Sensational Products
A Tribute to Teachers
Reviewed by PSN
[1]Richard Lederer, is the author of “A Tribute To Teachers”. He attended Harvard University, earned a Ph.D in Linguistics from the University of New Hampshire and taught English and Media for 27 years. Known has a” verbivore” a word he coined that means one who enjoys words and wordplay, Richard Lederer has been elected International Punster. He is the recipient of the Golden Gravel of Toastmasters International, is a member of American Mensa and has written over 35 books.
A Tribute to Teachers is funny and light, yet educational, and speaks to the truth that teachers make a difference. The book addresses the low pay of teachers, who often work 10-12 hour days yet buy food and supplies for the children they teach. The Chapter entitled Student’s Say the Darnedest Things is so funny and The Teachers Dictionary is a must read.
A Tribute to Teachers is mixed with many funny chapters and is also laced with wisdom. This book is a gift for parents, teachers and those who want to become a teacher.
Price: $11.91
Amazon.com [2]
Without a Word
Reviewed by PSN
[3]Jill Kelly, the Author of Without a Word, is married to pro football Hall of Famer, Jim Kelly. She is a popular speaker featured in USA Today and McCall’s Magazine. She has made appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America and The Today Show. As Chairwoman of Hunter’s Hope, Jill helps families by raising awareness for Universal Newborn Screening.
Without A Word is about Jill & Jim Kelly when they learn their four month old son, Hunter, is diagnosed with Krabbe Disease, a fatal genetic disorder. The Doctor explains that Hunters’ life expectancy is two years. This is a chronological account of Hunter’s life, written by Jill Kelly who kept a journal of the brief eight and a half years of Hunter’s life. Told with stunning insight about a family with a marriage in trouble, a severely disabled son, and two young daughters to raise, it is the struggle to make things work when your life is in crisis.
I admire the honesty and courage of Jill and her family. Without a Word shows the reader that you can make a difference in your life and the lives of others.
Price: $14.99
Amazon.com [4]
Put a Positive Frame around the New School Year
[5]Returning to school means new classmates, new teachers and new experiences. This is a time of transition and transitions can be hard for many children, especially the young, and those with special needs.
Developing healthy relationships is one of the cornerstones of successful school years. So here’s some ways to make it easier for children to tackle this important issue.
Let’s begin with your child’s teacher. Before or during the first few days of school slip a photo of your child’s new teacher into a frame. Use this as a prop to teach your child their teacher’s name. Discuss the new things they will be doing in school and the role their teacher will play. This approach builds recognition, trust and expectation into the teacher/child relationship.
Moving on to relationships with fellow classmates, try framing a photo of their class. Have your child point out and name his or her fellow students. Relationship building starts with remembering a person’s name and this is an excellent tool to aid in retention. Oh and here’s a secret to share—advise your child to use classmate’s names often. It’s been proven that everyone loves the sound of his or her own name.
Amazon.com [6]
B-Calm GP Headphones
S
[7]upport classroom behavior and academic performance with B-Calm GP Headphones. Children hear optimized sounds that promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Recordings of natural environments range from “Sunday drive” to “Tropical Beach” and are designed to mask noises in the environment that can be distracting or cause discomfort. Also helps children participate in group activities, deal with stressful situations like going to the dentist, and get to sleep more easily. Headphones fit Ages 3- Pre-teen.
Price: $142.99
Sensa-tional Hug Tee
[9]Send you child off to school with a hug that lasts the whole day. Sensa-tional Hug Tees calm with deep reassuring pressure that feels like a hug, and are perfectly soft — made of organic cotton/spandex. Seamless and tagless too. Short sleeves with sneaker or flower graphic, solid white or blue. Long sleeves with a choice of motorcycle, bow tie, dino, flower, ice cream or rocket graphics, solid white or blue. Machine wash. Toddler to Adult sizes. To aid concentration and test-taking, a Weighted Compression Vest (sold separately) can be worn on top.
Price: $19.99
Time Timer
[10]Help children keep on task and understand “how much longer?” (even if they can’t tell time) with the teacher-tested Time Timer. Children can “see” time move as the red disk dissolves with the passing of each minute. The Time Timer is perfect for setting time limits, managing transitions and training kids to make the best use of the time available. Use blanks (sold separately) to personalize the timer for each child. A wristwatch version is available fortweens and teens on the move.
Price starts at $30.99 NOTE: 3 sizes available
Weighted Lap Pad
[11]Weighted Lap Pads are perfect for children who have the “wiggles.” The soothing weight provides a gentle reminder to stay in place. “Helps settle down my daughter when she is having difficulty focusing on table activities,” observes one family. Another parent said, “My son loves this so much at school, I have to purchase a second one for home…to calm him before going to sleep.” Choice of washable slipcovers — Luscious Blue Fur or Zebra Fur or Blue Fabric.
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Read More Products You Can Use [13]
Toy Ideas
- 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs [14]
- 9 Great Toddler & Preschooler Toys for Kids with Special Needs [15]
Game Ideas
- A Round-Up of Educational Free Subscriptions, Storytime, Ebooks, And More [16]
- 10 Board Games for a Great Special Needs Game Night [17]
- Brain Games for the Season [18]
- Infant Games Grows Brains [19]
- Social Games in Shallow Water [20]
- Got Pool Games? [21]
- 7 Sensory Games Dads Can Play With Their Children [22]
- What’s “APP”ening? Fun & Educational Game Apps for Children with Special Needs [23]
You May Also Like
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- Toys“R”Us: Safe Play Tips for Children with Special Needs [25]
- The Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys [26]
- Are Too Many Toys & Games Hurting Your Child’s Health? [27]
- TOY Safety? [28]
- The Taming of the Toys [29]
- Language and Literacy Learning: Success With Technology [30]
- Interactive Technology May Be a Double-Edge Sword for Children [31]
- Digital Safety: An Ongoing Conversation [32]
- Life-Changing Apps for People with Disabilities [33]
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2011 Magazine [34]