Understanding and utilizing a calendar is a fundamental skill for all students. It provides a visual representation of the year, allowing us to track days, weeks, and months, and anticipate upcoming events. For students with disabilities, having a clear understanding of what is happening and when can alleviate stress and create a sense of structure, routine, and autonomy in their daily lives.

In this highly structured lesson, specifically designed for students with disabilities, we will focus on building the necessary background knowledge and vocabulary to read and use a calendar effectively. Through visual prompts, interactive games, and engaging songs, I will provide multiple opportunities for repetition and scaffold the learning experience for differentiated instruction.

To ensure active participation, students will need their own physical calendar. I will provide a free PDF download for those who require it. If a virtual calendar is preferred, please have it accessible on a separate device.

The lesson will be structured as follows:

Days of the Week: We will explore the days of the week, discussing their order and how they appear on the calendar. Through visuals, interactive activities, and repetition, students will gain a solid understanding of the days of the week.

Months of the Year: We will delve into the months of the year, emphasizing their order and significance. Using visual aids, songs, and engaging discussions, students will grasp the concept of months and their representation on the calendar.

Marking Important Dates: To further reinforce learning, we will mark important dates on the calendar. This can include birthdays, holidays, or other significant events relevant to the student. Students will have the opportunity to use stickers or symbols to represent these dates, encouraging personal engagement and ownership of their calendars.

Prior knowledge of the days of the week, months of the year, and the ability to identify numbers up to 31 will be helpful for students participating in this lesson.

Throughout the class, students will not be muted unless there is significant background noise. They are encouraged to use their most effective method of communication, such as verbal responses, chat, communication boards, or the assistance of an interpreter. Handwriting practice will be supported and encouraged but not required for participation.

Please note that this course is suitable for students older than the stated age range. It is not intended for students in General Education equivalent to first or second-grade level.

Join us in this lesson, where students will gain the skills and confidence to read and use a calendar effectively. Enroll today and empower your students with the tools for independent time management and organization.