Homeschool Aunt Chaos

Post Prompt

May 6, 2025 Dae-dae

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

That’s a good question!

When I was a little child I would say it was Christmas. Mostly for the presents and the fact we would gather at my grandparents house for a big family celebration.

Then as a teenager, I would say it’s Halloween. One to annoy my parents and two because of the dark mystery mystic that the holiday draws out. That and the fact I love skulls and the color black 🖤

Now however while I still love Halloween; I am more excited to watch as my kiddos witness and experience each holiday. That is truly a blessing to watch as their eyes light up over gifts at Christmas or wanting to show off how many eggs they got at an Easter Egg Hunt.

Homeschool, Homeschool Tips, Learning, Resources

Sensory Time for Homeschooling

May 4, 2025May 4, 2025 Dae-dae

What Is Sensory Time?

A dedicated block of time (5–20 minutes, 1–3x/day) where a child engages in intentional sensory activities:

Calming (deep pressure, soft textures)
Alerting (spinning, bouncing, bright lights)
Organizing (heavy work, rhythmic movement)

It helps children:

Regulate emotions and energy levels
Improve focus and motor planning
Transition more smoothly between activities
Increase body awareness and coordination

Types of Sensory Activities (by Need)

1. Calming Activities

For overstimulation, anxiety, or meltdowns:

Weighted lap pads or blankets
Fidget toys or stress balls
Soft music and dim lights
Slow rocking or swinging
Tactile bins with rice, beans, or kinetic sand
Blowing bubbles or pinwheels (deep breathing disguised as play)

2. Alerting Activities

To help with sluggishness or inattentiveness:

Jumping on a mini trampoline
Chewing crunchy snacks (carrots, pretzels)
Brightly colored light table play
Messy play: shaving cream, slime, water beads
Loud singing or silly movement songs
Bouncing on a therapy ball

3. Organizing (Heavy Work)

To help kids “center” and prepare for learning:

Pushing/pulling laundry baskets or carts
Animal walks (bear crawl, crab walk)
Stacking and knocking down soft blocks
Kneading play dough or putty
Carrying a backpack with books for 5–10 minutes
Climbing stairs or an indoor play tower

How to Structure Sensory Time

Set a predictable time daily (after transitions or before focused work)
Keep a “sensory menu” with choices the child can point to or select
Observe and rotate activities depending on your child’s needs that day
Always supervise and adapt to sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant tendencies

Simple Weekly Sensory Time Rotation

Monday

Tactile
- Rice bin with scoops, nature texture board

Tuesday

Movement
- Trampoline or animal walk obstacle course

Wednesday

Deep Pressure
- Pillow sandwich, couch rolls, bear hugs

Thursday

Oral
- Blow bubbles, chew straws, crunchy snacks

Friday

Visual/Auditory
- Light table play, rainbow water bottles

Curriculum, Homeschool, Homeschool Tips, Resources, Special Needs Curriculum

Story Basket for Special Needs

May 4, 2025May 4, 2025 Dae-dae

What is a Story Basket?

A story basket is a small basket or tray that includes:

A living book (short and engaging story)
Tangible items related to the story (mini animals, felt pieces, nature objects, figures, sensory items)
Optional: visual sequence cards, printed illustrations, or objects that help with comprehension or storytelling

Why It Works for Special Needs Learners:

Supports visual and tactile learners
Helps with focus and engagement
Encourages language development (especially non-verbal or minimally verbal kids)
Aids comprehension and sequencing
Creates a predictable, calming routine

Example: “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” Story Basket

Book: The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Basket Items:
- Small stuffed rabbit
- Toy vegetables (carrots, lettuce)
- Mini garden fence
- Picture of Mr. McGregor
- Soft blue jacket (or fabric scrap)
- A small basket of real herbs (smell sensory)

How to Use It:

Let the child explore the items first.
Read the story aloud.
As you read, act out scenes using the props.
Invite the child to retell the story using the basket (with or without words).

Tips for Creating Story Baskets

Use simple stories with strong characters or actions.
Choose 3–6 meaningful items per basket—don’t overload.
Rotate weekly or by interest.
Encourage free play or storytelling using the basket after reading.

Homeschool, Planning Next Year, Update, Vintage Library Collection

Here’s the upcoming plan

April 18, 2025April 18, 2025 Dae-dae

I’m going to continue organizing and adding things here over the next few weeks. Going to try and get the Vintage Library Collection at least started beyond what I already have. Then over the next month or two as I put together next year’s curriculum I will be updating as I finalize each kiddos individual lessons, family subjects and our schedule. So stay tuned…