PJ and I have two classes today. We introduced how to solve two-step equations. He did an excellent job. At first, PJ was getting frustrated because I kept reminding him to use proper notation. He wanted to quickly solve the problem and get to the answer, but I slowed him down to remind him that he needs to show his work each step of the way. These are skills that will be valuable for him to build now. Once he knew what I was asking him to do, he started to do it properly. We worked on solving equations like 4m+5=9 and 2(t+1)=10. Tomorrow we will introduce negative numbers and fractions.
Today I substituted for Richard's science class (my student Aiden was absent). We discussed Rocks and Minerals. We read 4 mini-books together and discussed the types of rocks and minerals there are.
Ben was working on his legos when I arrived. I asked what he was working on and he said, “I don’t know.” (In a rude tone). I said, “Ok Ben.” And got my things out ready for class. He said, “What? What do you want me to tell you?” I told him to put his things away and that we needed to do some work. In between problems he grabbed his Lego piece and said, “I just started working on this. But I’m not sure what I’m creating.” I stopped and said, “Ben, how come when I asked you what that was originally you were rude in your response instead of saying what you just said?” I told him when he responds with one word quick answers it comes off very rude and disrespectful. He apologized and said he comes off rude no matter what he responds. I said not necessarily. It’s ok to not feel like explaining something, or not feel like talking, but there’s also a way to say that without setting the tone the way you did today. He seemed to understand.
I was able to get him to do several problems together. We are still on the same content, properties of exponents, because I want Ben to feel comfortable with this before moving on. The section we’re at in the book assumes Ben has some prerequisite skills that he does not, so before we do the actual Algebra 1 content, Ben needs to have all the properties of exponents down pat.
Meet with Miss Judy and Amanda Link to go over Elizabeth's "Libby's" Occupational Therapy 9-page evaluation and suggestions/accommodations for home setting. Productive meeting.
Luke was seen in his room for a 45 minute occupational therapy treatment session. Focus of treatment was on improving his bilateral integration/hand usage, fine motor development, graphomotor skills, postural control and sensory processing/organization for improved general performance in various environments. Began treatment in room continuing to work on whole body listening abilities. Luke has trouble following directions at times because he has ideas about what he wants to do versus what his teachers/therapists want him to accomplish. At times this make teaching/learning difficult hence while teaching the importance of listening and following directions is important for Luke. Luke also is a multisensory learner and does best when he is learning through "doing". He continues to work hard with improving his handwriting in print, listening skills and self regulation skills in OT. Good session.
Luke was seen in his room for a 45 minute occupational therapy treatment session. Focus of treatment was on improving his bilateral integration/hand usage, fine motor development, graphomotor skills, postural control and sensory processing/organization for improved general performance in various environments. At the beginning of today's session Luke wanted to take all the stickers off the glass on his door. Next we sat at the table to work on handwriting. He concentrated on letter sizing and line placement of the letters and numbers during this time. Luke needs help with forming the number "5" and does best when he is provided with moderate verbal cues for the size, form and line placement of his letters at this time. Luke continued working in Print Island. He wrote two sentences well and reported he wanted to use his his pencil as a spacer between words versus the spaceman we had made together out of a popsicle stick. Good work today.
Assignment
Continue to work on letter formations, sizing and line placement
Luke was seen in his room for a 45 minute occupational therapy treatment session. Focus of treatment was on improving his bilateral integration/hand usage, fine motor development, graphomotor skills, postural control and sensory processing/organization for improved general performance in various environments. At the start of the session Luke expressed interest in making a book. He titled it "It's Raining Pikachu and Eric". He worked hard with tracing a picture of Pikachu from a magazine in his room. Our session was cut short because the school was in an assembly for "Black History Month" in the cafeteria. The OT joined Luke for the assembly and worked with his self regulation during this time. Luke mostly sat well until he imitated other peers who went under the lunch table when the music got loud. During games for prizes, Luke did get upset and cried when he didn't win. Talked him through the sadness and how we can't always win.
