Community Helpers : Language Activities
 
In this unit we used graphics found
in our software to make magnetic characters and objects to work on language
concepts. Depending on the skill level, we used these objects to
work on simple noun/object matching all the way to prepositional concepts
such as putting the farmer beside or on top of the tractor
etc. Another use was to match the community helper to their vehicle.
To make these magnets, we purchased
large cookie sheets which we spray painted. Graphics were printed
from the Intellipics picture
library, laminated and backed with magnet sheets found at a local craft
store.
The grocery items on the magnetic board
above were matched as closely to real items as possible. These items
were used with the software on our software
page. The children placed the items in their shopping cart after identifying
their names. (The shopping cart is a photo taken with a digital camera.)
Big and little were the concepts taught
while having all sorts of fun with these manipulatives.
    
Wood
Plastic
Paper
Metal
Glass
In 2003 we had a large group of boys
in our class that enjoyed " Bob the Builder". Taking advantage
of this interest, we designed a Community Helper Unit around construction
workers. The highlight of the unit was a class trip to our local
Home Depot where the kids participated in a Kids Workshop. Before
the trip we did the above project to introduce the names of materials that
could be used to build a project. Each child brought in an
item of each material (above) from home. The children shared
their items with the class, then we displayed them on our bulletin
board above. This activity not only introduced them to new vocabulary,
but it also allowed the children to use their own language to share their
items. Check out the Art projects for this
unit to see the houses the children built using many different materials.
Many of
the children are in our classroom for two years, therefore we alternate
the community helper emphasis between construction workers and
firemen. In 2005 we revisited our "Bob the Builder Unit".
We expanded our "materials" lesson to include a few of the "properties"
that some of our materials possess. We tested materials to
discover if they would stretch, bend, or absorb. We used Mayer-Johnson's Boardmaker Symbols for the concepts and for our "yes/no" answers on the chart seen below.
Ms. Sharon Bölle
Assistant Superintendent
For additional information, please contact: Ms. Kathy Van Velzen by e-mail.
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