We all need a bit of magic in our lives. Across the world, in towns large and small, kids are returning to school in what will probably feel like very strange and complicated circumstances. For some it will be through remote learning over the internet, for others it will mean entering an in-school environment filled with PPE, barriers, masks, temperature checks and social distancing, for many it will be a cobbled together combination of both. Parents, teachers and speech therapists are wrestling with the task of creating a welcoming environment that will work for kids. Now is the time for some magic!
Let’s identify the challenge before we get into the magic spell. During a recent conversation with a colleague who is returning to an in-school environment, I asked her to describe the safety measures she is incorporating in her “speech room” to keep her students and herself healthy. Here is a partial list:
a washable face mask for herself, with plastic see-through insert so her mouth is visible
a washable plastic face shield
disposable plastic gloves
a plexiglass barrier between her and her students, with a goal of obtaining plexiglass barriers to separate students safely from each other
individualized plastic tubs for each student to keep therapy materials in
washable laminated worksheets and game cards for each student
individual markers for each student
hand sanitizers, extra facemasks and gloves for students who lose theirs
All of the above for 45 students receiving in-person therapy services
Doesn’t sound like too much magical fun so far, does it?
How do you interact from behind barriers? We talked about creating colorful laminated posters to display from the “teacher-side” of the barrier with matching game boards for each child to use on their side. But, game pieces are not exactly easy to keep germ free. The kids could point to their choices, but fingers are touchy (pun intended) in hygiene management. So, a pointer of some kind? A pencil? It would work, but not exactly exciting.
How about making everything a little bit more fun?
Magic Wands for toddlers, from the Waterville Public Library, Waterville ME
MAGIC WANDS
This activity develops language, vocabulary, speech production and social skills as it ultimately results in a unique wand creation by and for each child. Best of all, it is a fun activity to create at home.
Target Skills: Following Directions, Vocabulary of Color, Position, Size, Time Sequence, Object Label and Function, Wh Questions, Planning, Cooperation
Materials: Popsicle Sticks, Wooden sticks gathered from the garden, Wooden Chopsticks from a Chinese/Sushi restaurant, or 1/4 inch Wooden Dowels cut to a length of 9 to 12 inches. Choose the most practical option based on the age and creative abilities of the child; Quick Drying Glue and toothpicks; Gather together anything that can be wrapped around a stick and/or glued in place: colorful ribbons, yarn, string, thin copper wire , small beads, glitter, buttons, plastic gems, colored clay, stickers; Paper and crayons/colored pencils ; Plastic bag or bowl for each child
Object of the Activity: To create a unique, personalized Magic Wand for classroom use in game play and practice.
Step One: In preparation for introducing the activity, gather the materials from objects you have at hand around the house. For inspiration and a bit of a shopping spree you can go to a dollar store. Once you have gathered everything, sort the materials by type, size, color, etc.. to make the selection process run more smoothly. When you are ready to begin the activity, display the materials up on the “teacher side” of the barrier, so that the adult maintains control of the materials. Remember: the activity is designed to allow maximum safety in a classroom setting. In a home setting a barrier is probably not necessary, so you can gather and sort the materials together with your child, then display them on the table.
Look for opportunities to use the targeted vocabulary as you go. The gathering and sorting of materials allows for language use in giving and following directions, making requests, and description. Have fun and think magically!
Step Two: With the sorted materials in view, each child creates a “recipe” for the creation of a wand, by creating a drawing of the wand to serve as a map to follow in Step Four. Encourage the them to get creative and problem solve. This is an art project, so the end result doesn’t necessarily need to match the initial plan. Ask some questions to keep the conversation going.
What is the Wand’s name?
What are the magical properties of the wand?
What will the handle be made of? What items will decorate the wand
Why did you choose that color/sticker/button for your wand?
Step Three: Once the plan is made, each child is provided with the ingredients for their wand’s magic recipe. which are placed in their own plastic bowl, along with a dollop of glue and a toothpick to place the glue on the stick. Even in a home environment, this plan prevents any tussling over what belongs to whom if you have more than one child participating..
Step Four: Following their own pictured plan, each child creates a personal magic wand. Look for opportunities to use the targeted vocabulary as you assist in the creation of the wand. As said above, encourage problem solving and changes to the “recipe”, if necessary. The wand doesn’t need to match the initial plan. It may even be better!
Step Five: When each is satisfied with their wand, set the wands aside to dry overnight. If this is a classroom environment, the wands should be labeled with each child’s name and placed in the student’s classroom box, bag, tub or cubby to retrieve at the start of their next scheduled class.
Step Six: Optional: take a picture of the child with the wand to be printed and used to decorate their personal materials container where everything is stored for individual use and safety.
If you do this at home you can really go to town and create an entire wizard or fairy outfit for your photography session.
Let this activity get your creative juices simmering. Bring some old fashioned magic into the day.
For more ideas and information about managing distance learning, home-schooling and homework take a look at the Gabbing Blog Back to School or Back to the Kitchen Table dated August 19, 2020.
Message me on FB or email to share your own creative ideas, ask a question or let me know if there is a topic you would like me to cover in a future blog,
Until then, have some fun and play everyday!