ProudGrandma Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 I am a librarian of a small, rural library. We were given a grant to buy items with our special education school in mind. I have a great working relationship with the school, teachers and kids. The students are ages 5-21. I am doing most of my purchasing on Amazon. I have purchased and returned....purchased and returned multiple times now because the items were either not of good quality, they weren't what was pictured or just not a good fit for my students. I am just want to finish this up. Successes: dot books, light table with accessories, sensory gel items, logic games, magnetic marble maze, sound puzzles, spirograph, latches board, magnetic faces, Large magnetic balls and rods, microscope, cookbooks for teens. Items still on the way: floor piano keyboard, 2 beginner coding toys, car puzzle toy (where you put the grooved pieces together to create a track for a car) and bead maze. If you guys have an area of learning that I am missing or a type of toy I am missing, please help me. I have about $90 to spend. Thanks. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 A tunnel? A body sack? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 A shoe-tying board? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 Little bean bags? Big plastic tweezers? Can you ask the teacher if she would like Velcro or laminating paper or anything like that to make folder games or activities to keep in the library? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted February 7, 2023 Author Share Posted February 7, 2023 1 minute ago, Lecka said: A tunnel? A body sack? I think the school owns these. 17 minutes ago, Lecka said: A shoe-tying board? this is a great idea....I will look into this. 16 minutes ago, Lecka said: Little bean bags? Big plastic tweezers? Can you ask the teacher if she would like Velcro or laminating paper or anything like that to make folder games or activities to keep in the library? these are interesting too. What would go with the big plastic tweezers..or how might these be used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 (edited) I have seen the big tweezers with a lot of things… some kids really like them. They can pick up any little plastic thing, or those little puffy balls that are an art supply. I have seen “pick things up and put them in a cup.” I have seen “pick things up and match them“ to a color. I have seen cups labeled with numbers or dots, and kids put 3 items in the cup with the 3, etc. Edit: they can also be used with those little sensory balls that have little spiky things on them. They don’t roll around which makes it easier to pick them up. Edited February 7, 2023 by Lecka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 (edited) Books about identifying emotions? Books featuring (for example) autistic characters, bonus if written by autistic authors? (Obviously adjust for the needs of kids in your group.) Edited February 7, 2023 by purpleowl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 Books with autistic characters can be good for siblings and peers, they might be a resource for autism awareness week/month. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 Just now, Lecka said: Books with autistic characters can be good for siblings and peers, they might be a resource for autism awareness week/month. They can also be good for autistic kids to see characters like themselves. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 I think so, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted February 7, 2023 Author Share Posted February 7, 2023 Might you guys have some titles for me? I also think this is a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleowl Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 (edited) I haven't read them, but the YA series Underdogs by Chris Bonnello would fit the bill. ETA: I actually just requested that my own library get them. 🙂 Edited February 7, 2023 by purpleowl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 Maybe “Inside Out” books for feelings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 I just looked and I don’t have specific book suggestions. “My Brother Charlie” is a sibling book. https://www.amazon.com/Brother-Charlie-Holly-Robinson-Peete/dp/0545094666/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2SNKD3QU33UF3&keywords=my+brother+charlie+by+holly+robinson+peete&qid=1675789486&sprefix=my+brother+charlie%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 You could also ask the teacher about favorite characters. There might be favorite Disney/Pixar characters or Pokémon or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 Puzzles of popular characters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted February 7, 2023 Author Share Posted February 7, 2023 I have thought about some puzzles too (all I have are the shape puzzles...individual shapes)...so 48 pieces maybe. I found a busy board with switches and lights etc....so maybe that might be fun. Also in my cart are magnetic translucent disks for the light table. Just in the gathering stage....I am looking for books.... I have board and card games...but maybe something more active? Not sure what that would be. thoughts on any of that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 I would say — go simpler on card/board games, but maybe harder on puzzles. Kids might be able to do up to 150 pieces pretty fast. Maybe up to 250 pieces pretty fast. I would say pre-school to 2nd grade for games, with more on the pre-school side. Duplo blocks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 If you think up to 48 pieces — I agree. If you see 48 pieces work well, then go to 100, maybe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 You can use magna tiles on a light table too! Get the off brand ones, they’re fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drama Llama Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 I'm a high school special educator (currently working in a related job), and I'm confused. If I took my students to the library, I would expect them to spend that time interacting with books. Are you looking for toys because you've already got a good selection of books specifically for this population, or because it's the norm in your county for students to come to the library and play with toys rather than engaging with books? Are these kids in a specific category of special education? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted February 7, 2023 Author Share Posted February 7, 2023 (edited) They come to the library every week and check out books and take back to the school. I am looking for games and learning activities for the students to engage in at the library but also for the teachers to check out and take back to the school. The items I am looking for are all based on a form of learning. Does that help in your understanding? Many of the students are on the autism spectrum or have other behavioral issues. I think we have a pretty healthy balance between learning activities and books. Edited February 7, 2023 by kfeusse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 This is normal library stuff to me. Maybe it’s different in different parts of the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 24 minutes ago, Lecka said: This is normal library stuff to me. Maybe it’s different in different parts of the country. Same here. We have toys, learning stations, etc. Although the video game/movie section is bigger than the children’s books here. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Here's some I've read eARCs of. They're either recently released or upcoming (I specifically have a filter to get books dealing with disability or neurodiversity). They may not all be right for your particular group, but they're ones I thought were well done. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60879774-figure-it-out-henri-weldon Protagonist has dyscalculia and EF issues. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61317671-second-chance-summer Protagonist has dyspraxia https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/123253175?page=5&ref=nav_mybooks YA fantasy with an autistic protagonist, by an autistic author. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60372443-show-us-who-you-are Sci-fi with an autistic protagonist and a friend with ADHD. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27410698-sticks-stones This is one of a series of books focusing on a class of children with "Upside Down Magic"-IOW, it's a special Ed class. Each book focuses on a different character and their magic and ends with the protagonist finding that there are special things that come from their "upside down-ness" that they wouldn't have otherwise. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61715896-shannon-in-the-spotlight Main character has OCD https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61457598-side-effects YA Graphic novel-the main character is struggling with anxiety and depression, but every medication gives her a new superpower-and other side effects. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61271701-gamer-girls Protagonist has social anxiety https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59879894-hear-me Protagonist is losing her hearing even with hearing aids and is struggling to adapt. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41838035-speechless Protagonist is a 11 yr old with cerebral palsy. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59911411-flip-turns Protagonist has an anxiety disorder https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59856049-speak-up Middle grades graphic novel with an autistic protagonist, by an autistic author. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59447529-be-real-macy-weaver Main character is described as having anxiety (and struggles socially in ways autistic tweens often do) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60373276-dad-s-girlfriend-and-other-anxieties Main character has panic attacks and social anxiety https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60420626-jordan-j-and-the-truth-about-jordan-j One of a series about a group of neurodiverse kids and their gaming club 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Oh, my daughter loved “Upside Down Magic.” I think there were 2-3 books out when she was the right age for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted February 8, 2023 Author Share Posted February 8, 2023 12 hours ago, Dmmetler said: Here's some I've read eARCs of. They're either recently released or upcoming (I specifically have a filter to get books dealing with disability or neurodiversity). They may not all be right for your particular group, but they're ones I thought were well done. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60879774-figure-it-out-henri-weldon Protagonist has dyscalculia and EF issues. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61317671-second-chance-summer Protagonist has dyspraxia https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/123253175?page=5&ref=nav_mybooks YA fantasy with an autistic protagonist, by an autistic author. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60372443-show-us-who-you-are Sci-fi with an autistic protagonist and a friend with ADHD. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27410698-sticks-stones This is one of a series of books focusing on a class of children with "Upside Down Magic"-IOW, it's a special Ed class. Each book focuses on a different character and their magic and ends with the protagonist finding that there are special things that come from their "upside down-ness" that they wouldn't have otherwise. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61715896-shannon-in-the-spotlight Main character has OCD https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61457598-side-effects YA Graphic novel-the main character is struggling with anxiety and depression, but every medication gives her a new superpower-and other side effects. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61271701-gamer-girls Protagonist has social anxiety https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59879894-hear-me Protagonist is losing her hearing even with hearing aids and is struggling to adapt. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41838035-speechless Protagonist is a 11 yr old with cerebral palsy. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59911411-flip-turns Protagonist has an anxiety disorder https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59856049-speak-up Middle grades graphic novel with an autistic protagonist, by an autistic author. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59447529-be-real-macy-weaver Main character is described as having anxiety (and struggles socially in ways autistic tweens often do) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60373276-dad-s-girlfriend-and-other-anxieties Main character has panic attacks and social anxiety https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60420626-jordan-j-and-the-truth-about-jordan-j One of a series about a group of neurodiverse kids and their gaming club thank you for this fantastic list. Lots to choose from there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Oh, and one more-thus one may not be right for this group, but really should be on required reading lists, IMO. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61030596-simon-sort-of-says?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=DNJtaml7Dd&rank=1 Protagonist is a kid who is struggling with PTSD after surviving a school shooting. He and his family move to start over, to a community doing SETI research that, therefore, has no internet connectivity. His new best friend is autistic, and she picks up on his trauma and is able to support him, even before knowing what he'd experienced. I read this one completely unspoiled-I got it with a disability/ND flag, so I discovered what Simon's trauma was at the same time the other characters in the book did, and it hit like a ton of bricks. It's a beautiful book that should never have needed to be written. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 17 hours ago, BandH said: I'm a high school special educator (currently working in a related job), and I'm confused. If I took my students to the library, I would expect them to spend that time interacting with books. Are you looking for toys because you've already got a good selection of books specifically for this population, or because it's the norm in your county for students to come to the library and play with toys rather than engaging with books? Are these kids in a specific category of special education? A lot of libraries now have hands-on discovery areas for children. Not just for special ed students either. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted February 8, 2023 Author Share Posted February 8, 2023 Just now, QueenCat said: A lot of libraries now have hands-on discovery areas for children. Not just for special ed students either. right...these items will be available for ALL patrons to use....but since the grant I received was supposed to be for a certain population I chose the Special Ed school knowing full well that others will also benefit. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 3 hours ago, QueenCat said: A lot of libraries now have hands-on discovery areas for children. Not just for special ed students either. Right, but I do think there’s a difference between a library having toys and educational materials available for people to check out and a classroom taking kids to the library to play. Honestly, I would not be thrilled to discover that educational time each week was spent on a trip to the library with the goal of playing. I would be fine with either teacher or students checking out non book items, but I would generally expect my kid’s SCHOOL use of the library to be literacy related. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drama Llama Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Lack of literacy instruction for students with IDD (the population I'm assuming you're talking about, it isn't clear) is an enormous problem. Kids with IDD need more time and more repetition to learn skills, and they need targeted instruction, and yet they often receive instruction that is both shorter and less research supported than their NT peers. Offering toys is a great thing for a library to do, but if NT kids (including high schoolers) who visit the library during their academic classes are offered literacy experiences, then it's important to ask why these kids aren't getting the same kinds of experience. There might be a really good reason for that, but I think it's a question worth asking. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 1 hour ago, Terabith said: Right, but I do think there’s a difference between a library having toys and educational materials available for people to check out and a classroom taking kids to the library to play. Honestly, I would not be thrilled to discover that educational time each week was spent on a trip to the library with the goal of playing. I would be fine with either teacher or students checking out non book items, but I would generally expect my kid’s SCHOOL use of the library to be literacy related. The discovery areas I've seen in libraries are educational. They are typically used as part of rotations when groups are there. These are public libraires, not school ones. I haven't seen school groups at them. Except for day care groups at story time. And then they do the activities as well. But you can't check them out. I think the OP is talking about other things, though, as she is talking about people checking these items out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 This is PART of (does not replace books) of the children's section of the library where we used to live. It is excellent. https://www.wrl.org/about-us/buildings-and-mobile-service/kiwanis-kids-idea-studio/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 9, 2023 Share Posted February 9, 2023 In some communities, some children with autism will not have the same opportunities to participate in day camps or things like that. They will not have many options for “bad weather activities.” The library is a valuable resource for parents to be able to take their kids somewhere they are welcome. Stocking a library can make it feel welcome to people who might question if they are welcome. Non-special education students have social time as part of classtime in the library. I agree literacy is important but I don’t think that having activities in the library means that there is neglect of literacy. If there is neglect of literacy — sure, that is a problem. But it’s not implied by providing a welcoming space and realistic activities. I also personally found that “pairing” fun things at the library really helped my son to be more positive towards books. When he was not as positive towards books, I think it was fine for him to have a lower ratio of focus on books. But that ratio did increase over time. I don’t know where kids in other areas go on a random day off of school or a rainy Saturday when people need to get out of the house. It’s the library in some places. Like — the library and no other option. There’s no “get a membership to the children’s museum” etc. There’s no mall play-place. There’s no indoor fast-food play place, or if there is kids age out on the young side. I think if someone has been to a library that was serving these functions in the community it would make more sense. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lecka Posted February 9, 2023 Share Posted February 9, 2023 My own son had a Halloween books phase, with favorites of Room on the Broom and a book called Big Pumpkin or something like that. He also liked “No, David” by David Shannon. Those were favorites for a long time. Then a few years later he had a huge Goosebumps audiobook phase. He has liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid for about 2 years now. He will still listen to Goosebumps. He did also like the “If you give a mouse a cookie” books. He has not liked a lot of books but all the ones he has liked have been really common, popular books. Oh, he also liked some early reader Dora books. He didn’t like anything that would be a special order for a library. Our library at the time had a holiday section and within that section books were organized by holiday, so all the Halloween books were together and had a special sticker. Fun times at the library! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted February 9, 2023 Share Posted February 9, 2023 (edited) 11 hours ago, Lecka said: I don’t know where kids in other areas go on a random day off of school or a rainy Saturday when people need to get out of the house. It’s the library in some places. Like — the library and no other option. There’s no “get a membership to the children’s museum” etc. There’s no mall play-place. There’s no indoor fast-food play place, or if there is kids age out on the young side. I think if someone has been to a library that was serving these functions in the community it would make more sense. Yes to this! Our little kids museum closed whencovid started. The library is the only place to take kids for activities unless you drive a few hours. And ours is wonderful and inclusive now. We love it! 🙂 Ours does have a play house, kitchen area, train table, car garages, shelves of manipulatives, a tent, etc. I think it’s awesome. They have a great book selection too and even board games and stem kits you can check out. Edited February 9, 2023 by Hilltopmom 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorn Posted February 9, 2023 Share Posted February 9, 2023 I’m glad to see your dedication to meeting interest and abilities of your patrons. Our local library was renovated around 2015. The children’s area has a playhouse with play kitchen, and baskets of toys. An adult is supposed to stay with a child, but frequently children are running around alone. The librarians are not impressed by the new design. The main branch of the library district has a treehouse with a slide. So I wasn’t surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted February 9, 2023 Author Share Posted February 9, 2023 We are a tiny tiny tiny rural library. We hardly have room for a tables. bookcases and the cabinets that house the STEM items I am specifically speaking about. we do not have big tree houses or slides or other such things. Although there is a library 45 minutes away that does have those types of things. I don't want to be an alternative to a park, but I did want to add items to assist with the specific needs of the special need students in our community. I do not feel like they lack literacy at all. The teachers come in weekly and check out HUGE piles of books and the older ones pick out books themselves. I have been doing my Summer Reading type BINGO cards with the students...to encourage reading a variety of genres and topics....they love that. I really feel I have discovered a healthy balance between books and reading and using their minds in other ways as well. I provide a monthly program with them as well so we cook, do art projects, learn skills etc. I am pleased and content with my relationship with them. Thank you for all of your thoughts and ideas you have shared. I greatly appreciate all of them. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saraha Posted February 9, 2023 Share Posted February 9, 2023 Wiggle seats? There are different kinds of cushions that sit in regular wooden chairs. My own aspies and kids at the daycare I worked at lived to sit in these while reading etc. there are lots of different kinds 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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