Check It Out! Products You Can Use: Toys That Teach Independent Play
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PSN Team 
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Independent Play
Cash Reader for the Blind
By: Cash Reader s.r.o.
Easily identify banknotes with Cash Reader! Just point your camera at any bill from over a hundred supported currencies and hear its value instantly.
Price: Free | Offers In-App Purchases
Read Full Bridging Apps Review
Buzz Learns Yoga
Meet Buzz, a curious little bee, who likes to try new things! In this colorful children storybook you’ll learn new yoga poses along with Buzz the Bee and his animal yoga friends. Written by Kami Evans, founder of Elahi Yoga and Jackie Y. Lee this is the first released of a series of new yoga books.
Price: $12.00
Buy it at www.amazon.com
Toys that Teach Independent Play
Reviewed by AblePlay
Why is it so imperative to teach children, especially those with special needs, independence? The quick answer is that it allows them to become more self-reliant. Equally important, is that independence is the key to higher self-esteem and promotes a child’s ability to meet new challenges with confidence.
When it comes to playing there are two categories of toys that provide tons of fun and lots of learning. The first is building blocks. Many educational experts agree one benefit is that they allow children to feel and experience the act of creation. Plus, there’s no right or wrong way to use them, so a child is limited only by his or her imagination.
Add to that these benefits:
- Increases hand-eye coordination
- Enhances logical thinking
- Establishes spatial awareness
- Stimulates social capabilities by building with friends and siblings
- Encourages language skills by explaining creations
A great starter set by B. toys is called Bristle Block Spinaroos. What we like is that the blocks have interlocking bristles that easily connect on all sides. This allows even novices to become successful builders. Several spinning bases bring movement to the structures adding to the possibilities.
Independence takes many forms, and building structures as well as remote control driving are two ways to help a child of any ability call out, “Look, I can do it my myself!”
Related: Play the Building Blocks to Success
The Original Weighted Compression Vest™ with Graphics
These vest are perfect for helping to calm down, focus or cope with sensory overload. Slip removable weights into interior pockets and adjust the fit at the shoulders and sides for a just-right sensory experience. The steady proprioceptive input and compression around the trunk are especially soothing for those with sensory challenges. With stretchy neoprene for a snug, comfy fit, mesh sides for breathability.
Inflatable Seating Cushions
Ideal seating to help children stay on task and cure the wiggles! Choose from a variety of sizes and textures designed to calm and focus. Wonderful for balance and posture too! Pictured here is the Spiky Tactile Cushion for extra sensory input. The spikes are 1/4” apart on one side and smooth, slightly raised “bumps” on the other side. The Versatile Cushion has extra height for comfort and fits smaller chairs with 12” diameter. Soft fur slipcovers are optional accessories.
NOTE: 5 sizes and textures available
Do you have a product you would like to share with our readers? Please fill our form describing your product. We are happy to review your product. Visit https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/submit/product/ for the form.
Read More Products You Can Use
Toy Ideas
- 100 + “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs
- 9 Great Toddler & Preschooler Toys for Kids with Special Needs
Game Ideas
- A Round-Up of Educational Free Subscriptions, Storytime, Ebooks, And More
- 10 Board Games for a Great Special Needs Game Night
You May Also Like
- Play the Building Blocks to Success
- Toys“R”Us: Safe Play Tips for Children with Special Needs
- Life-Changing Apps for People with Disabilities
This post originally appeared on our July/August 2011 Magazine
