Check It Out! Products You Can Use: Toys That Teach Independent Play
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Independent Play
Cash Reader: Bill Identifier
By: Hayaku s.r.o.
Price: FREE
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Buzz Learns Yoga
Meet Buzz, a curious little bee, who likes to try new things! In this colorful children storybook you’ll learn new yoga poses along with Buzz the Bee and his animal yoga friends. Written by Kami Evans, founder of Elahi Yoga and Jackie Y. Lee this is the first released of a series of new yoga books.
Price: $12.00 From www.amazon.com
Toys that Teach Independent Play
Reviewed by AblePlay
Why is it so imperative to teach children, especially those with special needs, independence? The quick answer is that it allows them to become more self-reliant. Equally important, is that independence is the key to higher self-esteem and promotes a child’s ability to meet new challenges with confidence.
When it comes to playing there are two categories of toys that provide tons of fun and lots of learning. The first is building blocks. Many educational experts agree one benefit is that they allow children to feel and experience the act of creation. Plus, there’s no right or wrong way to use them, so a child is limited only by his or her imagination.
Add to that these benefits:
- Increases hand-eye coordination
- Enhances logical thinking
- Establishes spatial awareness
- Stimulates social capabilities by building with friends and siblings
- Encourages language skills by explaining creations
A great starter set by B. toys is called Bristle Block Spinaroos. What we like is that the blocks have interlocking bristles that easily connect on all sides. This allows even novices to become successful builders. Several 
spinning bases bring movement to the structures adding to the possibilities.
Before we leave the theme of independence we also have a great resource for introducing your child to remote control toys. Many children struggle with the complex systems used to navigate these toys. That’s why we like the Wheeee-mote Control Car again by B. toys. They have simplified the process into a simple button. Push down and hold to move forward, release and push again to put the car in a spin. Couldn’t be any easier for the kid just getting their learner’s permit. Another beginner feature is the car self adjusts to barriers and turns itself around when it hits a wall. This is a great confidence builder for children new to remote control devices but wanting some excitement and wheels of their own.
Independence takes many forms, and building structures as well as remote control driving are two ways to help a child of any ability call out, “Look, I can do it my myself!”
Related: Play the Building Blocks to Success
Magical Apparel Dressing Vests
Who does your child want to be today? Choose from 4 vests and engage in the magical world of pretend play — as a police officer, firefighter, emergency worker, or fairy princess. Children also practice dressing and fine motor skills with these vests featuring buttons, snaps, zippers, velcro and laces. Inside pockets hold optional weights for kids who need sensory input to focus and calm. Washable and size adjustable for ages 3-8.
Guess How I Feel? Game
An award-winning board game for inclusive play and social awareness! Kids draw their reactions to different situations and earn prizes for expressing their feelings and showing empathy. Each player takes turns sharing reactions to 50 situations shown on vivid photos — from riding a rollercoaster to getting ice cream to saying goodbye. A dry erase magnetic mirror with magnetic facial expressions and color markers are easy and fun to use, along with other drawing tools. 2-4 players. Age 3 to adults.
Inflatable Seating Cushions
Ideal seating to help children stay on task and cure the wiggles! Choose from a variety of sizes and textures designed to calm and focus. Wonderful for balance and posture too! Pictured here is the Spiky Tactile Cushion for extra sensory input. The spikes are 1/4” apart on one side and smooth, slightly raised “bumps” on the other side. The Versatile Cushion has extra height for comfort and fits smaller chairs with 12” diameter. Soft fur slipcovers are optional accessories.
NOTE: 5 sizes and textures available
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This post originally appeared on our July/August 2011 Magazine
