” Some students benefit from using a weighted pencil, all of the writing time or sometimes. The extra weight gives a little extra proprioceptive input that alerts the student to the fact that s/he is holding something and gives them a bit extra information about where the pencil is, in their hand.” – OT Tools for Public Schools
We talk a lot about how the schools treat our kids, and I thought this graphic was a terrific snapshot of understanding what special education looks like in the U.S.
“Frequent movement breaks boost learning by stimulating sensory receptors, increasing oxygen intake, and getting excess energy out in a beneficial way. Having an opportunity to move is especially important in helping students get ready for classwork requiring sustained attention and at times of transition from one activity to another.”
Fun Activities that Boost Focus and Performance at School
Book: Writing Measurable IEP Goals and Objectives
Amazon Description: A guide to quick and effective writing of accurate and measurable IEP goals and objectives. IEPs are necessary, required by law and when done properly can be extremely helpful in guiding the student’s educational trajectory. This book, written by two of the foremost special educators and IEP legal experts is designed to bring you up to speed whether you’re just entering the field or have worked in it for years.
“Without intervention, these children may slip through the cracks, performing poorly at school and suffering from depression and anxiety. Learn how to help your child with SPD at school, and give her the tools for success.”
Have a Sensational School Year: Help Your Child with Sensory Processing Disorder at School
Book Review: Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions That Build Success
Having a school-aged child with sensory issues is difficult. How can you talk to your child about the sensory problems he’s been having and what to do about them? Arnie and His School tools is written from Arnie’s point-of-view, explaining how he has a hard time sitting and concentrating in school. Using basic sensory tools that help kids focus in classroom settings, Arnie explains how fidgets, chewy pencil toppers, weighted vests and other tricks make him feel better.
MY TWO CENTS: Arnie is a short picture book that offers a great way to begin the dialogue of sensory tools at school with your child and what will work best for him or her.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
“For all students with disabilities, regardless of race, over 400 districts suspended 25% or more of these students.”
Shocking Suspension Rates for Students with Disabilities in School
Book: Making Friends Is an Art!
Amazon Description: Meet Brown the least used pencil in the box. He s tall, geeky and lonely. Brown envies Red, Purple, Blue and all the other pencils who have fun coloring and playing together. Dark Green is trustworthy, Pink listens well, Orange has fun, and everybody likes Red! Brown doesn t smile very often because he doesn t get used much and hardly ever needs sharpening. When Brown asks the other pencils why no one likes him, he discovers that to have friends, he needs to be a good friend. If Brown learns to use all of the friendship skills the other pencils have, he can make friends and have fun too! In her trademark humorous fashion, author Julia Cook teaches kids of all ages (and adults too!) how to practice the art of friendship and getting along with others. Included in the book are tips for parents and teachers on how to help children who feel left out and have trouble making friends.
For the book, click here.
For more information about Sensory Processing Disorder, visit The Sensory Spectrum.
Book: No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-Of-Control Behavior
Amazon Description: Author of the award-winning Social Skills Picture Book series, Dr. Jed Baker offers parents and teachers strategies for preventing and managing meltdowns. His 20+ years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, combined with his personal experiences raising his own children, have yielded time-tested strategies, and results!
Dr. Baker offers an easy-to-follow, 4-step model that will improve your everyday relationships with the children in your life: 1) Managing your own emotions by adjusting your expectations, 2) Learning strategies to calm a meltdown in the moment, 3) Understanding why a meltdown occurs, and 4) Creating plans to prevent future meltdowns.
For the book, click here.
For more information about Sensory Processing Disorder, visit The Sensory Spectrum.
Book: The Worst Day of My Life Ever! (Best Me I Can Be)
Amazon Description: RJ has a rough day. He wakes up with gum stuck in his hair, misses recess because he’s late to school, earns a zero on his math homework and messes up Mom’s kitchen. With his mother’s help, RJ learns that his problems happen because he doesn’t listen or pay attention to directions.
Author Julia Cook’s new book shows RJ as well as all K-6 readers the steps to the fundamental social skills of listening and following instructions. When RJ learns to use these skills the right way, he has the best day of his life!
For the book, click here.
For more information about Sensory Processing Disorder, visit The Sensory Spectrum.
The Sensory Spectrum 