Weekly Theme: SNOW!

Happy New Year!  It’s hard to believe 2015 is here!  I’m heading back to school January 5^th and looking ahead at the month.  I am going to focus on weekly themes.  I actually have 5 theme ideas for January, but only 4 weeks to plan! I am planning to be prepared for all five themes to give me some options.

The theme for my first week back is SNOW!  (I’m not including snowmen, as that is a theme for another week!) Here’s what I have planned…

Preschool/Early Elementary-

1.  We will make snow and play with Playmobil snow people and arctic animal figurines.  

You can download the recipe here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6xKfs4xuK-_TGZ2WFhMbl9ERXc/view?usp=sharing

It’s pretty simple to make.  I’ll have the kiddos follow the pictorial directions to take the lead in making the snow.  This will hopefully spur lots of spoken language!

2.  Read There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro.  Following reading, I will target goals with the Secret Door game.  (See this post to see what you need to make this versatile game:  http://listening4language.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-new-cariboo-secret-door.html )

I have uploaded the cards for the doors with the pics from the story here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6xKfs4xuK-_d0tpdmFtVE5HblE/view?usp=sharing

After your game is assembled with the above cards on each door, you can target comprehension, listening, sequencing, vocabulary and more!

I also will have each kiddo make their own There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow reader, courtesy of Mrs. Lindsay.

This freebie can be found here:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/There-Was-a-Cold-Lady-Who-Swallowed-Some-Snow-Emergent-Reader-Freebie-504552

Late Elementary-

1.  Use YouTube videos to spark discussion and/or writing.  I’ve compiled 4 different video clips, featuring snow.  After viewing, the kiddos working on writing can use a graphic organizer to complete the 5 W’s prior to writing a summary.  Kiddos working on other language goals will discuss, evaluate, make inferences, etc.  There are lots of possibilities for these videos and they’re always highly engaging.  

The QR code links to the videos can be downloaded here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6xKfs4xuK-_OTB3QUNYNFJ5SzQ/view?usp=sharing

2.  Complete a non-fiction reading and either discuss, answer questions, or write a response.  Here is a passage I found on the Web about Snow Science:  

http://www.readworks.org/sites/default/files/passages/720_snow_science%21.pdf

It says it’s 2^nd grade level, but I’m using it with older kids, and think it will be fine!

3.  Complete a fiction reading, and complete some or all of the accompanying activities, depending upon their goals.  A freebie about a Snow Day, courtesy of Common Core and So Much More, can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers.

 

Here is the link to this awesome download:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Weekly-Close-Reading-FREEBIE-Snow-Day-1063947

If we have extra time, for either age level, we will make paper snowflakes. 

Here’s a link to a pdf:  http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/snowflak.pdf

This is nice for students who have following direction goals.

Hopefully the above ideas will be helpful to you for planning a week of SNOW!  (I’m hoping the snow we make at school will be the only snow I see next week!)

Using YouTube Videos for Listening & Language

I like to use YouTube clips with my older elementary and middle school kiddos because they're highly motivating!  I use them to elicit discussion, critical thinking, and also writing.  I am also a big fan of themes, so I've compiled these Christmas videos to use over the next couple of weeks!  A sheet of the QR codes is attached, so the videos can be easily accessed.

Here's an overview of each video and some ways I am using the video.  (Of course, there are many targets beyond my suggestions!)

1.  Suzy Home Alone- In this video, a beagle, left home alone, pulls a bulb off the tree and plays with it like a ball.  It's all fun and games till the bulb rolls under a chair and she can't get it.  For discussion, I (always) first ask, "What happened in the video?"  Further discussion questions might be:  Why would Suzy's owners have left a video camera taping her?  Why do you think the bulb didn't break? (i.e. What might it be made of?), Why did she start howling?, Why would her owner post this video on You Tube?, Do you think Suzy got in trouble when her owners watched the video?  More basic questions can include the WH- questions (Who was in the video?  What happened?  When was this taped (time of year)?, etc.)  Kids with writing goals may also write a summary, a letter from Suzy to her owners, or a movie review of the clip.

2.  Bad Dog- This video also features a dog.  He obviously knocked over the Christmas tree, although it's not explicitly shown or stated.  This is a good one for inferencing...What happened here?  Other questions include:  How does the dog feel?  Why did the owner choose the song for the video?  What do you think happened next?  Again, writing prompts can be the same as the above video.

3.  Books for Christmas- This funny video features a 3-year old who opens a Christmas gift which turns out to be books.  He becomes really upset because "books aren't toys" and he doesn't want books.  This is a good one for the WH- questions...Who is in the video?  What happened? When was this video taken?  Where was this video taken?  Why is the boy upset?  Higher level questions can include:  Why is this funny?  Would you be upset with books?  Have you ever gotten a present you didn't like? What did you do?, etc.  

4.  Dancing Grandad- This family is having a dance party at Christmas when Grandpa falls into the tree.  Again, this is a great one for those basic WH- questions.  It can also lead to questions about an embarrassing moment, etc.

5.  Santa Scare- In this video, an older brother plays a prank on his younger brother by standing their life-size Santa "statue" behind a door and calling his brother to walk by.  Of course, it goes as planned and the little brother is successfully scared.  Students can summarize what happened in the video.  Also ask:  What do you think of the older brother doing this?  Was this funny?  Have you ever been pranked by someone?  (Good vocab word alert:  prank!) Have you ever pulled a prank on anyone?

6.  Girl Screaming- In this last clip, a girl receives One Direction tickets for Christmas.  Her reaction is beyond "expected behavior!"  This video affords great WH- questions, as well as questions like:  How does she feel?  Is there any gift that would make you scream like this?  

You can download the page with QR codes here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6xKfs4xuK-_U2JuTDByQU9vYXc/view?usp=sharing

I hope you have fun with these Christmas video clips...and they elicit lots of listening and language opportunities!

Cariboo Book Companions

Alright...kind of ironic that I'd post about Cariboo companion cards AFTER posting about a Cariboo alternative, but here goes... My kiddos love Cariboo!  It's such a fun and engaging game.  They hang on every word, just to get the opportunity to peek under that door and find a ball!  I've created not one, but TWO Cariboo card sets for books!  These can be used in a variety of ways.  In fact, they can be used WITHOUT the Cariboo game!  

The companion sets each offer cards for 10 of the most popular picture books.  Each book has 15 pictures that can be used to target sequencing, comprehension, identification after listening to a description, general vocabulary identification, following directions and more!  

Companion #1 offers cards for the popular children's books:
1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
3. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (or Chicka Chicka ABC)
4. Good Night Moon
5. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
6. Rosie's Walk
7. There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
8. Good Night, Gorilla
9. We're Going on a Bear Hunt
10. Corduroy

It can be found here:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cariboo-Companion-Cards-for-Popular-Childrens-Books-1572831

Companion #2 offers a Christmas theme, featuring cards for the popular Christmas books:
1. The Polar Express
2. If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
3. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell
4. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
5. A Christmas Carol
6. The Gingerbread Man
7. The Twelve Days of Christmas
8. Bear Stays Up for Christmas
9. Snowmen at Christmas
10. Who Will Help Santa This Year?

It can be found here:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cariboo-Christmas-Book-Companion-Cards-1581889

I hope you will check these out!  I think your kiddos will will have lots of fun while targeting literacy, listening and language!

The New Cariboo... "Secret Door!"

Do you love Cariboo but can’t find a copy of your own?  Look no further than “Secret Door!"  This fun game is similar to Cariboo, but can be made for less than $4.00!  Here’s how…

Michael’s sells plastic bead organizers with individual doors.  I chose this 14-door box, as it’s similar to Cariboo’s 15 squares.  (Michael’s also sells 7-door organizers for those looking for a smaller field of choices.)  This item is $6.99 but Michael’s is always offering 40-50% one item.  I pulled up a 50% off coupon right on my phone and scored my organizer for $3.50!

http://www.michaels.com/craftmates-lockables-organizer-3xl-14-compartments/10442311.html

Your next task is to create picture cards.  You can easily do this in Power Point.  Create a rectangle/square, which measures 1.87” in height and 1.37” in width.  Copy your square 13 more times for a page full of squares.  Then, go online and find the clip art for the items you’d like pictured.  (Teachers Pay Teachers has lots of great clip art for education!)

I like to print my pages, laminate them, and then attach them to the organizer with Velcro.  (However, with the organizer being so cheap, you could actually permanently affix them, if you want!)  I recently bought 500 Velcro dots on Amazon for $8.99+ free shipping, which is a pretty good deal… http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IYDOL64/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Many of my students have the goal from the Auditory Learning Guide (Walker, 2009), “(Name) will identify an object from several related descriptors (closed set) with XX% accuracy.”  For this goal, I create descriptor cards for each pictured item.  I put a treat (cereal or piece of candy) under 1 or more doors.  I, then, read the cards, describing the items.  The student lifts the door of the item he hears described.  Sometimes there’s a treat, sometimes not!  The thought of a possible treat keeps them engaged!

There are many other options for play, though.  It could be used for comprehension questions, sequencing, reinforcing content vocabulary, and more.  You could also turn the tables and ask the student to describe items to you, as you listen and try to find the treat!

I am attaching a freebie, Thanksgiving and Christmas Secret Door Game Cards for you to get started!  I hope your students have fun with listening 4 language!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6xKfs4xuK-_dnNfYWJxclpveVE/view?usp=sharing

Please note:  These doors can be pretty tricky to open, so I actually open all the doors and just have them lying closed.  That way, they’re easier to lift!

You Know You're a LSLS When...

You Know You're a LSLS When...

10.  You just read LSLS as "lissels" and not "L-S-L-S."

9.  You (finally) realize the importance of speech acoustics; and actually find it fun and exciting to apply it!

8.  You are in awe of Beebe, Pollack and Ling for being so ahead of their time.

7.  You are diligent about obtaining and tracking LSLS CEUs because the possibility of your credentials expiring and having to retake the exam is unthinkable!

6.  You are actually thrilled when a parent tells you about their child swearing or repeating private information they've obviously overheard.

5.  You have a strong impulse to track your own toddler's language on the CASLLS.

4.  All of your reusable shopping bags and pens advertise cochlear implant and hearing aid manufacturers, Oral Deaf Ed, and AG Bell.

3.  Your well-intentioned friends and family members send you links to every cochlear implant activation video on the Web.

2.  Just perusing the toy aisle begins a major brainstorm of how each toy could elicit listening and spoken language.

1.  You get to witness, first-hand, the amazing impact of early detection, early intervention, advancing technology and motivated parents!

List created by K. Ratliff of listening4language.blogspot.com

Happy Fall!

I love a good seasonal theme!  It sure makes planning for sessions easy!!!  Are you looking for fun Halloween activities to promote listening and spoken language?  I've pinned a few... check them out!

http://www.pinterest.com/ratliffkristine/halloween-listening-language/

My favorite Halloween book has to be The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey.  I created a book companion to go with this cute story.  My students have really enjoyed it!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Hallo-Wiener-Literacy-Language-Listening-Book-Companion-1435025

I also love Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, which was released last year.  This book is GREAT for sequencing and retelling.  Many of my kiddos have the goal from the Auditory Learning Guide to sequence a retell a story.  This book is great for targeting that!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Room-on-the-Broom-Literacy-Language-Listening-Book-Companion-923720

Next week, we are moving on to the Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams...a true classic...

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Little-Old-Lady-Who-Was-Not-Afraid-of-Anything-Book-Companion-909437

I love seasonal-themed activities, but do have some kiddos who don't celebrate Halloween.  I'm still using a fall-theme with them, but steering clear of jack-o-lanterns, ghosts and all things Halloween...

http://www.pinterest.com/ratliffkristine/fall-activities-for-listening-language/

I'm also using a couple of books and book companions...

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Stellaluna-Literacy-Language-and-Listening-Book-Companion-1384151

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Strega-Nona-Literacy-Language-and-Listening-Game-1463949

...and follow-up Strega Nona worksheets (FREE!)...

http://www.abcteach.com/free/b/book_depaola_streganona.pdf

Happy Fall!

Renew Your LSLS Certification with ALL FREE CEUs!

After an extremely extended hiatus (!), I am returning to my long-lost blog!  I have lots of ideas for posts, so hopefully I can keep with it!

Are you in the midst of continuing education to renew or obtain your LSLS Certification?  If so, you’re in luck with lots of opportunities for FREE CEUs.  Taking the online courses below, you will have more than enough hours to renew!  (Taking all the courses below will give you 17 LSLS credits.  You need 15 LSLS credits to renew certification.)

1.  The first course—which you need to put at the top of your list due availability—is the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management’s course, “Parent Training and Support” course.  It is only available through October 22, 2014.  This free course, presented in four portions, offers 5 hours or .5 LSLS CEUs of credit!  You can access it at

http://www.infanthearing.org/elearning/index.html#webinars

Scroll down to “Workshops in Session” to find “Parent Training and Support.”  You will sign up using the first link, Parent Training and Support Workshop With CEUs and Certificate of Completion.”  Following completion of the online training, they’ll send you a LSLS CEU form and certificate of completion.  Note:  They’ll also give you ASHA or AAA, too!

2.  The second set of courses is an online series, offered by ESC 11 out of Texas.  You don’t have to be a Texas professional to take advantage of these courses!  You can find these at

https://mis.esc11.net/ 

At the top right side, you’ll see a “search” option.  Type in “Listening” and click search.  (There might be an easier way to find them, but this is the easies way for me!)  The first 8 courses you see compromise the LSL Series.  Each module is 1 hour, so a total of 8 hours or .8 LSLS CEUs are offered for completing the entire series.   Again, all FREE!  The topics are:

Module 1:  Auditory-Verbal Practices in the Educational Setting

Module 2:  Developing Listening Skills in Children with Hearing Loss

Module 3:  Creating an Acoustic Environment for Children with Hearing Loss

Module 4:  Developing Language in Children with Hearing Loss

Module 5:  Developing Speech in Children with Hearing Loss

Module 6:  Developing Early Emergent Literacy in Children with Hearing Loss

Module 7:  Developing Vocabulary Skills in Children with Hearing Loss

Module 8:  Working with Parents and Infants with Hearing Loss

You will need to sign up for a free account with ESC 11.  After creating your account, you can enroll in the courses and take them at your convenience.  Upon completion, you can find the certificates of completion under “My Profile” à “My Transcripts.” You will send those to Susie Tiggs, Statewide Lead for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services, at stiggs@esc11.net.

These modules are a great review…or could be great in preparation for the LSLS exam. 

3.  The last set of courses are webinars offered by the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.  There are a total of four workshops, which award 1 hour or .1 LSLS CEU each.  Three are available in the archives and the fourth will be offered live on November 5, 2014 at noon.  (If you can’t watch that live, it will be available in the archives by mid-November.)  These webinars can be found at

http://www.clarkeschools.org/webinars

The topics are of the archived webinars (available now) are:

Webinar 1: Brick by Brick: Building a Thriving Network of Listening and Spoken Language Professionals

Webinar 2: Authentic Engagement: Empowering Parents to Participate During the Preschool Years

Webinar 3: Back to school: Supporting Students with Hearing Loss in Mainstream Classrooms

The November 5^th webinar is Partners in Learning: Supporting Parents of Infants and Toddlers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing,

At the completion of each webinar, you’ll fill out a brief questionnaire, asking your information, how you heard about the course, what you learned and what you’ll use.  They’ll also ask if you want them to email you a certificate or a LSLS CEU form.  Within a couple of days, they will!

Good luck with the above courses!  Again, if you complete all of the above, you will have 17 hours or 1.7 LSLS CEUs, more than you need to renew!  I have taken all of them and found that I was able to take away good info from each.  I love the option of taking them in my home at my convenience…and the fact that they’re all free is the cherry on top!