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This trampoline in the picture is just one type of the variety that are available for both therapy and GenEd classrooms.

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Students who are experiencing a lack of vestibular sensory stimuli feel the need of movement linear and rotary. If they do not have the chance to add movement they may have negative behaviors or break downs. The trampoline is an independent activity that provides the sensory input for some students.

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This trampoline can be used for students up to 250lbs. The black trampoline is listed for $500.

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Fitness Trampoline - Spin Rock Bounce Sensory Toy | TFH Special Needs Toys USA

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Designed with a larger jumping surface including extra-wide padded mat. Very comfortable to use and has a quiet cushioned bounce. Comes with arched legs that provide stability and resist tipping for added safety. Also has a handle bar for added stability with 6 adjustable height settings: 30”, 32”,34”, 36”, 38”, 40”. Weight limit: 250 lb.

Model 250 Specs

Black powder-coated 39” frame with a 35.5” Permatron jumping surface with overlapping petal pads

EnduroLast 2 elastic cords – tested to millions of bounces

FlexBounce Ready offers the ability to upgrade to the EnduroLast 3 and 7 adjustable tension setting cords

Virtually silent and wonderfully smooth, cushioned, yet lively bounce

Over 40% reduction on impact as compared to traditional rebounders

Arched legs provide stability and resist tipping for added safety

Comes with handle bar for added stability

JumpSport Fitness Trampoline Model 250 weighs 22 lb.

Weight rating: 250 lb

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Amazon provides a cheaper option, however it is important to look at reviews of items and safety precautions such as a hand rail and padding around the springs. This specific trampoline is for ages 3-6 years old. This trampoline is retailed for $75.

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The trampoline provides a great sensory option for students inside or outside. However it does take up room in any environment and may require storage room as well. This product should require supervision depending on the age of the student.

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Students who may need a chewy necklace are students with an decreased awareness of oral sensory. Oral fidget toys can come in many different shapes and sizes but the necklaces provide an extra sense of safety because students should not be able to swallow the toy or drop it then resume putting it in their mouth.

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Another word for a Chew Necklace can be searched by Chewelry. This pack is 4 necklaces for $12 on amazon.

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The Chewelry's can be unique to each student by their interests, favorite colors, or preferred textures. The range of prices on the Autism Resource website is $7-$18.

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Chewelry Chewable Jewelry for Autism and Special Needs Kids

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Check out our Chewelry chewable necklaces and bracelets for kids, teens and adults with autism and special needs. Safe and durable with a huge selection!

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Within a preschool 4/15 students use a type of chew fidget during Circle Time. Student B uses the Lego Chew Necklace pictured upon, however he has bitten through and ripped two of these necklaces this school year. The necklace does provides the sensory stimulation the student needs instead of chewing on his clothes or metal jewelry necklace. The necklaces are easily washable and dry quickly to store day to day.

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Lava Lamps come in many different colors, sizes, and power options (battery or plug in). Lava Lamps provide a cheaper and classroom friendly alternative to Bubble Tubes, as found in the Ashland University Calming Room.

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Lava Lamps and resources similar are used for a visual sensory need. Some students may need the colored light in a dark corner because they are overstimulated with big lights in a classroom. On the opposite side of the spectrum, students who are seeking for visual stimuli may stare at the lamp for its color and slow movements. The lamps may provide a calming sensation and reduce aggressive behaviors.

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Target provides many color options. These specific lamps plug into an outlet and include a light bulb. Regularly the Lava Lamps are $25 and on sale they are $17.

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14.5″ Geometric Monochrome Lava Lamp - LAVA: Modern Decor, Electric Powered, No Assembly, for All Ages

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Read reviews and buy 14.5" Geometric Monochrome Lava Lamp - LAVA: Modern Decor, Electric Powered, No Assembly, for All Ages at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

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The website LAVA Lamp provides many options for both a GenEd and therapy classroom. An educator has the option to customize their own lamp through this website for $40. Another option is purchasing a lamp for about $20.

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The Original Lava Lamp Company | Fun Decorative Lighting

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The Original Lava Lamp company is an iconic brand that has been around for over 50+ years. Shop our wide selection today, or design your own lamp!

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The Bubbler is a supplemental resource that may be used for one unique student that requires the stimulation more often. Within the field Student D uses a similar Bubbler as found on amazon for $12. The Bubbler is small and easily used during Circle Time without causing a distraction of peers.

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Noise Canceling Headphones come in different sizes and colors. They are used for a variety of things but within a school the headphones are used for students in a particular loud environment such as the lunchroom, gym, or the bus.

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Students who use the noise cancelling headphones are overstimulated by noises. They may be alert to every small noise made which causes behaviors or melt downs. Another indicator that students are overstimulated by noise is when students hold their ears, shake their heads, or begin to yell.

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A noise cancelling headset such as this one is a minimal design for teens. The headset is $25 on the Therapy Shoppe.

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Therapy Shoppe® Noise Reduction Headsets are a helpful sensory tool that are designed especially for older children, tweens, teens, and adults who have auditory defensiveness, hearing sensitivity, or for those who are hypersensitive to environmental sounds or noises. These stylish, noise-reducing headsets feature a 26 decibel rating, are comfy, lightweight, adjustable, and they fold up to fit inside purses, desks, or backpacks. This subtle, slim-design headset is socially acceptable and more discreet than other sensory earmuffs. A helpful sensory diet tool for school, travel, or out in the community.

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Noise Reduction Headsets | Anxiety and Stress Reducers | Noise Reduction Headsets from Therapy Shoppe Noise Reduction Headset | Junior-Sensory Earmuff | Noise-Sound-Auditory Sensitivity | Hypersensitivity | Autism

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Noise Reduction Headsets - Anxiety and Stress Reducers - Noise Reduction Headsets from Therapy Shoppe Wide selection of noise reduction headsets, sensory earmuffs, junior earmuffs, and other helpful noise reducing sensory tools for autism, auditory defensiveness, hyper sensitivity to sound / noise, and 1000's of other unique special needs products.

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These headphones are the basic design that is more popular in a school setting. The headphones can be bought for classroom used and cleaned between each use or purchases individually for a specific student. If the purchase is for independent use many different color or pattern options are available. Although fun and interesting patterns or add ons are available for the headphones it must be considered what may be distracting for peers. (Such as cat ears that are too large or headphones that light up)

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Students who need to use the headphones may not like the sensory input they get from wearing the headphones on their head. Students who use the headphones are able to still hear their surroundings but the intensity is decreased. Headphones are a great classroom resource but must be able at a moments notice if the student is showing signs of sensory overload, this is not a resource that is worn all day long in most scenarios.

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Sensory Bins is a broad definition. These bins can range from purchased tables that hold different materials including water, plastic totes that educators can keep in their classroom, or as simple as a water bottle container filled with objects that can move. Sensory bins can be made to fit into a lesson or a theme within the classroom.

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Sensory bins can be a UDL activity for all students to get sensory input while being educational. They can also provide tactile sensory for students who lack the stimulation in day to day activities. The bins can be incorporated into the classroom schedule or used as a reward/intervention for those that need it.

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This is an IceCream Making sensory bin made for indoor use.

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This sensory bin relates to the Fall theme in a classroom. It is a store bought sensory table that has two different sections.

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This picture is from an event that I started in my home county for children with disabilities. In this sensory table we have donated corn for children to play in with toy tractors and animals. Another station we had during this event was a dirty animal wash station. Hidden animals in Oreo dust needed to be found and washed off in water with toothbrushes.

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This two-way table is $200 from Lakeshore Learning. Lids sold separately for the tables.

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2-Way Sand & Water Table

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Set up a sand & water exploration center anywhere…with our handy, space-saving table! The perfect introduction to cooperative play, it has two big plastic tubs that let children play side by side…and the tubs lift right out of the rugged, rustproof aluminum stand for easy cleaning. Assembly required.

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The wooden sensory table has different storage bins and includes the table toppers for $100 on Amazon.

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wingyz Kids Table for Play Study Dining Toys Storage, Sensory Tables for Toddler, Activity Table with Storage Bins Birthday Gifts for Boys and Girls

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Buy wingyz Kids Table for Play Study Dining Toys Storage, Sensory Tables for Toddler, Activity Table with Storage Bins Birthday Gifts for Boys and Girls: Tables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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Sensory Bins are a universal resource that can be adapted in any classroom based on student needs. The ideas when creating a bin are endless. The only negative is items being placed in the bin should be monitored for allergies, such as nuts/seeds, cinnamon, or latex.

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Essential oils could be used in any classroom no matter the size. An appropriate diffuser would only need to be purchased once and the oils can come in a variety pack. Each scent has its own benefits; lavender and chamomile is a calming scent, orange reduces anxiety, or lemon improves concentration and mood.

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I have personally used this essential oil pack. It has a good variety of scents for different occasions. From amazon the 6 pack is $10.

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Essential Oils Set - Top 6 Blends for Diffusers, Home Care, Candle Making Scents, Fragrance, Aromatherapy, Humidifiers, Gifts - Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Orange (10mL)

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Amazon.com: Essential Oils Set - Top 6 Blends for Diffusers, Home Care, Candle Making Scents, Fragrance, Aromatherapy, Humidifiers, Gifts - Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Orange (10mL) : Health & Household

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NOW Food provides a pure oil choice and has many different scents. These 1oz. bottles are $5 each.

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NOW Orange Essential Oil contains 100% pure Orange Oil. This refreshing essential oil has a fresh, sweet orange aroma. Shop Orange Oil with NOW Essential Oils.

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Students who are under responsive to olfactory system may crave a smell or try to smell dangerous things. Creating a safe environment where you can meet this sensory need is important for these students. Using a diffuser provides a controlled system and may benefit everyone in the class.

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There are many diffusers in different shapes and sizes. Diffusers have different light and air flow settings such as this one. From amazon they have a wide range of options but this on is the "Best Seller" at $40.

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Visit the Store, ASAKUKI ASAKUKI Visit the Store

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Buy ASAKUKI 300ML Essential Oil Diffuser, Quiet 5-in-1 Premium Humidifier, Natural Home Fragrance Aroma Diffuser with 7 LED Color Changing Light and Auto-Off Safety Switch-Light Brown: Diffusers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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As someone who uses a diffuser personally, I enjoy changing the oils to fit what is needed. The diffuser I had purchased on Amazon is easy to clean, holds a good amount of water before refilling, and it can be set on a timer. A diffuser can be used multiple ways in a classroom and depending on the season different scents would be more beneficial. Educators must be causious on student alergies and overpowering the room to those who are sensitive.

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A weighted vest is similar to a hug for one student. They come in a couple different sizes but use velcro to fit snug to each students body type. A vest is a independent option that is monitored by an educator or therapist.

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This website has vests for $50 in multiple sizes. The vests come with different weighted inserts to make each vest unique to the students needs. This vest comes in navy.

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WEIGHTED - Sensory Compression Vest for Kids with Processing Disorders ADHD and Autism Calming and Supportive with Adjustable Weight Fit

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Customizable Weighted Feel – Every child needs something different which is why these sensory weighted vests feature front and back pockets that let you add or remove the ½ or ¼ lb. sand bags to support their individual needs. (Sizes: Large, Meduim and Small have 2 pockets in the front and 4 in the back - Sizes: X-Small and XX-Small have 2 pockets in the front and 2 in the back)
Soft, Breathable, and Supportive – Designed to wrap comfortably over the shoulders and around the midsection our weighted vest for kids lets them move, play, and experience life with natural mobility while staying cool and relaxed on the go.
Home, Travel, and Classroom Use – Our versatile sensory weighted vest can be worn wherever and whenever your child needs to calm down or feel more in control, including on long car rides, in class with friends or teachers, or out running errands.
Supporting Kids of All Sizes – Special Supplies sensory compression vests come in five versatile sizes to fit your growing child including XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large. All in a gender-neutral Navy for boys or girls.
Calming, Therapeutic Sensory Vest – This compression vest for kids with sensory issues helps relieve stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions caused by ADHD or autism, so your child can feel more focused, calm, and relaxed around others.

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This vest is green for about $45 on Amazon. It also comes with removable weights, velcro, and in multiple sizes.

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Visit the Store, SENSORY4U SENSORY4U Visit the Store

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Buy Weighted Vest For Kids - Adjustable Compression Vest (Small for Kids Ages 2-6) Six Removable Weights Included - Breathable Snug Fit Design: Sensory Motor Aids - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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The weighted vest provides stimulation to students who needs the sense of touch. Most sensory seekers need the extra weight a vest provides so they can focus and eliminate outburst behaviors. The vest also provides proprioceptive sensory needs for students who need body awareness. The vest may provide a sense of safety and calming for a student.

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I have had limit use with this vest but I do sleep with a weighted blanket. A student periodically uses a weighted vest during the school day with strict rules. He can wear the vest for 20 minutes then has to have 2 hours without. The therapists and parents had to give consent to use the vest during the school day without a therapist present.

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A bean bag is a low cost option to providing a safe seating option in a classroom. Most teachers have bean bags for independent reading or in a calming corner. The bean bags vary in sizes and colors.

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Students who have proprioceptive sensory needs may use a bean bag to move around safely when sitting. The student can lay on their belly, have a soft crash landing, and move their body parts (hitting and kicking). The bean bag also provides a calming sensation for students who need to have a safe and welcoming seat.

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This bean bag is $50 on Amazon. The bean bag vinyl to make for easy clean up if there was an accident in the classroom, especially with young students.

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30-day refund/replacement

This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.

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Child Bean Bag Chairs by Better American Products - Kid Sized Baseball Style Vinyl Bean Bag Chairs Perfect for Game Rooms and More (Blue)

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Better American Products child and kid sized vinyl bean bag chairs are the premier bean bag chair trusted by teachers for decades. They are now available to the general public! Say goodbye to flat bags and ripped seams. The products offered by Better American Products are BIGGER and BETTER! This ...

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This bean bag is in the shape of chair and provides more stability. From school outfitters the chair is $115.

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Cali Big Bear Bean Bag | School Outfitters

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The Cali Big Bear Bean Bag by Sprogs is great for cozy reading nooks, common areas or private study spaces. With it’s lightweight design and built-in grab handle, the Cali Big Bear Bean Bag is easy for students to pick up and move as needed. The durable nylon cover is resistant to water, stains, tears and abrasions and features a handy storage pocket, while the shape-retaining foam bead filling contours to the body every time for ultimate comfort. Double-stitched sides and child-proof zippers prevent the the filling from leaking. Choose from several fun colors. GREENGUARD Gold certified for quality indoor air.

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This bean bag is also known as a pea pod. On amazon the seat costs $65. The pod comes with an electric air pump. This type of bean bag seating takes up more room in a classroom.

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Finger Painting is a hands on activity that can used in any grade and for all students. Finger painting or drawing can use paints, shaving cream, rice, or gel in a controlled environment. The finger painting may be more common in younger classrooms such as preschool but provides an engaging activity to practice any subject.

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Finger Painting provides a UDL activity for students who need the hands on engagement a tactile activity provides. This activity provides the stimulation that students need to function and stay organized.

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A picture like above uses the child's finger to paint leaves on a tree using washable paint and paper.

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This example uses shaving cream to write a students name. The shaving cream can also be colored for making art. Shaving Cream can be purchased from Walmart or Amazon for about $2.

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From Walmart a 3 pack of washable paint is $10. Different sets of color options are available from most stores.

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Crayola Washable Fingerpaint Set, Toddler School Supplies, Preschool Supplies, 3 Bright Colors, Child - Walmart.com

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Buy Crayola Washable Fingerpaint Set, Toddler School Supplies, Preschool Supplies, 3 Bright Colors, Child at Walmart.com

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Some problems that this activity may cause is young students trying to eat the paint or shaving cream from their fingers and some students do not like the texture or feeling. Students who get overstimulated may act out when asked to touch the materials, providing a spoon or Q-Tip will allow the student to complete the activity without touching the product.

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A bean bag provides a good alternative seating option. The bean bag should be used as a safe space and a calming technique. The bean bags come in a wide variety of options and can fit into any size classroom. The prices also vary but a good bean bag can be used for multiple years.

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Brain breaks can be done multiple ways including stretching, yoga, youtube videos, or playing a game.

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Depending on the brain break will determine what sensory need is being met. Using Brain Break youtube videos in a classroom allows all students the vestibular and visual sensory that they may need to regain focus educationally.

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Danny Go is a widely popular preschool and young grade Brain Break channel on Youtube.

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"danny go" "kids songs" "kids shows" "silly songs" dannygo "danny go go" "children's songs" "children's music" "song for kids" "songs for kids" "songs for ki...

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Music! Dancing! Learning! Bears! 🤸🏻‍♂️🐻👨🏻‍🔬💃 "Danny Go!" is a live-action educational children's show filled with music, movement and silliness. Created in 2019 by 3 childhood friends in Charlotte, North Carolina, the show inspires learning and off-the-couch exercise for kids ages 3 to 7.

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Koo Koo is another channel available on YouTube.

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koo kanga roo dance kids music childrens elementary school educational brain break party dino stomp pop see ko dance "koo koo kanga roo" "pop see ko" milksha...

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We are Koo Koo. A dance duo from Minnesota. Come see us on tour. https://linktr.ee/koo_koo Love, Bryan & Neil.

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GoNoodle is a website that provides videos for teachers. A free account can be made or you can pay for a premium subscription.

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This website provides more Brain Breaks other then just videos including physical movement around the classroom. For older students games such as Heads Up 7 Up, Magic Island, SPARKLE, or Silent Ball can also be used as a brain break.

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Brain Breaks Can Be Quick!
Click here to read more posts like this!
Do you use Brain Breaks with your students? You should! This amazing guest post about from pediatric occupational therapist Loren Shlaes was so popular that I decided to follow it up with a list of Brain Breaks for kids! These are great to use anytime your students are feeling restless and are struggling to pay attention, and easy to slip into your lesson plan. Most of these will only take a few minutes, and then you can get back to the lesson with your students ready to focus on the lesson at hand. Check out all our Games!

20 Brain Breaks You Can Use Today!

5-4-3-2-1 In this simple game, students stand up and the teacher (or leader) has them do five different movements in descending order.

For example the teacher would say: "Do five jumping jacks, spin around four times, hop on one foot three times, walk all the way around the classroom two times, give your neighbor one high-five (pausing in between each task for students to do it).

1. Trading Places Have students stand behind their pushed-in chairs. Call out a trait, and everyone who has that trait must change places with someone else (students who do not have the trait stay where they are). Examples: "Everyone with curly hair." "Everyone who ate cereal for breakfast." "Everyone who is wearing stripes."

2. Six Spots Number six spots around your room from 1-6. Have students each go to a spot of their choice. Choose a student to roll a die (if you can make a big one out of foam, it adds to the fun). All the students at the number rolled must go back to their seats. Students that are left go to a new spot, and the die is rolled again. Continue until only a few students are left. You can click here for a digital dice you can project! Here's another way to roll a brain break!

Have you tried Minds in Bloom Unlimited? Sign up for a free trial and choose 3 Brain Break Activities of your choice!

Be sure and check out our new blog post: Brain Breaks for the Online Classroom
TAG: Brain Breaks

1. Mingle, Mingle, Group! In this game students mill about the classroom saying, "mingle, mingle, mingle" in soft voices until the teacher says, "Groups of 5," at which point the students must quickly group themselves into groups with the correct number of people. Students who are left over must do three jumping jacks before the next round starts. The teacher can call out any number for the group size. You can also add rules such as: as soon as a group is complete, all members must sit down in a line.

2. Dance Party! Put on some rockin' music and dance! If you can make the room semi-dark and have a black light or other special effect, your kids will love it!

3. Freeze Dance! Similar to Dance Party, except that every so often the music stops, and students must freeze and hold the position they are in until the music begins again.

4. Name Moves Students stand behind their chairs. In turn, each student says his or her name accompanied by a special movement. For example a student might say, "Kayla!" while dramatically dropping to one knee and doing Jazz Hands. After the student does his or her move, the rest of the class says the student's name in unison and imitates the move. Then it is the next student's turn.

5. Keep It Up Students must keep a beach ball from hitting the ground. Add two or three balls to make it even more fun.

6. Simon Says An oldie but a goody!

7. Movement Songs Sing a song with whole-body movements, such as, "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," "Father Abraham," "Toe-Knee Chest-Nut," "Shake Your Sillies Out (Raffie)," "Grand Old Duke of York," "My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean," etc.

8. Recorded Movement Songs Older students might enjoy a simple Zumba routine, YMCA, or the Macarena. Littler ones will love Sesame Street's A Very Simple Dance to Do.

9. Animal Pretend Younger children will enjoy pretending to be various animals (or even objects such as lawn mowers or airplanes). Call out a few in sequence.

10. Would You Rather Ask a "would you rather" question and have students show their choice by moving to one end of the room or the other. Have a few kids share why. Here are 20 free "Would You Rather" Questions to get you started.

11. Find It Fast Call out a color or other trait (e.g. something round, something made of wood), and students must find an object in the room that fits the trait and get to it quickly.

12. Physical Challenges Challenge students to do something physically difficult, such as standing on one foot with arms extended, or this one: Grab your nose with left hand, and grab your left earlobe with your right hand, and then quickly switch so that your right hand is on your nose and your left hand is grabbing your right earlobe. Yoga poses could also be a good variation.

13. Plates Give each student a paper plate. Students must walk around the room balancing the plates on their heads. If a student drops his or her plate, the student must freeze until another student picks it up and places it back on the student's head (while keeping his or her own plate in place, of course).

14. Line Up! Have students line up using a specific criteria, such as age (use day and month, not just year), height, alphabetically by middle name, hair length, etc.

15. Limbo All you need is a long stick and a pair of kids to hold it. Music is nice, too.

16. Human Knot Divide students into groups of about eight students. Have students each grab right hands with someone who is not directly next to them. Then do the same with left hands. The challenge is to untangle and become a circle without releasing hands.

17. Jump Skip Counting Have students count by twos, fives, tens etc. while jumping with each count. You could also practice spelling words this way.

RANDOM Brain Break Chooser!

Brain Breaks to the Rescue!

Whether you're teaching 5th grade or kindergarten, brain breaks belong in your daily routine and can significantly boost students' mental health, focus, and overall classroom experience.

These short, engaging activities are perfect for providing a much-needed mental break, especially during long periods of instruction. With a wide range of ideas (I mostly used 4th grade brain breaks!) available, it's easy to find activities that cater to different interests and energy levels.

As educators, it's essential to keep our classroom ideas fresh and engaging, and incorporating these brain breaks can be a game-changer for indoor recess or as a quick pick-me-up during the school day.

By making time for these rejuvenating exercises, you'll create a positive classroom environment that helps your students develop healthy habits for managing stress and maintaining focus.

So go ahead, give these brain breaks a try, and watch your students flourish both academically and socially!

What's your favorite Brain Break? Leave it in the comments!

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Brain Breaks - 20 awesome ways to energize your students FAST!

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Brain Breaks Can Be Quick! Click here to read more posts like this! Do you use Brain Breaks with your students? You should! This amazing guest post about why kids need to move from pediatric occupational therapist Loren Shlaes was so popular that I decided to follow it up with a list of Brain Breaks for kids!

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Brain breaks is a universal resource that can be used at any level or at home. Providing students the opportunity to move and have fun in the classroom will allow you as an educator to gain more focus during a lesson. As an educator you should provide enough room in your classroom set up for students to be able to move.

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Stepping stones are used usually for younger students. The "stones" can be used outside or inside based on the environmental room available. The stones can be placed in any pattern that fits to each need, two next to each other similar to a walk pattern or in a line for balance.

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Students who need more vestibular sensory stimulation may use the stepping stones to get more movement and a challenge for balance.

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The stepping stones can be purchased from Amazon for about $60. There are many shape options as well as material. The stones can be made from plastic such as this example or made like a bean bag.

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From Special Supplies this stepping stone train is $100 and provides more sensory stimulation with balance.

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20-Piece Stepping Stones for Kids, Indoor and Outdoor

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Promote Balance and Coordination – This 20-piece stepping stones set promotes physical activity and active play, inspiring your child to jump, stretch, climb, and balance for full-body exercise.
Bright, Colorful Blocks – Our kid’s stepping stones come in five gender neutral colors for boys and girls to play alone or together, including yellow, red, blue, orange, and green.
Indoor and Outdoor Play – Special Supplies balancing blocks are durable enough to be enjoyed almost anywhere! Their rugged nature and rubber slip-resistant bottoms make them safe for carpet, tile, and grass.
Kid-Friendly, Kid-Safe Fun – These balancing stones feature a non-slip rubber bottom to reduce slipping or accidents.

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Students will use this resource as a game and an engaging activity but it will help build gross motor while providing sensory input. To use this resource the environment should be surveyed for safety. No tables, chairs, or sharp objects should be near the activity incase a student would to fall.

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Alternative lighting may look different classroom to classroom. Depending on the GenEd class or therapy rooms lamps, LED lights, light covers, or christmas lights may be used.

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Students may be overstimulated with lights that change colors or by lights that are too bright. Students who need additional visual stimulation may strive to have light close to their face or ask for more light changes.

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The light strips are $20 for 100ft. The lights are controlled by a remote and has multiple lighting options.

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This target lamp is $10 and provides a cheap classroom lighting alternative. The light plugs in to an outlet and requires a three way light bulb.

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Torchiere Floor Lamp Black - Room Essentials™: Minimalist Standing Light with 3-Way Switch

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Read reviews and buy Torchiere Floor Lamp Black - Room Essentials™: Minimalist Standing Light with 3-Way Switch at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

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From Amazon the light covers are $36. These covers are magnetic and are placed overtop a light in the classroom to provide shade for harsh lighting. Amazon provides different color/pattern options.

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Alternative lighting can be used in any classroom for both the educator and students. Lighting should be adapted based on the activity. If students are on computers the lights should be on so their eyes do not strain in the dark. Meanwhile if students are completing an independent activity or reading alternative lighting may be appropriate. However, if alternative lighting is used teachers should not make it so dark that it encourages students to fall asleep.

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A swing is most commonly found in a therapy room or outside on the playground. Most GeneEd classrooms do not have the room for a swing to be hung but can be substituted by an alternative chair option.

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Students who need more vestibular stimulation needs movement. The swing provides input to including moving at different speeds and possible positions. The swing may require gross motor skills. A swing may help calm students and provide a sense of safety if the swing wraps around the student.

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From Autism Products this cocoon swing is $50 and holds up 100lbs.

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Cozy Pod Swing Blue - Get the best price and fastest shipping on Hanging Nest Swings and Autism Cuddle Swings at Autism-Products.com

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From Fun and Functional website this magic carpet swing is $85 and can be used inside or outside.

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This swing from Amazon is for children and adults for $36. There are multiple color options and can be used both inside and outside.

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The swings provide a variety of sensory based on the design. Students can use the swings to relax anxiety/calm students or to release energy. Swings should be monitored by educators and most therapists need to give consent in addition to parents for sensory needs. Gross motor skills can also be challenged when on a swing such as trying to grab items from a teacher while swinging.

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A noise machine is a sound system that provides background noise. Most machines plug into an outlet and are stationary but some are travel size and hold a charge. Most machines have the same basic noises, zen, rain, air, and waves. Noises are categorized into white, pink, brown, and nature sounds.

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Auditory and vestibular systems work together because of the movement of receptors in ones ear and the sound. Students who need auditory stimulation may need background noise to stay focused. Students who are overstimulated by noises may be alert to every little sound using all their energy away from the learning or social activity.

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This sound machine on Amazon is about $30 and has many different sound settings. It also includes a light that has changeable colors.

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This portable sound machine from Target is $25. The portable machine is a great device for independent use that needs to be brought into different environments.

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Yogasleep Rohm® Portable White Noise Sound Machine, White

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Read reviews and buy Yogasleep Rohm® Portable White Noise Sound Machine, White at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

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The noise machine could be a valuable classroom tool. I have not seen a machine used in a classroom but when I went through school teachers would play classical music while taking tests. The noises should be used appropriately and should not be used to put students to sleep.

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The smelling game is board game available for teachers, parents, and therapists to use with students. If the board game is not available a game can be made up by having students close their eyes and guessing what they smell.

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The smelling game gives students the opportunity to experience different scents. Students who need more stimulation may crave smelling different things and provide safe scents to smell is more beneficial then students trying to smell markers. Students who get overstimulated in the olfactory system may smell things before other students or gage as a reflex to a strong oder.

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From the website Special Needs Toys the board game Follow Your Nose is $47. It provides 30 different scents for students to guess.

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Follow Your Nose Board Game | Aromatherapy Sensory Toy | TFH USA

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Explore The World Of Smell With This Follow Your Nose Game. A Fun Way To Stimulate Your Senses By Identifying Scents In This Olfactory Game. Buy From TFH USA.

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Guess the scent can be a good addition to a holiday lesson plan for any grade as a engaging activity.

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The smelling game could be used in a variety of ways. Having students guess what they are smelling can easily be added to a lesson. The important thing to remember is teaching students to only smell what they know is safe.

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A baby stroller is an abstract sensory resource but within my preschool field experience I have seen two students use the push method to correct behaviors and promote direction following. The baby stroller is a childrens play toy or can be substituted for a suitcase or shopping cart.

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Students who need more one on one time with their body movements may use something on wheels to move. The physical object they use should be engaging and interesting to the student. A heavier object with weights that needs to pulled or pushed gives students stimulation to their own muscles and joints.

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This pink baby stroller is $10 at Walmart.

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Hopscotch Lane My Baby Doll’s Fold & Go Stroller, Baby Doll Travel Stroller, Children Ages 2+ - Walmart.com

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Buy Hopscotch Lane My Baby Doll’s Fold & Go Stroller, Baby Doll Travel Stroller, Children Ages 2+ at Walmart.com

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This Melissa & Doug shopping cart is $85. The cart provides a gender neutral option. Weight can easily be added depending on the student's need.

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Shopping Cart Toy | Pretend Play Shopping Cart

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Our mini grocery wagon toy is easy to maneuver, fun to fill, and built to last for years of pretend play! Shop more toys from Melissa & Doug today!

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This suitcase is $38 on Amazon. Different options are available based on the interests of the student. Other option includes thrifting a suitcase for cheaper, because the student will not be storing anything inside the bag.

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As stated above this sensory resource works for 2/2 students in the preschool field. However, it is common that the students will become less interested in the item the more they use it. Also as children get older and move up grades the physical object may not be able to move with them.

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The squeeze machine will most likely be found in a therapy room. There are many varieties of squeeze machines but the universal purpose is to provide deep pressure touch. A substitution to the machine is doing compresses to students with your hands, such as physical squeezes to the shoulders, hands, arms, or legs.

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Squeezes provide students are being touched providing the tactile sensory need. While the student is being touched the squeeze provides stimulation to the muscles and joints, proprioceptive, by deep pressure input. Students who are sensitive to touch and muscle awareness may not like this resource.

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Autism Products has the above squeeze machine for $750. This machine is adjustable based on student size. This is the machine that is available in the AU sensory room.

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Special Needs Steamroller - Squeeze Machine - Steam Roller

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Some children crave deep pressure, and the Southpaw Autism Steam roller is a fun way to get it! Your children will love the challenge of crawling between the rollers and being Squeezed by the Steamroller. This autism squeeze machine is designed to provide the ideal heavy work that many kids with neurological processing disorders need.

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Autism Products also has this hug seat available for $260. It does not apply pressure to the whole body but is a cheaper and less aggressive resource option.

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Sensory Soft Squeeze Seat - Squeeze Me Seat - Squoosh

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Each Sensory Chair is designed specifically to squeeze a child's torso when sitting, providing a gentle hug enabling a calming and relaxing sense of security. The comforting pressure of the Squeeze Seat relieves anxiety and stress, resulting in greater concentration and more attentive behavior. Ideal for kids who are fidgety and have trouble sitting still.

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Students who need the squeeze machine may have to use it more then once to receive the goal stimulation. The machine may not be available to all students but those who have IEP therapies could find it in a sensory room.

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Straws can be plastic, paper, or silicone. The straws can vary in length and width. Straws have multiple purposes including to drink or use to blow objects in an activity.

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A straw can be used to drink a variety of liquids. The work of drinking from a straw provides oral sensory and fine motor skills. Students who are texture sensitive may use a straw to avoid overstimulation of texture input in their mouth.

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This 200 count of plastic foldable straws is $8 from Amazon. These straws are disposable for easy clean up.