Course Plan: Year 1 Academics and Social-Emotional Learning for Students with Severe Physical Behavior
Course Overview
This course aims to provide Grade 1 students with a comprehensive approach to academic skills and social-emotional learning, specifically designed for those with severe physical behavior challenges. The course consists of 30 lessons, organized into various modules that integrate both academic content and social-emotional competencies.
Module 1: Introduction to Learning and Emotions (Lessons 1-5)
Lesson 1: Welcome to Our Class!
- Objective: Establish a welcoming and safe environment.
- Activities: Class introduction circle; sharing names and favorite activities.
Lesson 2: Understanding Feelings
- Objective: Identify basic emotions (happy, sad, angry, scared).
- Activities: Emotion cards game and storytelling.
Lesson 3: Expressing Our Emotions
- Objective: Learn to express emotions with words and actions.
- Activities: "Feelings Charades" game; drawing emotions.
Lesson 4: Calm Down Techniques
- Objective: Introduce methods to self-soothe.
- Activities: Breathing exercises; creating a comfort corner in the classroom.
Lesson 5: Sharing is Caring
- Objective: Learn about sharing and cooperation.
- Activities: Group activity with sharing toys or materials.
Module 2: Academic Skills (Lessons 6-15)
Lesson 6: Letters and Sounds
- Objective: Introduce the alphabet.
- Activities: Alphabet song; identifying letters in students' names.
Lesson 7: Numbers and Counting
- Objective: Recognize numbers 1-10.
- Activities: Counting games with physical objects.
Lesson 8: Basic Shapes and Colors
- Objective: Identify basic shapes and colors.
- Activities: Shape scavenger hunt; coloring activity.
Lesson 9: Simple Addition and Subtraction
- Objective: Introduce basic math concepts.
- Activities: Using manipulatives for hands-on addition and subtraction.
Lesson 10: Reading Together
- Objective: Develop early reading skills.
- Activities: Group reading of a picture book; identifying sight words.
Lesson 11: Writing Our Names
- Objective: Practice writing their names.
- Activities: Name tracing activities with sensory materials.
Lesson 12: Creating a Story
- Objective: Develop storytelling skills.
- Activities: Group story creation and illustration.
Lesson 13: Explore Patterns
- Objective: Recognize and create patterns.
- Activities: Pattern-making with beads and blocks.
Lesson 14: Nature and Science Exploration
- Objective: Learn about nature and the environment.
- Activities: Nature walk and observation journal.
Lesson 15: Shape a Week
- Objective: Summary and review of shapes learned.
- Activities: A review game featuring all shapes.
Module 3: Building Social Skills and Emotional Intelligence (Lessons 16-25)
Lesson 16: Working as a Team
- Objective: Develop teamwork skills.
- Activities: Balloon relay and group challenges.
Lesson 17: Understanding Friendship
- Objective: Explore what makes a good friend.
- Activities: Discuss traits of friends and create a friendship chart.
Lesson 18: Dealing with Disappointment
- Objective: Learn coping strategies for disappointment.
- Activities: Role-playing different scenarios.
Lesson 19: Problem-Solving Skills
- Objective: Introduce solutions to conflicts.
- Activities: "How can we solve this?" discussion groups.
Lesson 20: Kindness Counts
- Objective: Learn about kindness and respect.
- Activities: Kindness jar activity; compliments circle.
Lesson 21: Celebrating Differences
- Objective: Appreciate diversity and individual differences.
- Activities: Sharing cultural stories or traditions.
Lesson 22: Saying “No”
- Objective: Practice making choices and setting boundaries.
- Activities: Scenario role-playing.
Lesson 23: Understanding Rules
- Objective: Discuss classroom rules and why they are important.
- Activities: Create a classroom contract together.
Lesson 24: Emotional Check-In
- Objective: Regularly check in on feelings.
- Activities: Emotion wheel; daily mood charts.
Lesson 25: Gratitude Day
- Objective: Understand the value of gratitude.
- Activities: Gratitude jar; thank-you cards.
Module 4: Review and Application (Lessons 26-30)
Lesson 26: Review of Emotions
- Objective: Assess understanding of emotions.
- Activities: Emotion role-play recap; group discussion.
Lesson 27: Math Fun Day
- Objective: Review math skills learned.
- Activities: Math games and challenges.
Lesson 28: Storytelling Showcase
- Objective: Share stories created.
- Activities: Storytelling circle with parents invited.
Lesson 29: Social Skills Role-Play
- Objective: Apply social skills learned.
- Activities: Role-playing various social situations.
Lesson 30: Celebration of Learning
- Objective: Celebrate milestones and achievements.
- Activities: Certificates of completion; class party.
References
- iReady. (n.d.). i-Ready Diagnostic & Instruction. Retrieved from iReady website
- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2020). Social and Emotional Learning Framework. Retrieved from CASEL website
- Frederickson, N., & Toseeb, U. (2019). Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Precursors, Predictors and Outcomes. Child Development Perspectives.
- Goleman, D. (2011). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
- Shanker, S. (2016). Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life. Penguin Random House.
This course will create an inclusive and supportive learning environment tailored to the unique needs of students with severe physical behavior challenges while focusing on both academic and social-emotional development.