SENSORY SQUISH TOYS MULTIPLE FREE

Offer as support when child shows signs they need oral stimulation.Things that are safe and designed for chewing and mouthing like chewable jewelry, silicone toys, etc.Tip: Lanterns are better than flashlights because they don’t produce a beam of light which could be irritating to eyes-both the eyes of the child you’re serving as well as to nearby children. Watch for: inability to see other supports you’re using when lights dim, signs of fear or disorientation when lights dim, whining, crying, etc. Offer lantern to gently illuminate area around child during dimly lighted portions of the experience.Watch for: signs of boredom, looking closely at other toys, turning head while exploring toys, etc. Offer books to look at, whiteboard to draw on, lighted toys, toys with motion like a water drip toy as a fidget toy or in addition to other types of fidget toys.Watch for: humming, tapping, cupping ears, etc. Offer sound-producing toys like a gentle rain stick so a child can stimulate their ears gently-especially when the room is quiet.Watch for: whining, hiding, escaping, holding ears, pushing people away, etc. Try saying, “It’s a hug for your ears,” to help kids get used to the gentle pressure from the headphones. Our rooms can be noisier than some kids can handle. Try noise-reducing headphones anytime a child appears distressed and you’re not sure why.Watch for: blinking, squinting, tearing, covering eyes, hiding, etc. Offer sunglasses if a child shows signs that the lighting in the room is distracting or harsh for them.Tools to add a little light if the lighting in your room dims.Tools to add a little sound when the general noise of the room has quieted.Items that will support the audio-visual needs of the kids you serve.

Place on wall and have child lean on them.Kids can take off shoes and stomp on squishy toys for lots of grounding input through their legs and feet.

Playfully say something like, “Can you make a pancake out of this?”

Try placing foam squishy toys on the ground and encourage a child to push down on it with both hands.

Watch for: leaning on other kids, stomping, pushing, pinching, seeking rough-and-tumble play, etc.

Offer when a child needs something appropriate to get deep pressure from.

A good outlet for deep-pressure sensory seekers.

Items like gel-filled or foam squeeze toys.

Dry erase board and markers also work well as a fidget/focus toy.

SENSORY SQUISH TOYS MULTIPLE FREE

Offer when it’s time to transition from a preferred activity to a different one (such as when free time is over and it’s time for sitting and watching a movie, or when it’s time to transition from the hall with parents into a LifeKids room).Offer when it’s time to keep a calm body.Watch for: whining, leaving, escaping, touching others, etc. Offer when a child seems bored, disinterested, or is having trouble keeping hands occupied.Things that help keep a child’s body and mind calm and focused.Items a child can work with while they listen to videos or attempt to participate in group activities.Small toys or other items that can be held and experienced with a child’s hands.Here are the types of toys you’ll find in the bin and the needs they support. When you find something that works, keep it with you each weekend so it’s ready when you need it!įor some specialized items, find the Sensory Support Items Bin at your campus! Grab a drawstring bag from inside it, and fill it with a few items that will help support the child you’re serving. Pay attention to which items help the child you work with to regulate and calm, and which ones stimulate them. Many toys you’ll already find inside LifeKids rooms also make wonderful sensory support toys. Many everyday items make great sensory toys. They may also help a child to focus by offering their mind something relaxing to do while they listen. Using calming sensory toys and comfort items can help bring a child out of their fight-or-flight state. They may deal with a dysregulated sensory system which could manifest as fear, physical pain, defiance, irritability, and/or discomfort from the unusual noise, movement, textures, and lighting of our rooms. Many of our special LifeKids deal with issues that make it hard for them to pay attention or feel relaxed in stimulating environments. Tips for Using Sensory Toys and Comfort Items

Sensory squish toys multiple