Taking the Scenic Route

Zora photos, Homeschool & Visual Schedules

30th January 2008

Zora photos, Homeschool & Visual Schedules

Yesterday was 60 degrees.  Today we had snow.  That’s Kansas for you

 

First, some shots of Zora

From yesterday.  She is finally getting how to go forward on a regular basis instead of backwards.

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We thought it sounded too quiet downstairs.  (wrapped in a Yoga mat in the middle of the playroom floor)

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Homeschool

Got started on more formal school.  These are taken at the end of the first day, after Dad came back  (he left with Zora to do some shopping so Zane and I could have quiet our first day to make it a bit easier).  Zach helped him work with his new threading blocks he got for Christmas.  It is the perfect toy for him because it combines visual perception, sequencing, fine motor, motor planning and has him accomplishing something instead of just the abstract “do this for the sake of doing it” that so many OT toys have.

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Visual Schedule

A new visual schedule for him.  I tried something different this time.  I made a list with checkboxes in front (so we can transition him to a regular sort of “to do” list later on), and have the unchecked boxes on velcro on top of each item.  When he started the morning the “to do” boxes were all showing, and as he pulled off the piece a “I did it” with a check mark appeared.  Works really well and saves me the hassle of trying to figure out what order to put all the PECs cards and have to deal with trying to figure out what to do when one inevitably goes missing.  All of the pull off pieces are identical, so I just made a few extra to start with.  The “all done” container is just a disposable cup velcroed to the side of the bookcase next to the schedule.

x2008-01-29 015.jpg xschedule.jpg xschedule2.jpg

 

Bulletin Board

The bulletin board with the day’s completed work.  We started the concept “Environment” in Moving Beyond the Page.  The first unit (of the 3 under the Environment concept) is “Habits and Homes”.  (then “Weather”, then “Community”)  I started today with doing some visual cards with some of the vocabulary words and concepts and will dig into the first real “lesson” tomorrow.  I really like the curriculum.  It really incorporates multiple learning styles.  For instance, part of the first lesson was a song, sung to a familiar tune, explaining the parts of a healthy environment, with simple actions.  Zora was still there while I was doing the song and tried to join in with the hand movements. 

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Social Story

 I also introduced a new social story today.  I am hoping it helps to start getting him to respond when we call his name.

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Tomorrow I am hoping to add some visuals prompts around the house to help him.  (like “I am in the bedroom” in the bedroom, or “I am next to the computer” near the computer.)

I decided to go with “next to” because, even though it is a little awkward in some situations, the meaning gets across, and it seems like it would be the most relevant when he is in a high stress situation, like he wandered into the next isle at the store and is suddenly lost…saying “I am in the store” isn’t nearly as useful as “I am next to the potatoes”.  Eventually we will work on expanding out the phrases, but getting *something* like that working his vocabulary will help a lot, and save the frustration of wondering if he actually hears us.  (and his frustration of “geez, I heard you, go away now” look that I sometimes get.  lol)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 at 2:32 AM and is filed under Autistic Life, Homeschool, Zane, Zora. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

There are currently 7 responses to “Zora photos, Homeschool & Visual Schedules”

  1. 1 On January 30th, 2008, BatYa_DaughterofGod said:
       

    youre great!

     
  2. 2 On January 30th, 2008, ilovebakedgoods said:
       

    Oooh what a fun entry! I love those visual schedules. Zora’s such a cutie!!

     
  3. 3 On January 30th, 2008, lornajarkin said:
       

    That all looks like you really thought through all this homeschooling stuff. I need to get more on the ball, but it’s so hard with three little ones. I have to learn because Jax will be in Kindergarten in August….ugh! Hope everything goes well for you. (Kansas is great about the weather…tomorrow a blizzard??)

     
  4. 4 On February 1st, 2008, LynnE73 said:
       

    I imagine it must be a ton of work for you but this seems excellent and it makes me wonder how in the world he could have ever had it so good in a school! You rock Mama! (And it’s nice that Zach can help with Zora too!)

     
  5. 5 On February 1st, 2008, ShackintheMountains said:
       

    I love the velcro schedule!  Brilliant idea.  The story is great, too. 

     
  6. 6 On March 29th, 2008, Anonymous said:
       

    Hi mama,
    I saw you on MDC and was looking at your blog, I love it!
    I was hoping to find out where the haba lacing book and beads are from?
    They look great. You can email me! :)
    Thanks!

     
  7. 7 On March 30th, 2008, Jennifer_Z said:
       

    @Erin%20(MDC%20Doriansmummy) - I got them from Julie’s Stuff: http://www.juliestuff.com/pages/Blocks.html  I was really happy with her service and would buy from her again. 

    I also saw them at The Construction Site:  http://www.constructiontoys.com/store/hab-40mm.php

     
  • Zane's age

  • Zane is 22 years, 3 months, and 2 days old
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