Make-N-Take Adapted Puzzle
Adding knobs to puzzle pieces provides an easy grip for children to play with the puzzle independently.
Materials:
• Bag of wooden knobs purchased in a hobby, art, or hardware store
• Self-adhesive Velcro strips
• Wooden or heavy cardboard puzzle with large pieces
Directions:
1. Choose a location for the knobs that will avoid covering the puzzle pictures.
2. Cut pieces of Velcro the size of the knob.
3. Place the smooth side of the Velcro on the puzzle.
4. Always secure the Velcro with a firm push, or heat with a blow dryer.
Talking Photo Frames can be adapted be used as a beginning augmentative communication device. The lid of the photo frame is used as a switch to activate the voice. Attach a picture or texture symbol to the top with Velcro to represent a simple message.
Materials:
* Radio Shack Voice Recording Photo Frame
* Hot glue stick
* Stick-tac or other putty used for holding posters on a wall
* Adhesive backed loop Velcro (about 6 inches; cut lengthwise)
* Adhesive backed hook Velcro (about 3 inches; cut lengthwise)
* A picture or texture symbol
Directions:
1. Cut a slice of the hot glue stick about 1/2 inch thick with a pair of scissors.
2. Fasten the slice of hot glue to the lid of the photo frame with stick-tac so that when the frame is closed, the glue stick pushes on the play button and activates the recorded message. Note: Move the slice of hot glue when you do not want the switch to activate accidentally. For example, in a book bag.
3. Place a 4 inch piece of loop Velcro beginning on the top of the lid, folding back on itself and ending on the bottom of the lid. This makes a flap that will fold under the frame and attach to a small piece of hook velcro on the bottom. The purpose of this flap is to fasten the lid loosely shut, leaving enough space so that lid can move up and down to activate the play button.
4. Use a piece of loop Velcro on the top of the switch to fasten pictures and/or texture symbols. Attach the hook Velcro to picture side. Use hook Velcro on the bottom of the switch so that several may be attached to a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet mounted to a piece of wood, table or wheelchair tray.
Talking Picture Frame by Linda J. Burkhart, http://www.lburkhart.com
Make your own long lasting dough! Color it in seasonal colors and add essential oils or peppermint or vanilla essence to create vibrant asensory experience.
Materials:
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 cups water
4 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup cream of tartar
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan. Cook and stir over low/medium heat until the play dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. Allow to cool slightly, knead the play dough and store in an air tight container or zip lock bag. Add Kool-aid or food dye to add color.
Are you looking for effective yet inexpensive sensory stimulation toys? Here are several different “sensory bottles” that can be made using empty soda or water bottles.Fill an empty plastic soda or water bottle as described below to create a quick and easy sensory experience! Send us an email to let us know how they work for you, or if you have any other ideas you want to share.
* Lava Lamp Bottle: fill 1/2 water and food coloring, and 1/2 baby oil. It produces a lava lamp effect when shaken.
* Snow Globe Bottle: fill half with water and half with corn syrup. Add glitter, beads, paper clips etc. The corn syrup makes the glitter fall slowly for incredible visual effects.
* Object Reveal Bottle: fill with rice and small objects like dice, small toys, paper clips etc. As you roll the bottle, different objects will come to the surface to be discovered.
* Sound Bottle: fill with beans, popcorn kernels, and/or rice to produce a variety of sounds.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you tightly secure the bottle cap before giving one to a child. You can use hot glue or duct tape to make sure the bottle is leak proof.
For all of you Boardmaker enthusiasts, have you seen the web classes offered by Mayer-Johnson? A coworker called last night raving about the one she had just finished. They are FREE! Check the complete web class listings here at The Yellow School Bus Tour.
