Using her switch, her hand, or her voice, she will communicate her preference. They also continue to write in their journals about recent news. The computer set-up will scan through their choices giving them verbal cues about when to hit their switch and have the programmed piece of information relayed. For others, it's a chance to practice walking, try out the brand new red swings on the playground or play soccer and basketball with their friends. Because we share the yard with North School, the kids also to get to hang out with the friends they've met in integration.
Snack time is social time.
Students share news about the night before, about books they've read or baseball teams they root for, family outings, therapy, what they had for dinner. They alternate between doing the actual sharing and choosing who they want to have share next using eye gaze, responding to verbal cues or their talkers. It's basically free time to engage in conversation with each other, either by asking questions or commenting on what has just been said. Although largely unstructured, students are encouraged to explore new vocabulary and put to use familiar words and phrases. After reading the story, the boys and Miss Aileen pick out site words and those they spell incorrectly are brought home for homework.