Our weekend project all started out with Michael saying he wanted to move his shoes from the laundry room to his bedroom. This one request started a domino effect that resulted in us cleaning his closet, the laundry room and his room. It also resulted in a huge amount of items donated.
As we did this, there were many items that found a new place in our home or a new purpose and this got me thinking how we all get used to things being a certain way or serving a certain purpose. We sort of just assume that the way things are, are the way they will remain, we don’t look to change them or see their other potentials.
Sure initially, I was thinking about that little stool that Michael used as a charging area for his electronics in his room that was repurposed as a really cute plant holder near a window, but what about other things? Like the items that we all have in our sensory bins? Can they be used differently? Maybe.
If you are like me, I would and will do whatever the therapist asks me to do to help Elizabeth, she is my daughter with special needs, specifically global dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder ( SPD).
I was and will always be happy to use a sensory tool in the manner that most helps Elizabeth at that moment. I am not a therapist, I do not always know what to do next. So I follow the guidelines given to me and I use the sensory tool or therapy tool will as instructed.
But what happens to it when the needs of your child change?
What happens to it when you do not need to use it in the certain manner it was originally meant for? Maybe the Slinky Pop Toobs, that are for fine motor work can be used differently, maybe for gross motor work with some nice two handed stretching.
I know in my blogs, I talk about some pretty fun, useful tools that are great additions to sensory bins. These sensory bins can get pretty big and pretty layered with items. And sometimes as I root through our items, I see one that makes me say Hey, I forgot about this guy!
I know this happens because new things come into play but what about using some time now to do a SENSORY BIN CHECK UP?
- Go through the bin you have now and take out all items.
- Take a moment to organize them into groups, like fine motor activities, gross motor, oral motor etc.
- Decide which ones are used currently.
- Take a moment to really look at the items you have not used in a while. Can they be used now? Differently? Can you ask your child’s therapist if they can serve a new purpose? If so, what? Can you keep them for future use?
- Ask your child’s therapist for ideas for new sensory items for your child. Please go on our site when it is time to shop for new items because we keep a great and current inventory.
Doing this kind of check up for your sensory items keeps them current and organized. With so many things going on for your special needs child, like therapy schedules, school requirements and pretty much just life, it can be easy to forget you have an item or tool. Not unlike us finding that belt in Michael’s closet that is now too small for him, that I totally forgot he had. So I offer that a review or check up of your sensory bin can be a great way to keep current!
So take a few minutes to visit our site and see what you think.
I wish everyone a peaceful week.
Michele Gianetti author of “I Believe In You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey” and “Emily’s Sister”
–
–
Special Needs Essentials Blog 