In the Kitchen Unit Part I

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This week we're starting our "In the Kitchen" Unit. I'm hoping it goes well. I know Princess will love it. Hopefully Bulldozer and Dinomite do too. Just a reminder for those who haven't joined my facebook page or decided to follow the blog yet. I'd really appreciate it. You can find me on facebook at Every Star Is Different. Moving on to our activities this week!

Language:

Kitchen Tool Nomenclature Cards

The kiddos will learn the names of various kitchen tools as they match up the 3 part cards.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Language Printable Pack Part is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Cooking Verbs

It's very difficult to read instructions in a recipe if you don't know what the main verbs mean. The kiddos will match verbs with sentences and pictures.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Language Printable Pack Part is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

In the Kitchen Spelling

This week our spelling is focused on foods. Due to Bulldozer's allergies, I couldn't use Alphabet Cereal. Instead we opted for Cheezit Scrabble Pieces.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Language Printable Pack Part is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Addition with Fruit

Bulldozer continues to enjoy math. I always try to incorporate addition and/or subtraction in each unit, just for him. This week we're using plastic ice cube fruits as manipulatives.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

What's For Snack? Graphing Activity

Dinomite really enjoys graphing right now. Here the kiddos will roll the die to determine how many people will eat the different types of fruit for snack. The glass beads will be used as markers to chart data.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Intro to Fractions

This month we're learning about fractions. I'm hoping the introduction goes well. Dinomite has been introduced to them in the past, but this will be a first for both Princess and Bulldozer.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Grocery Shopping

A kitchen unit wouldn't be complete without a grocery shopping activity. The kiddos will match up coin cards with dollar amount cards. There are four cards for each food group, which allows for some sorting too.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Math Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Science:

Solid vs. Liquid

Food is such a science. In this activity the kiddos will match up solid and liquid forms of food and drink. We will be discussing the effect heat has on specific foods.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The In the Kitchen Culture & Science Printable Pack is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Herbs Match Up

Bulldozer's food allergies include some herbs and spices. It's extremely important for him to learn the ones that are safe vs. those that are not. In this activity the kiddos will match up the plant cards with the containers of herbs. Once herbs are match up, they can smell the different aromas.

Culture:

Cuisines Around the World

The kiddos will match up food cards with continent cards, learning about different ethnic cuisines on each continent.

Visual Arts:

Kandinsky Sequencing

Combining two subjects in one, the kiddos will sequence Kandinsky's works, observing the change in his art style over time.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Wassily Kandinsky Cards are a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Music:
The kiddos continue with their piano lessons and singing each day. We'll also be listening to music from our composer of the month.

Physical Education:
We continue with our family physical fitness program.

Practical Life/Sensorial:

Transferring Grapes with Tongs

The kiddos will transfer grapes from one bowl to the other using the tongs.

Slicing Cheese

The kiddos will practice slicing cheese, using the knife and cutting board provided.

Lemon & Lime Juicer

The kiddos will practice squeezing the juice out of lemons and/or limes.

Carrot Peeling

The kiddos will practice peeling a carrot.

S'mores Trail Mix

Pictures missing printable recipe cards.

I wanted to make sure the kiddos were able to make something this week during learning time. Trail mix sounded perfect, although Bulldozer's allergies once again make this very difficult. I was thrilled when I stumbled across a recipe for S'mores Trail Mix he could eat. The kiddos will use the picture recipe cards provided (see printable) to make their own small bowl of trail mix. They will need to select the right measuring cups and spoons. When they've added all the ingredients to the bowl, they will stir with a spoon and serve.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The S'mores Trail Mix Card are a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Grating Zucchini

The kiddos will practice grading zucchini using the grater provided.

Invitation to Play

The kiddos will practice rolling and cutting as they play with play dough using the materials provided.

Basting Activity

The kiddos will transfer water from one bowl to the other using the baster provided.

Tomorrow I'll begin planning activities for next week. The theme is a surprise!

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Tactile Stimuli in the Classroom

3 COMMENTS

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The act of touching seems so simple. Use the word tactile, and all simplicity is gone. Touch is a very complex and complicated sense. There's the act of touching or receiving touch from another human being or creature. Depending on one's idea of personal space and boundaries, this can be pleasant, or not so much. Our body is constantly touching clothing and other materials such as blankets, pillows, etc. Fabrics can be soothing or completely irritating. Then there's every other object in the universe. I can't begin to count the number of objects I touch in one day.

There are so many varying factors when using the tactile sense. What temperature is the object? Is it wet or dry? Does it feel rough or smooth? Perhaps it's sharp or prickly? Is it slippery? Perhaps it's too hard or too soft? How heavy does it feel? What material is it made from?

It's easy to think about the tactile sense deciding about bedding or towels for a bathroom.
Have we ever thought about it when considering every objects we touch throughout the day? Have you thought about all that has touched you in a day? Every person responds differently to the many different aspects of touch.

Dinomite & Bulldozer's Room

How can you meet the varying tactile needs of students in your classroom?

Dinomite is hypersensitive to touch in regards to other human beings. If people are too close, he can't function. However he can't keep his hands off others. Dinomite sits alone, not just because he works better that way, but because he prefers it. Bulldozer doesn't like others touching him, especially on the head. Washing hair, getting haircuts, combing hair, etc. are all battles with him. If it wasn't for natural consequences, I don't think we would have ever convinced Bulldozer he needed to wear a hat in the winter. When doing learning time activities, Bulldozer does best at a table by himself. Princess' muscles tighten the moment someone touches her, when she's not expecting it. She does not want people touching her hands or feet ever. Her response is more out of fear than anything else, but we know to make sure others don't touch her. Princess does best with her own work space. Sunshine is my most hyersensitive tactile kiddo. She doesn't like to be touched period. We've never really been able to hold her or cuddle her. Those are things she just can't handle.

When it comes to clothing and fabric items, every kiddo is so different. Dinomite wouldn't sleep with a blanket for the first two years of his life. No matter how hard we tried, he refused. I still have a picture of the first time he decided to cuddle up in a blanket. The same went with a pillow. He's progressed now to sleeping with one light blanket, but that's it. Thankfully Dinomite wasn't too picky with his clothes. Bulldozer on the other hand... He won't wear anything with buttons, snaps or zippers, no matter where they are on the clothing. Princess and Sunshine are the same way. Oh, and doing the girls' hair. It took Princess three years to keep anything in her hair. Still on some days she'll pull it out. Sunshine won't even let me touch her hair, let alone put anything in it. I've been cutting her hair short, just so I don't have to worry about the battles.

Princess requested French Braids!

When Dinomite was potty training, he had the hardest time because he could not sit on the potty chair if it was too cold. Still to this day he has trouble wiping after a bowel movement. He can't handle the feel of the poop on the wipe/toilet paper. Oh and food... Dinomite learned how to use a fork and spoon by the age of 11 months, because he couldn't handle touching his food. He is the cleanest eater I've ever met. Bulldozer could not sit on his bottom at the table until he was about 4 years old. He always had to stand in his chair. The poor kiddo just couldn't handle how the seat felt on his bottom. Princess does not like touching objects that are cold, wet or slimy. It took me forever to help her be okay with working in shaving cream, whipped topping, jello etc. I'm still learning about Sunshine's tactile function in regards to other objects.

Tactile function can significantly impact a student's behavior in your classroom. It is important to consider all aspects of touch, and then make a plan to provide the best environment and aids you may need.

1. Contact with People: Does your student like to be touched by others? Can your student keep their hands and other body parts to themselves? Where would be the best place to have this student sit while doing work, taking tests, and participating in discussions? Once you have observed your student, sit down and discuss with them what you're seeing. Ask if it bothers them when others touch them. Ask if they struggle keeping their hands and other body parts to themselves. Make a plan together. This way, the child will understand he's not being punished and will feel comfortable talking about his needs during other situations, instead of acting out with negative behaviors.

2. Clothing: Does your student seem to be irritated by their clothing? Perhaps a tag is bothering them? A button? A zipper? It could be that the child's clothes are too tight or too loose for their liking. Other times it may be a fabric or added sequins/decorations that are irritating? Could it be that the child is too warm or too cold because of the way they are dressed? Are you able to offer them another option of clothing? If not, are you able to communicate with the child to better understand their needs in this area?

3. Other Objects: Does your student show sensitivities or cravings for different objects, constantly needing to avoid or make contact? Can the objects be removed and replaced with an alternative object that better meets the need of the student? If the child craves the tactile component of an object, is there a way for them to meet that sensory need, whenever needed?

There are many ways to help students with hyper or hypo sensitivities to tactile stimuli. In our classroom we use hand held manipulatives often. Most of our activities require the kiddos to work with their hands, moving cards, objects, etc. The busier their hands are the better they learn, especially during instruction time.

Activity & free printable included in our China Unit Study.

During morning work, if Dinomite does not have something in his hands at all times, he struggles. If he only has his pencil, it almost always ends up broken into several pieces. Fidget toys are wonderful to have around and are easy to find on Amazon. Stress balls can help also.

Sensory bins are another great way to help students with tactile sensitivities. They also help students who need tactile stimuli more than others. The more varying textures the better. Bulldozer LOVES his sensory bins. I don't know if he'll ever grow out of using them.

Sensory bin included in our Life At Sea: Pirate Unit Study which includes free printables.

It really is amazing how all of these little tactile components can make such a difference in a kiddo's ability to learn. I challenge you to observe your students and implement what works best for them. If you've already done so, I'd love to hear what works for you!

Amazon.com Widgets

St. Patrick's Day & So Much More!

11 COMMENTS

I'm not the biggest fan of St. Patrick's Day and really contemplated not incorporating it into our activities.

My kiddos had different ideas though, and so I decided to keep them happy.

You'll notice some activities have nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day.

There is so much more included in this post!

I'm using this week as a make up week also.

Any activities we've skipped over in units past, I tried to present here. There are so many free printables available.

St. Patrick's Day & So Much More!

Shamrock TH,SH, & CH Sorting

Princess has been working hard to figure out her beginning consonant blends. She seems to confuse the ones above the most. I'm hoping this activity will help her.

The kiddos will sort out the picture/word cards and place them under the correct beginning consonant blend shamrock.

Source. I created the printable for this activity. The St. Patrick's Day Language Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Rainbow Shapes and Colors

The kiddos seem to be struggling with basic color and shape words. I decided to combine the two sets of words together in one activity.

Kiddos will draw a color word and a shape word from the cups provided.

They will then find the corresponding shape card and paint it the correct color using the paints provided.

I have provided controls for them if needed.

Source. I created the printable for this activity. The St. Patrick's Day Language Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

St. Patrick's Day Spelling Activity

The kiddos will practice writing their spelling words on the windows, using the rainbow window markers provided.

Usually I don't require the kiddos to write their words, but I thought writing on the window would be enough of a treat for them, that they may actually go for it. We'll see.

Source. I created the printable for this activity. The St. Patrick's Day Language Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Number Words & St. Patrick's Day Object Sorting

The kiddos have been struggling to identify their numbers, just as much as colors and shapes. I created this St. Patrick's Day themed activity to help them.

Each number card has a corresponding picture on it.

The kiddos will find the corresponding objects and match them up with the cards.

There are only as many objects as the number card specifies.

If they can't identify the number on the card, they'll be able to figure it out what it says by accurately counting the objects underneath it.

Hopefully this makes sense.

This week I really struggled finding activities that would accommodate Bulldozer's food allergies and adhesive allergy.

In the printable, I have provided a set of blank number cards for those who would prefer to use their own objects or stickers.

My original idea was to use different St. Patrick's Day Stickers as counters, to correspond with stickers on the cards. Stamped cards would work too, but at the time I didn't have enough.

Source. I created the printable for this activity. The St. Patrick's Day Math Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Pot of Gold Subtraction

The kiddos will answer the problems on each of the subtraction cards using gold pieces as counters.

Source. I created the printable for this activity. The St. Patrick's Day Math Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Measuring Shamrocks

The kiddos will use a ruler to measure each shamrock. They will place the correct answer card next to each shamrock.

Source. I created the printable for this activity. The St. Patrick's Day Math Printable Pack 1 is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Deciduous Tree Match

This activity is a make up activity from a previous unit. The kiddos will match up pictures in the cup with pictures on the chart, identifying different types of trees.

Source: I created this printable. The Deciduous Tree Match Up is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Poisonous Plants Sorting Activity

This activity is a make up activity from a previous unit. The kiddos will sort the poisonous plant cards using the control cards provided.

Source: I created this printable. The Poisonous Plants Sorting Activity is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Sorting Food Groups

This activity is a make up activity from another unit. The kiddos will sort the food cards by food group.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Sorting Food Groups Printable is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Animals of Europe

This activity is a make up activity from another unit. Dinomite is SUPER excited about it. The kiddos will look through the cards, sorting them in any way they wish. There are 50 animal cards in all.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Animals of Europe Printable is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

European Country Syllable Practice

During the month of February we learned about Paris, France and Sochi, Russia, however we did not spend much time studying Europe in general, except for when studying countries in the Olympics.

I wanted to be sure to introduce all of the countries on the continent. We've done this through the study of syllables before.

The kiddos really seemed to enjoy it. I'm hoping they will again. Syllable work is a great way to practice pronouncing words that may be difficult for kiddos, like country names, etc.

Source: I created these cards. The European Country Syllables Printable is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, be sure to follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Places to Visit in Ireland

To go along with our St. Patrick's Day theme, I thought it might be fun to learn a little more about Ireland. the kiddos will match these 3 part cards.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. The Places to Visit in Ireland Printable is a Subscriber's Only Freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin

Our "fun" shelves haven't been the greatest the last couple of weeks. I asked my kiddos what they wanted on the shelves.

Bulldozer said he wanted a sensory bin and water activities.

The others couldn't give me anything specific. This sensory bin is for Bulldozer!

Pouring Water

This is a simple pouring activity. I colored the water green for St. Patrick's Day.

Making a Rainbow

We've done this activity before. The kiddos are given the three primary colors, and then asked to mix and match them to make a rainbow of colors.

Tweezing Lucky Charms

The kiddos will tweeze out the marshmallows in the bowl of Lucky Charms. They are then welcome to eat any they'd like. I stocked up on boxes so we'll be set for the week.

Bulldozer is unable to eat Lucky Charms because of his allergy to oats. Instead of this activity, he will spoon Fruity Pebbles, if he'd like.