Autism

Since I first started teaching I have always had a fascination with autism.  My first year I had an amazing student in my class. He knew everything there was to know about music.  He had started playing music by ear at around 2 years old.  He could listen to a jingle on a commercial and replay it on his little piano.  He knew who wrote what song, what album it was on, when it was released etc.  He was truly an amazing guy.   Since that time, I have been intrigued to learn everything I can about autism.  I have attending most of our local conferences and thanks to my district have been able to attend a few throughout California each year.  It's fascinates me the complexity of the disorder, how each case is so much the same, but SO much different. 

Lately I have noticed a lot more emphasis has been put on by the media to help educate us on autism.  The World of Jenks is a must see show!  I have watched both seasons and just love Chad.  He made me laugh, he made me cry, he reminded me in little ways of the students that have walked through my doors in the past 10 years.  We watched him struggle in his transition into adulthood, but cheered him on along the way.  You can watch full episodes here.  I do suggest that you start from the beginning.

http://www.mtv.com/shows/world_of_jenks/series.jhtml

Just this week Katie Couric did her full show on autism.  She even had Dr. Temple Grandin on!  An AMAZING woman!

http://www.katiecouric.com/on-the-show/2013/05/30/living-with-autism/

Also this week I stumbled upon a show on Discovery Health called "This is Autism". The show follows Louis Theroux as he meets 4 families with autistic children.  Oh what I would do to be able to spend a week at the school that Nicky goes to!  I know this show was on again yesterday, so hopefully you will have the opportunity to watch it.  http://health.discovery.com/tv-shows/psych-week/videos/this-is-autism.htm

Have you noticed an incline of education on autism lately? With 1 in 88 children being affected, seems really important that we start educating everyone.  10 years ago  most people didn't know anyone with autism.  Soon if not now, everyone will know an individual or a family that has been affected.

Writing Checks

 Here is a unit on check writing.  I haven't decided if I am going to add this to my curriculum next year because it may be a bit difficult for the class I have (at least this year). 

 It followed the path of where I was in writing our banking unit and I am pretty sure some of our higher classes will have fun with it even if I don't.  It really will depend a lot on the level of students I get next year as to what extra curriculum I will add.  

 Different kids seem to bring different circumstances.  One more day of school!! (well, until Monday when we start summer school!)  
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Life-Skills-Writing-Checks-711980

Playdough Measuring

I got this idea from Jamie over at Life Skills in High School! I added it as a new activity box and the kids absolutely loved it!  I usually don't allow more than 2 kids per activity, but as you can see, there were so many who wanted to try it, I got conned into adding a third!  It makes all this time I spend searching for fun and education activities for my kids worth while.

If you would like to see it on Jamie's blog, head over to  http://lifeskillsinhighschool.blogspot.com/.

Thanks,

Food Comparison

I put these fun food comparison cards together a couple weeks ago since we, along with our district, are working on a big healthy eating kick.  There are 18 cards in all.  I cut them out and laminated them back to back.  I showed each card to the students and read them the food items.  Then I had them vote on which item they thought was the healthiest.  They got pretty competitive and it was a lot of fun!

Memorial Day Freebie

Memorial Day Freebie!

Pick up your copy today!







http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Memorial-Day-Freebie-702772

Child Care

Sometimes I just draw a blank when it comes to deciding what kind of worksheets I want to do.  A lot of my ideas come from fellow workers who have a particular situation that they need help with or maybe I am at a conference and someone describes a problem and "bing" my light bulb goes off.  A lot of my worksheets are written with a particular student in mind.  If Johnny has a hard time keeping his hands to himself than waa laa we get a worksheet out on how to keep our hands to ourselves!  If Brook is getting ready to open a bank account and will need to know how to use an ATM machine, we get on that right away!  (actually working on that one right now) 

I got this idea here from a teacher who asked me on TPT if I had a worksheet on Child Care.  I did not at the time, BUT... wait...wait.... NOW WE DO!  This will be a great lesson to use in my classroom too.  I can't wait!  

The suggestions are greatly appreciated, so keep them coming!            http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Child-Care-701479

Summer Variety Pack

Hi guys,

I just finished up my summer work packets for the kids and thought I would share.  They will work in these folders as they arrive in the morning and than finish up after breakfast until it is time to break for electives at 9:00 a.m.  Besides these worksheets I have added a few of the color by code pages I get from TPT.  The kids really love those!  There is a big variety of activities here and plenty of review of things we have worked on all year.  

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Fun-Pack

TPT Sale!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Karen-Covington