This summer, we are having theme weeks! Each week Daredevil will be given a theme. This theme will be used throughout all of his ABA shifts and we will incorporate things about the theme during downtime, too.
Each week, I'll share what we did for each week. We are hoping to be sure that we hit the following things every week:
-Field Trip
-Library Trip to pick out books about the theme
-Sensory Bin
-Snack
-Art Projects
-Game/Activity
His weekly themes are:
June 22 - Gardening
June 29 - Weather
July 6 - Camping
July 13 - Animals
July 20 - Water
July 27 - Dinosaurs/Fossils
August 3 - Outer Space
August 10 - Bugs/Insects
August 17 - All About Me
I'm really looking forward to the fun and all the cool, new stuff Daredevil will learn and experience this summer. What do you think we have to incorporate into his weeks?
Showing posts with label Daredevil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daredevil. Show all posts
Monday, June 15, 2015
Friday, June 12, 2015
Questions, questions, questions
Daredevil started asking questions on his own a few months ago, but it became part of our May 1st treatment plan. This means that his therapists built off of what he was doing on his own and helped him flourish.
But let me tell you, flourish he did. He is so inquisitive. He wants to know everything about everything. It's interesting to hear where he takes the conversations and what he is curious about. I just love him and his inquisitive and adventurous heart!
Here's a sampling of a recent conversation:
O: Where's Switzerland?
M: It's in Europe.
O: I want to go to Europe. I want to go there.
M: You want to go to Switzerland, in Europe?
O: Yes, Switzerland. How far is away is Switzerland?
Oh boy. Add another place to his must visit list. It currently includes returning to Costa Rica and Disney World/Land, going to Thomas Land in Boston once it opens and going to Switzerland to go on the giant jungle gym/bouncy house.
Everything right now is what is that? What is that called? When is that? Can I go to August? Can we go there? What do they do? What is the road made of? What is in cement? What state is Seattle in? Where is Arizona? What's an island? Where is Hawaii? What is our state called?
I just love where his mind goes! He's really into geography right now and one of his favorite things to do is look at the Atlas in UJ's car. Another addition to the Christmas list, too.
But let me tell you, flourish he did. He is so inquisitive. He wants to know everything about everything. It's interesting to hear where he takes the conversations and what he is curious about. I just love him and his inquisitive and adventurous heart!
Here's a sampling of a recent conversation:
O: Where's Switzerland?
M: It's in Europe.
O: I want to go to Europe. I want to go there.
M: You want to go to Switzerland, in Europe?
O: Yes, Switzerland. How far is away is Switzerland?
Oh boy. Add another place to his must visit list. It currently includes returning to Costa Rica and Disney World/Land, going to Thomas Land in Boston once it opens and going to Switzerland to go on the giant jungle gym/bouncy house.
Everything right now is what is that? What is that called? When is that? Can I go to August? Can we go there? What do they do? What is the road made of? What is in cement? What state is Seattle in? Where is Arizona? What's an island? Where is Hawaii? What is our state called?
I just love where his mind goes! He's really into geography right now and one of his favorite things to do is look at the Atlas in UJ's car. Another addition to the Christmas list, too.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Event Picture Frame on the Cheap
Ya'll know I'm crafty but I'm also a cheapskate and I'll do whatever I can to do something nicely, but be frugal about it.
For Daredevil's preschool end of the year pot-luck, we thought it'd be fun to do a picture frame for parents, kiddos and friends to take pictures. I wanted it to be lightweight so the kids could hold it, but sturdy so it wouldn't flap around. Here's what I came up with..
Things you'll need:
For Daredevil's preschool end of the year pot-luck, we thought it'd be fun to do a picture frame for parents, kiddos and friends to take pictures. I wanted it to be lightweight so the kids could hold it, but sturdy so it wouldn't flap around. Here's what I came up with..
Things you'll need:
Sharpie
Exacto knife
Paint & brush
Heavy poster size foam board (can get for 40-50% off at Hobby Lobby, depending on the sale)
Any embellishments you want to use (we used his school's letters)
Hot glue gun/gorilla glue/heavy duty tape
We traced the shape we wanted onto the poster board and then we used the exacto knife to cut it out.
Then we painted it!
Once it was all dry, we affixed the embellishments- or in our case, the letters. We used hot glue but anything should work to hold the embellishments in place.
It was used for the school potluck and on the last day of school. It was a quick, fun project that had super cute results - and by quick I mean that we had it drying all within a half hour!
Thursday, June 4, 2015
From His Perspective
There's a little survey going around FB that encourages you to ask your kiddo the following questions and record what they say, completely unprompted.
I also post the following pictures because my guy asked another kiddo if he could have a turn at the white horse when he was done. He worked it like a pro and then jumped for joy and maybe pride when he was done. I was bursting on the inside!
So for your enjoyment... here goes. Straight from the Daredevil's mouth.
1. What is something mom always says to you? Go take a bath.
2. What makes mom happy? Drinking. (Iced tea, I hope.)
3. What makes mom sad? Frogs.
4. How does your mom make you laugh? She screams. (We have this game where we kind of do this quick yell and he thinks it is the funniest ever.)
5. What was your mom like as a child? I don't know.
6. How old is your mom? 26 (Nope, 31, but he's sweet:))
7. How tall is your mom? Tall.
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Talking to someone.
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Go around and around. (Like, driving all over town.)
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Finding Dinosaurs.
11. What is your mom really good at? Texting.
16. If your mom were a character, who would she be? Thomas or Gordon (from Thomas and Friends)
17. What do you and your mom do together? Go to shopping.
20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because I know.
21. What does your mom like most about your dad? That he's yucky (maybe because I like to smell Mr Tech Guy's nose?)
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? To the basketball place (ie Dick's Sporting Goods) and Thomas Land. (Oh boy!)
I also post the following pictures because my guy asked another kiddo if he could have a turn at the white horse when he was done. He worked it like a pro and then jumped for joy and maybe pride when he was done. I was bursting on the inside!
So for your enjoyment... here goes. Straight from the Daredevil's mouth.
1. What is something mom always says to you? Go take a bath.
2. What makes mom happy? Drinking. (Iced tea, I hope.)
3. What makes mom sad? Frogs.
4. How does your mom make you laugh? She screams. (We have this game where we kind of do this quick yell and he thinks it is the funniest ever.)
5. What was your mom like as a child? I don't know.
6. How old is your mom? 26 (Nope, 31, but he's sweet:))
7. How tall is your mom? Tall.
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Talking to someone.
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Go around and around. (Like, driving all over town.)
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? Finding Dinosaurs.
11. What is your mom really good at? Texting.
16. If your mom were a character, who would she be? Thomas or Gordon (from Thomas and Friends)
17. What do you and your mom do together? Go to shopping.
20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because I know.
21. What does your mom like most about your dad? That he's yucky (maybe because I like to smell Mr Tech Guy's nose?)
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? To the basketball place (ie Dick's Sporting Goods) and Thomas Land. (Oh boy!)
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Things I miss
I'm always so excited that Daredevil is learning and growing everyday, but there are still some things I'll miss. I'm sad when some things go.
I remember when we had to say goodbye to EIEIEI. I was sure glad he could actually say EIEIO, but EIEIEI was so sweet.
Recently, we've said goodbye to these sweet things:
Mamy is now Amy.
Baneena is now banana.
Flagingo is now flamingo.
His speech and pronunciation is so improved. His sentence structures are well formed and complete. His number of words per sentence is smack dab in the middle of the normal range (MLU 3.58; normal is 3-3.75 for his age group).
What I find hilarious is that he is so comfortable with ABA that he's started giving Mr Tech Guy and I ABA sessions. He loves taking the boat and submarine when he's in the bath and asking us which one goes under the sea and which one goes on top of the sea. If you get it right, he'll cheer for you. If you get it wrong, he'll tell you the right answer, ask you another question and then repeat the initial question just like during ABA.
O: Momma, which one goes under the sea?
M: The boat.
O: No, the submarine goes under the sea. What's your name?
M: Momma.
O: Touch your nose.
M: (I touch my nose.)
O: Which one goes under the sea?
M: The submarine.
O: Yay!
It is hysterical. I love my boy.
I remember when we had to say goodbye to EIEIEI. I was sure glad he could actually say EIEIO, but EIEIEI was so sweet.
Recently, we've said goodbye to these sweet things:
Mamy is now Amy.
Baneena is now banana.
Flagingo is now flamingo.
His speech and pronunciation is so improved. His sentence structures are well formed and complete. His number of words per sentence is smack dab in the middle of the normal range (MLU 3.58; normal is 3-3.75 for his age group).
What I find hilarious is that he is so comfortable with ABA that he's started giving Mr Tech Guy and I ABA sessions. He loves taking the boat and submarine when he's in the bath and asking us which one goes under the sea and which one goes on top of the sea. If you get it right, he'll cheer for you. If you get it wrong, he'll tell you the right answer, ask you another question and then repeat the initial question just like during ABA.
O: Momma, which one goes under the sea?
M: The boat.
O: No, the submarine goes under the sea. What's your name?
M: Momma.
O: Touch your nose.
M: (I touch my nose.)
O: Which one goes under the sea?
M: The submarine.
O: Yay!
It is hysterical. I love my boy.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Breaking Hearts
Daredevil is sure good at breaking hearts!
Last night, I was singing in the car and he said, "No, Momma. No that song. I don't want that song."
Then this morning I was trying to get in my morning snuggles and he told me, "No, just pillow."
Sad, sad, sad. Can't I freeze time?
But, I guess since he's cute I'll forgive him!
Last night, I was singing in the car and he said, "No, Momma. No that song. I don't want that song."
Then this morning I was trying to get in my morning snuggles and he told me, "No, just pillow."
Sad, sad, sad. Can't I freeze time?
But, I guess since he's cute I'll forgive him!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Dude is Funny
Daredevil's language keeps having these mini-explosions, if you will. We are amazed at his progress in just a few months.
He is combining two or three word phrases all the time now! Tickle neck, stop singing, open gate, hi kelly, bye bye danny, i love you gammy, move please, didaddy drink, big blocks, gray castle, red dump, yellow bus, yellow digger, more french fries, read more, blue thomas, go up, come down, white ice cream, inside store, and on and on and on! Literally everything is 2 words or more. I love hearing him talk and sing all the time... and the words are understandable (at least to me)! It is unbelievable!
We're working on his articulation and strengthening some of his mouth muscles. We're also working on his eating habits and we're about to start potty training! He is a busy boy, but I just would never have imagined how far he'd come in a few months!
I know it's hard to believe, but I think yesterday is the first day in the history of Daredevil's life that I haven't taken a picture of him.... I know Gammy and Aunt Stephie will be upset... sorry! He was super cute! He stayed in his pajama shirt all day... he refused to let me change his shirt until bath time. :)
Another reason dude is funny. I found some material similar to his Aden and Anais blankies that he always has with him, so I decided to get a yard and attempt to make one for him on the cheap. Hah. As if I could pull one over on him. Every time I hand it to him, he hands it back and goes to his closet to get a "real" one. I've attempted this on several occasions since getting it finished. I guess he just isn't having the fake kind.
He is combining two or three word phrases all the time now! Tickle neck, stop singing, open gate, hi kelly, bye bye danny, i love you gammy, move please, didaddy drink, big blocks, gray castle, red dump, yellow bus, yellow digger, more french fries, read more, blue thomas, go up, come down, white ice cream, inside store, and on and on and on! Literally everything is 2 words or more. I love hearing him talk and sing all the time... and the words are understandable (at least to me)! It is unbelievable!
We're working on his articulation and strengthening some of his mouth muscles. We're also working on his eating habits and we're about to start potty training! He is a busy boy, but I just would never have imagined how far he'd come in a few months!
I know it's hard to believe, but I think yesterday is the first day in the history of Daredevil's life that I haven't taken a picture of him.... I know Gammy and Aunt Stephie will be upset... sorry! He was super cute! He stayed in his pajama shirt all day... he refused to let me change his shirt until bath time. :)
Another reason dude is funny. I found some material similar to his Aden and Anais blankies that he always has with him, so I decided to get a yard and attempt to make one for him on the cheap. Hah. As if I could pull one over on him. Every time I hand it to him, he hands it back and goes to his closet to get a "real" one. I've attempted this on several occasions since getting it finished. I guess he just isn't having the fake kind.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Prepping for Disney
In Daredevil's 2.5 years on this Earth, we've been to Disney World and Disneyland a total of 5 times; 6 coming up here soon! I'm an over-planner by trade, but this time I'm doing even more research and planning to ensure Daredevil's safety and enjoyment while there.
Safety:
Although we will be packing our stroller, Daredevil will be wanting to walk and explore solo. While he is getting great at following verbal instructions, staying near and holding hands, there's always that one time you fear he'll wander, refuse to listen, run. In an effort to let him walk on his own - holding our hands 99.9% of the time - we're spending a lot of time in stores, malls, zoos, etc letting him walk solo and asking him verbally to follow instructions. He's actually done remarkably well! We've been doing this in a variety of settings and building up his (and our) confidence.
We've also ordered the Buddy Tag. Daredevil will have a bracelet with a bluetooth chip in it that will alert my phone when he's further than 40 feet away and direct me to his current location.
We're also ordering temporary tattoos and stickers with our cell phone number listed. Then we'll apply it to his forearm and backside of his shirt every morning we go into the parks as a back-up plan in case he does get away from us. It may be overkill, but I feel more secure and prepared having a few failsafes in place.
Enjoyment:
Since Daredevil is on the spectrum, with a note from his physician and therapist, we can get a Guest Assistant Card. This card will allow us to wait for our ride/experiences in a different, less crowded location. It won't lessen our wait but it'll lessen his frustrations. If your child has special needs, this is a must. I'm hoping this will alleviate some overstimulation.
Daredevil's senior therapist and I will be working together to create a couple things that should help us on our trip. 1. We will be making some social stories for Daredevil so he will know more of what to expect. He is really great at understanding first, then but when there are several steps involved he gets a bit confused. The social story show the airplane, hotel, parks, etc. It will help Daredevil to visually understand what the steps will be for his days while on vacation and thus out of routine. 2. The second thing we're working on is a Disney activity "menu" that we'll take with us. The folder will have pictures of each of the Disney parks, Universal Studios, Downtown Disney and the Disney beach/pools. That way, we can use it like a menu for Daredevil to select his choices for the day. Daredevil has mastered requesting using 1-2 word utterances, but sometimes it is hard to understand what he's requesting so this should alleviate some problems and miscommunications.
It may seem like a lot of work, maybe overdoing it, but a little preparation could make our time away a little more enjoyable. And, let me tell you, this boy deserves every ounce of downtime and enjoyment he can get!
Safety:
Although we will be packing our stroller, Daredevil will be wanting to walk and explore solo. While he is getting great at following verbal instructions, staying near and holding hands, there's always that one time you fear he'll wander, refuse to listen, run. In an effort to let him walk on his own - holding our hands 99.9% of the time - we're spending a lot of time in stores, malls, zoos, etc letting him walk solo and asking him verbally to follow instructions. He's actually done remarkably well! We've been doing this in a variety of settings and building up his (and our) confidence.
We've also ordered the Buddy Tag. Daredevil will have a bracelet with a bluetooth chip in it that will alert my phone when he's further than 40 feet away and direct me to his current location.
 |
| http://www.mybuddytag.com/choose-buddy-tag/ |
We're also ordering temporary tattoos and stickers with our cell phone number listed. Then we'll apply it to his forearm and backside of his shirt every morning we go into the parks as a back-up plan in case he does get away from us. It may be overkill, but I feel more secure and prepared having a few failsafes in place.
 |
| https://www.etsy.com/listing/200949520/12-custom-disney-temporary-tattoos-for?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=temporary+tattoos+emergency&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery |
 |
| https://www.etsy.com/listing/184439438/2-emergency-contact-temporary-tattoos?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=temporary+tattoos+emergency&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery |
 |
| https://www.etsy.com/listing/187516212/safety-id-stickers-autism-mickey-puzzle?ref=related-2 |
Enjoyment:
Since Daredevil is on the spectrum, with a note from his physician and therapist, we can get a Guest Assistant Card. This card will allow us to wait for our ride/experiences in a different, less crowded location. It won't lessen our wait but it'll lessen his frustrations. If your child has special needs, this is a must. I'm hoping this will alleviate some overstimulation.
Daredevil's senior therapist and I will be working together to create a couple things that should help us on our trip. 1. We will be making some social stories for Daredevil so he will know more of what to expect. He is really great at understanding first, then but when there are several steps involved he gets a bit confused. The social story show the airplane, hotel, parks, etc. It will help Daredevil to visually understand what the steps will be for his days while on vacation and thus out of routine. 2. The second thing we're working on is a Disney activity "menu" that we'll take with us. The folder will have pictures of each of the Disney parks, Universal Studios, Downtown Disney and the Disney beach/pools. That way, we can use it like a menu for Daredevil to select his choices for the day. Daredevil has mastered requesting using 1-2 word utterances, but sometimes it is hard to understand what he's requesting so this should alleviate some problems and miscommunications.
It may seem like a lot of work, maybe overdoing it, but a little preparation could make our time away a little more enjoyable. And, let me tell you, this boy deserves every ounce of downtime and enjoyment he can get!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Progress is Progress
Progress is progress no matter how small.
Words our Daredevil can now say...
Hi
Bye-bye
Move
Up
Down
Out
Hop
Hot
More
Yellow
Blue
Orange
Green
Bear
Sheep
Deer
Cheetah
Dino
Mom/Momma
Dad/Dada
Nene (Grandma)
Papa
There it is
There he is
Thank you
Animal Sounds a'plenty:
Moo
Woof woof
Oink
Roar
Rrrrr
Baa
Ssss/Hsss
Meow
... as well as snorting, chomping, spitting, etc for hippo, giraffe and camel and many more
I can not tell you how exciting it has been to watch his expressive language just blow up. He has new words almost daily or at least 4 per week. We still haven't found nouns that he doesn't know... I guess that isn't true. We had to explain what a houseplant was the other day and sometimes he gets jaguar and cheetah mixed up. But otherwise this dude knows his stuff! Serious. This explosion of language is just awesome.
We're having a shy day today, but that's ok. I get extra momma snuggles on shy days.
Words our Daredevil can now say...
Hi
Bye-bye
Move
Up
Down
Out
Hop
Hot
More
Yellow
Blue
Orange
Green
Bear
Sheep
Deer
Cheetah
Dino
Mom/Momma
Dad/Dada
Nene (Grandma)
Papa
There it is
There he is
Thank you
Animal Sounds a'plenty:
Moo
Woof woof
Oink
Roar
Rrrrr
Baa
Ssss/Hsss
Meow
... as well as snorting, chomping, spitting, etc for hippo, giraffe and camel and many more
I can not tell you how exciting it has been to watch his expressive language just blow up. He has new words almost daily or at least 4 per week. We still haven't found nouns that he doesn't know... I guess that isn't true. We had to explain what a houseplant was the other day and sometimes he gets jaguar and cheetah mixed up. But otherwise this dude knows his stuff! Serious. This explosion of language is just awesome.
We're having a shy day today, but that's ok. I get extra momma snuggles on shy days.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Elephants...WHAT?!?!
We all know that Daredevil loves giraffes and elephants. Only problem is our zoo doesn't have elephants. I searched hi and low to find the closest elephants to Madison. Circus World in Baraboo! Who knew? I thought it was just a museum. It's not. It's a full fledged circus and all sorts of fun. They do have museum exhibits and whatnot, but Daredevil preferred all the other stuff.
Big Top Circus has dogs, ponies, horses, elephants, clowns, jugglers and more. So much fun!!
Feeding and petting zoo!
Pictures and rides with elephants!
Old wagon exhibit!
Random fun!
Ferris Wheel
Awesome day in the Dells!
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