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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 - Windows RTF - 190k
Order Form/Pricelist - PDF - 239k

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.

Contents

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

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Last Revision: May 27, 2008