South Miami Senior High School

EVERGLADES OUTPOST - A WILDLIFE RESCUE

2008-03-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

MARCH 13, 2008
We visited the Everglades Outpost located in Florida City just 3/4 miles from Robert's famous fruit stand! This was our first visit and it is probably one of the best activities we have engaged in. For a nominal contribution (Around $3 per person), you will get a guided tour of the facility and animals that have been rescued. You can see bears, camels, tigers, alligators, and many other animals. In addition, they have a collection of venomous snakes, monkeys, etc. The tour is short and the facility small, but students have an opportunity to see animals up close! Right outside the outpost is a large chickee hut with picnic tables. There is no food for purchase nearby so bring your lunch and drinks. Our students practiced receptive listening skills, and nature appreciation! After our visit, we drove down the street to Robert's fruit stand, where they had animals out in the back. We saw the workers cutting down sunflowers, and toured the fruit stand. Some of us had the famous milkshakes.....they truly are the best! Call ahead and make arrangements for a visit, you won't regret it! Money collected from the entrance donation/fee goes to providing the animals with food and care. For more information, go to http://www.evergladesoutpost.org/

T'is the Season to be Jolly!!!!

2008-03-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

DECEMBER 2007

December 2007 is a month long of celebration and learning. In an effort to help my students generalize skills, we participated in a holiday social that included most of our self-contained units in our school (We have eight). It was a great challenge to help my students with autism transition into a different environment and socialize with a different group of people. We had so much fun, and I was very proud of my students' appropriate behaviors! They were "the life of the party". Some skills specifically targeted for this activity were: Tolerance of proximity to others, self-regulation, impulse control, communication, and displaying appropriate pro-social behavioral skills. We had a great time!!!

CHRISTMAS COOKING!!!

2008-03-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays !!!

This holiday we chose to have a breakfast in class. After going over basic vocabulary, picture recipes and basic measurement, the guys participated in cooking breakfast for their classmates and teachers! NOTHING motives more that delicious food! In addition, we purchased some items for the moms for the holidays, and spent the day preparing gift sets for all the mothers! The mom's were surprised and the guys worked very hard all week! All skills were incorporated accross our curriculum!

Sitting on the Dock of the "Bayside"

2008-03-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

NOVEMBER 2007

November 2007

We spent a wonderful morning visiting Bayside with our students. They were very excited to see the cruise boats and the bay! A couple of our students had been there with their parents before. This was evident by the words and phrases they used to identify some of the things they saw. After visiting our favorite stores and enjoying the view, we had lunch at the food court and had pizza and soda.

Valentine's Day Dance at Miami Central

2007-02-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic time today at the Valentine's Day Autism Dance hosted by Miami Central Senior High! Thanks to Mrs. Fabiola Whitehead, Mrs. Kim Gordon, and Mr. Mark Glansberg and to everyone who participated and made such a fun event possible. We look forward to more gatherings in the months ahead. Till then, a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!

January 2007 Visit to Miami MetroZoo

2007-02-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

In January we visited Miami MetroZoo. The weather was wonderful, and the students enjoyed the outdoors. We were all especially excited about the new experience available at the zoo. For a couple of dollars, people can feed the giraffes. Some of our students were a bit hesitant, but with some help, they all fed the giraffes. It gave them an opportunity to see an animal up close and personal. Where would they ever be able to see giraffe "eye to eye". Don't miss this great opportunity. In class we spent time learning about the animals we would see, and prepared all the manipulatives, worksheets, pictures. For a great resource/unit check out www.learningpage.com. You can find math worksheets, reading and writing for our students of all functioning levels.

Dollars @ Work at Dolphin Mall

2007-02-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

"Kudos" to Dolphin Mall's HAPPY BURGER located at the food court. We have been visiting the mall since last school year and have found tremendous cooperation from the employees at Happy Burger. In addition to affordable combos, the cashier and cook are very patient with our students. We have practiced our ordering skills, paying skills, and the set up is very user friendly. For our non-verbal students, being able to "see" toppings and condiments enable them to to use gestures, signs, and pictures to select the right toppings. The ketchup, napkins, etc., are all set up for self-service. It is no wonder it is one of our favorite spots to eat. So, stop by on your next outing to Dolphin Mall and visit the friendly folks at HAPPY BURGER! ( and ....no, this is not a paid advertisement!)

"SPOOKTACULAR" EVENTS

2006-10-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

The October month began with incorporating motivating activities, Halloween clip art etc. into our daily routines! Our students counted ghosts, read theme related stories, and went out on our CBI outings to try on costumes ,masks, and shopped for activity supplies.

On the 31st, we prepared our own holiday luncheon which required students to cook, bake and set the table for classmates.

After our lunch, we were invited into another classroom to engage in social activities and make crafts. It was great to see the smiles on my students faces when they entered the other class. They were respectful, cooperative, and felt at ease.

I felt like a proud mother hen! It was very gratifying to see my students generalize the skills we work so hard on in class! They were perfect guests!

"FALL" INTO SUCCESS!!!

2006-09-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

The start of the new year posts challenges for our students with autism. Students have been away for the summer, either on vacation, at home, or at summer programs and "extended school year programs." In an effort to begin the class routines, here are some strategies that I incorporate in my classroom.

* Keep classroom layout the same - This allows my returning students to recognize their surroundings quickly. The bins, folders, and location of common materials and centers remain the same. Subtle changes are made, but keeping the environment consistent allows my returning students to get back on schedule quickly and reduces the stressors for everyone so I can begin training the new students effectively. I notice that when I receive a new student, and that student sees the others checking schedules, and following the routine effectively, the new student catches up quickly. Their classmates are the role models as they demonstrate the routine and expectations for the new student.
* Discuss, point, use visuals to address new changes, classmates, etc.- Every year I give my students advance information as to changes our class. I let them know verbally and through visuals that we have new students, and I remind them of class expectations. Remember to never, ever underestimate the abilities of our students. I find that many of my students understand what I want to convey when I use verbal, gestural, and visual prompts to communicate and it helps them recognize and accept changes in the class environment and structure.
*Discuss your expectations with new staff members- The earlier we inform our paras about our students and how we expect our paras to handle situations, meltdowns, etc. the better for all in the room. Schedules and routines are important for us too! If we are organized, and have a clear vision of our expectations and routines, we will get the most out of our valuable paras. Make certain that they understand their schedule, where they need to be and their individual responsibilties in assisting you to deliver the instructional program.Thank them in advance. Thank them often. THANK THEM ALWAYS!!! Most importantly, be their role models. Lead by example! We are all in this together!
*Review all goals and objectives with your classroom staff. There are many important things we teach that are in addition to specific goals and objectives on our IEP's. However, reviewing the goals and objectives will make sure that selected activities, worksheets, manipulatives etc., are directly relating to our students "priority educational needs". There is so much we can offer our students, that it is easy to deviate from our documented goals. One way I focus on my goals is to make a list of the goals for each of my students. As I prepare instructional materials, I refer to my list to make sure the activities are appropriate, and directly related to the PEN's.

I find that these strategies/tips are key in developing a positive successful environment for our students and ourselves. Hope it helps!
Have a great year!!

Ms. Fernandez

ADVENTURES IN APRIL

2006-05-17T09:51:00.000-07:00

On April 21 we went to Miami Metro Zoo for our CBI experience. Our students engaged in a real hands on experience. We toured the zoo, rode the monorail, had a picnic lunch and enjoyed the petting zoo. Our CBI driver not only took us, but stayed with us and formed bonds with our class. Metro Zoo has discounted rates for MDCPS. Since our numbers in our Autism program are usually below the minimium required for discounts, I wrote a letter and we received reduced entrance rates, free entrance for teachers and paraprofessionals, and discounted prices for the monorail. We had a designated picnic space and the Zoo was very accommodating to us. For contact information see the website www.miamimetrozoo.com

March Madness

2006-05-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

March is the month of the year when we are all "tired" out teachers, paras and students. Our trip to the Dade County Youth Fair gave us a "breather". It was evident that our students had begun to generalize many of the skills we have been working so hard on since the year began. We rode, ate, rode again, ate some more, and our kids were experts in communicating their likes and choices. Just looking at the faces makes it clear that these students in the "spectrum" made valuable connections with the environment. Just look at those smiles! (That's me in the "shades") The only challenge: GETTING THEM OFF THE RIDES!

February Fun Days

2006-02-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

In honor of St. Valentine's Day, we painted wooden hearts and hot glued pictures of our students holding an "I Love You" sign to take home to their parents. In our class, I try to connect art and craft activities to everyday learning. In this activity, I took pictures of the students making their hearts. The pictures will be used to teach and reinforce sequencing skills. We will also use the pictures to promote language and "make connections". The students were very proud of their completed projects and the parents loved it.

Happy Valentine's Day from our class.

January Focus "Reading & Responsibility"

2006-01-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

Every month I try to come up with a "theme", that is, concept skill etc. that I will work on continuously throughout the month. This month we will be visiting Barnes & Noble and are focusing on reading. Although my students are essentially non-readers (of print), I still look for ways to make a literacy connection for them. Many of my reading materials are supplemented by pictures, interactive activities, etc. My students enjoy looking at books that incorporate manipulatives and tactile stimulants. Books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar let me incorporate counting skills, the colors are very visual, etc. (The holes are cool too!) I take advantage of their interests to motivate and teach skills . Some books my students enjoy include books on maps, picture books, and books that incorporate sound etc. To promote "responsibility" we practice behavioral skills that include reading/looking at books quietly, lowering speaking voice to an appropriate level, returning books back on shelves, and learning to leave the store without the books unless purchased. I have seen significant growth in all of my students in this area and we are proud when we can see our students demonstrating skills as effectively as their "non-disabled" peers. Sometimes.....they actually behave better! :)

Fun and Finance

2005-12-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

In an effort to provide instruction across our curriculum, I try to look for ways to expose my students to activities that encompass a variety of skills. This month we went to Dolphin Mall on our CBI outings. Each student brought in $10.00. Each student had to browse through the stores and locate items that were under $10.00. They had to buy a gift for another student in the class for a gift exchange. The presents were paid for by the students, they had to carry their item themselves (and not lose it). In class, they had to place the item in a box, wrap the box, and label it to their classmate. We assisted our students with selections, and this activity proved very successful. We wanted our students to purchase something but not for themselves. This helps them connect with the others, and provides an activity where they can learn many skills such as (tolerance of proximity, money skills, self-help, community behaviors, manners, choice making etc.) We will exchange gifts during our culminating activity which will be a holiday "fun" day where we will play with dreidels, make cinnamon ornaments, cards, and have a pizza luncheon.

High School Links

2005-12-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

Holiday Happenings!

2005-12-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

In November, we held a Thanksgiving Luncheon for our parents and students. We had a great time eating and socializing together. This was a great opportunity for parents to meet and spend time with each other and us. The students had a great time having their parents spend time with them in school!