Adapted Physical Education Teacher

she/they

tgiardina@hmsschool.org

What You'll Need:

• A slightly deflated beach ball (a football-shaped one works great!)

• A foam football or stress ball

Setup:

1. Prepare the Beach Ball: Place the slightly deflated beach ball on a flat surface. This could be a table, a tray, or even your lap.

2. Place the Foam Football: Carefully set the foam football (or stress ball) on top of the beach ball.

Gameplay:

1. Get Ready: Position yourself comfortably, with your arm ready to make a throwing/tossing motion.

2. Compress and Pop: Use a gross motor arm action to quickly and firmly compress the beach ball. This action will force air out of the beach ball and launch the foam football into the air.

3. Watch it Fly: Observe the foam football as it flies through the air. You might be surprised at how high it goes!

4. Repeat: Reset the beach ball and foam football, and repeat the process.

Adding Challenges:

• Target Practice: Place a target (like a basket, hoop, or designated area) a short distance away. Try to aim the foam football at the target when you compress the beach ball.

• Receiver: Have another person stand a short distance away. Try to launch the foam football so they can catch it.

• Vary the Force: experiment with how much force you put into compressing the ball. Try to make the ball go different heights, and distances.

Important Notes:

• This game does not require any building or complicated setup.

• Be mindful of your surroundings, as the foam football can fly quite high!

• Have fun!

What You'll Need:

• Inflatable footballs (one per player)

Setup:

1. Distribute Footballs: Give each student an inflatable football.

2. Choose a Body Part:

   • Students can verbally choose a body part.

   • Students can use a communication device to select a body part.

   • Students can physically indicate a body part.

   • Students can roll a die with body parts pictured on each side.

Gameplay:

1. Placement: Students place the inflatable football on their chosen body part (e.g., foot, hand, lap, head).

2. Isolation and Drop: Students work to isolate and move only the chosen body part to knock the football to the ground.

3. Repeat: Students can choose a different body part and repeat the process.

Adding Challenges:

• Balance Challenge: Before dropping the football, students try to balance it on the chosen body part for a set amount of time.

• Targeted Drop: Set up a target area and students must try to knock the football into that area.

• Timed Challenge: Time the students to see how fast they can knock the football off of a selected body part.

Important Notes:

• This activity is adaptable for all abilities.

• No adapted materials are required.

• Encourage students to experiment with different body parts.

• Make sure to provide adequate space for the students to move safely.

Materials:

• Slap Koozie (drink koozie with slap bracelets inside)

• Velcro (hook and loop)

• Small container or holder (for the football)

• Slant board (optional, but recommended)

• Small footballs

• Field goal (PVC pipes, pool noodles, or a mylar balloon field goal)

• Optional: Strap, industrial twist tie, or other pulling mechanism.

Building the Catapult:

1. Prepare the Koozie: Unfold the slap koozie.

2. Attach Velcro: Affix one side of the Velcro to one end of the inside of the koozie. Affix the matching side of the velcro to the slant board.

3. Create a Holder: Attach a small container or holder to the other end of the koozie. This will hold the football.

4. Mount the Catapult: Attach the Velcro on the koozie to the Velcro on the slant board.

Optional Adaptations:

• Attach a strap to the slant board, so the koozie can be held in the loaded position.

• Attach a small strap, industrial twist tie, or other apparatus to the strap to pull back on the strap thus firing the catapult. This will allow for easier use for those with limited motor skills.

Setting Up the Game:

1. Position the Catapult: Place the slant board (with the attached catapult) at one end of a table.

2. Set Up the Field Goal: Position the field goal at the opposite end of the table.

Playing the Game:

1. Load the Catapult: Place a small football into the holder on the koozie.

2. Pull Back: Pull the free end of the koozie backward, creating tension. Or, if using the adapted strap, pull the strap.

3. Release and Launch: Let go of the koozie (or strap) to launch the football toward the field goal.

4. Score: If the football goes through the field goal, you score!

5. Repeat: Reload and launch again.

Variations:

• Vary the distance to the field goal.

• Create different field goal sizes for varying difficulty.

• Use different types of catapults. Store bought, custom made, or 3d printed catapults can all be used in the same fashion.

Materials:

• Leaf blower or strong fan with a stand

• Inflatable football (lightweight)

• Powerlink (switch access device)

• Appropriate switch(es) (hand switch, wobble switch, string switch, etc.)

• Optional: String or ties (for attaching football to switch)

Setup:

1. Secure the Fan/Leaf Blower:

   • Place the fan or leaf blower on its stand.

   • Ensure it is stable and positioned to direct airflow in a safe, open area.

2. Connect the Powerlink:

   • Plug the fan or leaf blower into the powerlink.

   • The powerlink will allow the device to be controlled by a switch.

3. Connect the Switch:

   • Plug the chosen switch into the powerlink.

   • Test the switch to ensure it turns the fan/leaf blower on and off.

4. Prepare the Football (for throwing):

   • Place the inflatable football in front of the fan/leaf blower, within the direct path of the airflow.

   • If you want to have the student interact with a football when activating the switch, you can attach a small football to the switch itself.

5. Prepare the Football (for kicking adaptation):

   • If working on kicking skills, attach a string switch or wobble switch.

   • Attach the inflatable football to the string or wobble switch with string or ties, so that when the student kicks, the switch is activated.

   • Position the football so that when kicked, the switch is activated, and the leaf blower will then propel the inflatable football.

Using the Setup:

1. Position the User:

   • Position the switch user in a comfortable and safe location relative to the fan/leaf blower and the football.

2. Explain the Activity:

   • Clearly explain to the user how the switch activates the fan/leaf blower and how that will propel the football.

3. Activate the Switch (Throwing):

   • The user activates the switch, which turns on the fan/leaf blower.

   • The airflow propels the inflatable football forward.

4. Activate the Switch (Kicking):

   • The user will kick the football that is attached to the switch.

   • The kicking motion will activate the switch, and the leaf blower will propel the second inflatable football forward.

5. Observe and Adjust:

   • Observe the football's trajectory and adjust the fan/leaf blower's position or the switch placement as needed.

   • Adjust the distance the user is from the fan, to adjust the difficulty of the activity.

6. Enhance the Activity:

   • Vary the switch type to provide different sensory experiences and motor challenges.

   • Create targets or goals for the football to be thrown towards.

   • Provide verbal praise and encouragement.

Safety Considerations:

• Ensure the fan/leaf blower is stable and cannot tip over.

• Use a lightweight inflatable football to minimize the risk of injury.

• Supervise the activity closely.

• Keep the area clear of obstacles.

• Ensure hearing protection is used if the leaf blower is loud.

Materials:

• Small stress ball football

• Helium balloons (ideally football-shaped mylar balloons)

• Blower (e.g., from a small bounce house)

• Tube (4-inch PVC pipe or cardboard tube from carpet/linoleum)

• String or ties

• Powerlink (if using a switch)

• Appropriate switch (if using a switch)

Setup:

1. Prepare the Football and Balloons:

   • Inflate the helium balloons.

   • Securely tie the helium balloons to the small stress ball football using string or ties. Ensure the football is well supported by the lift from the balloons.

2. Prepare the Blower and Tube:

   • Position the blower in a safe and stable location.

   • Attach the tube to the blower's output. Ensure a secure connection.

   • If using a switch, connect the blower to the powerlink, and then connect the switch to the powerlink. Test the switch to ensure it controls the blower.

3. Position the Tube:

   • Position the tube so that it points towards the desired direction of flight (towards a goal or receiver).

4. Load the Football and Balloons:

   • Carefully place the football with the attached balloons inside the tube.

Using the Setup:

1. Position the User:

   • Position the switch user (if applicable) or other participants in a safe location relative to the blower and tube.

2. Explain the Activity:

   • Explain how the blower will propel the football and balloons out of the tube.

   • If using a switch, explain how to activate the blower.

   • Explain the objective (e.g., catching the football, hitting a target).

3. Activate the Blower:

   • If using a switch, the user activates the switch.

   • If not using a switch, turn the blower on.

   • The airflow from the blower will propel the football and balloons out of the tube.

4. Observe the Flight:

   • Observe the flight of the football and balloons. The balloons should provide lift and slow the descent.

5. Catch or Track:

   • Participants can attempt to catch the football or simply track its movement through the air.

6. Repeat and Adjust:

   • Reload the football and balloons into the tube and repeat the activity.

   • Adjust the blower's airflow or the tube's position as needed.

Enhancements and Safety:

• Decorate the Tube: Decorating the cardboard tube can add a fun and engaging element to the activity.

• Safety: Ensure the area is clear of obstacles. Supervise the activity to prevent any accidents.

• Blower Noise: Even though a bounce house blower is quieter than a leaf blower, if the noise level is still too high, consider hearing protection.

• Goal or Target: Set up a goal or target to provide a clear objective for the activity.

• Wind Conditions: Be aware that outdoor wind conditions can significantly affect the flight path of the balloons.

Important Note: Opening and modifying electronic toys can be complex and may void any warranties. If you are not comfortable with electronics, seek assistance from someone experienced in switch adaptation or electronics repair.

Materials:

• All-Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback

• Soldering iron and solder

• Appropriate switch jack (e.g., 3.5mm mono jack)

• Wire

• Screwdriver

• Switch

• Drill (if needed)

Switch Adaptation Steps:

1. Disassemble the Toy:

   • Carefully disassemble the Robotic Quarterback according to its construction. This will usually involve removing screws.

   • Identify the internal wiring and the button that triggers the compressed air release.

2. Identify Trigger Wires:

   • Locate the wires that connect to the button that releases the compressed air.

   • Using a multimeter, if you have one, can help determine which wires are involved in the switch circuit.

3. Install the Switch Jack:

   • Choose a location on the toy's casing to mount the switch jack.

   • If necessary, drill a hole to accommodate the jack.

   • Securely mount the jack in place.

4. Wire the Switch Jack:

   • Solder wires from the switch jack to the appropriate points on the toy's circuit board, where the trigger button connects. You will be wiring the jack in parallel with the existing trigger button.

   • Ensure the connections are secure and that the wiring is neat and tidy.

5. Reassemble the Toy:

   • Carefully reassemble the Robotic Quarterback, ensuring that all wires are tucked away and that the switch jack is accessible.

6. Test the Switch Adaptation:

   • Plug your switch into the newly installed jack.

   • Test the switch, to ensure it activates the football throwing mechanism.

Using the Switch-Adapted Robotic Quarterback:

1. Position the Toy:

   • Place the Robotic Quarterback on a stable surface, pointing in a safe direction.

2. Load the Football:

   • Place the football onto the launcher.

   • Press the button on the toy to lock the football into place.

3. Pump the Air:

   • Manually pump the air to create pressure.

   • Adjust the number of pumps based on the desired throwing distance.

   • Indoor Safety: When using the toy indoors, limit pumping to approximately one-third of the maximum pressure to prevent damage.

4. Activate the Switch:

   • The switch user activates their switch.

   • The Robotic Quarterback will release the compressed air, sending the football flying.

5. Observe and Adjust:

   • Observe the football's trajectory and adjust the pumping or the toy's position as needed.

   • Adjust the amount of air pumped to change the distance the football travels.

Safety Considerations:

• Always supervise the activity.

• Ensure the area is clear of obstacles.

• Do not over-pump the air, especially indoors.

• Use appropriate safety measures when soldering and working with electronics.

• Ensure the toy is stable and cannot tip over.

• Never aim the toy at anyone.

1. Goal Post Target Setup

• Materials:

  • Large mylar balloon goal post

  • Balloon inflator

  • Powerlink (optional, for switch control)

  • Switch (optional, for switch control)

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Goal Post:

     • Unpack the mylar balloon goal post.

  2. Inflate the Goal Post (Manual):

     • Use the balloon inflator to fill the goal post with air.

     • Ensure it is fully inflated and stands upright.

  3. Inflate the Goal Post (Switch Controlled):

     • Plug the balloon inflator into the powerlink.

     • Plug the switch into the powerlink.

     • The student activates the switch to inflate the goal post.

  4. Position the Goal Post:

     • Place the inflated goal post in a suitable location, ensuring it is stable.

     • Adjust the distance from the throwing area to modify the difficulty.

  5. Use as Target:

     • Students throw the footballs, balloons, or other items towards the goal post, aiming to pass them through the uprights.

2. Receiver Target (Person-to-Person)

• Materials:

  • Designated receiver(s) (student or staff member)

• Instructions:

  1. Choose a Receiver:

     • The student selects a person to be the receiver.

     • This can be another student or a staff member.

  2. Position the Receiver:

     • The receiver positions themselves at an appropriate distance from the thrower.

     • The receiver should be in a safe, open location.

  3. Throw and Catch:

     • The thrower throws the football, balloon, or other item towards the receiver.

     • The receiver attempts to catch the item.

  4. Add Complexity:

     • Add a second person to act as an interferance.

     • The thrower must now try to get the thrown object past the interferance and to the receiver.

3. Moving Target Setup

• Materials:

  • Motorized Nerf-style target (moving target)

  • Shirt or jersey

  • Football helmet (or picture of a football helmet)

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Target:

     • Set up the motorized Nerf-style target according to its instructions.

     • Test the target to ensure it moves correctly.

  2. Customize the Target:

     • Place the shirt or jersey over the target's frame.

     • Attach the football helmet (or picture) to the target to resemble a moving receiver.

  3. Position the Target:

     • Place the motorized target in a suitable location, ensuring it has enough space to move.

  4. Throw and Aim:

     • Students throw the football, balloon, or other item towards the moving target.

     • They must time their throws to hit the target as it moves.

  5. Adjust Difficulty:

     • Adjust the distance from the target to the thrower.

     • Adjust the speed of the moving target if that option is available.

1. Set up the Green Background:

   • Hang a green background cloth or paper. This will allow you to digitally replace the background later.

2. Position the iPad:

   • Place an iPad on a stand. Ensure the screen is facing the subjects. This provides a clear, large view for them to see themselves in the frame.

3. Arrange Props and Balloons:

   • Place props and balloons near the photo booth. This will give subjects fun options to use in their photos.

4. Prepare the Bluetooth Selfie Button:

   • If needed, adapt a Bluetooth selfie button for switch access. This allows individuals with specific needs to easily trigger the camera.

   • Alternatively, use the selfie button as a standard remote control.

   • If needed, adhere small bumper dots (like cabinet bumpers) to the button to create a tactile surface that is easier to locate and depress.

5. Take the Pictures:

   • Have the subjects pose in front of the green screen, using the props and balloons.

   • Use the Bluetooth selfie button (or adapted switch) to take the photos.

6. Edit the Backgrounds (Post-Processing):

   • Use photo editing software to replace the green screen background with desired images, such as students in the stands, the halftime show, or on the field.

Setting up the Surveys:

1. Create the Survey Questions:

   • Prepare two survey questions:

     • "Who do you think will win the Super Bowl?"

     • "What is your favorite part of the Super Bowl?"

2. Define the Answer Options:

   • For the first question, provide two options:

     • Philadelphia Eagles

     • Kansas City Chiefs

   • For the second question, provide four options:

     • The football game

     • The commercials

     • The halftime show

     • The snacks

3. Create Visual Answer Choices:

   • Use icon symbols (pictures) to represent each answer option. This makes the survey accessible to a wider range of students.

4. Prepare the Survey Format:

   • Design a clear and simple survey format. Ensure there's space for students and staff to indicate their choices.

5. Create a Bar Graph Chart:

   • Prepare a bar graph chart template. This will be used to visually represent the survey results.

Conducting the Surveys:

1. Present the Survey:

   • Present the survey questions and answer options to students and staff.

2. Facilitate Participation:

   • Provide various ways for individuals to answer:

     • Communication devices

     • Eye gaze

     • Partner-assisted scanning

     • Pointing

     • Verbal responses.

   • Ensure everyone has the support they need to participate.

3. Record the Responses:

   • Carefully record each person's chosen answer.

4. Construct the Bar Graph:

   • Use the collected data to create a bar graph. Fill in the bars to represent the number of responses for each answer option.

Using the Survey Results:

1. Analyze the Graph:

   • Engage students in analyzing the bar graph. Discuss the results, such as:

     • Which team was predicted to win?

     • Which part of the Super Bowl was most popular?

     • Discuss any trends that are visible within the data.

2. Prompt Conversation:

   • Use the survey results as a springboard for further discussion and conversation.

3. Use as an Artifact:

   • Save the completed bar graph as an artifact.

   • Use it in future lessons to discuss:

     • Predictions

     • Trends

     • Data representation

     • Graph analysis.

1. Choose Football Terms:

   • Select football terms that can be represented with communication symbols. Examples:

     • Field Goal

     • Touchdown

     • Fly, Eagles, Fly

     • Brotherly Shove (or Tush Push)

2. Find Corresponding Symbols:

   • Identify communication symbols (pictures) that represent each word in the chosen terms.

   • Examples:

     • "Field Goal": Picture of a field + picture of a goal.

     • "Touchdown": Picture of "touch" + picture of a downward arrow.

     • "Fly, Eagles, Fly": Picture of a fly + picture of an eagle + picture of a fly.

     • "Brotherly Shove" (or "Tush Push"): Picture of brothers + picture of pushing (or picture pointing to a backside + picture of pushing).

3. Create the Game Cards:

   • Create cards or displays with the symbol combinations.

   • Ensure the symbols are clear and easy to understand.

   • Leave space for the answer to be revealed.

4. Cover the Answers:

   • Create flaps or covers to hide the correct football terms.

   • These flaps should be easily lifted to reveal the answers.

Playing the Game:

1. Present the Symbol Cards:

   • Show participants the cards with the symbol combinations, but with the answers covered.

2. Encourage Guessing:

   • Ask participants to look at the symbols and guess the football term they represent.

   • Encourage discussion and collaboration among participants.

3. Reveal the Answers:

   • After participants have made their guesses, lift the flaps or covers to reveal the correct answers.

4. Discuss and Explain:

   • Discuss the answers and explain how the symbols relate to the football terms.

   • Clarify any misunderstandings or confusion.

5. Repeat with Other Cards:

   • Continue the game with the remaining symbol cards.

   • Keep the atmosphere fun and engaging.