- Age Group: 5-7 Year Olds
- Class Size: 6:1:2
Room 11 is our younger 6:1:2 classroom. In room 11 we utilize techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (individual visual schedules, individual instruction, least to most prompting, forward and backward chaining and task analysis) throughout our school day to assist in the acquisition and generalization of academic and social skills. In addition, there is a large focus on continuing to develop communication skills and daily living skills. Other curriculum strategies such as Learning Without Tears and Touch Math, as well as music and arts and crafts are infused to help enhance and individualize our program.
Recently in Room 11......
Crossroads Spirit Week pdf
Help us celebrate!
12.13.24 In our classroom this morning, students enjoyed a creative and delicious activity that combined sensory exploration, seasonal fun, and skill-building. To celebrate the winter season, they made “snowman pudding treats,” a hands-on project designed to encourage trying new textures while fostering creativity and teamwork.
The activity began with each student receiving a white vanilla pudding cup, representing the snowman’s body. They worked together to decorate the fronts of their cups with snowman faces, using markers. This allowed them to practice fine motor skills while expressing their artistic creativity.
Next came the sensory exploration: creating the snowman’s “hat.” Students crushed cookies, exploring the crunchy texture, and sprinkled the crumbs over the pudding. For many, this step provided a gentle introduction to engaging with unfamiliar textures. Some students, who may have been hesitant to try new foods, were encouraged to taste the pudding and crushed cookies—a wonderful opportunity to practice accepting and tolerating new flavors and textures.
Beyond the fun and festive atmosphere, this activity served as an essential component of our Healthy Food Program, which helps students with autism broaden their food preferences in a supportive and playful way. It also highlighted the joy of celebrating the season while learning valuable skills. Teachers and therapists observed students demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and progress toward sensory and food goals, making the snowman pudding treats a delightful success for everyone involved.
11.4.24 Now that Room 6 has moved into their new classroom, and now that we’ve set up the gym for use, we’ve been able to get in there and practice motor skills. Our students all like to move! Today’s session was filled with experimenting with equipment and moving in a new space.
10.10.24 Outdoor Play
After months without it, our playground is being fully used again! We moved our playground from the old site to our new home, and the students couldn’t be happier to have access to their favorite place to play. As soon as the kids hit the swings and slides, you can see their excitement and energy skyrocket. They race down the slides, swing high into the air, and run freely across the space. This area is a place where they can explore, exercise, and connect with one another in a way that helps them grow and thrive.
The benefits of playground time are endless. The swings help develop core strength and balance, while the slides encourage coordination and courage as they take that first brave step to zoom down. Running around with friends fosters social interactions and teamwork, while the fresh air and open space allow the kids to enjoy some much-needed outdoor time. Physical activity boosts mood, attention, and emotional well-being. We’re thrilled to see our students enjoying the playground that means so much to them!
9/6/24 We are so happy to be in our new school and some of our friends are VERY happy to have our playground back. After a summer session with it being moved to the new location, we are thrilled to be able to swing again! Check out these smiles on the tire swing today!
On another note, staff side, we have embraced the change of our room number/name. You can see our team picture for the shirts! “Room 13” now belongs to someone else. It’s a tough change, but we’re doing our best!
Remarkable Strides: Achieving Object Identification Goals 4.19.24
We’re thrilled to witness exceptional progress in our young learners’ journeys towards their various goals. Here we find C working on object identification proficiency. With a focused goal of recognizing objects upon request, guided by the structured approach of Discrete Trial Training, he’s making remarkable strides. Each session is a testament to a growing understanding and mastery of this essential skill, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted intervention strategies tailored to his unique learning needs. As he continues to excel with determination and support, we celebrate his ongoing success and the transformative impact of evidence-based practices in our educational approach. #WeLoveTeaching and this is one of the reasons why.
Dabber Art 4.17.24
In Room 13, students are immersed in a delightful art project, using paint dabbers, also known as dotters, to create vibrant and whimsical butterflies. This fun and enthralling activity allows children to express their creativity and imagination as they carefully dot colorful patterns onto their butterfly designs, fostering fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in the process. Additionally, the sensory experience of dabbing paint onto paper engages their senses and promotes sensory exploration. As they admire their finished creations, children develop a sense of pride and accomplishment, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. Overall, this art project not only provides an enjoyable outlet for creative expression but also offers numerous developmental benefits for the children involved.
HFP Dinosaur Waffles 3.1.24
Many of our students have difficulties with eating. Experiencing distress over food is a challenge that often creates challenges for individuals with autism.
Eating food at all, trying something new, or even seeing food at an unexpected time or place can sometimes trigger a variety of problems for someone who has food aversions.
If you’re someone who can understand how it feels to not want to eat or drink something that others say is good, well, so can we. We get it. But at the same time. we all know that rigid food preferences can lead to a host of health and dental problems which can be lifelong. Not to mention the heartbreak that our parents go through every time they try to introduce a new food and their child balks. Or worse.
Once we recognize the importance of teaching our students to try new foods, gain some healthy foods in their repertoire, tolerating non-preferred foods in the same vicinity, then we can commit to the challenge of introducing and increasing the healthy food intake of our children. Their futures depend upon it.
Our Healthy Food Program is helping.
We started the Healthy Food Program several years ago because of these very things. We’d see children who would experience such anguish over a new food, or the presence of food that their day would be shot. We’d hear from parents that they couldn’t get their child to eat anything crunchy. Others who wouldn’t eat anything green. Whether it was soft foods, or juicy foods, purple foods or yellow ones, the need for help was always urgent. We wanted to help.
The Healthy Food Program is set up so that every classroom addresses food issues through activities specifically designed for their students.
This week, to coincide with Dinosaur Week, Room 13 and their guests from Room 14 created dinosaur waffles, using multigrain waffles and fresh bananas.
Dinosaur Week 2.28.24
Dinosaurarists is what we have in Room 13 this week! In a creative exploration, a group of students engages with dinosaur toys to craft vibrant paint footprints on dinosaur coloring sheets, turning an ordinary activity into a dynamic and imaginative learning experience. These Kids are practicing color identification, learning about footprints and about the massive creatures who roamed the planet before our time.
Valentines for Residents 2.1.24
Joining forces with Kiwanis Club of Schenectady to spread love to Kingsway Community residents this Valentine’s Day! Room 13’s little dynamo, P, is taking the mission seriously, creating heartfelt valentines.
PS – a shout-out to those who’ve donated dot markers; this is just one way our students put them to creative use! 
