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We have made it a tradition that my son Liam (who is deafblind) and his little brother Finn, each get to decorate their own small Christmas tree. Every year, I introduce new items they get to add to their tree. We decorate our tree in this order: First we add the tree skirts, then the Christmas lights, Christmas string and ornaments. We save their favorite part for last; adding the star to the top of the tree!
Materials
- Pencil zipper pouches
- Tree with decorations
- Items to represent the decorations you put on the tree
- A binder to put pencil pouches in
- Braille to label the pouches
Decorating the tree is one of the boys’ favorite things to do for Christmas. Immediately after we decorate the tree, Liam and I (with little brother watching and ‘helping’) put together his Christmas Tree Experience Book. I created, ahead of time, a binder that has 5 zipper pouches.
Each pouch had braille words with the steps that we completed together to decorate the tree:
I gathered materials to put in the book beforehand (for example: I had a few bulbs for the Christmas lights, and a small Christmas trees that felt the same as his tree). We would discuss each step together and I would have Liam add the objects to the pouches. He loves to read his Christmas Tree book often. I let him bring it to school the day after we put the tree up to share with his teachers and friends at school.
Why our family loves experience books:
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Experience books are tools that give Liam opportunities to share his experiences with others.
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Encourages conversations in a way that is meaningful to Liam.
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Gives Liam a sense of ownership.
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Motivating
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More opportunities for exposure to braille
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Sequencing events/steps
Other Christmas Experience Book Possibilities:
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Frosting Christmas cookies
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Visiting Santa
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Christmas parties/events
Comments
LOVE LOVE LOVE these ideas!
Posted by wilson_kc