For my Superhero-themed June sensory bin I got Goo Jit Zu Marvel Minis and put them in Orbeez (I had some individual packs that I combined, but I’ll use the big seed pack for the future). Kids love these Orbeez! I only get them once a year (because they bounce EVERYWHERE and crush into mush) …
Here are the themed sensory bins I’m using each month. You can see what materials I’m using (and even get links to the materials) to make each bin for yourself. Ways to Use Sensory Bins in Speech & Language Treatment January February March April May June July August September October November December Here are some …
My patients and I are loving this new sensory wall! It’s renter-friendly, too! I ordered these sensory circles, which stick to glass and plexiglass, but can be removed and replaced. I got a 2-foot-by-3-foot frame and glitter vinyl to put into it (the vinyl was really difficult to work with and I recommend glitter cardstock, …
Before COVID-19 I kept a sensory tub. I would change the filling every month and my patients would use it to help their regulation as we worked. Now that I’m more concerned about the kids sharing germs (which was already a concern since some kids inevitably put parts of the sensory bin into their mouth …
A “weighted lap buddy” is like a small weighted blanket in the form of a stuffed animal. These help kids who have trouble sitting in their seats, kids who feel nervous, or even just kids who love stuffed animals! You can find weighted lap buddies for $40 – $50 on Amazon, but I wanted to …
With this Zones of Regulation tool the child either uses 2 pillows and hits them together or hits a pillow against a bed, chair, or sofa. This tool is great for the red zone, which I’ve found is particularly challenging for kids who have witnessed domestic violence. These kids often fear their own anger, but …
This is honestly the tool I use most often. These cushions are like magic for children who have trouble sitting still like those who have ADHD or are just more active. Each cushion has 2 sides: on is bumpy and one is smooth. They usually come with a pump to inflate them and I like …
With so many of my patients now vaccinated I wanted to make sure I had lots of supports to help them sort through their emotions about the ongoing pandemic, continued inconsistency, and returning to in-person appointments. So I created a “tune-in corner” (though I usually just call it a “quiet corner,” but I’m using it …
I’m constantly reminded that bubbles and pinwheels are therapeutic. Not just because children love them, but also because both blowing bubbles and pinwheels and popping bubbles forces deep breathing and mindfulness. I love using bubbles with children who are having difficulty staying in the calm and ready-to-learn green zone. Since the pandemic started I’ve yet …
I’m noticing that children who were born shortly before the pandemic are taking longer to warm up to me than the 2-year-olds I’ve seen prior to “these unprecedented times”. So I’m implementing the same rules I use for children who are demonstrating signs of anxiety, such as those with selective mutism: talking is rewarded, but …
