Getting started (letter recognition)

Hi community! I have recently introduced VEX 123 to my Special Education Kindergarten classroom since we began our ABC bootcamp where my students learn 1 letter of the alphabet each day. As a review of the previous week, I placed A-D on the tile and I talked through with my students how to code to the letters! My students got a kick out of the movement and sound of the robot!! Their giddiness and excitement made my teacher heart so happy! Once we make our way through the alphabet, I’d love to incorporate animals pictures that begin with specific letters too.

Does anyone have tips on how to gradually begin working in pairs/small groups for students with disabilities, especially for my students that are nonverbal?

Thanks in advance :slight_smile:

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Thank you Danielle - great activity and great question.

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Hi @Danielle_McCoy this made my teacher heart happy too! In terms of starting to incorporate group work, I think the 123 Printables could be really useful here. The printable Touch buttons could give students a non-verbal way to communicate about which buttons to press, or to be able to path plan collectively or collaboratively. Students could lay out the paper buttons on the Field, or on their desk, in order to be able to plot out where the robot needs to go.

You could also have everyone create a ‘name tag’ (potentially using the Art Ring Canvases) to place on the Art Ring, to denote whose turn it is to press the buttons on the robot. When your name tag is on, then it’s your turn to press the buttons. If not, you can use the printable touch buttons, or color in the Touch button project sheet to plan or save their project.

Hope this is a helpful start!

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Thanks Audra! These are really great tips! I love the name tag idea to denote whose turn it is.

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