#LDchat Archive
Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
Wednesday July 13, 2016
12:00 PM EDT
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It’s play time! Welcome to today’s LD Chat. This is Dan w/ the Understood team. is once again joining us this week!
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We’ll be talking about sensory systems, sensory processing issues and toys!
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And we’re excited to have OT and toy expert Keri Wilmot () cohosting today. Feel free to ask her any questions throughout.
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As brand names may come up in this conversation, please note that Understood does not endorse any particular brands.
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Hi Tina! So great to have you joining us today. How's the weather in VA today?
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Yikes. Stay inside today. :)
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., would you like to tell us a little about what you do?
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work takes care of that for me. Lol
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So happy to be here with you all! Thanks !
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Hi Keri! Great to have you wih us today!
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We'll be starting in a minute to allow for some folks to settle in.
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. I've been a pediatric OT for 17 years working with kids with sensory issues and I write a lot about toys!
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As always, we’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
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Tina thanks for joining us!
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Love OTs and the wonderful work they do!
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Q1. Which toys can be helpful to a child who lacks body awareness (understanding where his body is in space)?
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Toys r SO important to their development :)
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we've used body socks swings and really stretchy hammock. Would love more ideas
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A1. Kids with poor body awareness like “seeking sensory input” through joints, playing by climbing, pushing & pulling.
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very good question! Anxious to hear about toys that help w this development. My K/1st grade students cld benefit!
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So how would a child with poor body awareness present, Keri?
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A1. Look for yoga balls, yoga pose games, hippity hops, tunnels, lifting/carrying heavy stuffed animals or balls and bean bag toss
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Great! Feel free to ask any questions directly.
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hmm. Do this is why he constantly moves my furniture around then
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Do you think it is important to use outdoor playground equip. outside the regular scheduled recesses?
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A1. They also like small ball pits, vibrating massager toys/pillows, lycra body sox, swings, bikes/ride-ons, and mini-trampolines
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especially to help with the noise levels?
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Q2. Which toys can promote self-regulation and calm and focus, and how?
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those are easy to find! :) Great suggestions!
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A1. Kids also like Mr. Potato Head, Twister, action figures with mix and match parts, hammering toys and musical instruments
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Most definitely, it helps kids build strength and body awareness. It's a good physical outlet.
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hammering is a BIG hit here with kiddo. Mom and Teachers not so much
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my kids LOVE We have Yoga every Tuesday & Thursday. It is amazing to witness the calmness within my kids
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A2. Toys that help kids calm include Playdoh, Kinetic Sand, sand/water/rice tables, coloring/painting yoga cards, bubble toys
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Swings were very calming and non intimidating.
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A3 quiet background music helps my boy as well as weighted items / small spacrs
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How do some of these toys work to calm kids with sensory processing issues?
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I think as teachers we r "Afraid" to give kids "extra recess" time, but in reality it is so beneficial!
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A2. For kids with need to calm they might also like Worry Eaters, monster toys they feed their worries to by drawing pictures.
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Q3. What kinds of toys are best for kids who seek tactile or touch-based input?
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At parents prompting r school added a sensory break room kids can take 10 - 15 min in as needed. Huge help 4 my son
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Many of these toys give kids a positive outlet for energy, which helps them self-regulate and be more organized
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That's terrific! We'll be asking about sensory rooms in a few minutes.
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living in Iowa :) We use corn too! My kids use small cars/tractors, cups, spinning wheels, etc.
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A3 porcupine balls, sand paper covered blocks, any water play, gak, slime, ice
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A3. Kids who like tactile input enjoy Bunchems, toys w/ magnets like Magformers, resistive putty, Floof, Kinetic Sand, Sands Alive
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Sometimes you can get a lot out of objects that are "local" to you. :)
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Exactly! Those are great ideas!
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Yes, sensory motor breaks are needed many times per day!
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A4 oh and shaving cream. We go through lots of shaving cream
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Q4. Which toys can be helpful to a child who has difficulty with movement?
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no idea all one does is move. Lol
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A4. Kids who don't like movement need to feel safe! Instead of swings, look for cruiser bikes w/ a low center of gravity, scooters
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One more question to go...
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A4. Or make sure your swings are low to the ground where they can rest their feet and feel secure.
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A3 Not a toy really but I enjoyed playing with rocks and crushing them.
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Q5. What are must-have items when creating sensory rooms or spaces – and why should those items be included?
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my son loves those kits where you dig fake dinosaur bones out of rock hard dirt blocks. Same sort of thing I guess
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A4 roller blades and skateboards were difficult so I learned to roller skate first. I would recommend it.
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A5. To keep costs down look for versatile toys for sensory rooms, get storage bins/shelves to organize the room
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A5 bubble light or lava lamp. My kid finds them hypnotic / soothing
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A5. A yoga ball, cocoon type swings/hammocks, mini-trampoline, soft foam mats, large pillows/bean bag chairs
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Any final thoughts before we wrap up?
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., sensory toys can sometimes be hard to find. Where are the best places to look for them?
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A5. Small tent, blanket fort or appliance box. Some kind of tight space
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A5. Small inflatable pools that can be filled with plastic ball pit balls, scooter boards, tunnel
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I get most of mine used from e-bay or make my own. Buying new is almost always too expensive
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I've located sensory toys on Amazon and in OT catalogs for my classroom
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. to find sensory toys check party store bins, sporting good stores and learn to love online shopping!
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Some really great suggestions today! Thanks so much for joining today’s chat, and a special thanks to Keri Wilmot for cohosting!
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Join us next week as we discuss advocacy with expert Kelli Sandman-Hurley, author of Dyslexia Advocate!.
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You are right! Amazon and catalogs are great resources! Less driving around!
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A5 Noise machine like psycholigists offices have to filter out noise.
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Thanks for having me! This was so much fun!
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what do you suggest for K & 1st graders that r always chewing on things or putting things in their mouth
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Items that can be safely put on the end of their pencil to chew or chewlery jewelery
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It does get expensive quickly doesn't it? You are lucky you are crafty!
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I have tried the chewlery, but it was a 1st grade boy and not too excited abt that :(
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where do u find the chew things that go on a pencil? I like that idea! :)
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Sometimes I suggest parents include extra crunchy healthy snacks and a bite-down valve water bottle n their lunch
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Amazon or OT catalogs, google "chewable pencil toppers" and you might find some you like!
