Yesterday, I wrote about starting a home program. Creating a therapy nook in your home, interacting with your child to help them progress and how much time per week is needed to see results (answer : not a lot!).
Today, I will show you my favorite furniture, toys and materials to get your home program started. These recommendations are based on starting a home program with a young child who is non-verbal or has limited language. Based on how you use the material, it could also be used for an older child or a child with more advanced communication skills.
Setting up your work space
You will need a children’s table and chairs for your work nook. I love this table and these chairs from Ikea and have used them year after year at my learning center. They are a wonderful height for young children, easy to clean and colorful. They are also lightweight and easy to move from one room to the next as needed. If you have enough space, I recommend you have a “work” table for table objectives and an “art” table for messier projects. This will help you divide up your work space and designate precise areas for your child within his or her space.
You will also need a carpet for floor work with your child. Below are some of my favorites.
For the Frozen fan :
For the child who spends hours playing with cars and trains :
Once you have your table, chairs and carpet in place you can start selecting your educational materials to begin your home program.
You will need :
A simple Memory game
to begin teaching matching and receptive language skills. I love this one because it features simple photographs of animals which are appealing to children and is great quality and durable (I’ve had mine for about 8 years).
3-4 wooden puzzles to build your child’s vocabulary. At my learning center, we love this Melissa & Doug vehicles puzzle, this farm sound puzzle
, this numbers puzzle
and this everyday objects puzzle
.
2-3 sensory materials to engage your child in sensory play. The children at Le Chemin ABA are big fans of purple kinetic sand, play-doh
and accessories
and washable finger paints
.
Paper, markers, scissors and glue to work on beginning drawing, cutting and gluing skills.
To build your child’s imitation skills, you will need a shape sorter, a wooden ring stack, a xylophone, a play hammer
and a hungry chef pig
!
You will also need a baby doll
to work on beginning symbolic play skills. I love this boy baby doll ! To play with your baby doll, you will need a cup, plate and spoon.
Good luck setting up your home program. Please let me know about your experience in the comments below. Have you tried these materials? I would love to hear from you and to learn about the furniture and toys you are using in your home program.
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