Lessons and Activities

This portfolio provides an overview of how I individualize my lessons and activities to meet the unique needs of each of my students. No two learners are the same, and my priority is always to meet them where they are, and build on their strengths while supporting their areas of need.
I often integrate:

  • TEACCH Work Systems

  • Visual Supports

  • Language Modelling

  • Shared Reading

  • Play-based Learning

Some activities may look similar across different students, but the objectives, prompts, and level of support are highly individualized. I adjust each task so it strengthens the right skills at the right time.

Supporting Fine Motor Skills Through Playful Literacy

Max was initially hesitant to use writing tools. As his interest in letters grew, I introduced sticker-peeling activities to strengthen his pincer grasp in a fun, low-pressure way. This helped build comfort with stamps, markers, and other materials that give immediate visual feedback, which were all highly motivating for him.

Introducing Early Blending Skills

With magnetic letters, I guided Maddy through blending simple CVC words like cat. When her attention drifted, I offered gentle hand-over-hand prompting to help her connect the letters. As she grew more confident, she began producing the sounds independently and matching letters accurately.

Building Alphabet Recognition and Letter–Sound Awareness

Using flashcards and magnetic letters, I introduced early letter-sound connections. I began by modelling how to match 1–2 letters, and Max completed the rest. Over time, he began verbalizing the sounds and eventually mastered matching and labelling the letters on his own.

Creating Predictable Work Routines

To build consistency and independence, I used familiar literacy tasks paired with simple fine motor activities such as dot stickers and rock crayons. These activities support early handwriting readiness while keeping routines structured and success-oriented.

Practising Pre-Writing Skills

Maddy strengthened her hand control and visual-motor coordination through vertical line tracing. With modelling and practice, she became increasingly confident and independent.

Reinforcing Story Comprehension Using Felt Pieces

During The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Maddy matched story elements onto a felt board as we read. This multisensory approach supported sequencing, vocabulary, and engagement.

Supporting Functional Literacy Skills

Lucas learned to answer questions like “What day is it today?” and “What day was it yesterday?”, an important milestone that connects literacy to daily routines and independence. When I first met him, he didn’t know the days of the week or months of the year. His progress has been remarkable, and I’m incredibly proud of how far he’s come.

Exploring Early Numeracy Through Hands-On Activities

Using blocks to add or remove quantities helped Lucas visualize number concepts clearly. This concrete experience built the foundation for more abstract problem-solving.

Strengthening Visual–Motor Skills with Dot Markers

To build skills for early writing, Max practised stamping within 3 cm squares to build precision, spatial awareness, and sustained attention.