- Age Group: 5-7 Year Olds
- Class Size: 6:1:2
Room 13 is our younger 6:1:2 classroom. In room 13 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 Handwriting 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 13......
Remarkable Strides: Achieving Object Identification Goals 4.19.24
We’re thrilled to witness exceptional progress in our young learner’s journey toward object identification proficiency. With a focused goal of recognizing objects upon request, guided by the structured approach of Discrete Trial Training, this student is making remarkable strides. Each session is a testament to his 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.
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! 
A Budding Artist | 10.17.23
In Room 13, a young boy “A” has embarked on a journey of creativity and self-expression that goes beyond the ordinary. Not only has he mastered the art of writing his name and the alphabet, but he has also blossomed into a budding artist.
Using dry-erase markers and board, and his iPad, he’s been creating drawings from his memory. This young artist has discovered the transformative power of drawing, and his team is excited to see him coming out of his shell through his new-found talent.
