Elementary Concepts for Students with Visual Impairments

alt

by Brenda O'Sail, Nancy Levack, Linda Donovan, and Debra Sewell
© TSBVI 2001 - Order #59435ECC
Note: This curriculum is sold unbound and printed on 3-hole punched 8 1/2 x 11 paper ready for a ring binder.

Order Form/Pricelist in DOC

Order Form/Pricelist in PDF

Table of Contents

This curriculum is written for students younger than twelve years of age who have visual impairments and are not yet reading, writing, and doing math at a first grade level. It is based on a thematic approach to teaching. Specific units of study have been included because an understanding of these topics gives students a foundation in their ability to understand themselves, their world, and how it functions. Unit activities include concept development, math readiness, reading and writing readiness, music and games, arts, cooking and eating, pretend play, story time, and extended discussion or activities.

The major themes are:

Description and Use
Self Theme
Happy Healthy Me Theme
Environment Theme
Where I Live Theme
Holidays Theme
Cycles Theme
Transportation Theme
Safety Theme
Recreation Theme
Animals Theme
Work Theme
Tools Theme
Others Theme
Community Helpers Theme

In addition, the curriculum includes an Assessment and Ongoing Evaluation that includes infused skills in cognition, communication, sensory and motor skills, readiness, work skills, and music skills. These skills are identified as a need through the assessment and then taught through the themes.

Description and Use

Overview
- Intended Population
- Philosophy
- Why An Elementary Concepts Curriculum for Students who have Visual Impairments
- Mediating the Environment
- Other Components of the Curriculum
- Curriculum Content
  - Units
  - Theme Activities
  - Unit Activities
  - Infused Skills
  - Concept Words
  - Pre-Units
- Other Frameworks which Support Elementary
  - Concepts
  - Whole Language
  - Cooperative Learning
  - Integrated Thematic Instruction
  - Dimensions of Learning
- Other Curriculum Resources
- References
Assessment, Planning & Documentation
- Why Assess
- Who Should Assess
- How to Use the Assessment Booklet
  - How to Compile the Assessment Information in Preparation for the Pre-ARD and ARD Meeting
  - Drafting the IEP
Instruction
- Setting up the Classroom Environment
  - Philosophy
  - Room Organization and Work Spaces
  - Materials and Equipment
  - Environmental Cues
  - Adaptive Devices
  - Considerations When Using Environmental Adaptations and Adaptive Devices
- Using Alternative Calendar Systems
  - Philosophy
- Using Calendars to Teach Infused Skills
- Components of a Calendar
  - Symbols
  - Calendar Format
- Suggestions for Using Calendars
- Using Routines
- Using Task Analysis
- Additional Readings and Resources

Pre-Units

Topic: Body Parts
Topic: Clothing
Topic: Eating Utensils
Topic: Self-Care Objects
Topic: Toys
Topic: Shapes
Topic: Move It - An Introduction to Transportation

Appendices

Story Time Books
Teacher Books
References
AV/Manipulatives
Additional Recipes
Assessment and Ongoing Evaluation

Themes and Units

Pre-Units
- Body Parts
- Clothing
- Eating Utensils
- Self-Care Objects
- Toys
- Shapes
- Move It - An Introduction to Transportation
Unit Theme: Self
- Unit A. Body Parts
- Unit B. Identity
- Unit C. Daily Activities
- Unit D. Feelings
Unit Theme: Happy Healthy Me
- Unit A. Nutrition
- Unit B. Personal Hygiene
- Unit C. Exercise/Rest
Unit Theme: Environment
- Unit A. Land
- Unit B. Water
- Unit C. Air
- Unit D. Caring for the Environment
Unit Theme: Where I Live
- Unit A. Homes
- Unit B. Community
Unit Theme: Holidays
- Unit A. Fall Holidays
- Unit B. Winter Holidays
- Unit C. Spring Holidays
- Unit D. Summer Holidays
Unit Theme: Cycles
- Unit A. Seasons
- Unit B. Life Cycles
- Unit C. Weather
- Unit D. Time
Unit Theme: Transportation
- Unit A. Public Transportation
- Unit B. Work Vehicles
- Unit C. Family Vehicles
Unit Theme: Safety
- Unit A. Home
- Unit B. School and Playgrounds
- Unit C. Community Safety
- Unit D. Personal Safety
- Unit E. Emergency Services
Unit Theme: Recreation
- Unit A. Home
- Unit B. School
- Unit C. Community
Unit Theme: Animals
- Unit A. Pets
- Unit B. Farm Animals
- Unit C. Wild Life
- Unit D. Zoo and Circus Animals
- Unit E. Insects and Spiders
- Unit F. Dinosaurs
Unit Theme: Work
- Unit A. What is Work
- Unit B. Kinds of Jobs
- Unit C. Money
Unit Theme: Tools
- Unit A. What is a Tool
- Unit B. Cleaning Tools
- Unit C. Cooking Tools
- Unit D. Classroom Tools
- Unit E. Fixing/Building Tools
- Unit F. Gardening Tools
Unit Theme: Others
- Unit A. Family
- Unit B. Friends
- Unit C. School
- Unit D. Getting Along with Others
Unit Theme: Community Helpers
- Unit A. Police Officers
- Unit B. Fire Fighters
- Unit C. Mail Carriers
- Unit D. Doctors/Nurses
- Unit E. Dentists

Last Updated on Monday, 20 September 2010 10:34