Category: Literacy and Communication

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.

Makaton At Orchard Brae

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Following on from our successful launch of the Makaton Taster Session for Santa’s, Aberdeen City Health And Social Care Partnership, released this wonderful video.

It contains interviews with our music therapist, Emmeline as well as our colleagues in Speech Therapy and of course, footage of our amazing Makaton Minis and Makaton Choir.

 

 

Room 8 Explore ‘Grandpa’s Handkerchief’

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Room 8 have just started looking at a new story, ‘Grandpa’s Handkerchief’.  The story is about a sociable and kindly Grandpa who plays with his grand-children every day – thus providing us with  a fun way to learn the days of the week.

Red, blue, yellow, green… Grandpa’s handkerchiefs are useful in so many ways!  For waving to trains, making a sailing boat, bandaging a knee, or reminding Grandpa about a special birthday!

Each day focuses on a different activity.  Monday is about trains singing and dancing. Tuesday is about playing at the park. Wednesday we are going to be pirates with hats and swords. Thursday is party with a very exciting and unusual cake. Friday is baking. Saturday is football and Sunday is gardening.

The class are going to be working on this story over the next three weeks as we learn the different songs and actions to accompany each exciting day with ‘Grandpa’s Handkerchief’.

Makaton Training Levels 1 & 2

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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.

 

Makaton Training

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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.

 

Halloween In Room 3

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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.

 

Makaton Word Of The Fortnight – HELP

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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 👐

 

A Visit To The Library

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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!