My Favorite Daily Living Skills/O and M Unit

Teaching Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is never just about the immediate lesson, is it? It’s about building life skills, fostering independence, and creating continuity between lessons. Yet, so often, we get stuck in the rut of teaching a skill, repeating it until it’s mastered (or until we’re bored), and then moving on to something new.

For example, we might teach an L-shaped route to a grocery store. We scaffold: I do, we do, you do. After a few repetitions, we consider the lesson done and move on to a similar route at a different store. But what if we didn’t need to move so haphazardly from one lesson to the next? What if there was a way to bring consistency, engagement, and real-world application into every session?

Enter unit-based learning.

The Power of Units in Teaching

In general education, lessons are often grouped into thematic units because it allows knowledge and skills to build on one another. This method fosters deeper understanding and greater engagement. For O&M, creating units can help learners connect individual skills to broader real-world contexts, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

And what better way to introduce unit-based learning than through a party planning unit?

Why Party Planning?

Party planning is not only fun, but it also integrates a host of essential skills:

• Calendar Skills: Scheduling the date and time.
• Communication Skills: Writing and delivering invitations.
• Money Management: Budgeting for the party.
• Navigation Skills: Traveling to stores to shop for supplies.
• Social Skills: Interacting with guests and hosting the event.

This unit allows learners to apply their knowledge in a hands-on, real-world scenario. It’s also a great way to end the school year, especially during the busy months when educators are wrapping up assessments and running on empty.

Party Planning Unit Breakdown

Week 1: Planning the Date

• Focus: Calendar and communication skills.
• Activities:
  • Choose the date, time, and location of the party.
  • Decide on a theme.
  • Write and deliver invitations (via mail, email, or hand-delivery).
• Pro Tips: Tie in address systems or incorporate assistive technology if applicable.

Week 2: Budgeting for the Party

• Focus: Money management and list creation.
• Activities:
  • Set a budget and create a detailed shopping list, including:
    • Item name.
    • Brand preference.
    • Size, flavor, and price.
  • Discuss how to compare prices and choose alternatives.

Week 3: Shopping for Materials

• Focus: Navigation and shopping skills.
• Activities:
  • Travel to the store and purchase items.
  • Practice soliciting assistance if needed.
  • Reinforce budgeting by tracking purchases against the budget.

Week 4: Hosting the Party

• Focus: Social skills and event execution.
• Activities:
  • Decorate the room and set up the party space.
  • Host the party, focusing on social interaction, turn-taking, and problem-solving.

Customizing the Unit

This unit can be adapted for different learners, time constraints, or teaching contexts:

• If time is limited, focus on one aspect, such as planning and hosting a simple party with popcorn or pudding.
• Scale the complexity of activities based on your learner's skills.
• Incorporate IEP goals into each lesson, making the unit both fun and functional.

Party Theme Ideas

Here are a few fun party themes to inspire your planning:

• Summer Celebration: Celebrate sunshine with summer-themed decorations and snacks.
• Pancake Party: Let learners choose toppings for microwavable pancakes or cook their own.
• Food Challenges: Try chips with unusual flavors or foods of the same color.

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.