Tips for Conducting Group Lessons & Fall Task Cards

Group lessons can be difficult at times in an autism classroom.  Having everyone on the same page certainly can prove to be challenging. However, there are some ideas out there that can make the task a bit more productive (notice I did not say easier).  Here are some tips: 

• Have your materials ready in a box or bin before the lesson begins.
• Only keep on the table the items you are discussing at the present time. Do not clutter the table with extra things.
• Use hands on activities as much as possible.
• Keep your materials for the lesson behind you or they may end up on the floor.
• Use a topic board with photos or picture icons to show the students what the lesson will be about.
• Use a topic board to review the lesson at the end. Always close out the lesson with a quick (could be only 30 seconds) review of what was discussed.
• Remember to alternate sides when presenting to each student.  Don’t feel the need to always work from the student on the left side to the student on the right side.
• Remember to transition the students.  Clearly let them know the lesson is finished by telling them or showing them a sign.  Also, always direct them to the next activity.

Need a quick lesson lesson that is engaging and meaningful? Oh, and not to mention timely?  If you do here are the fall themed versions of my popular identifying same and different task cards. These can be used in a group or individually. 

Task Cards-Fall Items (Identify the Same) and Task Cards- Fall Items (Which One is Different?)

           
                                   

Each set includes 16 fall related pictures. Each page has 4 cards. Laminate the page, cut the rectangular card and have students:

a.)Say or point to the same.

b.)Use a clothespin or paperclip to mark the correct answer.

c.)Develop a creative method to have students identify the same.

Preparing for Family Gatherings and November Lesson Ideas

The holiday lesson plans are already due! November has come and almost gone.  It is hard to believe that this is the time to start preparing our kiddos with autism or other communication needs for family gatherings and large crowds. I guess the biggest obstacle for helping with this skill is recognizing that we do need to help with this skill.

One of the first things we can do is to teach social scripts related to the gathering or social event. This would let the students know some of the language to listen out for and some ways to respond to common phrases they may hear at the family gathering. 

The second thing that could be done is to role play the situation. This could involve identifying different scenarios from sitting at the table and passing food to what to do when a someone else wants to watch a different tv show.  The types of challenges that need to be addressed will vary with the child.  Each child may have an issue they have dealt within the past at family gatherings. Just ask their parents if there is anything specific.  The goal would be to give the child several options for dealing with that challenge. Also, we want to to give them the language to express themselves.

A third option would be to write a social story specific to the child or teens needs.  Here is a link with ideas on how to write a social story. A social story is a personalized story that helps an individual know what to expect in a social situation.  Social stories do not ensure that there are no challenges.  However, they do offer some insight to the person about what the expectations are for the social situation.

If you are still looking for lesson ideas for  November, here are the activity ideas related to Thanksgiving. 

Fall Lesson Printables

After you check out the lesson plan printables, click over to the freebie for the Turkey Matching File Folder.

Turkey File Folder Game Freebie

Don't forget this cute 1:1 correspondence pumpkin counting activity with differentiated task cards!

                                                            Pumpkin Counting Activity

Fire Safety Week Freebie!!! (Playtime Visual Communication Board)

Here is a freebie for Fire Safety week.  This is a communication board for pretend play with fire trucks, fire fighter costumes or books related to fire safety.

Enjoy!