Category: Kids

Children's Books, Education, Kids

2 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Children’s Books – ADHD and Dyslexia

Erin Sluka

There is a new series called SEN Superpowers. The series celebrates the positive traits associated with a range of common SEN (Special Education Needs) specialties, boosting the confidence and strength-awareness of children with those conditions, while also allowing for better understanding and positivity among their peers. This series is by Quarto.

Someone has been stealing food from Snowball, the classroom pet bunny! Can Izzy use her SEN Superpowers to track down the culprit and save the day? SEN Superpowers: The Classroom Mystery explores the topic of ADHD.

When I was younger they called it ‘spacing out’, ‘rude’ or ‘unable to pay attention’. We know ADHD to be a superpower now and in this series the focus on one task helps a classroom pet.

When Sammy’s group loses their map on a camping trip, can he use his SEN Superpowers to save the day and lead them safely back to the campsite? SEN Superpowers: The Map Challenge explores the topic of dyslexia.

Words are only a part of a story. There are challenges and advantages to dyslexia and this story shines on both for Sammy.

These 2 books are available now on Amazon and more information and locations for purchase at Quarto!

Kids, Toy Reviews

Freestyle Drawing and Tracing with SmART Sketcher

Erin Sluka

At 11, Anthony loves to draw. In particular, he likes to take his favorite video game or TV characters and make art as well as learn to draw. When I saw the SmART Sketcher I loved that it was so portable and the lighting was excellent for displaying the traceable images. But, it was the fact that Anthony can take any image he wants from photos we take to images he finds online and turn them into traceable art that has him hooked.

Freestyle drawing is for the talented, but smART Sketcher is for those who want to draw and need the guidance. The app that accompanies the projector and allows you to grab from your phone images is free and works on iOS and Google devices.

There are over 50 pre-loaded activities (on an included micro SD card) within the projector itself and the app is a great way to navigate through those activities. Image uploads are only one of many ways to use your projector.

Anthony is very much into the Season 3 of Stranger Things since it’s release this week, so he wanted to find images to draw such as this one with Steve in his ice cream shop which is a scene from the show.

The projector comes ready to draw and also with 20 sheets of paper and some colored pencils. Step-by-step instructions guide small hands through the entire process. 

Available Now at all major retailers (Amazon, Target, Walmart, QVC and more) Ages 5+. MSRP $59.95.

Kids, Reviews, Toy Reviews

Oops Scoops, is a sweet new ice cream stacking game from YULU!

Erin Sluka

The first game a child plays are stacking games. From blocks to play cups they love to stack until it all comes crashing down. They are testing limits, learning to strategize and with it and then comes shapes and space. When they have grown out of blocks, what a better stacking toy than scoops of ice cream!

Oops Scoops is a fun stacking game that challenges players take turns stacking the ice cream scoops on ‘Oops’ the ice cream cone. Players compete to build the tallest ice cream tower, but beware, ‘Oops’ the shaking cone, can shiver to make the stacking even more challenging and causing the tower of scoops to topple.

The scoop has a lever that spins and tells you how many scoops you have each turn. It is rated for ages 4+ and requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). In no time they will be attempting to stack as the cone shifts and vibrates. If that is too challenging for them, turn off the vibration mode or play ‘Pass the Cone’. Game options are in the included instruction booklet.

For more information on YULU check out YULUtoys.com. Oops scoops can be found at Target stores in the US. Coming soon to Canada.

Kids, Parenting

July 4th Tips for Sensory Issues

Erin Sluka

The Early Learning Center at Meeting Street in Providence is prepared for the 4th of July with these tips for sensory issues from Emily Lennon, Registered Occupational Therapist.

If your child is sensitive to noise:
Stay further away from the fireworks display so that you can see them with less noise from the booms and the crowd. Wear noise-cancelling headphones or ear plugs, if your child tolerates them.Let them listen to their own music with earbuds while watching the fireworks.
If your child is sensitive to visual input:
Wear sunglasses to watch the fireworks.Stay further away from the crowd so there is less visual stimulation.
If your child is sensitive to touch:
Bring a chair or blanket (such as a weighted blanket) to sit on so they are not touching the sand or grass.Sit away from the crowd so they are not bumped unexpectedly by people in the crowd.
To calm your child:
Engage another sense
Your goal may be for the child to attend and tolerate the event rather than pay attention to the ceremony and use of a fidget spinner, stress ball, or clay/playdough during the firework display will provide a distraction.
Give deep pressure
Before the fireworks begin, do wheelbarrow walking, tug of war, wear a weighted backpack or another activity that is resistive to calm and organize.  Following these types of tasks, the child is more likely to handle stress/excitement.Have the child sit between 2 people to “squish” themWrap a blanket tightly around the child
Prepare your child:
Have the child watch a video about fireworks ahead of time so they know there is loud noise and sudden flashing lights.Write a social story about the sequence of the day and what happens during a firework display.
Give them some control:
Have them watch for a particular color and count how many there are during the displayHave them say what color they see i.e. red is for firetruck.  With the delay of sound from the flash of color to the boom, they might be talking and not hear the sound as much.
Be prepared:
Have some calm/relaxing time prior to firework display.  If the day was busy and chaotic, the child will be less able to handle the noise, late bedtime, etc.Have snacks, drinks, jackets, etc.  If your child is comfortable, they will be able to handle the stress better.Have an escape plan.  Be at the edge of the crowd for an easier get away.  Know the signs of overstimulation and meltdown and interfere/leave before it happens.  If possible, have enough adults so that one can go to the car with the distressed child and distract/play music until the event is complete.

These tips offered by Emily Lennon, Registered Occupational Therapist, who has 30 years of experience working within the pediatrics field, specializing in early intervention, outpatient, and school based settings. In addition, she is certified in Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests.