Put Time on Their Side
Planning is a skill many people struggle with so it’s a wonderful skill to begin teaching at an early age. Kids tend to live in the moment. Whether playing a game or watching a movie, all distractions fall away and they get absorbed in the sensory experiences they’re engaged in.
That’s fine, until children need to transition to the next thing or when panic sets in because time has run out. Planning is about picturing the future and making sure you have the gear you need to get what you want done. Making it a habit to plan out a day is a great way to build organizational skills in your young ones. Here are products that help:
Easy Daysies [1] is a magnetic daily planner that allows kids to move written tasks from one side of the board to the other as they are accomplished. This gives them a visual reminder of what’s to come and what has to be done. This concept also helps trigger feelings of success in children when something is completed.
Time Tracker Visual Timer & Clock
Planning is also about giving yourself enough time to complete a task comfortably. Some people habitually under estimate the time it takes to do something. That’s why we love products that introduce the concept of time lapse. Understanding and relating to the movement of time takes practice.
Products that can help kids learn vary from a simple egg timer to the Time Tracker Visual Timer & Clock [2] from Learning Resources. This multi-tasking timer has all the tools for transition alerts along with a clock, lights and sound effects. Use these tools and make a game out of your child guessing how long it takes them to do a routine task like brushing teeth or getting dressed. This will help them learn how long things take.
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So, take the opportunity to teach your kids about planning and give them (and yourself) the gift of time
Reviewed by Ellen Metrick, Director of Industry Relations & Partnerships, National Lekotek Center
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Ball Pit
Jump in and enjoy the soft play environment of the Air-Lite Ball Pit! Fill with balls or pillows to experience sensory integration, touch and gross motor therapies. For example, hide a soft object for the children to search and find. Roll, crawl, balance and jump in and out. Also perfect for quiet time, reading and speech and language therapies. Made from durable but soft flock material. Inflates in minute with high volume air pump. 2 Year Warranty. Weighs only 9.9 lbs. 46” diameter with 24” high sides. Holds 500 balls, sold separately. Adult supervision required.
Age 3+ Price: $339.99
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Explorer Dome
Conquer inner space with the Explorer Dome, an adventure tent that kids can use as a sensory getaway to calm down, read or just hang out. Free-standing dome sets up indoors or outside. Two fiberglass poles and pole sleeves make it easy and quick to assemble. Air flows through one large door with window, as well as a window on the back wall, and a small vent over the front door. Use for toy storage when your child ends the moon landing. 5’x5’ with interior height of 34”. Age 3+
Price: $19.99
www.amazon.com [7]
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Discovery Putty
Hide and Seek! Discovery Putty is the playful way to strengthen hands and improve fine motor planning. Stretch, mold and pull the putty until you find all 15 surprises — and then hide the pieces again. Animal Rescue features a bear, ladybug, monkey, frog, parrot, lamb, giraffe, fish, whale and alligator, hidden in brown putty (firm resistance). Grab the Goodies has fruits and 
[9]different chocolates, donuts, cookies, crackers and candies, hidden in yellow putty (soft resistance). Supports speech and color recognition as players identify each piece. High quality professional putty in convenient storage tins. Gluten, casein, latex and soy free. Safety-tested. CPSIA compliant. Not for mouthing or chewing. Adult supervision required. Age 5+ $12.99 each
Helpful Books for Parents of Children with Special Needs
The Complete Guide to Creating A Special Needs Life Plan
by Hal Wright
Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
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This book provides comprehensive guidance on creating a life plan to transition a special needs child to independence or to ensure they are well cared for in the future. Beginning with a vision of a meaningful life for the child, Hal Wright explains how to form a practical plan to reach these goals, how to mentor personal empowerment and task skills, and how to create circles of support to sustain a life plan. Amazon.com [12]
Toddlers on Technology
by P. Summers , Dr. A. Desollar-Hale, H. Ibrahim-Leathers
Author house
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An easy to follow guidebook from parents for parents. The book analyzes emerging scientific research on Digitods, while helping parents grab the reins of digital technology and exert control, so they can balance lessons their children learn in the digital world with essentional lessons in real life, concerning physical, social and emotional growth. Amazon.com [14]
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Shop [15]
Toy Ideas
- 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs [16]
- 9 Great Toddler & Preschooler Toys for Kids with Special Needs [17]
You May Also Like
- Toys“R”Us: Safe Play Tips for Children with Special Needs [18]
- The Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys [19]
- TOY Safety? [20]
- The Taming of the Toys [21]
- Language and Literacy Learning: Success With Technology [22]
- Interactive Technology May Be a Double-Edge Sword for Children [23]
- Digital Safety: An Ongoing Conversation [24]
- Life-Changing Apps for People with Disabilities [25]
This post originally appeared on our January/February 2014 Magazine [26]