Back-to-School with Better Supplies
The weather may not have gotten the memo, but we all know back-to-school time is arriving fast. While it’s an exciting time, there are tons of details to manage, especially for parents of children with special needs.
Now you can check a few items off your list. We’ve gathered some of the best adaptive school supplies to have handy. These items help with anything from focus to fine motor control and can be ordered through Amazon or Kaplan from the comfort of your home.
These are awesome choices to make your child’s school year start a little smoother, but it’s only a little snapshot of all the wonderful new tools and resources available. Please start by checking in with your child’s pediatrician or therapist about what items are best for your child.
Fidget Toys for Better Focus
Friendship Circle defines fidget toys as “self-regulation tools to help with focus, attention, calming and active listening.” A great “busy-hands” tool for children with autism, these items can range from homemade items to professionally-made therapy devices.
This tube and marble fidget toy is top-rated on Amazon. The stitching, compared to similar options, is a little sturdier. However, please note: this toy is best for older students. Many reviewers find the marble can be worked out (though it works back in easily) and may not be the best choice for younger students.
Excellent alternative fidget toys are these SandShapes. A pyramid, orb and cube in bright colors promise the same focusing aid as the above tubes, as well as opportunities to work fine motor skills and incorporate shape and color recognition.
Adaptive Art Supplies
A classic: thank you Crayola for the impressive volume of crayon options. These jumbo crayons are easier to grip than their smaller counterparts. Bonus: Crayola makes these in plenty of colors, and some are washable.
For writing in the classroom, pick up a few pencil grips. These jumbo grips help people who have difficulty with motor control better grasp writing utensils while teaching the appropriate position to hold the utensils.
Image via The Classics, Amazon
For a student with more advanced fine motor skills, Amazon even has a claw grip. It looks like a fun way to encourage proper grip. If you try one of these items, please let us know how it goes in the comments!
Classroom Chews
Does your student feel the need to chew often? Encourage kids to replace sleeves, lips and pencils with therapist-recommended silicone devices. Try these charming chess pencil toppers for classroom redirection. Reviews are good; most find these are durable and stand up to heavy use.
Image via GoGoChews, Amazon
Another option is the Chewy Tube. While great to address a sensory need to chew, some users have found it works well to practice proper biting and chewing skills. It comes in smooth and rough variations.
The best part? Both options are dishwasher safe.
Staying Seated
Sitting still is a challenge. Period. Amazon hosts plenty of seating adaptations or replacements to improve focus and core stability.
Try out this inflatable seat cushion or this bouncy band so that your child’s feet can fidget for more subtle classroom solutions.
Image via Gaiam, Amazon
If your environment allows for greater flexibility in adaptive choices, consider the tried-and-true stability ball. One neat update is the peanut ball. This version of a stability ball seat is an oblong peanut shape – designed to be a little more stable than the classic ball.
Other Options
If ordering from Amazon sellers has you hesitating, but you’d still like the convenience of shopping from home, head over to Kaplan. They have everything – the seats, the art supplies, the therapy objects, the study tools – backed by Kaplan’s good name!
Have you found other great back-to-school products? Let us know in the comments below so that other families can benefit!
These great tips are brought to us by The Greater Richmond ARC.