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Our pupils had as much fun setting up the shop as they did playing shop, and they learned an awful lot too!
Children had fun being supported writing the main shop sign, collecting things that can be ‘sold’ in the shop.
We had a little play-till for our shop and the kids loved punching in numbers and calling out the prices of things. They priced things with labels and practised writing numbers too. They started to understand how price and value differ from item to item.
We used play money giving coins (£1 and £2) and notes (£5 and £10) in exchange for items that they ‘bought’ from the shop. This was a great way to introduce the concept of money and trade.
Of course, every shop needs to be in good order if the customers are going to be able to find things! Perhaps all the food should go on one shelf and toiletries on another. Therefore, we got some great plastic food items like fruits and vegetables that helped the children to play and identify, or sort, different items.
Next step for our pupils is to use some real fruit and veg, bread and cans to get ready them to ‘buy’ themselves a healthy snack/lunch.
In Room 8 we know the value of pretend play, and encourage the fun times and learning experiences that activity-based play can bring. So, you could help us upcycling some household items and collecting some baskets and paper shopping bags for our learner’s very own shop. Thank you in advance.
Dear Parent/Carer,
Today we move into protection level 2 which has been long awaited by everyone. I have listed below what this means as a guide as I know how confusing it can get trying to keep track of what is and is not permitted within the different protection levels.
At Level 2:
What can open at Level 2
Places and business that can open at Level 2 include:
What must close at Level 2
Places and business that must close at Level 2 include:
This is not a full list. You can get more information in the sections below.
Full details can be found in the link below.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) protection levels: what you can do – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Once I have received the updated school’s guidance from the Scottish Government, I will update our Covid-19 risk assessment and share it with you.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact school.
Take care
Kind regards
Caroline
Thanks to Amanda and the team in Room 15 for sharing this lovely video. This is the Room 15 version of two stories that they’ve read in recent weeks. I’m sure you’ll enjoy seeing their lovely smiles and greetings. This work is also part of their ASDAN award, showing that our pupils know how to greet people.
Our return to school after the Easter break has been pretty hectic. There has been lots of giggles as we all enjoyed being back in a bigger group. The pupils all worked hard with Google Classroom and Google meets last term. I am so impressed at the communication skills and confidence the pupils developed during virtual lessons. We still enjoy conference calls with peers at home as well as live music lessons online. Here are a few photos from our first week back in school, playing “Headbandz” and mindfulness.
We are happy to all be back together in Room 14 this term. Our focus is on developing independence and working on our ASDAN modules.
Following on from last term when we focused on handwashing, we tried out the Glitter Bug to see how thoroughly we had washed our hands. It was fascinating to look under the UV light to find which parts we had neglected. We will continue with this and we are going to be learning some Makaton signs for parts of our body.
In HE, we made ‘yogurt’. It got a mixed reaction when we tasted it, with some of us loving it and others just having a tiny taste before decided that it wasn’t for us. It’s good to see that we are developing a willingness to try tasting new foods as this may build to expanding our diet.
We have been learning about other cultures. We have done some Spanish inspired art work and we learned a Turkish dance. This is a social dance, usually done on occasions such as weddings. We all had great fun learning how to do this and really enjoyed the music. We will be learning more about Turkish and Polish culture this term.
Finally, we have been working on our end of day review, sharing our opinions on what we have liked and disliked during the day. It is important that we are enabled to give our thoughts on learning.
World Autism Awareness day is being held this year on April 2nd.
As this is during the holidays we are asking schools to take part on the last week of term.
If you would like to get involved, we are asking you to decorate a pair of glasses with all the things that make you unique. How do you SEE the world?
If you would like to, we would love to share any photos that you take on our twitter page.
Please send any photos you are able to share to Tricia at TrBruce@Aberdeencity.gov.uk
Burns Celebrations to start the week
We’ve had another busy week of remote learning. Starting on Monday with our whole school Burns Day Celebration, the week was started with great enthusiasm!
Daily Circle Time
To keep our routine going, many classes continue to do daily circle time. Some of our learners have their own circle time packs at home to support the familiar routine, others use the class slides to provide structure. It’s great to receive feedback on how our learners are getting on: ‘He thoroughly enjoys circle time.’
For one young man, circle time is also an opportunity to practise his bench sitting.
Personal Independence and Life Skills
We continue to develop independence in personal care. Staff take time to support us in doing things for ourselves. Handwashing is very important during a pandemic!
We’ve been cooking and baking. There was some delicious French Onion Soup on offer this week and beautiful golden shortbread. Look out Masterchef, here we come!
Expressive Arts
We enjoyed art, PE, drumming and music through Makaton Choir. A very detailed drawing was done to decorate a drum for a music session with Keith – the drawing is of a hunter being chased by an African lady that is protecting the animals!
We also took time to relax, both indoors and out.
Working Hard
We worked hard on a range of learning activities and tasks, some online and some more practical.
One of our senior pupils made an amazing cat house as part of her SQA work. I think you’ll agree, this is for one very lucky cat!
Assembly
Finally, to round off the week we had an Assembly. We talked about mental health and the theme ‘Express Yourself’. Staff shared the ways that they express themselves and show that they’re unique. The slides are available to view in the Google Assembly classroom for anyone that was unable to join us. Our challenge for the next assembly on 12th February is to share a photo of us doing something that we enjoy – anything goes!
Orchard Brae Advent Calendar: Day 24
Christmas Day is almost here and we are delighted to share the final installment of the Orchard Brae Advent Calendar.
Today brings you a message from Caroline Stirton, Executive Head Teacher, along with a special video from staff.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year from everyone at Orchard Brae.
Orchard Brae Advent Calendar: Days 3 and 4
We hope you enjoyed the first day of the Orchard Brae Advent Calendar yesterday and we are delighted to share the next instalment with you.
For Day 3, Room 3 bring you a very special sensory retelling of Twas The Night Before Christmas.
For Day 4, Room 14 perform ‘I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas’ featuring a great vocal accompaniment from one of the pupils.