For my learning-themed sensory bin I added beach kinetic sand (which is the closest to playground sand, but without the dust), Lakeshore’s Translucent Letters, and a variety of miniature items, each of which corresponds to each letter. Kids can play in the sensory bin in any way they’d like, but one of the things they …
May’s theme is SPACE! To go along with the theme I added black tinsel pom-poms to my sensory bin with space bouncy-balls (which are no longer sold), a moon ball, and these planet stress balls. I’m very cautious about bouncy-balls and never put them into my prize box since they’re such a terrible chocking hazard …
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 Here are some ideas for using animal miniatures in speech & Language treatment You can …
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 …
“Tune In” time (instead of “time out”) is a part of the evidence-based discipline strategies from No-Drama Discipline by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel (professor of psychiatry) and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson (pediatric psychotherapist). I’ve combined this idea with the Zones of Regulation by giving my patients a place to calm down while sorting through their …
