What a great morning we were able to share with the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class!  Today they headed out on their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to the Showbiz Movie Theater in Homestead to see the newly released movie “El Canto”.  

The students were so excited to be able to enjoy this outing with their friends. Before heading into the theater, students lined up to get popcorn, soda, fruit snack and a hotdog! To make things even better, the students had a private showing of the movie and could sit anywhere they wanted in the comfy reclining seats! 

After the movie was over, students commented on how much they enjoyed the movie! We are so proud of the students as they continue to work on their Independence, Development, Growth, Empowerment and Social Skills in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program! 

McDonald’s Golden Arches is what the students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class were looking for when they went out on their first Community Based Instruction (CBI) for this school year. They were so excited to order their food using their McDonald’s Gift Card and enjoy lunch with their friends. 

Facilitators Karla Lama and Courtney Henry worked with the students on what they could order from the menu and how to place the order once they got to the counter. They discussed the different types of hamburgers, sandwiches, chicken, sides and combo meals and the prices for the different options. Each student chose what they wanted and practiced ordering before heading to McDonalds for their CBI. 

Once they arrived at McDonalds, students took turns ordering their own food. Some of them ordered hamburgers, chicken, milkshakes, etc. but the one thing that they all didn’t pass up were the delicious McDonald fries! All the students did a great job ordering their own food. This was a first-time experience for many of them! 

After lunch was ordered, the students sat together and had a great time socializing with one another. Conversation about Disney, Star Wars, Thanksgiving and Christmas Break were some of the topics that were discussed. We are so proud of the students, as the practiced  their Resources, Independence, Development, Growth, Empowerment and Social Skills during the CBI to McDonalds!

“Tis the Season for Shopping” was the theme for the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes this past week in preparation for their holiday Secret Elf Gift Exchange. Students headed to Walmart for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to find the perfect gift for their friends.

Students were first given a budget of what they could spend on their secret elf. Next students identified what items they would like from their secret elf. Facilitators also spent time practicing adding items and tax to make sure they stayed within their budget.

The fun began when they went on their CBI to Walmart and started their shopping. Students had to decide what items to purchase for their friends and stay on budget. They had to find their way  to the toys, books, electronics and even the food section of Walmart! Finally, all the students found what they wanted to buy for their secret elf and were ready to check out!

At the register, each student used their Walmart Gift Card and stayed within their budget! We are so proud of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they continue to practice their budgeting skills! Stay tuned to the next CBI, when they reveal who their secret elf is at their holiday party!

Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a beautiful day at the park enjoying a day filled with friends, food, and fun! This was the first Community Based Instruction (CBI) for our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and they had a great time! 

Students enjoyed playing soccer, participating in races with one another and taking a hike around the park. After several hours of fun and working up an appetite, it was time to enjoy some delicious pizza from Little Caesars. The next hour was spent socializing with one another and enjoying their pizza, chips, and soda. 

After their fun filled day, everyone was ready to head back to school. The class can’t wait for their next CBI- a day at the movies! We are proud of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they practiced their Independence, Growth, Empowerment and Social Skills during the day at the park! 

The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a beautiful day at the park, working on team building skills. This year, facilitators Donna Mansolillo and Kathy Gorman Gard have focused several of the Community Based Instruction (CBIs) on getting the students outside and interacting with one another in a relaxed environment. This was key for students after coming back from a year of virtual learning from home. 

Some of the team building activities that the students took part in were a Scavenger Hunt and the Balloon Pop Communication activity. First, the students participated in the Scavenger Hunt and were assigned to a group. Each student received a job during the scavenger hunt…the group leader, the photographer, and one student to write down what they found. This Scavenger Hunt was done very different from the traditional ones. Students used their phones to take pictures instead of gathering the items they found. 

One of the items listed on the scavenger list was, “Find something beautiful”. Each group came up with different ideas of what they found beautiful. Some of the responses from the different groups were, the sky, trees, and birds.  

The next activity, students were each given a balloon. Inside the balloon was a question that they had to answer. First, the students had to keep the balloon up in the air without letting it pop. Once the balloon popped, each student read their question and shared with one another. Some examples of the questions were, “Who is the most important person in your life, what have you done that makes you proud of yourself, and If you knew you were going to have your last meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?” The students answered thoughtfully, and each person respected what their classmates shared.  

After team building, it was time for lunch! Students brought their lunch with them and enjoyed the rest of the time socializing with one another. Todays CBI focused on Resources, Independence, Development, Growth, Empowerment and Social Skills.