Toys Bring Back to School Success
As summer is ending and the back to school ads are starting to appear, it’s time to get organized for a successful new school year. The fun and games don’t have to end because school bells are ringing!
Schedules, transitions and new experiences can be challenging, but establishing a routine is one key to eliminating meltdowns. Create a “school hub” by the door complete with a combination calendar, magnet and dry erase board to keep track of important dates, events and papers for school. Include wall hooks or create cubbies for backpacks and other school supplies to keep track of everything.
Help the morning rush to get out the door by preparing lunches, 
[1]backpacks and even laying out clothes the night before. Making this an evening routine with your kids also provides quality time to prepare and discuss the next day’s events.
Promote Independence
Promote independence for your child’s morning routine by using products like the Time Tracker [2]by Learning Resources [3], Time Timer or On-Task-On-Time Timer by Timely Matters which help boost confidence at the 
[4]start of the day.
Leave a trail of notes or other surprises for your child in their lunchbox, backpack and workbooks to put a smile on their face during the school day. Write things as simple as “I love you” or include a humorous reminder of desired behavior like, “Listening ears keep you in the clear!”
Finally, feed your child’s sensory needs with innovative products like weighted binders and backpacks from Covered In Comfort, unique writing instruments from The Pencil Grip and fidget toys from the Therapy Shoppe.
[5]
Reviewed by Ahren Hoffman, Manager of Industry Relations & Partnerships, National Lekotek Center.
Helpful Books for Parents of Children with Special Needs
[6]
The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs
by Amanda Morin, Adams Media
Children with special needs who succeed in school have one thing in common–their parents are passionate and effective advocates. It’s not an easy job, but with The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education, you will learn how to evaluate, prepare, organize, and get quality services, no matter what your child’s disability.
This valuable handbook gives you the tools you need to navigate the complex world of special education and services.
8 Keys to End Bullying: Strategies for Parents & Schools!
[8]by Signe Whitson, W. W. Norton & Company
Many books have peered into the psychology of bullying, but few have been able to synthesize what we know into 8 simple, targeted “keys” that equip educators, professionals, and parents with practical strategies to tackle the issue of bullying head-on.
Adults can learn and implement many techniques including establishing meaningful connections with kids, creating a positive school climate and more.
Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers? Please fill our form describing your product. We are happy to review your product. Visit https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/submit/product/ [10] for the form.
Read More Products You Can Use [11]
Game Ideas
- A Round-Up of Educational Free Subscriptions, Storytime, Ebooks, And More [12]
- The Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys [13]
- 10 Board Games for a Great Special Needs Game Night [14]
- Brain Games for the Season [15]
- Infant Games Grows Brains [16]
- Social Games in Shallow Water [17]
- Got Pool Games? [18]
- 7 Sensory Games Dads Can Play With Their Children [19]
- What’s “APP”ening? Fun & Educational Game Apps for Children with Special Needs [20]
Toy Ideas
- 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs [21]
- 9 Great Toddler & Preschooler Toys for Kids with Special Needs [22]
You May Also Like
- Toys“R”Us: Safe Play Tips for Children with Special Needs [23]
- Are Too Many Toys & Games Hurting Your Child’s Health? [24]
- TOY Safety? [25]
- The Taming of the Toys [26]
- Language and Literacy Learning: Success With Technology [27]
- Interactive Technology May Be a Double-Edge Sword for Children [28]
- Digital Safety: An Ongoing Conversation [29]
- Life-Changing Apps for People with Disabilities [30]
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2014 Magazine [31]