Flash cards are fun!

Colin likes to use the “Look at Me" Mirror Discovery Cards that Teacher Patty brought today. The mirrored flash cards allow Colin to watch and see himself and they provide a way for him to learn how people and animals communicate. It’s fun to hear Teacher Patty make the animal sounds, and she always tries to engage Colin to imitate them. 


In addition, Colin continues to work on his fine motor skills by learning to hold the flash cards.

The Baby Einstein "Look at Me" Mirror Discovery Cards include 19 disc cards.

Exploring textures and shapes is fun

Colin wonders, " What surprises will be in my sensory bin today?"

© Special Kids Place

Today, Colin’s occupational therapist, Rebecca Anderson from Los Angeles Unified School District, worked on tasks that would provide a meaningful sensory experience for Colin.

The lesson took place in the eating area adjacent to the kitchen. Colin was sitting in his new Ormesa Bug: http://www.adaptivemall.com/newbugsesy.html seating system, which continues to add to the success of each of Colin’s daily activities...from eating to learning to playing or just hanging out.

Becky brought various types of materials to put into the sensory bin – a plastic shoebox - that she planned to use. However, the sides of the bin were too tall for Colin to easily reach inside and touch the materials. Angela Pichinte, Colin’s caregiver, brought out what she usually uses for the sensory bin, a baking tray; and the size and shape was perfect for the lesson. Becky tempted Colin with various sizes of birdseed that he could feel with his fingers, plastic golf balls that he could roll and hold and small toys that could easily fit into his hand.

Colin likes to feel different textures and looks forward to his daily sensory adventure.

NOTE: Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to our new email address:teamcolin@specialkidsplace.org.

Light, Sight, Action...

Colin explores circles, squares and triangles with his light box.

© Special Kids Place

Today Colin and Julia Russo, teacher of the visually impaired, from Los Angeles Unified School District, worked with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Light Box #2. Colin sat in his new Bug Seating System. The Bug, made by Ormesa, was perfect for the fine motor activity that the lesson required and made a real difference in how Colin performed. With the vest attachment in place, Colin was able to have upper trunk support, thereby allowing him to focus his energy on his visual performance.

First, Julia slightly darkened the room by adjusting the window shutters. This was done to reduce the surrounding visual distractions - the morning sunlight, the toys, the objects on the wall.

Julia then plugged the APH light box in a nearby electrical outlet and set it on the tray of the chair, talking to Colin and explaining to him what they were going to do for today’s lesson. They talked about shapes… circles, squares and triangles, and Julia assisted Colin as she traced the outline of each shape with his hands. Then they felt the raised edges on the shapes. They matched like shapes. They matched shapes by colors, red and yellow, which are especially good for children like Colin who suffer from Cortical Visual Impairment. Each time Julia visits Colin, she leaves a note for Colin and a special note to his parents. Today’s note to Colin was shown on his light box. It was an amazing lesson.

NOTE: Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to our new email address: teamcolin@specialkidsplace.org