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PLAY Pen Article
My Other Brother Daryl
An ironic look at special education from TASH Newsletter, December 1987. "A Case For Teaching Functional Skills". A well-written cautionary tale that teachers should read.
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Occupational Therapy: Self Feeding: The Doidy Slanted Cup
By: Renata Bursten, Dragonfly Staff
It can be a messy business, learning how to drink independently. Try bringing the Doidy Slanted Cup into the bathtub filled with something tasty. Children relax when they know that spills don't matter, making learning easier. The slant allows parents to see exactly what their children are doing, and offer gentle assistance if needed.
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PLAY Tip
Sound Puzzle Box Ideal For Children With Down Syndrome and Other Special Needs
Shape sorters present a special challenge for a cognitively young child or a blind child. Here are some time-tested techniques for teaching shape fitting and matching.
Start playing by dumping the pieces out of the Sound Puzzle Box. Place the pieces in upside down so that they 'squeak' on the way out. Beginning with dumping builds the initial recognition of the objects 'belonging' inside the box, initial grasping skills, and cause and effect .
Next, cover all holes but the circle. Show the child how to put the circle piece in to the circle hole. When the circle is mastered, use the other shapes. Next offer two holes and shapes, then three.
This technique lets children choose from a manageable number of possibilities.
This toy does not require sight, and the pieces are a good size for most children.