Guest guest Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 You've all heard me talk about the light bulb moment when a flea market dealer, observing my then-middle school aged daughter clutching 2 old Big Bird figurines in her hands (you really need 1 for each hand, for balance!)said to 'Oh, are those for your collection?'. And here I thought it was merely an obsession! Came across this idea today from Closing the Gap's website & thought to share with our IPADD family. It's written from the perspective of a classroom teacher, but who's to say this idea couldn't translate to, say, a group of adult friends or a day program or community program for adults? Or for an online club of like-minded collectors? fyi... Mo Buti, Low Incidence Manager of Cognitive Disabilities and Autism, Chicago Public Schools submitted these fantastic ideas to Closing The Gap in 2009. Take these ideas and run with them, plus share your own! Idea # 1- COLLECTIONS How many children do you know who collect things? How many adults, for that matter, do you know who have collections? I myself collect miniature high heel shoes. (Hint, hint ... Christmas is coming up!) Collections increase social opportunities. You can talk about your collections with others. You can show your collections to others. You can trade, give or get items for your collection. This creates many opportunities for social interactions that may not have been there if it weren't for a collection. I facilitated collections within a low incidence classroom I taught. I had each student make a choice of something to collect. Some were asked verbally, some were given picture choices, and some had siblings assist in the choosing of their perfect collection. Once they chose what to collect, I got them started with a couple items. I then wrote up some index cards introducing themselves and their collection (many of these students were non-verbal). Those children who had devices had a section programmed about their collection. These systems were put in place so that the students were able to have interactions about their collections. Information was added to these communication systems as the days went on; who gave what items, where the items were received, and how many items there were. The collections included stickers placed on a wheelchair, buttons placed on a sash that was worn, fancy barrettes and friendship bracelets. Students in the school noticed these collections right away, and would come by to look at them and talk about the items with the children. Students began to give my students items to add to their collections. Most importantly, all students who would come by would interact and talk with my students. The collections got quite large. The children in the school were so excited to be part of the growing of these collections. Some collections were over 200 items. When a child in the school would start counting the items and talking to my student, they would both light up. It was great to watch. This is an easy, age-appropriate and fun way to facilitate social interactions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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