Developing literacy and communication is a central focus of our school’s work. We aim to enable all of our pupils to be effective communicators at their own individual level, starting with a positive and consistent affirmation. With the support of Speech and Language therapists, we baseline our pupils skills using APEC bands and use targets to guide our focus on communication development. We use an inclusive communication approach; our youngsters are supported through accessible low/high tech communication strategies and resources such as Eye Gaze, PODD and PIXON boards. It is vital that our school community can communicate with one another, therefore Makaton is our chosen additional language. We have a clear focus on developing literacy for all pupils. Each BGE class plans a book study each term. We have a focus on functional and environmental print. Senior phase pupils are encouraged to generalise their literacy skills into work placements and through leadership roles. Literacy and communication skills are required across all areas of the curriculum, therefore we practice and apply skills throughout the school day in many contexts and encourage the same within the home.
Our colleagues at Speech and Language Therapy are have announced dates for more two day Makaton Courses (Levels 1 & 2). These are taking place on the 10th and 15th of January at Airyhall Clinic and 18th and 19th February at Frederick Street. If you would like more information or to book a place please download the form below or contact Sarah Thornborrow on 01224 310582 or email sarah.thornborrow1@nhs.net.
Our colleagues at Speech and Language Therapy are running a two day Makaton Course (Levels 1 & 2) on the 29th November and 6th December at Airyhall Clinic. If you would like more information or to book a place please download the form below or contact Sarah Thornborrow on 01224 310582 or email sarah.thornborrow1@nhs.net.
There had previously been a link shared to view our amazing Makaton choir’s performance on Reporting Scotland. Unfortunately the BBC iplayer link is no longer available, however you can now view the video below!
The children in Room 3 have been busy having lots of spooky fun this week. We had our own (home grown!) pumpkin patch in class and enjoyed exploring the story of ‘Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin Picking Plan’. We went jumping in leaves after sweeping them up, had lots of fun picking the perfect pumpkin while taking in the sights and smells of the patch then it rolled all the way home! The children particularly liked our very interactive spooky singing session. We have explored lots of interesting toys and objects which might dance, sing, light up or blow bubbles – some amazing visual and auditory tracking has been happening. Halloween messy play was a big hit…we tried out jelly, gloop, spaghetti and rice crispies – some of us even tried it out with our feet! We participated in the school pumpkin carving competition and took great delight in getting hands on with a drill to make a starry night pumpkin. Everyone looked fantastic in their costumes on the big day itself and we even celebrated a Halloween birthday. Well done Room 3 for your very active participation.
We have a new Makaton Word Of The Fortnight – HELP. Below are some drawn images of the sign and an activity sheet full of ideas on how to incorporate the sign HELP into a variety of everyday activities. There is also a short video clip demonstrating how to sign the word .
Happy signing 👐
Room 4 recently enjoyed a visit to the Central Library in Aberdeen. While they were there they took part in a multi-sensory story time session and everyone had a fantastic time.
Thank you to the library staff for hosting this session for us!
Set your timers and get ready to watch (and record) tonight’s Reporting Scotland where you will see our fabulous Makaton Choir help our colleagues in Speech and Language Therapy launch a new Makaton training course for Santa and his helpers!
This has been a busy term in Room 15, with lots of new experiences!
We have lots of fun with messy learning in Room 15. In our Secondary Department, all S1-S3 pupils complete the ASDAN New Horizons course – we have begun with building our communication of key information about ourselves. We have hidden under blankets and revealed ourselves when our name is called (activating a switch talker to announce “I’m here!”), we have practiced our Makaton signs for our names (and those of our friends) and (best of all!) located our photos in sensory resources and written our names in mixed media.
We’ve also introduced bucket time to Room 15. This activity looks to build focused attention – and it seems we’re more focused the messier it gets! We have used bucket time to build our spontaneous communication too – ready, steady and … “go!”
We have been using intensive interaction to build our communication skills in a variety of different contexts – we’re speaking and using more signs since the start of the year already!
We have been working a lot on life skills, particularly road safety. We use our eyes and ears to look out for traffic, and use our communication devices to say when to stop and when to go.
We have also begun to explore using talking mats to share our thoughts about our day – what we liked, what we didn’t like, and what we’re not sure about. On the whole, we’re liking our school day!
Room 5 had a busy morning, visiting our local library at Northfield.
When we arrived, we spent some time exploring the library. We really liked the computers and colouring in table! We then met the librarian who gave us a library card for our class and we chose some books to take back to school.
We can’t wait for our next visit to the library.
We have a new Makaton Word Of The Fortnight – GO!
Below you will find a short video clip demonstrating how to sign GO as well as an activity sheet with ideas for ways to incorporate the sign into a range of everyday tasks and games.
This has also been posted on the Orchard Brae School Makaton Support Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/orchardbraeschoolaberdeenmakatonsupport/
Happy signing 👐
