It's been a great week so far at Nextstep.  We're settling in and getting comfortable as a group.  Monday morning we had group social time and decoupaged our new binders.  These binders will be a good way for Next-steppers to save work they are especially proud of as well as works-in-progress.  It will also be a tool for parents/guardians/friends who are interested in seeing what their Next-stepper has been working on.  We have also introduced journaling at the end of the day to note what individuals worked on and how they are feeling.  Our journal entries will go in the binders as well.  Monday afternoon we split into small groups.  Kristine took half the group to the library and Rory walked with a few guys (those that get a chance to go to the library on Tuesdays) over to Tim Hortons.  We crossed a lot of busy streets and talked a lot about safety.  The guys did a great job.  Once we got there, everyone ordered a drink for themselves.  Tuesday morning, we volunteered at the Root Cellar in downtown Portland and then stopped in at the Library.  Tuesday afternoon was rainy and gloomy.  We went to the Maine Mall and split into groups to walk around.  Wednesday we talked about wants vs needs when shopping (how we might need a shirt but might want the expensive designer shirt).  We also talked about the process of shopping (whether it be for groceries, clothes, entertainment, toiletries etc).  We brainstormed a list of things we would need to buy for a bathroom in our own apartment.  The morning shopping crew went over to Target to price out the items and compare their 'want' items to 'need' items.   The afternoon group did the same at Bed Bath and Beyond and Walmart.  We wrote down prices and took some pictures so that we will be able to review our findings as a large group.  We also did some work making change on our amazing smartboard.  This morning (Thursday) we worked on adding up grocery prices on our smartboard.  Bill worked with Next-steppers to make a lunch meal plan for a week under $15.  This afternoon we plan on exploring The Green Belt, a waterside trail in South Portland.  Tomorrow we plan on having a regular Friday- a little bit of curriculum in the morning, and then recipe-finding and grocery shopping.  We'll make lunch, set the table and eat as a group.  Most likely we'll do a little more curriculum, cleaning and a movie in the afternoon.  Check back in for some pictures from this week!
Rory and Kristine