Remote O&M Lesson Plan Ideas for Early Elementary Students
May 19, 2020
As teachers, we all know that no matter how meticulously we plan, lesson delivery can be a challenge, especially when students are learning remotely. While detailed lesson plans are vital, they can only go so far if students aren’t physically present. The goal, however, remains the same: to craft lessons that capture the students’ attention and help them learn, despite the distractions they may face.
From my own experiences and conversations with fellow O&M specialists, one thing is clear: dull presentations, especially in remote settings, can make it difficult to maintain that vital teacher-student connection. That connection becomes even more important when we’re not physically in the same space. But there are ways to keep lessons exciting and beneficial for students even in a virtual setting.
Here are a few fun, remote-friendly O&M lesson plan ideas for early elementary students that I’ve used in my own practice—and I’ve seen other specialists use them successfully as well:
1. Home Scavenger Hunt
The key to successful O&M instruction lies in laying a solid foundation of sensory skills, like body orientation and spatial awareness. Remote learning offers an opportunity to engage students in unique ways that go beyond the classroom walls. One great activity is a Home Scavenger Hunt. Students can practice these foundational skills while exploring their own homes, helping them understand their environment better. This activity also encourages students to move around their space, building awareness and reducing learned helplessness.
2. Texture-Related Activities
Bringing tactile experiences into your lessons can be both educational and fun. A simple activity involves using different textured materials, such as rugs or fabrics, that students can walk over to practice trailing or shorelining with their canes. Parents can help by positioning the device so the student’s movements are visible to the teacher, allowing for real-time feedback.
3. Upper and Lower Body Protective Techniques: Dance Party!
Let’s face it—remote learning can sometimes feel a little too structured. Why not liven things up with a free dance party? With the help of music, students can practice upper and lower body protective techniques while dancing. It’s a great way to get them moving, have fun, and practice important skills all at once!
4. Create Experience Stories
Experience stories are a fantastic tool for reinforcing students' literacy while also helping them process and reflect on real-world experiences. Through these stories, students can relive events they’ve experienced and apply both cognitive and motor skills in the process. The idea is to not only improve reading but to build skills across multiple areas, helping students gain more from each interaction.
5. Virtual Cooking Show
Now for something truly engaging—a virtual cooking show! With the full support of parents, students can participate in a cooking activity. The teacher can create a recipe card and send it to the parent, who can then help the child follow the instructions. Cooking is a fantastic way to incorporate a wide variety of O&M skills: from following directions to practicing body orientation and motor skills.
Moving Forward with Virtual Learning
As we continue navigating remote learning, it’s clear that these methods aren’t just temporary solutions—they’re part of a broader shift in how education is being approached. While we might not be physically present for every hour of the students' waking lives, we can still make a significant impact during the time we do have. Virtual learning has proven that we can keep learning, adapting, and growing together with our students, making their O&M lessons exciting and enriching.
Let’s stay excited about teaching in this new format, and keep finding creative ways to support our students' growth.
