Functional play

Building Functional Pretend Play Centers in an Pre-K Classroom

If a student is unable to play with toys during structured leisure time independently, play supports are a great strategy.

Teaching our students to play independently is such an important functional skill! First, if a student can play independently at school, then it can give teachers/staff the time to prep materials for the next activity, to pull small groups or to do 1:1 instruction. At home, independent play is just as important! If a child is able to play independently, then a parent can cook a meal or shower without being interrupted! I know a lot of teachers don't take the time to teach independent play…

Are you looking to add some cause and effect toys to your early childhood special education classroom? Today, I’m sharing the 10 best cause and effect toys. Early childhood students will love playing pop up toys, pound a ball toy, learn and spin, and many more. Cause and effect toys for preschool kids will enjoy Pop the Weasel, sort and discover toys, and light up spinning wands. Check out the variety of toys for your children or special education students!

Dozens of outdoor cognitive activities for toddlers based on essential cognition skills such as memory, exploration, and reasoning.

Centers or "Play centers" are centers that are intentionally planned; with a purpose in mind. A lot of my play based centers are planned aroun

Building Functional Pretend Play Centers in an Pre-K Classroom

Welcome to the Functional Skills for Kids series! The Functional Skills for Kids series is a year-long project by top Occupational and Physical Therapist bloggers where we’ll be creating blog posts based on 12 functions of childhood. From Play to Toileting and School Functions to Mealtime, this is a comprehensive compilation of posts that will ... Read more

Are you racking your brain for toys that will work with your moderate-severe students. I have 10 toys that will promote functional communication!