Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Activities
Community Adventure - Kick off the project by taking students on a guided exploration around the school. Meet various community helpers, such as the school nurse, librarian, and custodian. Engage in role-play and interactive storytelling to practice asking for help and information. (30 min)
Recognizing Community Helpers - Introduce students to community helpers using picture cards and a matching game. Discuss each helper's role and uniform, reinforcing the understanding of authority figures. (15 min)
Interactive Storytelling - Use a storybook about community helpers to highlight scenarios where students might need to ask for help. Encourage students to ask questions and discuss how they would communicate their needs. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will complete personalized ID cards containing their personal information using symbols or words.
2. Students will participate in the 'Community Adventure,' practicing how to ask for help and information from different community helpers.
3. Students will engage in role-play activities, using basic vocabulary and phrases for seeking help.
4. Students will use AAC devices to communicate personal information in structured practice sessions.
5. Students will begin capturing photos for their photo collage project by interacting with community helpers.
6. Students will start contributing to a collaborative mural by creating artwork representing community helpers.
Preparation 1. Gather visual aids depicting different community helpers and their roles, such as pictures and flashcards.
2. Prepare interactive storytelling scripts and props for role-play scenarios involving community helpers.
3. Set up AAC devices with pre-programmed phrases for students who use them.
4. Create a simple map of the school highlighting key areas and community helpers.
5. Prepare materials for students to create personalized ID cards, including templates, symbols, words, and art supplies.
6. Coordinate with school staff to participate as community helpers during the 'Community Adventure.'
7. Arrange a meeting with a local police officer or community liaison to visit during the 'Community Adventure.'
Week 2
Day 3
Day 4
Activities
Exploring Personal Information - Introduce students to basic vocabulary and phrases for sharing personal details. Use a fun song and dance activity to help memorize their names, parents' names, school name, age, address, and phone number. (15 min)
Personal ID Craft - Guide students in creating personalized ID cards using symbols or words that represent their personal information. This hands-on activity will help reinforce the importance of sharing details in a safe environment. (15 min)
Map Navigation Practice - Engage students in a group activity where they use a simple map of the school to identify key locations. Discuss who to approach for help in each area, using role-play scenarios to practice asking for directions. (15 min)
Community Helpers Matching Game - Use interactive games and visual aids to help students match community helpers to their roles and uniforms. Reinforce understanding by discussing the roles and responsibilities of each helper. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of the 'Help Me' scavenger hunt with students demonstrating the ability to ask for assistance from identified helpers.
2. Personalized ID cards created by each student, featuring their personal information using symbols or words.
3. Role-play sessions where students successfully use basic phrases and/or AAC devices to communicate needs.
4. A simple map activity completed by students, showing their understanding of key locations and who to approach for help within the school.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for the scavenger hunt, including badges or stickers for community helper roles.
2. Prepare role-play scenarios and props to simulate real-life situations where help is needed.
3. Collect materials for ID card creation, such as cardstock, markers, symbols, or stickers.
4. Design a simple school map highlighting key locations and community helpers available in each area.
5. Coordinate with community partners, such as the school librarian and speech pathologist, for participation and feedback.
Week 3
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Role-Play Practice - Students engage in a role-play activity where they practice asking for help using phrases like 'Can you help me?' and 'I am lost.' Use props and costumes to make the scenarios engaging and relatable. (15 min)
AAC Device Exploration - Introduce students to AAC devices and demonstrate how they can be used to communicate personal information. Allow students to explore and practice using these devices in pairs or small groups. (15 min)
'Help Me' Scavenger Hunt Preparation - Prepare students for the upcoming scavenger hunt by reviewing key community helpers and the questions they can ask. Use flashcards and interactive discussions to reinforce concepts. (15 min)
Mini Gallery Walk - Set up a small gallery with pictures and videos of community helpers. Encourage students to walk through, identify each helper, and discuss how they can ask for help in various situations. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed personalized ID cards for each student.
2. Map navigation activity sheets detailing key locations and assigned community helpers.
3. Photo evidence of students participating in the scavenger hunt and role-playing activities.
4. Student reflections on their experience during the week's activities, focusing on what they learned about asking for help.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for making personalized ID cards, such as cardstock, markers, and a camera for taking student photos.
2. Create a simple map of the school with key locations marked for the navigation activity.
3. Prepare role-playing props or visual aids to support students during the communication practice.
4. Coordinate with the school staff to identify and involve community helpers for the scavenger hunt activity.
5. Ensure AAC devices are charged and pre-programmed with relevant phrases for the activities.
Week 4
Day 7
Day 8
Activities
Interactive Storytime with Community Helpers - Invite a local police officer to read a storybook about community helpers. Engage students in a discussion on how the police officer helps the community, and practice asking questions like 'Can you help me?' (15 min)
Photo Collage Project Introduction - Begin the photo collage project by showing students examples of how they can capture interactions with community helpers. Discuss what makes a good photo and how to write captions. (15 min)
Scavenger Hunt - Conduct the 'Help Me' scavenger hunt within the school, where students practice identifying community helpers and asking for assistance. Include checkpoints with community helpers like the school librarian and speech pathologist. (30 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will complete a scavenger hunt, demonstrating their ability to identify community helpers and ask for help.
2. Each student will create a personalized ID card containing their name, age, and other important information.
3. Students will participate in role-play scenarios with community helpers, practicing communication and personal information sharing.
4. Contributions to the collaborative mural, with each student adding their depiction of a community helper interaction.
5. Photo collage capturing students interacting with community helpers, annotated with captions explaining each interaction.
Preparation 1. Arrange a visit from a local police officer, community liaison, and school librarian for role-play activities.
2. Prepare visual aids and flashcards with images of community helpers and their roles.
3. Set up a simple scavenger hunt path within the school with checkpoints for practicing communication strategies.
4. Ensure AAC devices are charged and programmed with phrases like 'Can you help me?' and 'I am lost.'
5. Create templates for personalized ID cards that students will complete with their information.
6. Prepare materials for the craft activity, including paper, markers, stickers, and laminating sheets for ID cards.
7. Coordinate with the speech pathologist to provide feedback during practice sessions.
8. Set up an area for creating the collaborative mural, ensuring ample space and materials like paint and brushes.
Week 5
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Role-Play with Community Helpers - Students engage in a role-play session with a visiting community liaison or police officer. They practice asking for help and using AAC devices, focusing on scenarios where they might need assistance. (15 min)
Reflective Circle - Gather students in a circle to share their experiences from the role-play. Encourage them to discuss how they felt, what they learned, and how they might use these skills in real life. (15 min)
Community Helpers Art Project - Begin creating artwork for the collaborative mural. Students select a community helper they learned about and illustrate a scene of interaction, incorporating AAC symbols if applicable. (15 min)
Photo Caption Writing - Guide students in writing captions for their photo collage project. Assist them in describing the interactions they captured and the communication strategies used. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed personalized ID cards with students' personal information displayed using symbols or words.
2. Photos and captions for the photo collage project, showing students interacting and communicating with community helpers.
3. Contributions to the collaborative mural, including student artwork and descriptions of community helpers and communication scenarios.
4. Successful navigation of the 'Help Me' scavenger hunt, demonstrating learned communication strategies at various checkpoints.
5. Role-play performance with visiting community helpers, where students practice asking for help and communicating needs.
6. Group reflection notes from students discussing their learnings and feelings about the interaction with community helpers.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for creating personalized ID cards, including cardstock, markers, stickers, and laminators.
2. Prepare visual aids and interactive game materials for recognizing community helpers, such as flashcards and matching games.
3. Coordinate with community partners, including a local police officer and community liaison, to schedule visits and interactions.
4. Set up areas around the school for the 'Help Me' scavenger hunt, ensuring checkpoints are clearly marked.
5. Ensure AAC devices are charged and loaded with relevant vocabulary for practice sessions.
6. Organize roles and scripts for the role-play activity with visiting community helpers.
7. Prepare a simple map of the school for navigation practice activities, highlighting key locations and helpers.
Week 6
Day 11
Day 12
Activities
Critique and Revision Session - Invite a speech pathologist or community liaison to observe a role-play session. Students demonstrate their communication skills and receive feedback on their use of AAC devices and strategies. (15 min)
Feedback Reflection Circle - Gather students to discuss the feedback received during the critique session. Encourage them to reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, sharing how they plan to apply this feedback. (15 min)
Photo Collage Completion - Guide students in finalizing their photo collage projects, ensuring each photo captures an interaction with a community helper and includes a caption. Provide materials for any necessary revisions based on feedback. (15 min)
Collaborative Mural Workshop - Continue working on the collaborative mural, ensuring students finish their artwork depicting community helpers and communication scenarios. Support students in writing descriptions to accompany each piece. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of the 'Help Me' scavenger hunt with students demonstrating their ability to identify community helpers and ask for help.
2. Participation in role-play scenarios with a visiting community helper, showcasing effective communication skills.
3. Reflection sheets completed by students, detailing their experiences, what they learned, and how they felt during the activities.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with community helpers, such as a local police officer and school staff, to participate in the scavenger hunt and role-play activities.
2. Prepare visual aids and props for role-play scenarios, including badges or hats representing different community helpers.
3. Set up stations around the school for the scavenger hunt with clear instructions for each checkpoint.
4. Ensure AAC devices are ready and programmed with relevant phrases for students who use them.
5. Create reflection sheets with prompts to guide students in the group reflection activity.
Week 7
Day 13
Day 14
Activities
Final Rehearsal for Safety and Communication Gallery - Gather students to rehearse their roles for the upcoming gallery exhibition. Practice presenting their photo collages and collaborative mural to peers, ensuring they can explain the interactions and communication strategies depicted. (15 min)
Community Helper Role-Play - Invite the local police officer and community liaison back for a final role-play session. Allow students to demonstrate their communication skills and ask questions, applying what they've learned throughout the project. (15 min)
Gallery Setup and Walkthrough - Assist students in setting up their photo collages and collaborative mural in the exhibition space. Conduct a walkthrough where students practice presenting their work to a small audience, receiving feedback and encouragement. (15 min)
Reflection Journal Entry - Guide students in writing a short reflection about their learning journey in this project. Encourage them to share what they enjoyed, what they found challenging, and how they feel more confident in communicating their needs. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed role-play activity where students demonstrate communication strategies with community helpers.
2. Scavenger hunt checklist completed by students, indicating successful identification and interaction with community helpers.
3. Art projects depicting scenarios of asking for help and communicating personal information.
4. Reflection notes from students detailing their learnings and feelings about the activities.
Preparation 1. Arrange visits from community helpers such as a local police officer and school librarian.
2. Prepare scavenger hunt materials, including maps and checkpoint instructions.
3. Ensure AAC devices are available and functioning for communication practice.
4. Gather art supplies for students to create art projects.
5. Set up reflection session space with comfortable seating for sharing experiences.
Week 8
Day 15
Day 16
Activities
Final Gallery Preparation - Assist students in arranging their photo collages and collaborative mural for the 'Safety and Communication Gallery' exhibition. Ensure each piece has captions and descriptions. (15 min)
Exhibition Role Practice - Conduct a practice session where students present their projects to peers, focusing on clear communication and explaining their interactions and learning. (15 min)
Safety and Communication Gallery Exhibition - Host the gallery event where students present their projects to community partners, including local police officers and community liaisons. Facilitate discussions and feedback sessions about the exhibits. (20 min)
Celebratory Reflection Circle - Gather students to reflect on their entire learning journey, sharing personal growth, successes, and how they feel more equipped to communicate their needs in the community. Celebrate their achievements and effort. (10 min)
Deliverables
1. Complete and display the photo collage project with captions explaining interactions with community helpers.
2. Finalize the collaborative mural depicting community helpers and communication scenarios, complete with student-written descriptions.
3. Participate in the 'Safety and Communication Gallery' exhibition, interacting with community partners and demonstrating communication skills.
4. Engage in a role-play activity with a visiting community helper, practicing asking for help and communicating needs.
5. Contribute to a group reflection session, discussing what they learned about communication and how they felt during their interactions.
Preparation 1. Arrange for community helpers, including a local police officer and school librarian, to attend the 'Safety and Communication Gallery' exhibition.
2. Prepare art supplies and materials for students to finalize their photo collage and mural contributions.
3. Ensure AAC devices are charged and ready for students to use during the exhibition and role-play activities.
4. Set up the exhibition space with display boards, tables, and any necessary multimedia equipment for showcasing student projects.
5. Coordinate with the speech pathologist to provide support during the reflection and role-play activities.
6. Create name tags and personalized ID cards for students to wear during the exhibition and activities.