Toys can build connections between kids with special needs and their peers.
July 24, 2014 at 6:30 AM Leave a comment
“Inclusion” is a popular word used around children with special
needs. It reflects the emotional need of every human being to be
included and the desire to share experiences, and there is perhaps
no better place to put the concept of inclusion to work than through
toys and play.
Hot categories of toys this year are electronics, plush, arts and
crafts and sports, so let’s explore what’s new in these areas and
how they can bring kids together.
Electronics
Electronic toys are getting more interactive, intuitive and realistic, and children
of all abilities can play together with these better-than-ever techno-toys.
Beamz Interactive Music System
($349.95, http://www.thebeamz.com) is breaking the
rules on making music, and Bluetooth capabilities
make the latest Beamz player even more accessible
than its predecessor. This music maker is great
for multiple kids to play together and includes 20
songs to jumpstart rocking fun musical experiences.
The Home Play Bundle includes 10 activities
and lots of information on how making music with
others can contribute to fun and togetherness
with family and friends.
Creative Baby i-Mat My Animal World
($29.99, http://www.creativebabyinc.com) might look like just a mat,
but it is much more! The i-Mat teaches language and learning as
babies interact and explore on the interlocking foam floor tiles,
with a visual array of global animals just waiting for a touch of
the talking Voice Pen to activate learning games. Languages
available are Mandarin Chinese, English and Spanish, and the
mat includes two games and exploration exercises.
LeapFrog My Pal Scout
($34.99, http://www.leapfrog.com) is a seriously cute, interactive puppy that
helps kids to team up with each other and have literacy adventures.
Trained to know five board books, Scout asks more than 70 comprehension
questions that motivate kids to develop reading skills. When played
with friends, this dog becomes a great leader of the pack.
Spin Master Zoomer
($88.97, http://www.spinmaster.com) is another new breed of robotic canine
companion. Disguised as a darling Dalmatian, this eager-to-please
pooch is a great playmate to help kids polish their communication
and language capabilities. Realistic and just waiting for a command to
speak, sit, lie down, roll over or shake, Zoomer understands English,
Spanish and French. Kids love to take turns training this little guy,
and might not realize how much they are learning, too.
Plush
Children of all abilities can benefit from the interaction and enjoy the soft, soothing
sensation of having a plush buddy there whenever and wherever they need it.
Folkmanis Piggy Puppet ($27.99, http://www.folkmanis.com) is part of a line that has perfected
the balance of realism and being über cute. Equipped with a lifelike sounding grunter that
activates with a squeeze of his pot belly, this cuddly little porker will have kids rolling on the floor
laughing as he comes to life with a workable snout, mouth and front trotters. Puppets are a great
tool to help kids express emotions and share experiences through pretend play together.
MI Toys MILO Bear ($199, http://www.milobear.com) was designed with the idea that all children
learn differently. Children of all abilities can use this buddy bear to explore language and physical,
social and emotional development. MILO is filled with opportunities to communicate, interact, develop
and have fun together. His colorful, kid-friendly pockets feature MILO’s Smart Logos that align with eight
different ways that kids can be smart.
Senseez Furry Pillow ($39.99, http://www.senseez.com) is a plush pillow built to comfort kids
who need sensory stimulation and feedback. The pillow vibrates when pressure is applied through
squeezing, sitting or lying on the pillow. It’s perfect for kids who need sensory input to focus during
homework or while playing a game with another child.
Arts and Crafts
Working with art projects lets kids’ creativity take the lead and is a great way for kids to
interact with each other socially while working cooperatively together or independently
on separate projects.
Creative Adventures Sand Art Kits
($16.99, http://www.creativeadventureskits.com) combine the sensory element of sand with the fun of
crafts. Kids can create with 12 vivid colors of sand and can use templates provided to make their
own original designs. Easy-to-understand instruction cards provide suggestions for basic techniques,
plus six special effects for more sophisticated artists.
Glittertoos
($15.95, http://www.glittertoos.com) combine the fun of temporary tattoos with the sparkle of
glitter. Young kids can express their style and entertain themselves and their friends by
choosing an outline, filling it in with glue and then using a paint brush to add the glitter
onto the skin. Children of all abilities love sharing this experience with siblings or friends,
and the long-lasting tattoos are a great reminder of the good time had by all.
Sports
Physical activity is good for de-stressing and calming kids, and helps them maintain focus after getting out some energy. These products will help get kids of all abilities moving.
Spooner Boards ($44.95, http://www.spoonerboards.com) combine the balance of a skateboard
with the gliding of a surfboard. Kids can balance and guide these cool boards indoors or
out on carpet, grass, gravel or cement while polishing their moves and building balance and
Strider Bikes ($109-$169, http://www.striderbikes.com) pedal-less bikes are an easier way for
kids of all abilities to master the first skills of riding a bike. Children push with their feet and
move forward then gradually lift their legs and coast for as long as comfortable, building their
confidence and balance. Great way for a new biker and a pro to cruise the sidewalks together.
Waboba Water Balls ($7.99-$9.99, http://www.waboba.com) are amazingly versatile balls
that were designed to bounce and skip off water. Kids can play in knee-high to waist-deep
water to enjoy these animated spheres of splashing fun. Moving through water takes more
energy, so kids get a healthy workout, and this is a fun activity for all abilities to do together.
This article was written by Ellen Metrick, Director of Industry Relations & Partnerships for the National Lekotek Center. Lekotek is a not-for-profit and leading authority on toys and play for children with disabilities. Lekotek is dedicated to providing children of all abilities access to the benefits of play experiences. Visit www.ableplay.org for a complete listing of toys for children with special needs. Follow us on Facebook!
Source: Parenting Special Needs, Spring, 2014 http://issuu.com/nationallekotek/docs/spring_2014/30?e=5110735/7320529
Entry filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: ableplay, children with disabilities health, Children with Special Needs and Parties, friendship children with disabilities, kids, Lekotek, play, Play therapy, Power of Play, summer, toys.
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