Covid Lesson #3, At Home

Lesson #3 - Special Education During Covid and Beyond!

Many years ago, the Momsey submitted this 'program' to Core Knowledge, the American lesson sharing organization- for two years in a row. They declined my offer??? Here I am again hoping that the intentions of this dynamic approach to 'special' education/learning will be taken seriously. It is not about baking! Never has. It is about higher order thinking, the tool for life success. It can be incorporated anywhere with anyone to enable the special needs child to succeed beyond his/her wildest dreams. (No writing or reading necessary.) These developmental tasks will evolve over time.

With the latest in school re-openings across the United States beginning, some cases of coronavirus among young children have occurred. Hygiene must always be a top priority now. There is no room for error. Children must be shown how to wash and why. Using a microscope to visually see the bugs that exist on 'dirty' hands versus the few that might remain on freshly washed hands will show your child why this step is critical before working with dough (food).

We've become a mask wearing society - until further notice! Our children must be protected as life and learning goes on .There is no time to waste. Seeing what is in front of them helps children with cognitive and behavioral impairments to understand the abstract world around them, instantly.

Allow frozen dough to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight . We are not wasting valuable time for this step during the day. It is happening while we sleep. Check on bag or large covered bowl in fridge before going to bed. This slow re-awakening of the dough will give added flavour, also. If it becomes too large, deflate dough to allow it to 're-grow'. This a very forgiving experiment. If left unattended in the fridge or on counter (at room temp.) dough can expand and begin to spread everywhere in fridge or on counter. Messy Time!

Student table to be used should be cleaned, sanitized often. Appliances not used. Experiential learning is is the goal. During these coronavirus times, hygiene is of the utmost importance. Washing hands, too. Children assemble around the table. Question are asked. Why are we here? For what purpose? {We are here to make rolls, doughnuts or pizza} These are simply suggestions. The level of expertise of group or teacher will determine what will be made at that time. A demonstration of how to make roll, doughnut or pizza is given then each child is expected to create product being shown. (You might be asked by child “What do you think?” of my roll, pizza or doughnut cruller? Be advised that your opinion is not welcome, says Momsey.) ...

I was asked this same question, many years ago. My response, as I looked the student in the eye was, “What I think is not important. What you think is!!”) Options to child to re-do or leave alone his masterpiece were explained. He needed to decide for his decision to be valued. This must start now as decision making garners self-confidence and self-esteem in a fragile thinking child. Adults need to stay out decisions that are insignificant. The child must learn, early on, then begin the process of trusting his own instincts when confronted with decisions that affect him. As adults we must support the child in this endeavour.

The dough recipe remains the same till mastery is achieved with the additions of new ingredients such as eggs, milk, oat milk, fruit can occur. What is important is to create an activity that becomes second nature eventually while helping to build self-esteem and confidence.

The brain is changing as the learning excitement builds. Focus on time here. Child will become aware that time does not standstill, cannot be retrieved so must be used well the first time. Let's focus and continue.S