December 2014

December Unit Topic: Holiday Celebrations

DAILY LIVING SKILLS / WORK SKILLS

Topic Story 1: This is Hanukkah – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Hanukkah. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 2: This is Christmas – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Christmas. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 3: This is Kwanzaa – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Kwanzaa. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Topic Story 4: This is Las Posadas – The content of this lesson’s story presents the traditions of Las Posadas. Students will read story adapted to individual reading level and answer corresponding comprehension questions.

Short Story 1:  Happy Hanukkah –This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Hanukkah.

Short Story 2: Merry Christmas – This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Christmas.

Short Story 3: Happy Kwanzaa – This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Kwanzaa.

Short Story 4: Las Posadas – This lesson expands on the traditions associated with Las Posadas.

Greeting Cards & Gift Tags – In this lesson students are to select an appropriate greeting card and send it to a friend or family member. Students will also learn how to put a gift tag on a package to identify who it is for and who it is from.

Recipes – These lessons focus on measurement skills and tools for volume (dry and liquid measure when cooking). Students will have to opportunity to make dishes traditionally served at holiday celebrations, including Sweet Potato Pie for Kwanzaa, Latkes for Hanukkah and Gingerbread cookies for Christmas.

Crafts – Job Club activities this month focus on craft projects that can be used to contribute to an “office party.” Students will have the opportunity to make crafts representing different holiday celebrations, including Kwanzaa Mats, Dreidels and Piñatas.

Holiday Party – An important part of successful employment is demonstrating good social skills. During holidays, offices often have a social party. In this activity, students will prepare for a holiday party. Students may serve dishes and use crafts made in previous lessons.

Classroom Vocational Activities - Students will participate in simulated work activities. 

FUNCTIONAL MATH

What’s in My “Wallet? – This activity presents opportunities for counting out various amounts of money in a person's wallet. Provided are daily scenarios that require students to count the money available and determine if there is enough to make a designated purchase.

Time Matters – The activities in this lesson focus on understanding time and planning a schedule.

Money Matters – This activity simulates the real-world experience of paying bills and balancing a checking account.

FUNCTIONAL READING

Each week students will read an adapted article based on their current instructional level. They will complete corresponding activities, including following a recipe. This month's topics include Rudolph TV Special, Toys for Tots and New Year’s Eve.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec. 1^st – No School

Dec. 10^th – Community Based Instruction Trip to Laurel Mall

TBD – Holiday Party

*Mon/Tues/Thurs - Avenues
*Tues/Fri - Ashland Library
*Weds/Thurs - Food Shop @ MAC
*Weds/Fri - Child Development
*Thurs - Sosar Physical Therapy
*Mon/Weds - Boyers/Laundromat 
*Selected students only