directly email to anyone from the app itself. So I am more punctual about sending stuff to parents and peers. <br />
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My one problem has been actual data collection. I have found 2 apps to help me, one of which I threw out immediately. It was more of a way to track antecedents (which is not something I need right now). The other being BehaviorTrackerPro. <br />
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I used Behavior Tracker some last year on my phone and was able to get fabulous customer service switching the app from my Android phone to my iPad. So I am really keen on using it since they were so helpful. However, as I am not yet fluent with it, my data collection has been all over the board. <br />
With my paper/pen data sheets, I was able to easily see how I collected data differently for each task. The electronic app only collects data in reserved ways. Has anyone else found an electronic way to track data that works for them. At this point, I am seriously considering downloading excell for my iPad so I can use my old sheets! Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-83693025961292160532012-09-30T06:38:00.003-04:002012-09-30T06:38:43.110-04:00So I feel that I have been out of touch with the blogging world for too long & it is time to get back into the swing of things. I haven't even read any of my favorite blogs lately, I feel like I have forsaken my friends!!<br />
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What's new in the world of me? I have a J-O-B!! Yeah me!!!!! I am only working part time right now, with the potential for full-time down the road, but it is better than nothing. I am no longer a classroom teacher (boo-hoo), but I am with my personal kids and I am still working with autistic spectrum kiddos. I am doing more therapy in my current role. It's different, but I have some great kiddos and I'm enjoying it.<br />
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This new job has really made me miss my classroom days though. That being said, I am enjoying doing things I haven't been able to do in YEARS! I never thought I would miss having to always wear sneakers everyday, and although I like cute shoes, they aren't entirely comfortable. I have actually been able to wear jewelry to work. I don't think I have done that in at least 12 years! I was toying with the idea of wearing a skirt to work next week, but it has been so long, I don't know if I have one that fits. I am enjoying these "perks", but I do miss the classroom. As challenging as everything was, and all of the angst it caused me, I truly miss it!<br />
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More to come on my adventures in England!<br />
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-31805962440957208542012-08-28T16:51:00.001-04:002012-08-28T16:51:15.755-04:00The Big MoveWOW! Things have been quite insane in my family for the last few weeks. We are finally in our new house (minus our stuff). We lived with relatives for a little over 1 week, because the movers came to pack all of our stuff up in early August. We landed in the UK about 2 weeks ago, but didn't have reliable internet access until today. My family is living out of suitcases and sleeping on rental furniture until our container arrives. I got word yesterday that it was here & had cleared customs, now we are just waiting for the movers to bring it to us this coming Monday. It should be interesting for the remainder of the week, because my kids start school tomorrow! No lunch boxes or "school" clothes. Oh well, we will make due. <br />
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I have been offered a position, but I am still not 100% sure of my role. Everyone here is much more laid back about everything & as such, I still don't have a start date. All that I do know is that I won't have a classroom, but I will be working with students on the spectrum. <br />
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I have no idea what this new role means for my blog, not that I have gotten very far into it. We shall see. Hopefully I will get a better understanding of my new role in the coming days. In the meantime, I am going to practice driving on the left side of the road & try not to get honked at in roundabouts! Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-84423562767118739982012-07-08T23:49:00.002-04:002012-07-09T00:41:19.769-04:00The Versatile Blogger<img height="153" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Anv96XynhV0/T-7odWc7GgI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/xBGPyEJ0EBw/s762/versatile.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #5a4e42; display: block; float: none; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="153" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Karlie, over at <a href="http://karlie-johnson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">We are ALL Special!</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> has nominated me for The Versatile Blogger award. Thank you Karlie! I am very new to the whole blog thing, so I still find it surprising that anyone reads my blog! Thanks for being one of my followers Karlie!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">One of the rules for receiving this award, is to give 7 random facts about myself, so here goes...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; line-height: 18px;">1. Wonder Woman is my hero! During rough weeks, I pack my lunch in a Wonder</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; line-height: 18px;"> Woman lunch box. It always makes me feel better!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">2. I prefer the mountains to the beach.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; line-height: 18px;">3. I wish I could wear a dress to work; not every day, just once in a while.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">4. I constantly quote movies, even when I'm teaching.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">5. I love teaching Science.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">6. My favorite color is green.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; line-height: 18px;">7. I love Vietnamese food. My family goes just about every Friday to our favorite </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; line-height: 18px;">vietnamese restaurant for dinner.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I have nominated others for this award based on a few things. First, if I was able to improve my teaching because I something I learned while reading their blog. Second, if I was able to "steal" an idea for an organizational method or task. Third, if I was inspired or uplifted by reading their blog. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: 'century gothic', monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Here are the people I nominate for The Versatile Blogger award:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://busybeeideas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Busy Bee Andrea</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://adaptingcreatively.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adapting Creatively</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://teachk-2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keeping it True in K-1-2</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://specialprek.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Special Ed Pre-k: Early Intervention Special Education</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://erin-specialeducation.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adventures in Tutoring & Special Education</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://aspecialkindofclass.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 28px;" target="_blank">A Special Kind of Class</a><br />
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<a href="http://msrachelsroom.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; color: #24cfc7; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" title="Button"><img alt="Button" src="http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y302/MickeyD13/button2-3.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGiZbfZjY-g/TbHn2l9PHRI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/4thRuQh5jWM/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" id="Image1_img" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGiZbfZjY-g/TbHn2l9PHRI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/4thRuQh5jWM/s240/button.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.09375) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.09375) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; visibility: visible;" width="105" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img alt="Creating & Teaching" src="http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc453/eblecki/new%20blog%20design/funcolorsbutton.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; position: relative;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://creatingandteaching.blogspot.com/" style="color: #666666; line-height: 15px;" target="_blank">Creating and Teaching</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am supposed to nominate 15 people for this award, but I don't have 15 blogs to nominate so instead, I am nominating these 8 people for their blogs.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for helping me become a better teacher!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">H</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ere are the seven rules to follow when receiving this award:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; line-height: 21px;">1. Thank the blogger who nominated you. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">2. Include a link to their blog. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">3. Include the award image in your post. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">4. Give 7 random facts about yourself. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a4e42; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">6. When nominating, include a link to their blog. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">7. Let other bloggers know they've been nominated. </span></span></span></span>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-38372808957252066592012-07-07T23:37:00.000-04:002012-07-08T01:38:58.719-04:00Data Collection...continuedOk, so I got a bit sidetracked by my well-deserved and much needed vacation. But I'm back now, still working, even though I have offically resigned my position. A Special Ed teacher's job is NEVER finished! <br />
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I have spent the last few hours trying to clean off my laptop so I can return it to the MOST awesome media tech person I have ever worked with! In the process of doing that, I came across the pictures I "lost" in my pictures folder. Now that I have found them, I can continue my post on data. <br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>The Process...</strong></em></span><br />
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of collecting data is always easier when you have the right tools. One of my favorites...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBH3Btweyz8/T_jyAbangnI/AAAAAAAAAC4/xUDXvB0PjK4/s1600/pens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBH3Btweyz8/T_jyAbangnI/AAAAAAAAAC4/xUDXvB0PjK4/s320/pens.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
my colored pens! Colored pens save my eyes when it comes time to write progress reports and new IEPs.<br />
I end up with tons in my car by the end of the week. <br />
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This is one of my data collection sheets I keep at my Morning Meeting table. One of my kids got carried away with the BENQ & spilled my coffee all over the table. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd0n3tht480/T_j0rM9-frI/AAAAAAAAADQ/WhyVqCMPlE8/s1600/PIC0001-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" sca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd0n3tht480/T_j0rM9-frI/AAAAAAAAADQ/WhyVqCMPlE8/s320/PIC0001-002.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="225" data-width="225" height="225" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpGHV8Kg1evHNgGcas8TebHEI1ZvfUmIdhs439AY8fPXk7f9k8kA" style="height: 225px; width: 225px;" width="225" /> This is the type of clipboard I use. Mine has stuff taped all over it, but I couldn't find it. It's packed up somewhere!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H06Ox7gT350/T_j0sxFqFBI/AAAAAAAAADY/RUhYlMQegNw/s1600/PIC0001-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" sca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H06Ox7gT350/T_j0sxFqFBI/AAAAAAAAADY/RUhYlMQegNw/s320/PIC0001-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a file folder task that is in a center basket for 3 of my kids. Some times, I have to add keys to the bottom of my data sheets, but most of them are there in the key. I tape a lot of stuff to the back of my tasks (or to the bottom of work baskets).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scN8Ir46XQA/T_j0t1hLmvI/AAAAAAAAADg/HL2Q4mFClfk/s1600/PIC0001-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" sca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scN8Ir46XQA/T_j0t1hLmvI/AAAAAAAAADg/HL2Q4mFClfk/s320/PIC0001-004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is an old data sheet that I used for a while to document the behavior of one of my kids, but it only had one behavior to track and I was constantly flipping back & forth to the pages.. </div>
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so I created this one instead.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLP7vdhsEAg/T_j0u34QaCI/AAAAAAAAADo/nxvxE_IeWP0/s1600/PIC0001-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" sca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLP7vdhsEAg/T_j0u34QaCI/AAAAAAAAADo/nxvxE_IeWP0/s320/PIC0001-005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one tracks multiple behaviors in the same 15 min increments and I can keep 2 days worth of data on the same page.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zS8pzmaINQ/T_j0v1ZV4BI/AAAAAAAAADw/YBaMHXoQ1Yo/s1600/PIC0001-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" sca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5zS8pzmaINQ/T_j0v1ZV4BI/AAAAAAAAADw/YBaMHXoQ1Yo/s320/PIC0001-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a data sheet that I got from someone else. I was using it to try and determine an antecedent for behavior. It certainly helped me narrow it down to 2 antecedents. Too bad my kid is moving on, but so is his data, so hopefully his teacher next year will be able to tease it out even further. I kept these in a folder near the timeout area, because it was the most convienent. I have a folder for each of my kids that I keep in a standing file on a shelf with at least 3 pens (just in case one runs out). The colored pens especially helped on these pages, because I would write in a different color for each day. It helped with teasing out antecedents.</div>
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Enjoy the rest of your weekend!</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-48011563428759038422012-06-29T23:27:00.000-04:002012-06-29T23:27:13.071-04:00Last DayLast Day...<br />
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I had intended for my next post to be a continuation of my previous post on data collection, but I just couldn't let today be over-looked.<br />
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Today was my last day at school, both with students and in general. My resignation was effective today, so I have no workdays, no professional development, nothing left. It has been a really difficult day for me. Not only did I graduate 3 of my students who have been with me since our school opened, but it was also the last day I will work in NC! <br />
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Don't get me wrong, I am really excited about my family's move "across the pond", but I am really going to miss my life here. I have taught in my county for 12 years. I have made many friends and I have some incredible colleagues. <br />
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I always get emotional on the last day, because in Special Ed., you usually have kids for multiple years and they become almost like your family. I refer to my class as "my kids". They aren't my students, they are my kids. I have personal kids and I have school kids. I teach so much more than reading, writing, math, science and social studies. I teach manners; I potty train; I teach independence; I teach self-expression. Today I got to look back on how we have grown as a class and it amazes me. It amazed and overwhelmed me.<br />
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Three times this week, a new staff member commented to me about how well behaved and vocal one of my students was. It has been a gradual progression with this student, so people who have been at our school for a while don't see the change like a new comer does. I have been feeling nostalgic this week, so it really took me aback, because if you knew this student 3 years ago, you never would have thought we would be where we are today. Three years ago, I had bruises ALL over my arms & legs from where she would hit & kick me or from when I would trip over furniture when I attempted to hurdle an object to catch her before she bolted out of the door. She didn't talk and you couldn't get within 5 feet of her without her hissing and lashing out at you. I had to call 911 once when she escaped. She ran so often, the Sheriff's Department provided her with a GPS bracelet! Today, she greeted everyone as they came into class. And today, she also sat in close proximity to others during our Talent Show. I have not only been able to teach with the door open, but we don't have to keep our door alarm set!<br />
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Another of my kids who has been with me since the beginning, not only walked down our "aisle" to Pomp & Circumstance, but he wore his cap for the entire ceremony and even let me put 2 medals around his neck. This is a kid, who 3 years ago when we went to Special Olympics, it took 3 of us just to get him from the competition area to the awards podium. When I tried to pin the ribbon on him, he punched me. <br />
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One of my students even sang in the Talent Show today! The kid has always been a ham, but he was the kind of kid who was constantly moving, even when he was sitting still. And goodness gracious, if he touched anything, it would bounce on the floor 800 times because he would fumble so bad trying to pick it up and there were times when he would fall down in the process. Today, he stood on stage, swaying to the music (very appropriately) and didn't fumble with the microphone at all! His song was beautiful and I wasn't the only one who cried when he sang!<br />
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I have watched this group of kids go from a rag-tag group, to a polite, well-behaved class. Don't get me wrong, we certainly still have our moments, but today was wonderful. Compared to other days this year, it wasn't much different, but compared to days that first year...WOW! We sure have come a long way! <br />
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I am mentally and physically drained from the emotional roller coaster I have been on this week, but especially from today. When I was finally ready to leave today and my room was bare, I must have stood in the doorway for 5 minutes having one of those movie moments. The one, where the past flashes before your eyes and you remember exactly where a certain person was at a certain moment in time. I won't even teach in room 1407 again and I cried for a little while. I could go on crying, but I know that I have left my kids with great skills that will help them in the future. Although, that gets me crying for a whole other reason...Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-23328811857245068752012-06-26T00:17:00.000-04:002012-06-26T00:17:31.718-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Data Collection</span><br />
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One of the things that no one every told me how to do when I began teaching Special Education upteen-thousand years ago was how to collect data. Don't get me wrong, my undergrad classes emphasized the importance of data collection. Those classes just never taught me <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">HOW</span></b></i> to collect data. Through the years, I have realized that I am not the only one out there struggling. Some of my district peers don't do it at all. I don't think it is because they don't care, I think it is that they just don't know how to get started. <br />
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Since my first day in the classroom I have collected data, but it has been <i>very</i> haphazard. For years, I knew that if someone had to come in and pick up where I left off, they would wonder what all those scraps of paper were on my desk! Writing progress reports or report cards was horribly painful. My husband always hated the week before report cards went out, because our dining room (not just the table, but the floor as well) would be COVERED with paper. I would be so frustrated & cranky that its a wonder he never ran out of the room screaming!<br />
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By a stroke of luck 3 years ago, I finally figured out the data collection mystery. It was a huge amount of trial and error those first few weeks in my new classroom. I don't have a clue why after all these years, it finally clicked, but it did. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's what I finally figured out:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1. Just do it! </span> (make the time & just write it down)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">2. Not everything has to look the same</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"> 3. Make sure it is idiot proof</span> (no offense to subs, but a sub in a special ed class is already shell-<br />
shocked, so don't over do it with a complicated process)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000;">4. Make it as convenient as possible </span>(make sure you have a place to write it down with as much pre-<br />
filled in as possible & something to write with--don't laugh, you'd be surprised!)<br />
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Once I figured that out, it was easier to actually collect the data in a way that would work for me.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>How?...</i></span><br />
I think this was the most difficult thing for me to overcome. I always thought that when it came to data collection that 1, single format would do. Not sure why, but for years it was what I tried to do. I only collected data on a single skill. If I had a kid whose IEP dictated that they work on letter identification, I was a champ at collecting that data...on sticky notes...or...note cards...that would then get lost in the pile that would always over-take my desk. <br />
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But when I had behavior goals to address on an IEP...DOCUMENT? Seriously??? How in the world do you do that? I had no clue. It was obvious that the kid was making progress on the goal, but if I had ever been called out on my documentation, I would have been hard pressed to provide <i>ANYTHING</i>! I could provide behavior contracts for some kids, but only a few. <br />
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Moving to an Autistic class forced me to address my inability to handle these situations. Let's face it, 90% of an autistic class is behavioral. I was really going to have to step up my game. Thank goodness for the internet. I found a few data sheets that I used for a while.<br />
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Just a little while was all I could manage, because it still wasn't working for me. How was I going to do this? I had 2 kids in my room that first year whose parents scared me. (You know what I mean) I wanted to be on point if I was ever asked to provide my documentation. How was I going to do that? I decided to do what I do with my kids. I worked backward. <i>What was I trying to get out of my data collection?</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">I wanted to be able to support my IEP goals. </span>Once I figured that out, it was a little easier for me.<br />
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Once I figured out what I wanted to obtain, it was only a matter of figuring out how to go about collecting the data.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Not everything has to look the same...</i></span><br />
I was trying to fit everyone into the same data collection box. I don't do that with my kids. They all have different schedules and work stations. Why do they all have to have the same data collection process? They don't. It was amazing how freeing that thought was! Can't believe it took me so long to come to that conclusion!<br />
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The data sheets I found online were great for some skills, but not for others. So I began to play with my own. I decided what worked best from each of the ones I had been using. <br />
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First & foremost, time! I needed to be able to document on the fly, because coming back to something in my class is a luxury I just couldn't afford. I also needed to be able to have it readily accessible, because if it wasn't, I wasn't going to get it down. (see aforementioned statement)<br />
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Second, simplicity, anyone needed to be able to do it: Me, my TA, a sub, my teammate, the Art teacher. I had to make it as simple as possible, so I didn't have to stop and explain or have to go without.<br />
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The one thing that is on each of my data sheets, regardless of what it looks like, is a key. That way, I don't spend time explaining everything when there isn't time.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Convenience...</i></span> <br />
Everywhere in my room, you will find pens! They are velcroed to the underside of bookshelves (so they don't end up in someone's mouth). They are in containers around the room, I always have at least 2 stuffed in my back pockets, they are everywhere. I decided a long time ago that I liked colored pens. It makes it easier for me to compile data at the end of the quarter/skill/IEP process when they are colored. Looking at only black ink can make my eyes hurt & then I loose track of where I was. Colored ink makes compilation much faster.<br />
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Placement of the data sheets is important too. For years I always tried to keep everything all together in a notebook, a rolodex, a notecard box, a single clipboard and many other places. That was <i>INSANE</i>! It was never where I needed it to be, when I needed it to be. Now, I have data sheets taped to the backs of file folders, the bottoms of tasks and the bookshelf. I have multiple clipboards now. My ABC documentation is next to my timeout area, because I usually have to sit with someone to keep them in timeout. My group documentation is in the large group area, teacher time data is taped to the folder that each student's work is organized in for 1:1 time. <br />
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Life is so much easier now and report cards are less nerve racking! In hindsight, this seems so easy, but it was the most difficult thing I have ever had to learn in Special Ed.! I feel great about my data collection now. I am no longer scared to send report cards/progress reports home to "those" parents anymore. I have a <i>TON</i> of documentation to support my comments now!<br />
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Lesson learned! (I will post some examples of my data sheets and "hiding" places in my next post)<br />
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<br />Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-78562531678619767062012-06-13T00:27:00.000-04:002012-06-13T00:27:21.876-04:00Adaptive BooksI think that I have done all that I can do to prepare for this move until we get closer to the final countdown! So, in the meantime, I am focusing on my class. <br />
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In packing up and reorganizing my classroom, I have been thinking a great deal about things that are critical to an Autistic classroom. While there is a ton of information out in the world about structured teaching, schedule creation and behavior management, there is little in the way of how to incorporate non-verbal students into daily language instruction. If you have worked with non-verbal students, you know that there is often more going on than ways to communicate. There are hundreds of ways that we work around communication difficulties in special education and this is just one small, small way I begin incorporating those skills.<br />
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In honor of all of my non-verbal students, I am starting with adaptive books. <br />
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When I first heard the term "adapted book", I had no clue what the term referred to. I was moving from a resource setting to an autistic classroom, so I thought I might ought to attended a training in structured teaching since it had been years since I had attended any TEACCH training. There wasn't much that I didn't already know, but the phrase "adapted books" threw me for a loop. It was on our agenda and it was supposed to be addressed after an afternoon break on the first day of a 3 day training. The training went longer than scheduled and "adapted books" was pushed back to the 2nd day. When I got home, I did an on-line search and found NOTHING, nada, zilch. I went into that 2nd day still completely clueless. Needless to say, we only touched on the topic briefly and the discussion was extremely one dimensional. We talked about a single way to to adapt books. Over the years, I have adapted books many ways, depending on who I was adapting for. Here is what I have learned:<br />
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<ul><ul><ul><li> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Copyrights are important! </span> That being said, you are allowed to copy books <i>AS LONG AS YOU OWN THE ORIGINAL & KEEP THE ADAPTED BOOK ALONGSIDE THE ORIGINAL & you are adapting the book for instructional purposes.</i></li>
<li>Keep an open mind about how to adapt </li>
<li>Check out The Dollar Store, yardsales, 2nd hand stores, library sales and even your classroom neighbor</li>
<li>Boardbooks are just as adaptable as paperback and hardback books</li>
<li>If you didn't save the file electronically, scan the pieces, because something will get eaten, lost, torn or bent until it is unusable</li>
<li>Just because a book has a torn page or a broken spine, doesn't mean you can't adapt it</li>
<li>Don't be afraid to pull a book apart</li>
<li>Putting a book in the freezer for 15 minutes will loosen the glue on the spine and allow the pages to pull apart easier and without ripping</li>
<li> Decide <i style="font-weight: bold;">WHY</i> you are adapting the book</li>
<ul><li>Are you focusing on the ablity to turn the page?</li>
<li>Are you focusing on each page on 1 specific aspect of the book?</li>
<li>Are you focusing on retelling?</li>
<li>Are you focusing on naming/identifying?</li>
<li>Are you focusing on a curricular skill (counting, classifying)?</li>
<li>Are you focusing on comprehension?</li>
</ul></ul></ul></ul><br />
When I first started adapting books, I only focused on matching picture to picture. Since that first day, I have progressed in why/how I adapt books. <br />
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Here is a book I made from a task I downloaded from BoardmakerShare.com (if you haven't checked it out, you should). The student must complete the simple sentence to match the picture:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Here is a book I created to teach one of my students to learn how to turn a page. It was a book I found in the recycle bin in a peer's classroom, because the binding was shot and had been taped too many times to count. Once I laminated it, it didn't matter:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This was one of the first books I made. It was the only type of book I learned to adapt from my class. I purchased a few copies of this book from the Dollar Store and cut it up. I originally purchased 2 copies, but since the pages were double sided, I was only able to cut out certain pictures. I can't believe I didn't think about that before, but sometimes it takes a few trials to make something work. My goal for this book was just to get one of my students to sit with a book. I needed a board book, because I needed it to take a beating. Since it came from the Dollar Store, I wasn't too upset when he threw it against the wall or beat the desk with it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Here is another book I downloaded from BoardmakerShare (you <i>REALLY </i>should check it out). This one I used when I taught simple machines. My students had to complete the sentence using the correct tool. It was both a labeling (because of the picture clue) and comprehension task.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">In this book, the author used the symbolate tool in Boardmaker to create this book. There is nothing to match, but the words have corresponding pictures to them:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Another favorite site of mine is FileFolderHeaven.com They have a few free items, but their stuff is pretty cheap and it is perfect for what I need it to be:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This was an unexpected find when I went to TJMaxx last year. It was in the clearance bin and I think it cost less than $1.00 and I didn't even have to do anything to it to work! Score!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">This is another download from BoardmakerShare.com. It is the simplest comprehension task I could think of. The student always has two words to choose from:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Another favorite of mine is Readinga-z.com. Our school has a subscription for each teacher K-2 plus our AU classrooms. We use them as take-home readers mostly, but I have adapted them. This book has three options. In the first book I made, I highlighted the word so that the student would know what to focus on (in addition to the huge picture!). Once the child was focusing on the picture, I printed a 2nd copy without the word highlights and the child still had to match the picture. Somewhere in the abyss is the 3rd copy. I covered the picture and the student had to figure out which picture matched the word. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">I hope that someone finds this blog useful to helping them create adaptive books! </span></span><br />
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</span></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-29636107617286386452012-05-12T14:24:00.001-04:002012-05-12T14:24:31.981-04:00<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, my!</span></b> My world has turned upside down since I first started this blog & I am just now getting my feet under me. While I was on Spring Break, my husband came home to say that he had gotten a promotion. Very exciting and well deserved...but...he was promoted to a post in England and we are supposed to be there by the beginning of August! Which, isn't that bad, until you realize that my son & I are in a year-round school. We do not finish school until June 28th! That is not a lot of time to sell a house, pack & have stuff shipped. I have contacted a shipping company & they tell me it will take 5-7 weeks to ship everything, which means that I will have to have stuff packed BEFORE the school year ends! I do intend to teach somewhere in the UK (not stressing that one right now), but what do I take & what do I leave.<br />
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I am packing up my classroom slowly, but surely, but it isn't easy! I am currently teaching at a brand new school, so there wasn't a single thing in the room for me when I first started. I have put a lot of my own money into my classroom, not to mention my blood, sweat & tears! It kills me that I am going to have to leave all of the Unique stuff that I have made, but my system did purchase the rights to it & supplied me with cardstock (most of it anyway). I am hoping that the person who takes my place will not be a brand new teacher & will have some stuff to work with. <br />
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While it KILLS me, I am also going to leave ALL of the "stuff" I have amassed to create tasks with. I can always collect more, <i>right?</i><br />
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I am leaving most of my Social Studies tasks/folders because most of it is either NC or USA history related. I am also leaving most of my money tasks because I don't foresee teaching American monetary units to British children! But I am struggling with all of the other units I have built. I worked hard to put everything together & I don't want to leave it all behind. But I also don't want to pay to have it shipped if I don't need it. <br />
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How much of a library do I leave in my room? The school hasn't bought me any books for my classroom. Most of my books have been donated to me through the years, so I won't be out money there. If I take everything, there won't be a library for the students if the new person doesn't already have one. However I do want to take a library with me. I am really struggling with this, as my system is in such a budget crunch that I know there won't be any money to give to a new teacher to build a classroom library.<br />
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What do I leave? How do I pair everything down? What do/did you leave behind when you move(d)? <br />
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So much to do, so much to think about!Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-7663161950409851902012-04-11T01:28:00.000-04:002012-04-11T01:28:49.816-04:00Unique Learning Linky PartyLate last year my system "strongly suggested" that we use ULS in our self-contained classes. I went to the training, but was unsure how to actually implement the program in my room. I have spent the last 6 months trying to figure out what works best in my room. Things I have discovered about making ULS work in my classroom:<br />
*DATA, DATA, DATA...I keep a data sheet in the front of each hanging folder (each lesson is the<br />
same subject; similar skills, so I am able to keep data on the same sheet over a few months)<br />
*Keep each lesson divided in a hanging file folder in a large tub<br />
*USE THE PRINTING GUIDE!!!<br />
*Not everything needs to be printed<br />
*Non-skid shelf paper hot glued to the back works better, is cheaper and takes up less room than<br />
velcro<br />
*Make at least 1 extra copy of the non-fiction reading, science & math to place in a work center<br />
*When scheduling, my teacher assistant & I take turns each week teaching either math or lang. arts<br />
*Science and Social Studies are taught whole group<br />
*Look for supplemental materials on www.boardmakershare.com before I make them myself<br />
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After finding the ULS Linky Party, I printed this month's lessons 2 to a page like SPED-Ventures does. I really liked her idea; I was able to create file folders easier, because the pieces fit. I'm not finished with Spring Break yet, so I don't know how it will work in actuality though, time will tell.<br />
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I still struggle with ULS at times, because I have a few kids who don't quite fit with ULS. One is too high for most of the lessons, and I have one who is not quite ready for them; so I am still having to make additional materials.<br />
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I can't wait to hear how others use ULS.Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5811926831649448225.post-78279209286699302002012-03-27T20:02:00.001-04:002012-03-27T20:33:49.990-04:00First time for everything!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">It seems as if there is a first time for everything! Today seems as good as any day to start blogging about my classroom adventures. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I am supposed to be on Spring Break, but instead I worked all in my classroom. I am getting a new student the day we return from Spring Break, so I had to get my room prepared. I still don't have a new schedule for her, but I do have work tasks completed. I was stressing myself out over the work tasks, so I feel good about everything I accomplished today. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">In honor of all of the tasks that I completed today, I will call today Task Tuesday. (I hope I can figure out how to post the pictures of the ones I created.)</div></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know if she can count money, but I made this task to see if she could match coins to the pictures I attached to the cards. If she can count money, I will print out a new set of cards minus the coin pictures. All of the items are less than $1.00.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zosvhqNMe6M/T3JWkBIX4YI/AAAAAAAAAAs/mClcCC3UmXM/s1600/P3070124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zosvhqNMe6M/T3JWkBIX4YI/AAAAAAAAAAs/mClcCC3UmXM/s320/P3070124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I made this 1:1 correspondence task for another of my students so I could take one of his tasks and give it to my new student. This student is <i>famous</i> for trying to cram as much as he can into a container as possible. Each pill bottle will only hold one chess piece. If he tries to stuff anymore in the pill bottle, he won't be able to close it!<br />
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This is a classification task I made for my new student. I don't know if she has any abilities to classify yet, as I haven't read her IEP, so we will see how this one works for her.<br />
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This is a picture matching task. I have pictures taped to the inside of the soap dishes that correspond to the items in the cups on the left. I have all of the items in separate cups, because if this task doesn't work for my new student, I can pass it on to another student who has a habit of grabbing handfuls of items and stuffing them wherever he can. (I keep garbage cans far away from him!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRp6VC3zzaU/T3JXJsvYJhI/AAAAAAAAABE/sKYUDV6TolI/s1600/P3070118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JRp6VC3zzaU/T3JXJsvYJhI/AAAAAAAAABE/sKYUDV6TolI/s320/P3070118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here is another sorting task I made today (courtesy of <u>Tasks Galore</u> by Laurie Eckenrode). My goal for this task was to make sure that none of the items would fit in the spot for any of the other items. I had to tape the slots heavily to keep stuff from being shoved in; we will see how well it works.<br />
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Here is a functional assembly task I made. These are soap boxes (I taped a first aid tag on the top of each box) that will be filled with 1 antiseptic wipe and 1 band-aid.<br />
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Here is another functional assembly task. The pill bottles in the back are for the filled toothbrush holders. This limits where the finish product can be placed, since it will only hold all of the items if the holders are filled properly. <br />
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</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00657364423089060509noreply@blogger.com4