Sunny Circle Time for Special People — Teens (Ages 13-18) — Ongoing
In this fun, ongoing subscription class for special needs learners, we will build social skills with show & tell, songs, and games! This class is good for learners with Down syndrome, autism, and various other cognitive disabilities.
Laura Rupers, M.Ed., Certified Reading Specialist
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(136)
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
Our class environment is warm, relaxed, and encouraging. Our songs and chants are simple and fun, with easy-to-remember lyrics. (For example: “Baby Shark” or “5 Little Monkeys.”) We will sing some songs everybody knows, as well as learn new songs. Our games are non-competitive. Everyone's a winner! We will open our class with a welcome song. We will incorporate each learner's name into the song to make each child feel special! For example: "Hello, Emma . . . Hello, Eli . . . " Next, we will have a sharing/show and tell time. Learners are encouraged to participate any way they choose! Some may want to show a favorite toy or other item. Others may simply want to say something to the group. Every learner is celebrated and encouraged, however they choose to participate! We will also have class discussions to build vocabulary and speaking skills. For example, learners might be encouraged to show something blue, or something soft. (When we do this, information will be posted in the classroom ahead of time.) We will close each class with a goodbye song. SAMPLE CLASS SCHEDULE: Welcome song/introductions Sharing time/show and tell Song Game, chant, or other activity Song Game, chant, or other activity Goodbye song UPCOMING THEMES: Week of June 7 — Silly Songs Week of June 14 — At the Zoo Week of June 21 — Farm Friends Week of June 28 — My Body I have taught children and young people with special needs for over 20 years. Teaching these special people brings me such joy! I look forward to getting to know each learner and building a little community!
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Sometimes we will move around the room. Please ensure that your child has a safe space in which to move. If needed, push furniture out of the way to create an open space for movement. Please remove any items which could potentially be trip hazards. Thank you!
Supply List
Please bring 1-2 item(s) for Show and Tell. Some children prefer to bring the same item each week. This is fine! However, bringing something different each week gives new opportunities for expanding vocabulary and conversation. OPTIONAL: We will mainly use our hands and bodies to keep the beat—for example, clapping our hands or patting our laps. However, learners are welcome to bring a homemade shaker, drum, or rhythm sticks, if they like. Here are some ideas: Shaker: Place unpopped popcorn, rice, beans, or beads into a child-safe medicine bottle. Or, place them in an Easter egg and secure with tape. Drum: Use an empty ice cream tub. You can decorate it with colorful stickers. Sticks: Two pencils; two chopsticks; two paper towel or foil/plastic wrap tubes; thick dowels, 6"-10" long (from craft section of Walmart, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, etc.)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2020
4.9
136reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Western Kentucky University
Bachelor's Degree in Music from Western Kentucky University
I have taught children and young people with special needs for over 20 years. When I taught music in public school, I had a special class for learners who were severely and profoundly disabled. In my undergraduate and master's level education classes, I have had extensive training in differentiating instruction for learners with intellectual, behavioral, and physical disabilities. For many years, I have volunteered at Special Olympics; I love it! I especially enjoyed volunteering in a Sunday school class for children with special needs. I have worked with children with severe autism, Down syndrome, Williams Syndrome, FASD, TBI, and a variety of other developmental challenges. Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week
25 min
Completed by 48 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-6 learners per class
