Looking in on a Social Thinking Group

AOB’s social thinking groups use different modalities to address social thinking concepts including art, movement, creative play, building, and sometimes cooking. Today one of the activities was a cooperative game. The environment and activities are scaffolding in a way that allows the children to do as much of the interaction and problem-solving with limited prompting from adults. Here’s a brief look:

Four children are clustered around a Superflex** Cooperative Game. The children’s task: to work together to help our superhero, Superflex, travel to Social Town to defeat Rock Brain. They encountered some challenges along the way-and had to practice some superflexible strategies themselves.

One boy, Juan, had less turns at the previous activity than some others did. One the way to the game table, he calmly asks if he can go first this time. Charlie says, “Sure, of course.” Leader: “That’s great that Charlie agrees.” Juan says “oh” and checks it out with the other kids. They also agree, and the game starts.

The leader uses nonverbal communication so that the kids “think with their eyes” when there is a question of a turn, or something that is asked of an adult. As the group helps Superflex move toward social town-they all become excited. Henry says, “We’re doing it. High-fives all around.” And they all give each other a high-five. Charlie says he’s worried he might not get the answer right, but Sarah says, “We’ll help you.” Charlie then answers the question, and Juan pats him on the shoulder. Sarah says “you did it”, and Henry says, “way to go.” Charlie smiles broadly-a leader says, “I knew you could”.

Time is going by and it’s apparent to the staff that we won’t have time to finish the game. Not finishing things has been a big issue for this group. A leader comments-“hmm.., Superflex hasn’t made it to social town, and it’s almost time for snack.” The next child goes, and moves Superflex one spot closer to social town. Sarah says to the group “Hey Everyone-I’ve got a superflexible idea-we can stop this game here and finish it next week.” The group yells together- “Yeah! Go Superflex!”- High-fiving each other and move along to snack.

** The Superflex Social Thinking Program was created by Stephanie Madrigal and Michelle Garcia Winner

A Jello Brain?

What does a jello brain have to do with social thinking? A lot, it turns out! This week, our "Superflex" group began learning more about their brains by using our flexible thinking and "dissecting" one made of jello. Working with a partner, the children donned their gloves and picked up their magnifying lenses and "surgical instruments"(plastic knives and tweezers). They negotiated who would go first. Inside the brain were clues describing something your brain does to help you with social smarts, science smarts, and/or physical movement. We had a great and messy time. Thanks to the folks at www.socialthinking.com for coming up with this great hands on project. It was a big hit with us.

The Great Pumpkin "Try It"- October 18, 2008

On Saturday, we had a great time in Boston at the Pumpkin Festival. The Festival is a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine, a camp for children with life threatening illness and their families. Every year, at festivals throughout the northeast, Camp Sunshine sets out to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place. The fees for food, music, and entertainment go to support their programming. We supported their efforts by helping to move the pumpkins from the carving station and set up them up for lighting later in the day. It required great teamwork and cooperation, as we worked in partners to accomplish our mission. Sampling the pumpkin pie and pumpkin ice cream after lunch was the great end to a productive and fun trip.

It's a lot easier to move pumpkins with a partner!

September Kayaking

Testing a Paddle



Our kayak weekend trip was a true lesson in flexible planning. We had the unfortunate luck to choose the rainiest weekend of the season for our adventure. The group took a vote, and majority didn't rule-the group was split half and half. So, the half of the group that preferred to be dry, enjoyed a water themed Omni film at the Museum of Science-and lunch at the Science cafe, while the half that was willing to brave the elements-even with the risk of a "New England style monsoon"-tried their hand at kayaking. Lucky for the kayakers-after the first 10 minutes, we had a break in the rain. We paddled around Hopkinton State Park, stopping to explore an island or two. Lunch was a tasty treat-and the "paddle mix" (aka trail mix) was great along the way.

On the water

A Day In The City

We had a great time visiting TOMB-and interactive egyptian adventure in the Fenway section of Boston in May. The boys group continued the theme by following a "trail" of videoclip clues--their destination-PIZZA. The girls group enjoyed lunch at a local Mexican restaurant-some of us tried fried plantains for the first time. The verdict- yum-o!