Summer is here!
Two great ideas for water fun:
1. Play and run in the sprinkler!!
2. Use sponges and paint brushes to "paint" the sidewalk or driveway!!
Check out MORE fun sensory play ideas at:
http://www.purpletoesbooks.com
Water Play!
Summer is here!
Two great ideas for water fun:
1. Play and run in the sprinkler!!
2. Use sponges and paint brushes to "paint" the sidewalk or driveway!!
Check out MORE fun sensory play ideas at:
http://www.purpletoesbooks.com
FLOAM!
Here's a GREAT activity for sensory fun!!!
FLOAM!!!
What a wonderful tactile play item for sensory kids needing a little tactile input!
Where to buy..... (click here)
For more fun sensory ideas, check out my books at PurpleToesBooks.com
PurpleToesBooks
FLOAM!!!
What a wonderful tactile play item for sensory kids needing a little tactile input!
Where to buy..... (click here)
For more fun sensory ideas, check out my books at PurpleToesBooks.com
PurpleToesBooks
FREE SENSORY RESOURCES!!!!
Free SENSORY RESOURCES!
Answer some of your sensory questions with these free resources from Purple Toes Books!!!
Also, check out the GREAT resource books available for you and your child!
ENJOY!
Keep your eyes peeled.. they will be posted soon!
Purple Toes BooksAnswer some of your sensory questions with these free resources from Purple Toes Books!!!
Also, check out the GREAT resource books available for you and your child!
ENJOY!
Keep your eyes peeled.. they will be posted soon!
Peek A Boo Playdoh!
Are you kidding me? This is adorable! What a fun way to manipulate, create and touch Playdoh. Give it a try!!
See more fun resources at:
http://www.purpletoesbooks.com
See more fun resources at:
http://www.purpletoesbooks.com
Sunny Sensory Days!
It's no easy feat sometimes to get your little one outside to play, here are a few fun ways to get outside and get moving:
1. Sidewalk chalk - draw and color all over the sidewalks and fences
2. Wash it Down - Use a water sprayer to wash the color away
3. Play in the water!!!
YAY!!!
1. Sidewalk chalk - draw and color all over the sidewalks and fences
2. Wash it Down - Use a water sprayer to wash the color away
3. Play in the water!!!
YAY!!!
NEW RELEASE and UPDATES
Hello all!
It's been FAR TOO long since I updated this blog, so I've decided to reinstate it and dedicate myself to a weekly update! In this post I want to introduce my newest endeavor, books dedicated to improving sensory and fine motor skills for kids (mostly preschool, but I'm writing my early intervention one now...) These books came about after I decided to make easy to use reference materials for myself in the treatment setting. After using them for a two years in the practice setting, I decided to publish my favorites and make them available to all. There are three different versions of each book, so the reader can choose what best meets his/her needs.
Here's my new website:
Purple Toes Books!
I am so happy to finally welcome these new resource books into the world!
And... if you are curious... the name came from my son's toes... as they often appear purple due his disability! Just a cute way to show my love and dedication to those little purple toes!
Hope you enjoy!
It's been FAR TOO long since I updated this blog, so I've decided to reinstate it and dedicate myself to a weekly update! In this post I want to introduce my newest endeavor, books dedicated to improving sensory and fine motor skills for kids (mostly preschool, but I'm writing my early intervention one now...) These books came about after I decided to make easy to use reference materials for myself in the treatment setting. After using them for a two years in the practice setting, I decided to publish my favorites and make them available to all. There are three different versions of each book, so the reader can choose what best meets his/her needs.
Here's my new website:
 |
| Purple Toes Books |
Purple Toes Books!
I am so happy to finally welcome these new resource books into the world!
And... if you are curious... the name came from my son's toes... as they often appear purple due his disability! Just a cute way to show my love and dedication to those little purple toes!
Hope you enjoy!
Firm Pressure
Firm Pressure is Calming.
Firm Pressure on the back or a squeeze on the shoulder is better than a pat on the back!
Firm Pressure on the back or a squeeze on the shoulder is better than a pat on the back!
Auditory Processing in the Classroom
Difficulty Hearing & Understanding Instructions
1. One direction at a time
2. Short, simple one-concept phrases
3. Wait TIME
4. Visual demonstration
5. Provide earplugs
6. Schedule activities to reflect auditory fluctuations in the school/classroom
7. Practice verbal direction following
8. Have student repeat directions to you
1. One direction at a time
2. Short, simple one-concept phrases
3. Wait TIME
4. Visual demonstration
5. Provide earplugs
6. Schedule activities to reflect auditory fluctuations in the school/classroom
7. Practice verbal direction following
8. Have student repeat directions to you
Valentine Sensory Task
Using a great deal of glue and mess, glue hearts on paper. Allow the hands to get messy and gluey.
For additional input into the hands, use finger paints to create heart pictures.
For additional input into the hands, use finger paints to create heart pictures.
Hand Clapping Patterns
These tasks are presented in developmental sequence:
One step clapping pattern:
1. Clap hands to music or rhymes
2. Slap own thighs
Two step sequence
1. Clap own hands, slap own thighs
2. Clap own hands, tap own shoulders
3. Clap own hands, tap own head
Twp step sequence with repeat
1. Clap own hands twice, slap own thighs twice
2. Clap own hands three times, slap own thighs three times
Three step sequence
(same as two, but add another step)
Right and left hand Take Turns
1. Clap, slap left hand on left thigh; clap, slap right hand on right thigh
2. Clap, slap left hand on left thigh; slap right hand on right thigh; clap
Crossing Midline of Body
1. Clap, cross arms and slap thighs
2. Clap, slap left hand on right thigh, slap right hand on left thigh, clap
One step clapping pattern:
1. Clap hands to music or rhymes
2. Slap own thighs
Two step sequence
1. Clap own hands, slap own thighs
2. Clap own hands, tap own shoulders
3. Clap own hands, tap own head
Twp step sequence with repeat
1. Clap own hands twice, slap own thighs twice
2. Clap own hands three times, slap own thighs three times
Three step sequence
(same as two, but add another step)
Right and left hand Take Turns
1. Clap, slap left hand on left thigh; clap, slap right hand on right thigh
2. Clap, slap left hand on left thigh; slap right hand on right thigh; clap
Crossing Midline of Body
1. Clap, cross arms and slap thighs
2. Clap, slap left hand on right thigh, slap right hand on left thigh, clap
PUMPKINS for sensory integration
Carving pumpkins is one of the most natural, but most sensory experiences during the Halloween season. Here are some hints for your sensory kiddo:
1. EMBRACE THE GOO!! I know it's yucky, but love the pumpkin insides. HAve the child use his hands to grab the goo and pull it out. Even if its only once, celebrate the experience and move on to using a spoon or scooper.
2. Use punch outs or light bright pegs to create a pumpkin face. I suggest my favorites on my fine motor blog. Both type of "carving" allows for intense proprioceptive input and body awareness. In addtion, a nice jack o lantern is created!
3. Heavy work = clean up the mess. Have the child use a mop, broom, etc. to help clean up the pumpkin mess. Be sure to use the arms and hands to "scrub" the floor or table to allow for more input.
All of the above suggestions were and are used every Halloween in Austim early childhood, physical disabilities early childhood and overall developmental delay early childhood students.
1. EMBRACE THE GOO!! I know it's yucky, but love the pumpkin insides. HAve the child use his hands to grab the goo and pull it out. Even if its only once, celebrate the experience and move on to using a spoon or scooper.
2. Use punch outs or light bright pegs to create a pumpkin face. I suggest my favorites on my fine motor blog. Both type of "carving" allows for intense proprioceptive input and body awareness. In addtion, a nice jack o lantern is created!
3. Heavy work = clean up the mess. Have the child use a mop, broom, etc. to help clean up the pumpkin mess. Be sure to use the arms and hands to "scrub" the floor or table to allow for more input.
All of the above suggestions were and are used every Halloween in Austim early childhood, physical disabilities early childhood and overall developmental delay early childhood students.
Move & Dance
Put on your favorite music and dance with your child.
Let the child feel the way your body moves by holding him or her close as you move around. This body-to-body contact will stimulate concept development.
Encourage your child or imitate your movements on their own when they are ready.
Talk about your movements. For example: "I'm going to sway to this music." "I'm rocking." "I'm jumping and hopping around."
Most of all, just have fun by moving and enjoying the movements together
Let the child feel the way your body moves by holding him or her close as you move around. This body-to-body contact will stimulate concept development.
Encourage your child or imitate your movements on their own when they are ready.
Talk about your movements. For example: "I'm going to sway to this music." "I'm rocking." "I'm jumping and hopping around."
Most of all, just have fun by moving and enjoying the movements together
Raking Leaves - Heavy Work
HEAVY WORK TASK
Have your child help you rake and transport leaves as you rake your yards this fall. This is a heavy work activity that is easy to do and the benefits are worth it!
Have your child help you rake and transport leaves as you rake your yards this fall. This is a heavy work activity that is easy to do and the benefits are worth it!
Sensory Shakers
Cover old, clean containers (butter tubs, juice cans, plastic bottles, paper towel tubes, etc.) with different textures. You can use several different textures on each container if it is big enough. Put some kind of noise-maker inside (bells, beans, rice, popcorn kernels) and seal it tightly. Be sure to monitor the toy to be sure it stays sealed and don't let your child play with it alone.
Classic Shaving Cream
To help students with tactile defensivness, everyone enjoys trying shaving cream, foam soap or similar textured products. Children can play in shaving cream wtih toys (cars, blocks, etc.) without damaging them. I encourage pre-writing strokes and name writing in the cream as well.
Proprioception Fun
Jump on a mini-trampoline, play hopscotch, vacuum, carry books from one room to another, help wash windows or a tabletop.
Grocery Cart
A great walk to incorporate heavy work into a daily task is to allow your child to push the cart when in the store. It not only helps them learn body awareness and environmental awareness, but it works wonders for the sensory system toO!
Animal Walks
These are fun ways to walk that incoporate the sensory system and helps with modulation and awareness:
Frog Jump: Come to a full squat position with the hands on the floor outside of the knees. Jump forward, landing in the same position.
Puppy Run: Run forward with both hands and both feet on the floor.
Mule Kick From a squatting position with the hands on the floor outside the knees, shift the body weight forward to the hands and kick both legs backward.
Rooster Walk Strut forward with the knees stiff and the hands at the side of the chest. Wiggle the elbows like flapping wings.
Bunny Hop From a squat position with the hands on the floor, place the weight on the hands and hop forward with the legs; move the hands forward and repeat.
Ostrich Walk Bend forward at the waist and grab the ankles. Keep the knees stiff and walk forward moving the head in and out.
Birds Stand on the toes and wave outstretched arms slowly up and down. As the "wings" flap faster, run faster.
Galloping Horses Gallop forward placing both hands in front as if holding the horse's reins.
Seal Walk. From a position flat on the flor, push the upper body off the floor with the arms. Proceed forward dragging the legs behind.
Bear Walk. Bend over at the waist and touch the floor with the hands. Keeping the legs and arms stiff and the head up, walk forward in a crosslateral fashion (left leg, right arm, and so forth).
Found on: http://www.keystoneblind.org
Frog Jump: Come to a full squat position with the hands on the floor outside of the knees. Jump forward, landing in the same position.
Puppy Run: Run forward with both hands and both feet on the floor.
Mule Kick From a squatting position with the hands on the floor outside the knees, shift the body weight forward to the hands and kick both legs backward.
Rooster Walk Strut forward with the knees stiff and the hands at the side of the chest. Wiggle the elbows like flapping wings.
Bunny Hop From a squat position with the hands on the floor, place the weight on the hands and hop forward with the legs; move the hands forward and repeat.
Ostrich Walk Bend forward at the waist and grab the ankles. Keep the knees stiff and walk forward moving the head in and out.
Birds Stand on the toes and wave outstretched arms slowly up and down. As the "wings" flap faster, run faster.
Galloping Horses Gallop forward placing both hands in front as if holding the horse's reins.
Seal Walk. From a position flat on the flor, push the upper body off the floor with the arms. Proceed forward dragging the legs behind.
Bear Walk. Bend over at the waist and touch the floor with the hands. Keeping the legs and arms stiff and the head up, walk forward in a crosslateral fashion (left leg, right arm, and so forth).
Found on: http://www.keystoneblind.org
Taco
Taco
Child is rolled in blankets and rolled around on the floor.
This provides deep pressure input.
* Activities should be monitored by an adult to ensure safety.
Child is rolled in blankets and rolled around on the floor.
This provides deep pressure input.
* Activities should be monitored by an adult to ensure safety.
Chair Push Ups
Chair Push Ups
While seated in the chair, the child lifts body up and down using arms to support themselves.
* All activities should be monitored by an adult for safety.
While seated in the chair, the child lifts body up and down using arms to support themselves.
* All activities should be monitored by an adult for safety.
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