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2026–27 • Labs & wellness

Build a Lean-To Natural Shelter

Build and test a small shelter model on a tray.

Classroom lesson: Build a Lean-To Natural Shelter

Today I can…

choose a part for a shelter model

Words to know

Words for this lesson

SHELTERSUPPORTROOFCOVERTEST

Follow along

What we will do

  1. 1

    Look at shelter

    Find the support and sloping roof on the model.

  2. 2

    Choose

    Choose BUILD or WATCH.

  3. 3

    Add a roof

    Place a broad roof strip, or tell the adult where it goes.

  4. 4

    Cover

    Choose a large paper leaf for the roof.

  5. 5

    Test

    Watch three gentle fan sweeps if you want.

  6. 6

    Share

    Show what stayed up or what changed.

Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC

Tell us what you need

Choose a word when you are ready.

BUILDWATCHROOFHELPBREAK
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety

Materials

  • Stable low box secured to a tray
  • Broad cardboard roof strips, large paper leaves, adult-controlled tape
  • Fixed paper person, hand fan and AAC cards

Safety first

Tabletop models only. No climbing, going under structures or overhead props. Use smooth blunt materials. Adults secure every part and control tape and loose pieces. Skip the fan if unwelcome.

Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.

Individual learning objectives

Choose Level 1, 2 or 3 individually in either House group. A House is not an ability level. Watching, directing and communicating a boundary are valid participation.

Level 1

Make one choice or communicate a boundary.

Level 2

Identify a part and help build or direct one step.

Level 3

Change one part and compare two tests.

Skill focus: Choice-making, spatial awareness, construction, comparing tests

30-minute teaching sequence

Introduce · 5 min

5 minutes: Show a model; name the support and sloping roof. Model HELP and BREAK.

I do · 10 min

10 minutes: Show a low box secured to a tray. Lean broad strips from box to tray; adults secure both ends and add paper leaves.

We do · 10 min

10 minutes: Learners choose, place or direct a part. If welcome, use three gentle fan sweeps from the same marked spot. Change one part and retest.

Exit choice · 5 min

5 minutes: Choose build/watch, identify roof/support or compare tests.

Science note: A model lets us test an idea. It is not a real structure for people to enter.

Curriculum connection: NGSS K-2-ETS1-2 connection.

Prepare for this learner

Select a level for each learner in either House group. Offer one-step cues, AAC, gaze, signs, speech or partner-assisted scanning. Use the learner’s established vision and access plan; high contrast is an option, not a universal CVI prescription. Respect refusal, watch-only and breaks.

Lower-staffing option: Adult operates one shared model; omit the fan.

Record the response, access method, opportunities and support used. Record observed, declined or not assessed separately; a communicated refusal is not a failure of participation.

Word lesson plan

Editable classroom source plan. Source files may retain earlier titles. Use the individual level choices and safety guidance above when preparing the session.

Download editable lesson plan (Word)

Access supports

Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.

Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.

Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.

Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.

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