Week of May 18, 2020 | Issue 33
NEWS & EVENTS
Latest News
Welcome to our weekly edition of theBreeze !
 With New York State beginning Phase 1 reopening, we are diligently working on our plan to reopen safely to families. We will continue to update as we have information. We truly can’t wait to see you in person. Stay tuned!
Parent Support
Connect with other parents, get support for you, and resources for your family. We'll be meeting on each of these days virtually using "Go To Meeting."

Monday 5/18 @ 7pm Click to Connect
Tuesday 5/19 @ Noon Click to Connect
Friday 5/22 @ 9:30am Click to Connect
A neck gaiter is a versatile accessory that can be used as a face covering, headband, bandana, wristband, and neck warmer! Upgrade your accessory game and stay safe like Ann!

The music therapy team at local inclusive arts organization, Spectrum Creative Arts, has created this free webinar about ways to use music as a tool to support virtual learning for special education students. Geared toward families, educators, and administrators, the Spectrum team gives some background about how music supports learning in special education, and some functional ways to incorporate music into e-learning at home.
@Home Activities
My Mascot & Me Activities
Here are some things to do with your mascot this week!

Mascot Masks
Have you noticed people around you wearing a mask? Have you tried wearing a mask? Maybe it’s time for your Mascot to have a mask that keeps them healthy and safe! AUggie and Mort wear their masks when it’s needed. Check out this story that includes coloring pages and little masks you can print and cut out, or try and make your own! We've also included two videos to discuss more about keeping yourself safe with a mask.

Make a home for your mascot
Let’s have fun and be creative with your Mascot! Use this cut out or materials you prefer to make a Paper House for your Mascot! 

iSpy and Treasure Hunt
AUggie loves going for walks outside and playing iSpy and Treasure Hunt! Try these Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Games with your Mascot! Just be sure to check with an adult when completing the Outdoor Scavenger Hunt to be safe.

 Keep sharing your Mascot fun with us via photo or video! We introduce new friends in The Daily Breeze and on Facebook .
Music
Facebook Live Music with Victoria

Join us on the AutismUp Facebook page at 1pm on Monday to hear your favorites, make requests, sing, and dance along with our friend & Facilitator Victoria! A collaboration between AutismUp & Upstate Music Therapy Center. This week we are making maracas! You will need:
  • A plastic Easter Egg
  • 2 spoons
  • Dried rice, lentils, beans or anything else that will make noise in the egg
  • Tape
Music Maker
Make music with Peg and Cat! Where will you rock out? Maybe it’s in the Junkyard? Bamboo Grove? Magical Forest? Choose as many as you want here!
Social & Readiness Skills
Baking with Bella
Join us live on  AutismUp's Facebook Thursday, 5/21 to bake along with Bella from 2 - 2:45 PM!
Make sure you have these ingredients for
baked macaroni and cheese:
  • 1 box of pasta of your choice 
  • 2 whole blocks of cheese either cut up or grated up 
  • 3 cups of milk 
  • 1/4 cup flour 
  • 4 tablespoons of butter 
Stay Connected with Peers!
The opportunity to stay connected with your peers continues! AutismUp staff will lead Zoom Virtual Meet-Ups allowing participants to interact with their peers. Zoom meetings this week are as follows:
Tuesday 5/19
6-6:40 PM
ages 13+ led by Craig
Program Director
Password: AutismUp
Wednesday, 5/20
1 - 1:30 PM
ages 6-12 led by Lauren
Sensory & Behavioral Coordinator
Password: AutismUp
Thursday, 5/21
12-12:40 PM
ages 13+ led by Maria
Program Assistant
Password: AutismUp
Friday, 5/22
4-4:30 PM
ages 6-12 led by Maria
Program Assistant
Password: AutismUp
Remote Minecraft
Contact Craig Jones, Program Director, to participate! Free and facilitated by AU staff! Just need computer, internet and a Minecraft account.

TUES 11AM-12PM | WED 6-7PM | THURS 1-2PM
Mindfulness with Lauren
In this time of many unknowns, the ability to maintain a sense of calm is essential. That's why we are introducing weekly mindfulness sessions. Follow along at your convenience in this video with Lauren as she guides you through a series of activities to help you engage, focus and relax. This week's theme is animals!
Learn Cat's Cradle
Cat’s Cradle is a sequence game played with a looped length of string. Two or more partners use the string to form various shapes, each building on the last. The goal of the game is to get to the last shape without making a mistake! All you need is a piece of string and a friend to help you work through the different configurations!   Follow these step by step directions.
Fitness & Sports
Instructional Fitness
Having fun and being fit are at the core of what we do at AU. This 20 minute follow-along instructional video will help you to stay healthy and fit while at home. Make some space and start your workout! This week, follow along with AU's Fitness Instructor, Nancy, and AU Volunteer, Mary in video #3 in AutismUp’s Instructional Fitness Playlist.This week's video showcases exercises you can do with a partner or by yourself.
Mini Trampoline Time
Need to blow off some extra steam? Check out this mini trampoline exercise video! If you don't have a trampoline, you can jump on a cushion or another safe surface!

Art & Science
Arts and Crafts with Maria
Follow along with “Art and Crafts with Maria-Video #3” in AutismUp’s Arts and Crafts Playlist! Work alongside Maria, AutismUp’s Program Assistant, as she creates fun Arts and Crafts with the theme “Ancient Egyptian Artwork” 
Weekly Art Contest: Flowers!
It’s starting to be beautiful and sunny outside and flowers beginning to bloom! Use your creativity and make something relating to Flowers. Maybe it’s your favorite flower, a flower you have observed, or even one you have been thinking about! Submit to  cjones@autismup.org  by 5pm Friday 5/22! Winners will be chosen in several different categories!
Last Week's Rainbow Project Awards
Thanks to everyone that participated in last week's art challenge!
Don't forget to send us your flower art work this week.
Colorburst Award
Josephine and Pumpky's Unicorn Rainbow
Color Fusion Award
Jackie's Rainbow Magnet
Make your own Kaleidoscope

This Kaleidoscope Kids Craft Activity is fun for the family to work on together. Learn how to make your own Kaleidoscope with aluminum foil, beads, and a paper towel tube.
Magic Milk Science Experiment

Did you know that it is easy to turn ordinary milk into a rainbow of crazy colors? All you need is 4 items that you probably have in your kitchen already! Try this milk, food coloring and dish soap science experiment!