Classroom 14
Room 14 is a school-age, self-contained classroom ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 2. 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 to these skills, there is also a large focus on developing self-regulation skills and coping 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.
Our recent stories.....
7/18/26 Visiting Pets at Crossroads
When Carol and Moonbeam, a 4 year-old flat-coat lab, come to visit, Room 14 students are learning to be gentle, to be safe, and to trust! Some of us have been afraid in the past, but are becoming less so and more confident. Some of us were very rambunctious in the past and are learning to have more self-control so as not to scare Moonbeam, a sweet and gentle friend.
We love that Carol brings Moonbeam to see us!
Our school has a photo album dedicated to their visits on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=crossroadscenterforchildren&set=a.1322165173278313
VISIT: https://crossroadcenter.org/occupational-physical-therapies/ for more MOTOR GROUP fun!
7.13.26 MOTOR Groups!
It’s ESY! We have so many fun things planned for our students to learn and grow this summer.
Here’s one. Each summer we have Motor Centers, put forth by our amazing Motor Team of PT and OT! Every child and every class gets to take part; classes travel to the gym to attend their slot on a weekly basis. This week’s theme being bugs and insects, the kids had all sorts of challenges and fun this morning. We paired up with Room 13!
6.4.26 Getting Outside and Getting Moving!
For this school-age classroom, getting outside is one of the best parts of the day! Whenever the weather cooperates, our class heads outdoors for PE for students to have opportunities to move their bodies, enjoy fresh air, and burn off energy in a positive way.
We are especially fortunate to have our OT and PT team lead Special Olympics Young Athletes activities for our classroom and others throughout the school. Through games, movement challenges, and fun group activities, students build important gross motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, and body awareness. Just as importantly, they practice following directions, participating in a group, cheering on their peers, and gaining confidence in their abilities. Every jump, throw, run, and kick helps our students develop skills that support success both in and out of the classroom.
5/20/26 – Butterflies in the Making!
Every year since 2020, Crossroads has been blessed to have the amazing support of the Bender Scientific Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. Their grant funds our beloved Butterfly Unit, something that each classroom enjoys and benefits from. We receive the cups of caterpillars, and observe as they wind up into their J form, then form their chrysalis and finally emerge as beautiful creatures to be released into our Bender’s Butterfly Science Garden.
5.6.26 – WE HAVE BABIES!
We have been raising chicks! Well, eggs until today.
Rebecca brought in 15 eggs in an incubator. We’ve been caring for the eggs every day since April 15th, and yesterday we saw the start of a crack in one of the shells. This morning, three had hatched, and we watched as the 4th one hatched.
Very exciting to see!
3.26.26 Bubble Boost
Room 14 stepped outside to enjoy the warming weather and a little bubble-filled fun! With the bubble machine going, students were captivated—watching, chasing, and popping bubbles as they floated through the air.
Outdoor moments like these spark scientific curiosity, encouraging children to observe movement, airflow, and cause-and-effect as they reach, catch, and watch them disappear. Combined with fresh air and movement, it’s a perfect way to support focus, regulation, and exploration—all while having a blast!
3.4.26 Scientific Tools
Students in our room had the chance to explore some real scientific tools this week! Ms. Rebecca brought in a telescope, and students took turns looking out the window to observe the perimeter of our landscape. They spotted birds, and even a deer! Along the way, they learned how to adjust the telescope’s settings and viewfinders while answering questions from staff about what they saw.
Next, everyone joined together at the table for more exploration. Ms. Rebecca produced a food thermometer. Students learned how the tool measures temperature by testing it in different conditions—first in room-temperature water, then hot water to watch the numbers rise, and finally in ice to see them drop.
Hands-on learning like this sparks curiosity, builds observation skills, and introduces our kiddos to the tools scientists use to understand the world. The engagement and excitement around the table showed just how powerful experiential learning can be.
