Life Skills-communicating, social relationships, self care, work and study skills, and critical thinking-are important to be mastered before young children begin learning academic skills. Life skills are essential for a successful life. On this page, you will come across some of the tools and devices that we see as useful and engaging.
1. Language Activities of Daily Living Series
This program is a fun, engaging way to allow the youngsters to explore multiple environments that they will experience throughout their daily lives as they grow. It combines independence and understanding of the environments, vocabulary, and places they will be around most often.
If interested in this product, it is available on http://www.enablemart.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Living-Skills/Language-Activities-of-Daily-Living-Series
If interested in this product, it is available on http://www.enablemart.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Living-Skills/Language-Activities-of-Daily-Living-Series
2. Kidspiration
This program is for emerging readers, so will most likely be used in the younger grades depending on the children's developmental age. This product helps users to gain confidence in thinking, writing, and math skills. It uses the principles of visual learning to help readers organize their thoughts. It includes a picture view, audio view, writing view, toolbar, and engaging activities. Highly recommended for parents!
If interested in this product, it is available on http://www.enablemart.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Visual-Learning/Kidspiration
If interested in this product, it is available on http://www.enablemart.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Visual-Learning/Kidspiration
3. GoTalk 20+
I have personally had experience with this product in a classroom and have had nothing but positive outcomes. A four year old in the classroom I work at in the summer uses it to communicate during snack time, choice time, and meeting time. There are five recording levels, and the symbols can be made easily on Board Maker. It is easy to reset the vocabulary within the device with just a few touches. This is recommended for both the home and classroom! It is extremely feasible as well. This device helps with communication and the ability to make a picture to word connection.
If interested, this product is available on: http://www.enablemart.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Picture-Communicators/GoTalk-20
If interested, this product is available on: http://www.enablemart.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Picture-Communicators/GoTalk-20
4. Know the Code Behavior Cards
This is a simple, yet useful tool that includes 50 cards about daily social skills used in the school setting. This is for primarily 3-7 year old children as a reminder of what is socially acceptable to do. There are pictures, words and symbols on each card; they are easily transported from one setting to the next and the only capabilities truly needed are visual acuity and a good grasp. They can easily be read to emerging readers and are easily memorized after consistent use!
If interested, this product can be found here: http://www.turningpointtechnology.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.turningpointtechnology.com/Manipulatives/LifeSkills.asp
If interested, this product can be found here: http://www.turningpointtechnology.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.turningpointtechnology.com/Manipulatives/LifeSkills.asp
5. PECS
This is one of my favorite products for the early childhood education classroom. These picture sets contain some of the most commonly used pictures by young children. Velcro is also included! If you are a beginner teacher and want to use a well known, reliable system then use PECS! Recommended for both classroom and home use.
If interested, this product can be found here: http://www.iltsource.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.iltsource.com/Pecs_151_p/ed-pecs-151.htm
If interested, this product can be found here: http://www.iltsource.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.iltsource.com/Pecs_151_p/ed-pecs-151.htm
6. Musical Bead Chains
This toy for infants, toddler, and very young children is a great device-especially for children with visual impairments. It is a good sensory item. This past semester, the early interventionist that I observed used this for a one year old with photo phobia. It was a great way to have the infant make true eye gaze at an object, but also was engaging at the same time. When the beads are touched, it sets off a musical tone that has the ability to excite the child and be used as a form of positive reinforcement. This is highly recommended for early interventionists and parents of young children ages birth through two!
If interested, this product can be found here: http://www.iltsource.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.iltsource.com/Musical_Bead_Chains_p/ed-music-chains.htm
If interested, this product can be found here: http://www.iltsource.com
Here is the direct link: http://www.iltsource.com/Musical_Bead_Chains_p/ed-music-chains.htm