SensoryEdge

Soccer Workout: Prepare to Succeed

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Whether your children play soccer on a school team or as a hobby, using soccer workouts specifically designed for the sport will help them improve stamina, conditioning, and skill to accelerate their game as they play.

If your kids play soccer competitively, these workouts are even more important to help them train efficiently to boost performance the next time they hit the pitch. Although soccer primarily uses the lower body, it pays to condition with a full body workout routine to provide balance and get even more powerful results:

Warm-up the right way. The basic foundation of an effective soccer workout is your warm-up. This warm-up is best performed with a partner: begin by kicking the ball on the inside of both feet back and forth with a partner to loosen and warm up legs. They can also perform slow drives with a ball down the field to pass while jogging to warm-up legs even further.

Finally, stretch it out before they begin to train for the workout.Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds without bouncing. For the best results, stretch lower body with leg swings, knee to the chest stretches, and deep stretches of quads and hamstrings.

· Improve balance. Before they start running on the field to improve stamina, kids need to make sure that your balance is up to par. Have them continue to work with a partner by balancing on one foot and tossing a medicine ball back and forth from hand to hand.

This will help to strengthen their core, which is vital to support on the field as they run and stop on a dime to change positions.

· Boost agility. A basic recipe for success for any soccer player is to improve agility and increase speed through regular interval training. Before soccer practice begins, have them take at least 10 minutes to sprint in 30 meter intervals back and forth across the soccer field.

It's best to continue to work with a partner so that they can time their sprints and provide them with feedback and motivation to increase speed. To improve agility with each sprint, stop and turn quickly before continuing instead of coming to a full stop at the end of each exercise.

· Increase stamina. During a soccer game, they will need to be on the field for long stretches at a time, constantly moving to follow the ball. Make sure that stamina is on track by running/jogging/walking at least 3 miles five times a week.

To avoid hitting a plateau, continue to increase mileage accordingly, up to one extra mile every two weeks.

Bethany Ramos is a full-time freelance writer that co-owns her own e-commerce website, The Coffee Bump. The Coffee Bump specializes in a wide variety of Bunn coffee makers and assorted coffee and espresso products.

Sensory Processing Disorder - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

We all have sensory qualities that make us who we are. However, when these neurological qualities interrupt our participation in life in a negative way, it should be recognized and accommodated. There are many children with an array of diagnoses that are subject to sensory hyper - or hypo-sensitivities, motor difficulties, and social differences including Autism and Aspergers, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disabilities, Anxiety, and many other Developmental Disabilities.

Why not make their clothing possess some of the very neuroscience qualities that could help enhance their social and emotional well being? As a mother of a child who suffered from sensory processing disorder and as a long time Sensory Pediatric Occupational Therapist and advocate, I know firsthand it is not easy for our children. Parents, therapists, and educators often express to me the benefits of weighed garments, chew objects, compression garments, and a child’s desire for soft materials. However, they frequently state that what is offered to them is too “therapeutic looking” and therefore stigmatizing. It’s hard to use many of these garments throughout “normal” life.

Children's Weighted Clothing

When a garment is being constructed to address children who suffer sensory processing difficulties, specific consideration should be made to address ease of function, tactile sensitivity, relevant design, safety, consistency in design for spatial orientation, and proprioceptive input (the unconscious awareness of sensations coming from receptor’s in one’s joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments). This helps promote independence as well as organization, alertness, and simplicity where quickness of dressing is often expected throughout the child’s day. When choosing a weighted vest or blanket for instance, it is significant to hear the child ask specifically for the “soft one,” the “cool one,” or the “nice one.” It is as significant to give their parents beautiful, easy to use, and superior fabrics that are relevant and stylish. It is the right of the child and their parents to have non-stigmatizing products.

Just as important is the idea of play, and accommodating products should express the darling nature and playfulness inherent in children. Respect, pleasure, playfulness, comfort, and a feeling of security are aspects that can be inherent in children’s clothing. As the design of the child’s apparel and play products are considered, it is important that as many of their personal characteristics are taken into consideration, in addition to the ability for children to take some therapeutic qualities along with them anywhere all day long. There are so many strategies that help a child with Sensory Processing Difficulties. Considering the aspects in their clothing is just another way a parent can simply use a non-invasive strategy aimed at helping their child and letting the child know that you understand and accept what they are feeling!

Susan Donohoe, OTR/L is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with certification in Sensory Integration and an advocate for children with special needs. Susan graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and has been practicing O.T. for 30 years. Through many years of active practice and working closely with educators, therapists, manufacturers, and experts in Design founded Kozie Clothes as a way to incorporate Neuroscience Principles into relevant designed apparel for children with special needs. With her passion and commitment, she developed the concept for a line of adorable coordinated sportswear and products that offer therapeutic value which are non-stigmatizing.

Sensory Processing Disorder - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:02:00 +0000

The following article is a reprint written by Susan Donohoe. She's the owner of Kozie Clothing, the newest line of compression and weighted clothing that can be found at SensoryEdge

Many Children with Aspergers experience sensory processing difficulties or sensory processing disorder (SPD). Sensory Processing is the neurological processing and interpretation of sensation within one’s own body and from the environment. In short, it is the brain’s organization and interpretation of the sensory input from everyday use. This is a complex interrelationship of processes, hence the term sensory integration.

Modulation is a term you may hear describing the neurological process which the child’s central nervous system appropriately regulates (continually adjusts) behavior responses to continually changing external and internal sensory stimuli. If this modulation is not working well the child may seem under responsive, over responsive (seeking stimuli), or both, or may be overwhelmed to sensory stimuli. When this behavior interferes with a child’s “occupation” in life (social, emotional, play, school, attention, body mechanics, self-care, etc.), then it is termed a disorder, hence sensory processing/ integration disorder. It is important to note that anyone and everyone has some sensory processing or integration problems from time to time because any kind of sensory stimuli can temporarily disrupt ones normal functioning.

Children's Compression Clothing

The three main sensory systems we are referring to are tactile/ touch (influencing motor control and emotional development), proprioception (sense obtain through one’s own muscles, ligaments, deep pressure to the skin - therefore giving a sense of body position, organization, and calibration of movement), and Vestibular (sense of movement and gravity specifically postural control, muscle tone, coordinated use of both sides of the body, coordinating eye movements, etc.). Other sensory systems include olfactory (smell), auditory, visual, and gustatory (taste). Sensory processing disorder and sensory processing difficulties are individual to each child. Some may be mildly affected while others have greater difficulty functioning in life. It is important to note that symptoms vary and not all are present. Also it is a marker of neurological dysfunction that a child may show symptoms one day or with one activity and not the next.

The main type of therapy for SPD, with a trained Sensory Certified Occupational Therapist, includes a safe and challenging level of sensory stimulation encouraging movement to focus the child on tolerating and integrating sensory input, which is driven by the child’s interests and the “occupation” of play. Other therapy focuses on making environmental adaptations (such as in the home and school).

Common symptoms of SPD include: clumsiness (tripping, bumping, falling); poor fine motor skills; delayed self-care skills; poor muscle tone; difficulty initiating tasks; poor timing; poor posture; poor hand-eye coordination; learning disabilities; poor handwriting; poor organization skills; becomes easily frustrated; difficulty with social relations; constantly touching objects; doesn’t like to be groomed (hair, teeth, etc.); difficulty with clothing seams, socks, waistbands; seeks only soft clothes; likes tight clothing, small spaces, weight of blankets; opposed to being touched, would rather be the one to touch; hates being tickled or cuddled; often touches people or objects too hard; difficulty with eye contact; often smells objects; poor attention skills; picky eater; stuffing food or objects into mouth; difficulty with transitioning; hypersensitive to noise (things are too loud); hyposensitive to noise (doesn’t seem to notice); Hypersensitive to touch (certain fabrics, surfaces, etc.); little awareness to pain and temperature; hyposensitive to touch (may not notice when clothes are twisted or on improperly); hypersensitive to light; movement produces an anxious reaction (swinging, roller coasters, bike riding, spinning, rolling); over-seeks movement (swinging, spinning, rolling); takes excessive risks in movement, extreme activity levels; walking on tiptoes.

Dressing for Success! As mentioned above, making adaptations within the child’s everyday life is also a part of understanding the child. Every child deserves to feel comfortable and adorable in their clothing. What if that same clothing could offer qualities that address sensory discomfort and therapeutic input? The child’s image of themselves and how they feel in their environment can enhance the social and emotional quality of life when that child feels organized and calm.

Helping Kids Focus on Tasks. It's All in the Details!

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:43:00 +0000

As a parent, I continuously struggle with teaching my kids to focus on tasks I give them. Then, one day, I realized that with a little variation I can teach my kids to focus as well. If you are a parent who goes around picking up after your kids and constantly telling them what to do next, then read on.

A Word of Caution:

Now you may have noticed that I wrote “struggle” and not “struggled” in my opening sentence. Unlike adults kids will take some time to grasp the concept, so it is an ongoing effort.
I am also, not a child psychologist and nor do I claim to have any such training. I am a parent. I have applied this technique. I have seen positive results. The many other people, who have applied this technique, have also seen positive results with their kids.
The technique you will learn here will help you to start the process, but in no way is “the” solution. As a parent you still have to make sure that your kids (or child) keep practicing this technique till it becomes second nature to them. Let us get started by first identifying the problem.

The problem:

As adults we unknowingly fall in to a wrong expectation. The expectation being that our kids are able to understand the word “focus” as we, adults, do.
How many times have you told your kids (or child) the meaning of focus and/or responsibility? I can say with upmost certainty that it has been one too many times, right?

What is Focus?

Focus is the ability for someone to devote their attention to a particular task for a set duration of time. Depending on different factors (like the age for example) each child has a different limit on how much he or she can focus on a particular task. Therefore, tasks need to be set accordingly.
Why is learning how to focus so important?
The ability to focus on a task is a key habit to develop and nurture in kids. As children become adults, they will have more and more things to do. Ask yourself how you feel when you are able to focus on a task and feel that you have made a significant effort. It makes you feel happy and confident, right. Therefore, you want to instill the same feeling of confidence in your kids. The ability to focus will help them in every area of life as they grow.

The solution:

Here are the very simple techniques. You will be introducing two things to your kids; a daily chore board and a monthly activity calendar. Following are is the technique and the steps you need to take to teach focus to your kids (or child):

I. First, relax and get excited. Do not show frustration. You want to be relaxed, happy and excited to start this project with your kids (or child). Pick a day that you can spend some an hour or two or uninterrupted time with your kids on this project.

II. This next step, you may want to do this step with your kids or you can do it ahead of time. From any office or stationary supply store buy a small erasable white board. From now on we will refer to this as the “Chore Board”. Also buy an undated monthly planner designed for kids. I would recommend the undated 30 day erasable wall planner for kids from Office Depot. It is a large child-oriented wall calendar and has a space to write the month as well as dates for each day of the week. We will refer to this as the “Activity Calendar”.

You will also need an eraser that is used with an erasable as well as some thumb tacks to pin-up the calendar. (The white board should come with some adhesives to be able to mount it on the wall.)

III. On the day you decide to do this project with your kids, have a small talk before hand. Explain to them that you would like to share a new activity with them. Tell them that you would like to teach them something new and exciting that will make them more organized and responsible. If this does not work, do what I did; ask them if they would like Mommy or Daddy not to be on their case so much!

IV. Next, show the kids the items you bought. Now find a place in the where they will see these items every day. Mount the chore board and the activity calendar next to each other. (I placed the chore board above the activity calendar.) Remember to mount the items at a height that is comfortable for your kids to read form and to write on.

V. Get your kids involved, and have them do this next step. Have them write on the chore board, the words “My Daily Chores”. Then, on the activity calendar have them fill in the current month and write the dates.

VI. Before moving on to the next step, explain to your kids what daily chores are. Then, ask them to write their daily chores on the chore board. They may start out by writing basic stuff like, wake up, brush teeth, etc. It’s o.k., they are getting engaged in the activity, and also you will be erasing the first draft anyway. Eventually you will have them write the chores that they forget to do on a daily basis. Limit it to a few chores. Remember, small steps. Do not overwhelm them.

VII. Once you are finished with the chore board, move to the activity planner. Tell them to write down any birthdays, family outings, violin lessons, soccer practice, etc.

VIII. Once the chore board and the activity calendar have been completed, give your kids a hug or pat on the back as this is a great achievement for them.

IX. Now, tell them that at the beginning and end of each day, they must review their chore board and activity calendar. As their parent you will need some follow-through on this. You will need to remind them about reviewing the chore board and activity calendar till they get into a habit. This may take a few weeks or it may take longer. Stick with it, but do not command. Just give them a friendly reminder, e.g. “have you checked your chore board today?” or “did you remember to put that on your activity calendar?”

X. As a last step, give yourself some well deserved credit, you too have made a significant contribution towards their well being. Not to mention that soon you will regain your sanity. I did.

The Next Steps

Being consistent and having follow-through is a key to seeing positive results.
Aside from the daily reminders at the beginning and end of each day, have the kids update the activity calendar and chore board at the beginning or the end of each monthly for the following month. Keep giving them positive reinforcement. There will be times where you may get frustrated. My advice is to stand fast and hold your ground. Keep in mind that they are kids and that their learning process is much different than adults.

This is a reprint of a blog entry we posted in 2008. It was written by our friend Sal Khan who unexpectedly passed away a few years ago during a routine operation. Sal was the creator of the SKK Planning System.

New from KidKraft. Kids Outdoor Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:34:00 +0000

KidKraft is known for its great kids table and chair sets, toy boxes and other pieces of children's furniture. What many KidKraft fans don't know is that they've been expanding their outdoor furniture selection in the last few years.

Spring 2012 is no exception. The selection of new items includes tables with striped umbrellas, a sling chair, folding camping chairs (great when you're roasting marshmallows), and a very cool sandbox with sun shade. These items are all very affordable and have free shipping.

KidKraft Outdoor Furniture

To extend the life of your outdoor furniture, we suggest a little maintenance a couple of times a year. We call it WTS. It stands for wipe, tighten and seal.

Wipe Outdoor Furniture Often
Tighten any bolts at least twice a year
Seal with water sealant once a year

Here's list of KidKraft Outdoor Furniture and a link to the section.

00042	Octagon Table & 4 Stools & Multi Striped Umbrella
00046	Table & Stacking Chairs & Striped Umbrella
00081	Adirondack Chair White
00083	Adirondack Chair Honey

00085	Adirondack Chair in Espresso
00102	Outdoor Sling Chair
00105	Outdoor Chaise w Umbrella
00106	Outdoor Table & Bench Set w Cushions/Umbrella
00108	Outdoor Storage Bench w Cushion
00128	Pirate Sandboat
00130	Backyard Sandbox

00165	Outdoor Sandbox w Canopy
00174	Pink Camping Chair
00175	Blue Camping Chair
00176	Outdoor Playhouse
00178	Activity Playhouse

How to Help a Child with a Learning Disability

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:11:00 +0000

A learning disability can be classified as a number of different disorders that hinder a child's capacity to learn. A learning disability could affect the way that a child listens, thinks, reads, writes, spells, and speaks. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, there are currently 2.4 million students that have a diagnosed learning disability and receive special education services in schools.

If you are the parent of a child with a mild to severe learning disability, you may feel overwhelmed. The first step in the right direction is to understand simple ways to help your child better comprehend their schoolwork to make it easier for them to learn at home and at school.

Love and Support: Positive Reinforcement

The foundation to help any child with a learning disability is to offer encouragement, love, and support through positive reinforcement. This in itself is often enough to give your child the confidence that they need at home to finish their school work and pay better attention during class.

Positive reinforcement will ensure that your child has an improved sense of self-confidence so that they can remain determined - even when they are overwhelmed by class assignments, homework, and especially tests.

Remember, it's not your job as a parent to cure your child of this disability; your job is to empower your child to face challenges with optimism and confidence so that they are better prepared to learn.

Do Your Homework as a Parent

On top of helping your child with their homework every day after school, it helps to do your own homework as a parent. This means doing your research on the latest developments and techniques available to help better teach your child, in spite of their learning disability.

Although it is helpful to reach out to specialists and therapists, becoming an expert on the subject yourself will help you to be better prepared to give your child the tools that they need to learn at home and at school.

This improved understanding will also help you to become an advocate for your child to ensure that they get the help that they need. If your child is still in a regular classroom with a learning disability, it may be almost impossible for them to advance in their class if they are not given special attention.

Communicate Better at School

Last but not least, the next time that you sit down with your child's teacher or principal to discuss their education, use these tips to better communicate to ensure that your child gets the education they deserve:

Set clear goals with their teacher.

Listen carefully to the options the school has available.

Propose new learning solutions based on your research.

Stay focused on how to meet your child's needs in and out of the classroom.

Stay positive in all discussions.

Don't give up, even if you don't get the answers you are looking for the first time.

I Love My Stability Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:12:00 +0000

It sometimes feels strange to say you love an object but the plain simple truth is I love my stability ball. I first purchased an exercise ball I because my physical therapist recommended it for stretching my back. I was having back pain and hip pain and I could not find the source of what was causing it. I don’t lift heavy things and although I work out I don’t do strenuous exercise so I just could not figure it out. Physical therapy helped but I could not keep that up forever. The point of therapy is to help improve your function or pain. Then therapists are supposed to teach you how to get results at home.

FitBall Burst Resistant Exercise Balls

Having a therapy ball to use every day made a huge difference for me. At first I just used it to stretch my back and work my core with basic abdominal exercises. With a few minor adjustments I had a lot of exercises to do so I could vary my workout so I did not get bored. Using a therapy ball helped my back a lot. Just having it to stretch out would have been enough but the added benefit of core strength and postural stability was a bonus I really didn’t expect.

Despite all these benefits to my body a few weeks into my new routine I realized that my hips still hurt every day after work. I talked to my physical therapist and after a few discussions we realized that my pain came after long periods of time at my desk. She recommended I use the ball at work which I never thought of before. I thought she meant stretching at the office which would not work for me at all but she was actually recommending using it instead of my chair. At first it just sounded too radical. I had a mental picture of my exercise ball rolling around the office or me falling off and my legs flying up in the air. In the end desperation prevailed and I decided to give it a try.

Standard Gymnastik Balls

Before committing to potentially looking weird work I did some research to see if there was any information online about using a ball as a task chair. Apparently using a therapy ball as a chair is not that uncommon. Occupational therapists even have a term for it. They call it dynamic seating. By sitting on something in motion it keeps your core engaged, provides a cushion for your bones and joints, and promotes improved posture. The bottom line is it might be a solution to ease my discomfort and that is what I was looking for.

Although it seemed that was a good idea it did not change my fears about the ball rolling away while I was on it. Here my research came in handy. I had found that there are balls with feet to keep them steady or inflatable ball rings to keep balls in one spot. Although the balls would not roll away these abll supports still allowed enough movement to promote dynamic sitting. There are even ball chairs that have a sturdy frame on caster wheels so it looks more like a task chair. I even found that there were seating discs I could use on my regular chair that simulate the feeling of being on a ball.

Since I already had a ball I chose to try the ring first to see how it worked. It did not take long. I noticed the difference the first day. My hips were not as tight and back hurt less. It is not a miracle but it is a definite improvement which is really what I was looking for. To avoid having to take my ball home every day for my stretching routine I purchased a separate ball for work.

Gymnic Physiorolls

Before this process I had no idea that the exercise balls I use in my Yoga and Pilates classes could be used as a chair. Purchasing a stability ball was supposed to be a simple way to stretch my back when I was alone at home. Instead it turned out to be a life changing solution to a major issue. I used to hate sitting at my desk because I had to get up to stretch too often. I am so much more productive now which makes me feel better about myself and that makes me a happier person too. I really do love my therapy stability ball.

3 Simple Ways to Motivate Your Kids to Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:59:00 +0000

Motivating your kids to stay active is more important than many parents realize.The truth is that there is a childhood obesity epidemic going on in the US as we speak. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past three decades! As of 2008, over 33% of children and adolescents were classified as overweight or obese.

If you want to beat the statistics and keep your kids healthy, it’s important to stay active as a family. You can start by setting a good example as a parent by spending more time with your kids outdoors, riding bikes, walking, or playing with the family pet.

But sometimes encouraging your kids to go to the playground isn’t that simple…How are you supposed to keep your kids motivated when they’d rather stay inside and watch TV or play video games? To get the ball rolling, check out these three simple tips to encourage your kids to exercise - while still having fun.

1. Explain the purpose of exercise.If you can help your kids to understand that staying active is good for their body and overall health, this is a fact that will stick with them into adulthood. Even exercising or going outdoors to play for 15 minutes a day can make a serious difference in keeping your kids at a healthy weight, regulating metabolism, and even triggering healthy sleep cycles at night.

2. Exercise as a group. It’s difficult to expect your kids to stay active if you want them to go out and play alone. If you don’t have time to exercise as a family, at the very least, get your kids involved in some type of community sport or activity. Once your kids realize that they can have fun as part of a team, exercise will become a staple of their childhood to keep them at a healthy weight.

3. Use technology. You can also cater to your child’s love for technology and video games when it comes to staying fit. If you have an Xbox, you can use a device like the Kinect to encourage your kids to play interactive video games that require physical activity to work up a sweat indoors when the weather is bad outside. Since this is the age of technology, many kids may feel more comfortable staying active while playing a video game; using a Kinect workout game will help your kids to learn regular exercises that they can use to stay fit without feeling intimidated in a group setting.

Bethany Ramos is a full-time freelance writer that co-owns her own e-commerce website, The Coffee Bump. The Coffee Bump specializes in a wide variety of Bunn coffee machines and assorted coffee and espresso products.

kidsLAB: Stylish Room Decor that Won't Break the Bank

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:34:00 +0000

5 Fun Activities to Keep Kids Happy During Spring Break

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Spring Break is here and it's the perfect time to give your kids a breather from school work. Some families take this opportunity to travel. For others, staying around town is more their speed. Especially with gas prices sky high! Either way, kids need something to do. Letting them spend their whole vacation in front of the tv, online or with a phone in their hand is not the best way to engage their minds and bodies.

Staying at home in Spring Break doesn’t mean kids have to have a boring vacation. There are a lot of activities that parents can do with their children that are fun and keep kids busy and entertained. Here are some of those:

1. Arts and Crafts. After the dull and boring color of winter, spring is all about colors and new life as we see the flowers blooming again. This can inspire and bring out the creative side of a person and so this is a good opportunity to do some craft works with your kids. There are a lot of Spring Craft ideas that you can check online for inspiration. You can decorate an Easter egg with your kids, make paper flowers, learn paper folding, basic drawing skills, and many more. Designate a wall for your kids art work. This will inspire them to create more masterpieces. Remember to rotate often as a reward for their work.

2. Go out on a Picnic. Families just stayed indoors most of the time during the winter season to keep them warm and so people are eager to go out and enjoy the sun when Spring arrives. Take this time with your kids to go to a nearby park for a picnic. Pack some healthy foods, blanket, and toys and enjoy a day at the park, under the sun with your kids. Kids can freely run around and do activities like kite flying, digging in the sand area, and exercise on the play equipment. It might be a good idea to invite a friend for each child in case your kids tend to bicker like ours.

3. Check out activities in Community Centers. Your nearby community center may be offering different classes that your kids can try while on vacation. Check out the activities lined up for the month like concerts, shows and the like that you and your kids can attend. Most families never know about the free shows and festivals that happen around their town. It's amazing what you can find with a little research.

4. Indoor Fun. If you are looking for a fun and education way to spend time with your kids on Spring Break, take them to museums, the planetarium and even the local library. There are a lot of good museums that are free or low cost. Kids really don't get a chance to see dino bones, giant art work or great pieces of sculpture in person. These types of trips may just inspire your child to learn more about what they've seen.

5. Organize a Party. Invite your kids’ friends over for a small party. Some great party ideas include:

· Spa Party - Buy supplies from a local store and invite the moms too so they can give their child the pampering that they deserve after working hard in school.

· Pajama or Sleepover Party - Kids love to spend the night with their friends because this is something that they don’t normally do on ordinary days. Prepare popcorn, DVD of their favorite movies for one exciting night that the kids will surely enjoy.

· Gaming Party - Bring out those video consoles and invite friends over for a video game contest. Keep them off the couch with dancing or sports games.

· Pool Party - Barbecue, inflatable, water toys and more. I am sure the kids missed dipping in the pool during the cold winter months so they will really fell excited over a pool party.

With a little creativity and research, who says you need to go out of town to get all these fun? These are just a few ideas that parents can do with their kids to make their vacation exciting, productive and memorable too.

Author’s Bio: Abie is a working mom with two kids. She currently works as a content writer for http://www.tshirtprinting.org, a new site which offers professional t-shirt printing.

Fitness for Special Needs Children

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Special needs children, such as children dealing with autism, face many challenges when it comes to fitness and exercising. We already know that exercising is challenging on its own; however, special needs children have specific motor pattern challenges that make it difficult for them to coordinate movements.

Physical activities for special needs children can incorporate rhythmic sessions that engage large muscles. Such exercises may include running, walking, and cycling. However, determining the type of exercise routine that fits special needs children highly depends on the children’s initial fitness level, as well as their ability to cope with exercise programs in general. Just keep in mind that even when cognitive abilities seem delayed in a child dealing with autism for instance, that child can still successfully and enthusiastically engage in regular exercise.

Children with special needs can benefit greatly from exercising. Whether you have special needs or not, exercising has many advantages. Not only does exercising help increase strength, endurance, and balance, it also helps decrease stress level, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. As a result, everyone can benefit from fitness; not just the average person, but also people with special needs.

Example of an exercise session designed for special needs children

One way of getting special needs children to take interest in exercising, is to make the exercises fun and relaxing at the same time. To achieve this goal, try incorporating movement, music, and yoga in the children’s fitness routines. These activities can help special needs children reduce stress and energy level, lower anxiety, and improve their attention and social skills.

Segment the exercise routine into two major sessions. The first half of the session (which can last 15-20 minutes), may include music and movement. Play a song that captivates their attention, and encourage them to engage in sequences of snapping fingers, patting their belly and clapping their hands. You can also include obstacle courses and running in this session, but make sure they are easily achievable.

Once the 20 minutes are over, slowly transition the children into the yoga portion of the exercise routine. Yogadoesn’t have to deal with complex posturing or any flexibility pre-requisites. During the yoga session, the children will do traditional postures such as cow, cat, dog, cobra. Yoga will help them improve body awareness, strengthening, and self-esteem. Moreover, yoga will improve their attention and get them ready to learn textbook materials.

Social benefits of exercising

Getting special needs children to exercise in a group setting, is an excellent way to develop and increase their social skills. Connecting these children with others who have similar needs, helps all of them foster their own support network. Regardless of who you are, or what your limitations are, exercising regularly is the building block to better health and long life; special needs children are no different in that respect.

Author Bio: Kodjo Hounnake is a home fitness enthusiast who believes the average person can get and remain in great shape right at home. You do not need expensive gym equipment to achieve the body of your dreams. Your body weight is sufficient enough. See the hundreds of home workout videos and healthy homemade recipes on his home fitness blog.

College Mascot Area Rugs

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Although we're more known for selling commercial quality classroom rugs, we were intrigued to find that Joy Carpets recently released a line of college mascot area rugs. Some of the featured schools include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky and 11 more. Each rug is available in four sizes and features the name of the college and a picture of the schools mascot.

We're a little jealous as there are no West Coast teams.

This collection is great for dorm rooms, offices throughout the University, tailgate parties and at home. Joy Carpets uses state of the art, high resolution injection dyeing to create carpeting with vibrant colors. These are high quality rugs that will last season after season.

The college mascot rugs feature:

10 Year Wear Warranty
Lifetime Antistatic Protection
Lifetime Antimicrobial Protection
Lifetime Soil and Stain Protection
100% High Twist Premium Nylon
2-Ply Heat Set Yarn
Tufted Cut Pile Construction
Indoor Air Quality Certified
High Fiber Density
Residential and Commercial Traffic
Class I Flammability Rating
Colorseal Permanent Bleach Protection

Whether it's a classroom rug or college mascot rug, SensoryEdge has you covered. All rugs have free shipping.

Hanging With Your Children... It Can be Fun (Can't it?)

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:21:00 +0000

Children seem to have an endless supply of engergy. No matter how they use, they seem to recuperate fast. There are times that we cannot or don't want to catch up as other things in life get in the way. Be glad that your kids have activities and a social life because having a life in front of the computer, tv or hand held device does not serve them well during the early informative years (later on ok, but not so much as toddlers). Supporting their activities plays an important part in the overall development of your child mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

It does not mean that you have to follow your kid’s every move because that's a bit much, but the thought that you support them is enough to keep them going.Yes we should leave our kids alone sometimes, especially if they are determined to do the activities they want but as a parent, we them to be safe right? We should suggest different activities that are safe. The good news is that there are many activities worth trying. If you have time, it will be memorable for your kids if you can join them. Making time for your child is important if you want to stay close to them.

Activities that will strengthen your bond are the best. In line with this, you can consider the following fun activities:

1. If your kid is a music enthusiast, you should send him/her to music classes or encourage them to join the school chorus. If they have live performances, attend and give her flowers or give him a cool rock t shirt. Music schools can be pricey, but learning an instrument or being able to carry a tune is well worth the cost.

2. If your kid loves dancing, you should send him/her to dance classes. When they have performances, get grammy and gramps to attend. Boys will try to avoid this but it'll pay off during middle and high school.

3. If your child likes to go out for outland adventure, hiking, walks on the beach (if you're close) or riding around the nearest park is great exercise and fun.

4. If your kid likes to explore the world, a subway, bus or train ride is a great start. Old subway stations have mostly been fixed up as more people use mass transit but most designers have kept some of the original buildings to remember the past. Take pictures and video... digital cameras are one of the best investments and storing these memories is free.

5. If your kids just want to stay in the house, cook together play board games. These are family bonding experiences that strengthen your clan. Have a movie night and let kids pick the show half the time. Make sure you choose some of the awesome nature shows that have been produced like The Earth by the BBC.

Kids should know that you support them no matter what activities they choose. If it is dangerous, talk them through and tell them you don’t want to see them in pain. If you feel that what they are doing is safe, provide whatever they need.

Find educational toys, kids area rugs and more at SensoryEdge.

Why I Discourage My Kids From Buying Gift Cards

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:27:00 +0000

It's quite possible I'm hardcore about gifts and gifting, but as a Dad, I think it's really important to share my values with my children, and one of them is the importance of a gift being a demonstration of your love and awareness of the recipient.

It's rather a game I play, actually: when someone I know has a birthday or Hanukah / Christmas is coming up, or, in the case of a partner, Valentine's Day, the challenge of figuring out the perfect present begins.

You pay close attention to them, listen to what they talk about wanting, take note of the things they gravitate towards in stores, at the Mall, or even in product catalogs or newspaper fliers. You obliquely ask them about specific kinds of products. You see what they are coveting of yours (or a friend), and you keep track.

When it's time to purchase the gift, a bit of research on a site like Amazon.com, with its extraordinary database of product reviews and comments, can quickly reveal the best in class or the limitations and problems associated with a given potential gift.

In the end, a perfect gift is a terrific gesture of love, an obvious sign that your affection for them isn't just associated with a cash value but that you pay attention to them. That you see them, hear them, and think about them.

How can a gift card compare to that?

Dave Taylor writes a parenting blog at GoFatherhood.com and is a single dad to three children, 15, 11, and 8.

4 Ways To Create Fabulous & Unique Kids’ Rooms With Wall Decals

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:12:00 +0000

Wall decals are a fun way to decorate kids’ rooms. You can create a look and a sense of style without a big commitment since you can always change out the decals. This is especially helpful in kids’ rooms since they grow and change so quickly.

We also love how wall decals personalize a space. You can pick the decals that bring out the uniqueness of your child and make his or her room one of a kind.

Here are 4 designer secrets about how to use wall decals like a decorating pro:

Interior designers and decorators like to anchor decals by placing them above or around larger furniture pieces. Decals look better this way than just floating on a wall.
Try spelling out your kid’s name above his or her bed. Designers also love creating monograms with a person’s initials. Another idea is to spell out an inspirational word or saying. Again, try to connect the letters to furniture or an architectural element in the room so that they are not just floating on the wall.
Limit yourself to one or two decal styles with coordinating colors. Bigger decals are better than smaller ones. Less is definitely more when it comes to mixing different decals or lots of decals.
Create an emphasis wall and group decals for maximum impact. You could paint this wall a darker color to make the decals stand out. If you are artistic, try creating a faux stage with paint on one wall.

Whether you are artistic or not, you can create a unique, one of a kind room for your child with wall decals. Give it a try. You won’t be let down.

Nancy Del Santo helps homeowners create beautiful, family friendly homes. Get your decorating questions answered and learn about designer trade secrets and stylish resources by subscribing to her website http://askDECOR.com .

You can also connect with Nancy on Twitter @askDECOR.

How technology is impacting the way we learn

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:45:00 +0000

The Future of Higher Education

How technology is impacting the way we learn—for the better!

There is no doubt that online technology is changing the way we learn. As the transfer of knowledge moves from traditional lectures in the classroom to the digital realms of online colleges that deliver courses to the comfort of you home, many educators are apprehensive about some of the ways that technology is impacting the way we learn.

Important questions are being raised, like:

Are online tools, such as mobile devices, making us lazy learners?
Is technology corrupting education by making it too easy to earn a college degree?
How can we expect learning be consistent if it’s being taught in social networks?

Technology making us lazy! We say rubbish! And with this article, we plan to show you that as we adapt the way we learn to meet 21st Century needs; e- learning is actually increasing education opportunities for everyone around the world.

Mobile learning

Web-based portable learning, or mobile learning, is a trend that’s based on society and their heavy use of mobile tools, such as wireless smart phones, iPods, laptops, tablets, iPads and personal media players. Not only is mobile learning in demand by graduating high school students and competitive companies around the world, it also has several advantages, like:

It reduces the time spent on learning, for example, the need to go out and purchase a textbook
It increases retention because it can be referred to multiple times, for free
Mobile learning delivers on-demand college course material, meaning it’s available when you need it, not the other way around
It allows for self-paced learning
Mobile learning increases one-on-one opportunities for students and professors
It increases confidence, hard work and discipline (because no one is looking over your shoulder)
It accommodates varied learning styles—auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners

Social networks

Web 2.0 tools are driving the way we engage with each other as we collaborate and share knowledge. As we become more tech savvy, we’re turning more often to free social media tools to support our learning and seeking knowledge from people who might be normally out of reach. Learning via social networks has the following benefits:

The ability to learn from the experts
Gives us the opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with colleagues located in other parts of the world
The ability to stay current with the latest trends in a certain industry or career field
Offers us the ability to create a presence in a career field outside of our own geographical location

Do-it-yourself learning

The final role technology offers with technology is do-it-yourself (or DIY) learning opportunities. DIY learning opportunities allow us to improve our careers, skills and personal lives using an informal network of colleagues, professionals and experts. DIY learning uses technology to immediately find new information. It’s especially beneficial for people without the time or financial resources to access formal learning. Learning via a DIY style offers the following advantages:

DIY learning is available in any format, anytime, anywhere on the web
DIY learning is customizable to meet the needs of everyone
User created content lets us access the latest facts created by experts
It’s available through open content resources (meaning it’s completely free)

Bio: Kathy F. Porter left her extremely uninspiring job as a Marketing Director at a large Georgia-based company and she decided it was ample time to do something she loved. The thought of going back-to-school was very intimidating until she discovered you could earn a degree online from a reputable university—without quitting her job or moving to another city. Kathy now works as a freelance writer and is very passionate about learning. You can contact Kathy at KathyFPorte@gmail.com.

Sensory Edge Adds Foamnasium Soft Play Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:37:00 +0000

Earlier this year we went to an industry trade show and meet the team from Foamnasium. They were super nice and had some fun products that can be used at home, school or in waiting areas.

Foamnasium toys and furniture provide easy to clean, high-quality soft play toys that expand young imaginations. They're tough and durable enough for energetic play and offer a myriad of educational activities. The products stimulate the kids senses, aids in the development of gross motor skills and allow children to use their imaginations for exciting play. The soft play toys and furniture are strong enough to withstand rough play, yet soft to ensure children play in safety.

Foamnasium soft shred pillows for children of all ages are for lounging at home or for use in preschools. The accordion mat can be used as a mat, fence or seat to lean against a wall. Fold it and easily move it into another room or area. All Foamnasium products are flame retardant and contain anti-microbial and anti-bacterial protection.

There's a wide variety of vinyl covered foam chairs, video loungers, child-size sofas, bleacher benches, wedges and triangles so kids can sit quietly or read. The soft, child-sized furniture is ideal for child waiting rooms, playrooms and any location where children may have to wait for any length of time. The kids waiting room furniture allows children to play without fear of injury.

There's also an assortment of foam blocks in different sizes that children can sit on, use as a table or stack for hours of fun. The play mailbox features a curved surface for improved balancing skills and can be coordinated with other pieces to form a soft, safe playground. The circle in a circle toy can be used as part of an obstacle course or seat.

Toddlers love to climb, and with the Toddler Soft Step, small children can reach low placed toys for themselves or climb on the couch with parents without assistance. It provides children with a way to gain confidence, learn balancing skills and independence.

5 Easy Ways to Brighten a Child's Bedroom with Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Childhood is a magical time which is full of vivid colours, great adventures and a real sense of imagination. It's a time when everything seems a little easier, and when the number one concern should always be how to have the most fun. If you're a parent or carer of children, you'll know just how important it is to keep kids stimulated, both mentally and from a health point of view.

There is lots of talk about fitness and staying active, but what about when your children are at home? What is there in your home to keep kids engaged, interested, and having fun? Well, if you're unsure where to start, you could always begin with their bedroom. It's here that many of their great adventures begin, and where they spend a lot of their time. So why shouldn't it be comfy and cosy or bright and vivid?

Whatever your taste, there's upholstered furniture available that can really bring a child's bedroom to life. Let's look at five very easy ways that you can brighten up your kids' rooms with some furniture.

Rocking Chairs

You might associate these with older members of our community, but rocking chairs are actually a lot of fun for kids. You can find upholstered rocking chairs in a wide range of colours and designs to suit every child's room. Plus, kids' rocking chairs aren't just available as the more traditional wooden chair; you can also find them in comfy cushioned form which any child will just love. Children tend to really enjoy things that are a little bit different and interesting - and if you've ever seen children playing on a rocking chair you'll already know how much of a difference an upholstered rocking chair can make to a child's room.

Recliner seats

You'd be forgiven for thinking that recliner seats are designed only for men who want to sit back, drink beer, and watch TV. That's the reputation they've picked up through popular culture, but recliner seats are great for everyone - and what better way to bring a child's bedroom to life than with a miniature recliner? Kids love to imitate adults, and an upholstered recliner is a fantastic way to let them do it. It really will bring a touch of class to any bedroom, and give the impression of a fully sized recliner without taking up too much space in the bedroom!

Bean bags

An all time favourite for kids and adults alike, bean bags are a fantastic way to brighten a bedroom. They're available in all sorts of colours, designs, and materials - plus they're great fun to sit on. Bean bags are really versatile, so they can be used in almost any child's bedroom in almost any corner. Bright and vivid or a little more understated - the choice is yours (or your child's, of course). Just make sure that you let the kids play with it now and again!

Sofas for kids

Why let the adults have all the fun on the sofa? Ideal for chilling out on or to spend time with friends, a fully upholstered sofa is a brilliant addition to a child's bedroom. Plus, because they're quite small compared to their bigger brothers, you don't have to worry too much about space requirements. Plus your kids will love having a catnapper sofa to kick back and relax on whenever they like! And don't forget, one upholstered kid’s sofa is enough for multiple kids - so you'll only need to buy one!

Sleeper chairs

Relaxing in the bedroom can be tiresome work for kids - so thank goodness there are sleeper chairs to help out! These nifty seats literally transform from seat into bed, much to the amazement of children watching. Not only are they comfy, they're also a lot of fun. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours, an upholstered child's sleeper chair can be a fantastic way to bring a bedroom to life. And you won't need to worry of they tire themselves out because you'll have the answer right there in the bedroom! You could even move the upholstered child's sleeper chair to the living room for those nights when you're all watching a family movie. It's really versatile and will bring joy and fun to any kid's bedroom.

Pretend Play: Getting Them Ready for School

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:39:00 +0000

When it comes to school, we all want our kids to be at the top of the class and that means giving them a head start before they ever meet their teacher. From letters and numbers to shapes and colors there's a lot they can learn while they're still at home. But let's face it, no parent wants to be a drill sergeant! The more positive learning experiences the better. A child who is used to being curious will have a much easier time staying ahead in school. Thankfully, there are some great toys that will entertain your child so much, he won't even realize he's learning! Let's take a look at some different types of toys that can put your kid on the right track.

If you've got a toddler in the house, don't forget the classics! Some of the best educational toys have also been around the longest. These toys have lasting power because they have universal appeal and will help introduce you kid to some foundational ideas. Blocks are a smart option for any kid that's at least one and a half years old. You can find them with all kinds of basic shapes, numbers and letters. Don't worry if your child is too young to understand them right away; blocks are good for motor skills and hand-eye coordination too. This means your little tot can get years of playtime with these handy little stackers.

Now if you like the sound of wooden toys but you need a little more variety, try a stacking board or some basic puzzles. You can find boards with all the basic shapes and in vibrant colors. Puzzles are another fun way to sharpen these skills and you can find some tailor-made for toddlers. These are just thick and safe just like blocks but they can also teach kids about environments. A farm animal themed puzzle is an easy way to introduce your kid to concept in an enjoyable way. You can even find puzzles that make sounds! This does require more hand-eye coordination because each shape must be fitted onto a peg or into, but that extra challenge can be more entertaining. That being said, You might want to wait until your child is a little older before you introduce this toy.

Plush toys are another great way to make learning fun. Nowadays, there are so many plush items that are adorable and educational. Melissa and Doug is a toy company that makes a wonderful line of educational plush toys just for tots. You can act out a classic fable with the Three Little pigs play set or start teaching your child about money with the Fill and spill wallet. All of these play sets are large and cushy; perfect for that age when everything ends up in his mouth! And the company has made each piece colorful and friendly looking.

There are so many toymakers dedicated to helping children during those first five years of learning. And with a few of the right toys, your toddler will be well on the way to having a great education. So keep an eye out for these toys which are sure to be so much fun, your child won't even know she's learning!

SensoryEdge at Anatex Photo Shoot: Sneak Peak 2

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:45:00 +0000

I promised you more of our sneak peak at the new Anatex waiting room collection but I thought I'd share my thoughts about a couple of last years products. I have been looking through the pictures and video I took at the photo shoot. I am so excited about the new products and even the new pictures of some of our old favorites. For example, although they debuted last year I had not seen the Anatex Fire Engine or Submarine Activity Centers in action. My son Jack could not decide which activity toy he liked better. In between set changes he kept walking off the set to play with both of them. At first I thought the Fire Engine Activity Center had stolen the show. He spent at least half an hour spinning the steering wheel, pretending to honk the horn, and shifting the gears. He loved the pathfinder vehicle maze and gears on the side with the colorful fire engine graphics.

Anatex Submarine

When the set designer put the vehicle themed toys away to roll out the under the sea waiting room toys I thought Jack was going to go off the set to keep playing with the Fire Engine. Although he started to follow it as it was removed from the set he ran right back when he saw the Submarine Activity Center take its place. I know the eye-catching graphics drew him in but the innovative design kept him playing for a long time. He could not get enough of the working periscope. He kept looking into the viewfinder amazed that he could see up and out the other side. Then he would pretend to drive the submarine around using the steering wheel and would shift the gears. Next he played with the boats on the pathfinder toy and then the gears. He absolutely loved this activity center. It was so much fun to see how much he loved this activity center. It makes me feel so good to know that our customers at SensoryEdge are getting such a good value for their waiting areas and classrooms.

Anatex Fire Engine

Part 3 will reveal a few of the new items that should be available before the holiday season starts.

SensoryEdge at Anatex Photo Shoot Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Before we launched the SensoryEdge website it was just a kernel of an idea. A dream my husband and I shared to create a store that would cater to people like us – parents of special kids who loved to play with toys. To get started our first order of business was to decide what we wanted to sell on our website. Having never been in the toy and furniture business before I resorted to the some advice I once got from a professor. You see I was once an aspiring writer and the best advice I ever got was to write about what I know and what interests me.

I figured that advise worked for sales too so I went into my oldest child’s room and found his favorite toy to find out who made it. It was the Original Rollercoaster bead maze toy by Anatex. The next day Anatex was the first call I made and their toys were the first thing we purchased to sell in our store at SensoryEdge.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhu6yvyQzSA

Anatex and their waiting room toys have been with us from the very beginning. It was especially sweet and flattering when they asked two of our children to participate in a photo shoot for their latest catalog. My kids had so much fun and I got a sneak peak at their newest line of products.

Over the next few weeks we will be debuting some of Anatex’s new waiting room toys and furniture. We will be sharing with you some of my personal video from behind the scenes of the photo shoot. We’re excited to give you an early look at these awesome wall toys, waiting room toys, waiting room furniture, & educational toys in action. Stay tuned to see what Anatex has to offer.

Pretend Play Kitchens - Bonding Time With Mom

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:41:00 +0000

Do you remember playing house or pretend when you were little and doing what you saw mom and dad doing? It's safe for any adult to say that kids love to mimic mom and dad. They watch everything we do and say. One of the things that kids love to do is help mom and dad in the kitchen. That's why toy kitchens are a great investment for you as your kids will play with a pretend play kitchen for years. Watching kids play is something parents love to do. We marvel at their little imagination and some of the stuff they say when they're in a pretend play environment. Sometimes it'll even give you some time to relax, because they'll be so busy pretending to cook that they wont want to bother you.

Kids love to play pretend and mimic everything that they see their parents doing. They can pretend that they are an adult themselves and cook imaginary dinners. It's always cute to see two little ones cooking with toy food and then bringing it up to you to eat. Toy kitchens are not only oriented for little girls but little boys as well. They are great ways to entertain your kids for hours. Sometimes you can even play games with children like pretending to be a customer at a restaurant. Practice spelling and counting with them as they learn and have a great time with you. All to be sure that you're child is entertained and using their imagination as well as they can.

You can make toy kitchens even more educational by having kids name off different foods and their colors. Teach your children what will be hot on mommy and daddy's stove and what kinds of foods are cooked on the stove. You can also show them what foods fit in what pot or pan and how they are normally cooked. Toy kitchens are great for little kids who love to use their imagination pretending to be mom and dad. It can help younger children enhance their gross motor skills, cooperative play and other skills that they are developing at that point in time.

Things in School You Can Try at Home

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:20:00 +0000

Many kids do not like change. How about incorporating some of the things they do in school in their own home? this is especially true when it comes to homework. A few tweaks can help your child endure studying with less complaining. The techniques are not hard to do and can fit into your budget. Your child will appreciate this because you they know you are doing this for them. Here are some of the things from school that you can try out in your home:

You can try painting your child’s room a bright color. If you notice in most schools nowadays, almost all of the classrooms are painted in bright colors. That’s because they know that when you do this, children can respond better when they study if the walls are lively and inviting. If you painted darker colors, it can be boring to them. Try painting your child’s room to any type of bright color out there.

Invest in books and other educational items. Children can learn more and build up their vocabulary if they read more. You can increase their love of books if you buy them some reading materials they like. It doesn't matter what kind of genre those books are as long as they read them. Children nowadays are too reliant on computer games to fill time. Replace the DS with Harry Potter, substitute the Wii for the Wimpy Kid, and replace TV with The Mysterious Benedict Society. You can also buy some educational toys that they can enjoy playing. These are great because they can have fun and learn something at the same time.

Design your child’s bedroom or playroom so that it looks like a fun classroom. You can do that by buying similar items that you can find in an ordinary classroom such as chairs, desk, peel & stick decals and classroom rugs. There are many kids rugs available today that can look like the one they use in classrooms. This is a great idea because when you do this, your child can have more fun studying in their rooms because it is more comfortable and more relax.

Schedule your child’s study time. This is a technique that most schools use because they know that it can be hard for a child to learn everything at the same time. When you have a specific schedule to different subjects, it can be great because it can cover all the subjects in school. You don’t have to be stuck in one subject alone because you can cover all of the subjects in school when you know how to schedule it all well.

Take a break when you are studying. Do you know why there is a recess? It is an important part of a child’s day because this is the time where they can relax and play in the middle of their school day. You can also do this during your child’s study hour so that they can take a break even for a few minutes.

Soft Play Keeps Them Busy While Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:38:00 +0000

Filling a waiting room with items that can occupy kids can be difficult, but the good news is that there are plenty of choices available. You may have bought books, standard toys, and wall hangings to make the area appeal to kids, but another option is considering soft play activity centers. This type of product can act as both furniture and something for children to do.

Examples of Soft Play Furniture

If you need seating other than simple chairs or couches, you have plenty of options. Some kids might arrive at the waiting area perfectly relaxed and ready to read a few books. If so, it is easy to make the child feel comfortable by offering soft seating. Some soft play activity centers are perfect for children to sit or lie on while reading a book or playing quietly with a toy. They may even feel like moving around the foam blocks to create their own unique seating. Either way, most kids will be interested in such soft play activity centers while feeling comfortable enough to relax.

Many kids have constant energy, so why not provide a fun, safe area for them to let it out while their parents supervise? Soft play activity centers allow kids to climb on blocks, build them into different structures, and even roll them around the room. Few other toys offer such activities without posing risks to children while they play. Some centers come with tunnels for kids to crawl through, while others offer slides, bridges, and steps for children to climb. Additionally, some soft play activity centers come in the shape of animals that children can use to rock back and forth. Most centers available can occupy anywhere from one child to several at once, which means that your waiting room can become the favorite play place of children who visit.

Foam Furniture Expert Foamnasium

Whether you choose to acquire soft play activity centers that are already put together in a particular shape, or prefer to purchase several foam blocks that kids can use to build, these structures are often considered beneficial for waiting areas. Parents will remember which business was able to keep their children busy while they waited, and most kids will likely plead to be able to go back to your business. The fact that soft play activity centers are safe for kids of nearly any age should also appeal to business owners looking for new toys and furniture for their waiting area.

Learning to Ride a Tricycle Builds Skills

noreply@blogger.com (SensoryEdge) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Watching your child grow and learn is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I was at my son’s school the other day watching him ride tricycles with his friends. After talking to a Mom who commented she had not thought to teach her child to ride, I realized that one skill that is often overlooked by first time parents is the ability to pedal and ride a bike. Pedaling is an important motor skill for young kids for a variety of reasons. It increases muscle strength, improves bi-lateral coordination, increases postural stability, and gives a child confidence in their physical abilities. Of course kids love it because it's fun and the sense of accomplishment they feel when they pedal for the first time is awesome for their self esteem.

Silver Rider Pusher Trike

The best way for young children to learn this skill is to start with a small toddler size push trike and then progress to a bigger tricycle as they grow. Quality preschools understand that when it comes to tricycles one size does not fit all. Having a variety of trikes in different sizes and styles is the best way to ensure that kids progress in a developmentally appropriate way. Although some toddlers don’t mind sitting on a trike that is too big and pushing with their feet, the pedals often get in their way. This might lead them to avoid trying to push it which could delay them mastering this important skill. Preschool programs should always have some push trikes without pedals so that the younger toddlers can feel a measure of success.

Once the push trike is mastered having a tricycle that is the right size is the next step. Just like children, trikes come in different sizes. When deciding on a preschool, parents should talk to the director make sure the school has a good assortment of products for children of different sizes and skills. One size does not fit all when it comes to rides on for learning and safety reasons.

Angeles Silver Rider Tandem Trike

When a group of children ride their tricyles around the playground they are practicing steering skills, engaging in cooperative play, learning to coordinate their upper and lower body at the same time, increasing muscle tone and flexibility and getting a cardiovascular workout. Teachers love to see their students get lots of physical exercise because it is good for them and helps get the wiggles out. This of course makes learning easier because kids are more focused after physical activity. When parents see these playground games they see happy, confident children playing with their friends. Tricycles are well worth the investment. They bring a lifelong love of active play and memories for preschoolers that are priceless.

Angles Tricycles