Monday, May 23, 2016

A Request to Lego

Please help lobby Lego to make conductive (Maker) Legos by sharing this article/request.

"As an educator and assistive technology practitioner I work on ways to improve access for kids with disabilities.  One technique my colleagues and I use involves using a small micro controller (MakeyMakey) in conjunction with conductive materials (e.g. bananas, clay, etc) to make customized switches.  These switches can automate a voice, turn on a light, or play a song. 

I was excited to hear about Legos commitment to reducing the use of plastics and moving toward a more bio-degradable alternative.  Partly for the environmental reasons and partly for the hope that Legos could some day be conductive, allowing kids and AT practitioners alike to make tools for kids with disabilities.  

I'm writing in hopes that you might be able to consider using conductive materials in developing the next generation of Lego.  It would certainly open a lot of doors for our kids.

Thank you kindly for your time and consideration,"
Pete Carpenter (occupational therapist, father, and Lego fan) 

If you have thoughts or questions, please add to the comments section below.

LEGO for Occupational Therapists: Tips for Incorporating LEGO Into Your Occupational Therapy Program

http://blog.brickmarketplace.com/2016/04/lego-for-occupational-therapists-tips.html?m=1
author: Meaghan Nanson


Occupational therapists have a fun, difficult, and rewarding job. Their goal is to help people with specific physical, emotional, social or developmental needs participate in a full range of activities regardless of disability or other perceived barriers. In short, they provide specialized assistance to people of all ages who want to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Using elements of physical therapy, speech-language therapy, art therapy and more, occupational therapists create an environment that mimics the activities required in daily life – albeit sometimes in fun, creative ways. 

 This is where LEGO toys come in..... (See full article here) 

Friday, May 6, 2016

Affordable Summer Camps for Students

Elite Sports Academy, a Portland based non-profit, offers a cost efficient summer camp to children in low-income families. The camp will focus on education and sports training. Camps start on June 13th, and it will run until August 26th. The cost will be only $25 per week.  The camp will be held at King School from 10am-3pm Monday-Friday, with early drop off and late pick up from 7:30am-5:30pm at no additional cost. There will also be free breakfast and lunch provided every day. 
any questions or would like more information, please feel free to email me at ajwhite1191@gmail.com or call me at 928-814-9648.







 

 


Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Perpetual Motion in Room 17: Time-lapse video



What can we learn from this?  What were some of the themes, movement patterns?
What were some of the most popular spaces?  Were these areas popular because the
micro-environment was inviting?  How and in what way does the design of the classroom (desk placement and other static features) affect the  movement and shape of the class?  How much do the activities and teacher instructions influence the clusters, movement, and shape of the class?

One thing is clear, many of the students movement needs are encouraged and fulfilled.

Thank you Pamela Kennedy for sharing this fascinating and entertaining video.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Generation Yes: http://genyes.org/

Project-Based Learning

All Generation YES programs involve students designing, constructing, and assessing projects aligned to student and teacher learning.

Student Tech Leaders

We believe that teams of well-prepared K-12 students are the key strategy for realizing meaningful technology integration. All Generation YES programs have STLs at the center.



Tech Integration

Providing support and resources to schools using technology for improved learning opportunities and academic achievement is a primary goal of the nonprofit Generation YES.

Data Collection & Assessment

Guided authentic assessment and reporting provides students with feedback and educators with solid data on student progress.

Friday, January 8, 2016

PPS Bond Accessibility Work

"Improved accessibility is a priority of the PPS School Building Improvement Bond"



Access ramp at Wilson High School 2013
New Elevator at James John K-5 2015
Suzanne Stahl, Angela Jarvis-Holland, Carole Smith

Timeline: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/files/bond/Bond_Program_Graphic_Schedule_3_19_15_v4.pdf
Get involved: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/bond/9073.htm



Community members, PPS designers, and Portland Parks and Rec. meet to discuss plans/updates for Grant High School.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Social Story Creator

Story Board That: https://www.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-creator
This is a handy and fairly intuitive website that allows the user to create a story or comic using a a variety of characters, images, scenes, and uploaded images.  It appears to work on the iPad as well.
Here is a sample illustrating student's need for movement and heavy work:

Also see: 10 Sites / Apps for Creative Writing
http://www.slideshare.net/rbyrnetech/10-sites-apps-to-inspire-creative-writing
https://tp053.k12.sd.us/Following%20Rules%20at%20School.htm

Friday, September 11, 2015

Hand crank electric generator

This little electric generator may be used in a variety of contexts, from a cause and effect activity (turning a light on), a science lesson (how electricity is produced), or recharging a cell phone / tablet.  Students can literally feel the work needed to power modern electronics, lights, fans, etc.
Cost: the hand crank generator was approximately $20, materials (scrap wood, adjustable bracket, screws): approximately $5
submitted by Pete Carpenter OTR/L

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Handwriting Worksheet Maker

Handwriting Worksheet Maker:  Customize handwriting worksheets by content size, color, print vs cursive, dots vs hollow/outline, etc.  Ex: have student practice specific letters or their own name.  

http://handwritingpractice.net/handwriting/index.html
Also see:
http://www.softschools.com/custom/worksheets/words.jsp
http://www.worksheetworks.com/english/writing/handwriting.html
Worksheet works also has math geography, English, mazes, money and some other cutting and prewriting worksheets
http://www.writingwizard.longcountdown.com/handwriting_practice_worksheet_maker.html
This one is geared toward ESL students. Create writing worksheets lets you choose letter style and size and variety of practice options eg trace copy or freehand. Single words like vocabulary lists or phrases. 
http://www.toolsforeducators.com
A great site for free printable custom resources eg custom bingo cards, lotto cards, crossword maker, game boards, custom paper dice maker, certificate maker, more
Many topics to choose from eg animals, foods, vehicles, occupations, prepositions
http://www.eslflashcards.com

Google Docs Speech Recognition Add on



https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/speech-recognition/idmniglhlcjfkhncgbiiecmianekpheh?utm_source=permalink

Wednesday, June 10, 2015