UMCA x Adapt Community Network Partnership

PRESENTATION

04/2025

“Children with Special Needs Create, while their Families Chat!”

Introduce Objective: Explore tactile and auditory senses by creating shakers.

​

Introduction: “Friends, today we’re going to turn something ordinary into something extraordinary! Imagine you're a musician in a magical band. But wait—you don’t have an instrument yet! That’s where the fun begins! We’re going to make our very own musical shakers using paper plates, colorful markers, and rice! . Not only will we decorate them to show our creativity, but we’ll also feel the textures and hear the sounds we create. So get ready to create, shake, play, and make music that’s as unique as YOU!”

Welcome

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Sessions

Flow of the Day-Day 1

Objective: Explore tactile and auditory senses by creating shakers.

​

​

​

• Warm-up Activity 5 minute timer
• Directions:-Classroom Music 20 minute timer
• Decorate your plate using pom, poms, feathers, and markers. Get creative!
• Fold the paper plate in half and seal with staples and tape. Keep a small hole at the top to pour the rice in using a cup.
• Seal the small hole & have FUN shaking!

Cool Down & Clean up 5 minute timer

Session 2: Video: Rainmakers - "Rain Stick Sounds"

Session 4: Drama with Paper Bag Puppets

• Objective: Develop sound awareness with handmade rainmakers.
• Activity Breakdown: Create and explore sounds with decorated paper towel rolls.
• NYS Standard: VA:Cr1.1.PK
• Materials:
• 108 Paper towel rolls
• Tissue paper
• Streamers
• Glue sticks
• Washable markers
• Rice

Session 3: Video: Drama with Paper Bag Puppets

• Objective: Express emotions and characters through puppets.
• Activity Breakdown: Make puppets and role-play.
• NYS Standard: TH:Cr1.1.PK
• Materials:
• 216 Brown paper bags
• Googly eyes
• Yarn, pom-poms, feathers, pipe cleaners
• Glue sticks
• Construction paper

Flow of the Day-Day 3

Objective: Explore tactile and auditory senses by creating shakers.

​

​

Agenda

1. Warm-up Activity
2. Direction: Classroom Music (20 minute timer)
1. Hokey Pokey Friend
2. Hokey Pokey Bird
3. Your own design
3. Cool Down & Clean up

• Objective: Create textured cloud art.
• Activity Breakdown: Make clouds using shaving cream and cotton balls.
• NYS Standard: VA:Cr1.1.PK
• Materials:
• Cotton balls
• Paper Plate
• Elmer’s glue
• Food coloring (optional)
• Construction paper
• Googly Eyes

Session 4: Video: Rainbow Cloud

​

• Objective: Explore fine motor skills creating flowers.
• Activity Breakdown: Make flowers using egg cartons and craft materials.
• NYS Standard: VA:Cr1.1.PK
• Materials:
• Craft egg cartons
• Washable tempera paints
• Foam paintbrushes
• Pipe cleaners
• Pom-poms, feathers
• Glue sticks

Session 5: Video: Spring Flowers with Egg Cartons

Session 6: Sensory Dance - "Moving Textures"

• Objective: Engage tactile and proprioceptive senses through free movement.
• Activity Breakdown: Dance using scarves, ribbons, and bubble wrap sensory mats.
• NYS Standard: DA:Cr1.1.PK
• Materials:
• 108 Scarves
• 108 Ribbons
• 12 sheets Bubble wrap
• Construction paper

​

• Sensory check-ins: how’s your body feeling?�
• Letting kids opt in when ready�

Regulation Before Creativity

​

• Reframing challenging behaviors�
• Recognizing sensory overload signs�
• Responding with empathy and redirection�

Behavior is Communication

​

• Communicating clearly with teachers and therapists�
• Knowing student profiles or needs beforehand�
• Respecting classroom rules, routines, and safety plans�

Collaborating with ADAPT Staff

​

• Self-regulation for staff�
• 5 minute debriefing

​

Reflection & Debriefing

​

• When to step back�
• When to call for help�
• Safety protocols in case of escalation

Safety, Consent, & Crisis Support

Contact Information:

​

UMCA: Deon Jones (founder)

P: 631-881-8716

E: umcanyc@gmail.com

​

ADAPT: Maria Florez (Director)

Office: 718-346-7979 Ext 704��

Training follow-up Dates:

​

Wednesday, April 16th (11:00 am)

​

Thursday, April 17th (11:00 am)