After a day covering a completely different class, I was asked to cover a 6th period in the "functional academy". These are the really special ed. classes.
It was the last day of the week (Thursday, but they had Friday off) and the last period of the day. This is the time when the classes relax.
So, I was not shocked to walk in to find them all riveted to a movie. I sat down, got comfortable, and enjoyed the end along with them. But that only took half the period. Then it was time for them to dance.
There is this video game called Just Dance. And apparently, people have posted gameplay videos to YouTube. I was given the task of putting various videos up for them to dance along to. (The aides explained what I needed to search out.)
I found the videos. They stood up and attempted to dance along with the moves demonstrated on screen. It took me a bit to figure out how to search and such, and once I did, they called out requests. Their final request of the day: "YMCA"...
(If you want to play along, fast forward to about 30 seconds where the gameplay starts.)
Some classes are easier than others.
Around here, those classes are called "life skills". My daughter is a teaching assistant in a "life skills" class. This sounds like something her students would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt's really easy to find on YouTube. You'll have to let me know how it works for them (if if works for them).
DeleteI don't think even that would've helped me.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had an easy class.
ReplyDeleteSome days I luck out. Today, for example...
DeleteThat sounds like fun. =)
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteThat sounds like a fun class!
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteWell, it's better than school I guess.
ReplyDeleteI like that! Great way to end the week with a bit of dance exercise!
ReplyDeletebetty
I used to play that with my niece. She was awesome. I wasn't.
ReplyDeleteQuestion...did you dance? lol. Sounds like a bit of fun on a last day of the week.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't dance in public.
DeleteThat song came out the year I graduated from High School, 1978
ReplyDeleteThe height of the disco movement...
DeleteWell this would be fun but I know I would look more like Lucy from I love Lucy and causing general mayhem
ReplyDeleteYeah, me too. Which is why I sat this one out.
DeleteGreat use of tech in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteThe teachers have so much they can do now. And many do things I wouldn't expect. In a good way.
DeleteHi Liz - sounds like they've worked out what will help these kids - good to read that they were enjoying themselves, while getting some exercise ... YMCA - good choice! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool. I've only played a Wii game once (bowling) and loved it. I had to check out the software (was a bit bugged that the website started to try to interact with me, immediately, asking me why I had come) I wonder if my autistic brother in law's day program ever uses this. I think it would be fun for many. My bil, not sure (he's more into blond exercise instructors!), but many others. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThey should so try something like this with them. I bet they would get a kick out of it.
DeleteMy girls would be so jealous. They have several of these Just Dance video games to play on our Wii. I thinks it's cool the kids wanted to get up and move instead of just sitting around watching videos.
ReplyDeleteI've got Just Dance on my Wii. I use it as exercise in the privacy of my own home - no one would want to see my efforts to keep in step with the instructions! It's great fun, though.
ReplyDeleteThat's Purrfect
It must be fun to stay at the YMCA. I often wondered if such cool places exist but I guess theres lots of dudes hanging out drinking beer or playing soccer etc trying to score big in life. Young Man! No Man does it on its own!
ReplyDeleteThat's cute. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteI'd say that sounds like fun, but I'd be lying. I'm not allowed to touch electronic devices and when the dancing starts, I duck out of site. I'm a terrible dancer. I can even spell YMCA on the dance floor! I haven't been here for a while. I've missed your posts. They are always so entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThis was just on YouTube, so there wasn't much to mess up.
DeleteHow fun! We have that game video. The girls love to dance to it. I tried it and I am telling you it is a workout!!I love YMCA!!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a workout.
DeleteThat sounds like a fun end of the day! I have a showtunes version of Just Dance, and this makes me want to go dig it out :)
ReplyDeleteAlas, I think the kiddos wouldn't have enjoyed showtunes. Then again, maybe they would have gotten into it.
DeleteWhat a fun way to end the day!
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteOkay. That was totally cool! I danced along with it, and it was fun! You need to do that every day! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's the cheap and easy way to get into it.
DeleteSeems like a fun way to end the week! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteWhat fun!
ReplyDeleteIt was.
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