Educational resources can often address agendas other than their original intent. For example, several of the Vest Displays offered through TpT are counting songs that obviously lend themselves well to a math agenda. When using vest displays such as 5 Little Ducks, 5 Green & Speckled Frogs, 6 Little Monkeys, Apple Tree Song, the counted items (laminated paper manipulatives, plastic figurines) can be handed out to students, as the song unfolds (5-4-3-2-1). At the end of the song, these items (e.g. ducks, frogs, monkeys) are called back by number, as part of the classroom's 'stealth' academic agenda. ….Monkey #1, Where are you? …. Duckie #3 Please come home! …. I'm looking for Monkey #4. The student with the designated item then bolts forward to velcro the item back on the vest display.
As a variation of this math agenda, consider incorporating a greater literacy agenda. Create a set of manipulatives (e.g., ducks, frogs, monkeys, apples) with letters instead of numbers. Design your own or purchase small plastic manipulatives that already have alphabet letters. Now, instead of using numbered ducks on the vest display, add manipulatives labeled with a letter. Yes we still have 5 ducks ... but now the ducks have a distinguishing letter, rather than a number.
"Who has Duckie M? ….Yes duckie M is dressed like a monkey. /m/ …. Monkey.
"Who has the monkey with the /p/ sound?
Yes Vest Displays reflecting counting songs can promote a literacy agenda ... with a simple change in manipulative.
…’til the next post …
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©2019 Carol Goossens’, Ph.D.
Augmentative Communication Consultant
Speech-Language Pathologist
Special Educator
