Tag: Autism

Homeschool, Homeschool Tips, Learning, Resources

Sensory Time for Homeschooling

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

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:

  1. Let the child explore the items first.
  2. Read the story aloud.
  3. As you read, act out scenes using the props.
  4. 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.
Curriculum, Homeschool, Learning, Special Needs Curriculum

Sy-la-dot

Dae-dae

Sy-la-dot is a newer curriculum that I just came across. It was created to help children with disabilities such as autism and dyslexia. This curriculum is in progress of being created or added to the site.

Math currently there is only level (K-2)

Cursive Program (2-3)

Typing Program currently there is only level (3)

There is also a Reading Program that can be purchased for about $60.