Week of May 11, 2020 | Issue 32
NEWS & EVENTS
Latest News
Welcome to our weekly edition of theBreeze! We've consolidated all the information you've gotten used to receiving daily, and put it all into one weekly newsletter for you! All editions of theBreeze can be found on our website at https://autismup.org/classes/home-with-autismup

Member Survey
Thank you all for your survey input. Based on your input we are hosting more Zoom Live MeetUps this week
If you haven't responded yet, there's still time to give us your thoughts here. We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you!
We had a lot of fun with the Cinco de Mayo Recipe Challenge, and we are grateful for all of the donations!
All donations are going to the AutismUp Emergency Fund Campaign to ensure we can provide support & services to our amazing families.

Summer camp registration is open. We are waiting to learn how we will be able to proceed with this program, but secure your spot now!
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 5/11 @ 7pm Click to Connect
Tuesday 5/12 @ Noon Click to Connect
Friday 5/15 @ 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!

@Home Activities
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 any instruments made in
previous weeks or instruments around the house and your scarves.
Pink-a-Licious Band Instruments!
Create your own Instruments and Music. Join the Pinkalicious Band here!
Social & Readiness Skills
Stay Connected with Peers!
The opportunity to stay connected with your peers continues and we have added additional Zoom Meet-Ups this week! AutismUp staff will lead Zoom Virtual Meet-Ups allowing participants to interact with their peers. Zoom meetings this week are as follows:
Tuesday 5/12
6-6:40 PM
ages 13+ led by Craig
Program Director
Password: AutismUp
Wednesday, 5/13
1 - 1:30 PM
ages 6-12 led by Lauren
Sensory & Behavioral Coordinator
Password: AutismUp
Thursday, 5/14
12 - 12:40 PM
ages 13+ led by Maria
Program Assistant
Password: AutismUp
Friday, 5/15
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 dinosaurs!
Write a Thank You Letter to a Friend
Missing your friends? Write a thank you note or letter saying hi to someone who has been a good friend or helped you.
Fitness & Sports
Instructional Fitness Series!
Having fun and being fit are at the core of what we do at AU. AU's Fitness Instructor, Nancy, presents a 20 minute follow-along instructional video that will help you to stay healthy and fit while at home. Make some space and start your workout! Follow along with video #2 in AutismUp’s Instructional Fitness Playlist, and get fit with Nancy! This week you'll be working on balance, hurdles and circuit skills, and a variety of fun animal exercises! 
Play Catch

Try placing a tennis ball in a long sock and play catch with a partner. Are you able to catch the ball in the sock??
Sports Video
Follow along with “Soccer Skills with Bella and Anna-Video #1” in AutismUp’s Sports Playlist! Have fun working on a variety of basic Soccer Skills with AutismUp Support Coaches, Bella and Anna! .
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Art & Science
Arts and Crafts with Maria!
Welcome to our new art series featuring our very own Maria sharing art and craft projects you can do at home! This week she will share some fun ways to create crafts with the theme “Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel”
Weekly Art Contest: Rainbows!
What's your favorite part of a rainbow? The colors? The way the sun and rain meet? The clouds? Make your best rainbow themed project! Submit to  cjones@autismup.org  by 5pm Friday 5/15! Awards will be given in several different categories!
Last Week's Gravity Project Awards
Thanks to everyone that participated in last week's art challenge!
Snow Squall Award
Josephine and Pumpky (Snow Picture)
Food Flight Award
Kenadie’s (Flying Cheeseburger)
No-Sew Sock Bunny

Learn a Fun and Easy way to make a No-Sew Sock Bunny! You'll need the following tools and supplies:
  • Socks!
  • Scissors (sharp enough to cut the sock material cleanly)
  • Rice for stuffing (or an alternative of your choice)
  • Twine or string
  • Ribbon(s)
  • A marker
  • Tape (optional)
Grow a Bean Plant in a Plastic Bag!

Use these tools to watch the growth of a bean plant from your very own window! Germinating seeds in a bag is a fun way for kids to view how seeds transform into plants right before their eyes. Seeds don’t need soil to start germinating, so you can place them in a sunny window and they will start sprouting right away! 

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My Mascot & Me Activities
Is your mascot getting a little bored? Here are some things to do with your mascot this week!

Color with your Mascot!
Spend time with your Mascot coloring something that makes you happy or just something that is on your mind!  Try this Spring Coloring Sheet .


Listen to a Podcast for Kids with your Mascot!
Relax with your Mascot while listening to a Podcast! Check out the links below to find a Podcast that both you and your Mascot will enjoy!

StoryPirates

Make an Origami Pet for your Mascot!
Check out this YouTube Tutorial and follow the easy steps to make your very own Origami Pet!
 Keep sharing your Mascot fun with us via photo or video! We introduce new friends in The Daily Breeze and on Facebook .
Pictures from the week! 
Make sure to send any fun photos from your week to cjones@autismup.org. We'd love to see them and share with our friends!

Thanks Jackie for sharing your Cinco de Mayo fun with us!