Favorite Lunch Box:Planet Box
We are now on our third year of using Planet Boxes. These are stainless steel meal boxes that might remind you of an old-school frozen dinner plate. But it is much more than that. Using the Planet Boxes has made making lunches sooo much easier and quicker. It helps to create a balanced tray that doesn't look visually cluttered or overwhelming. Since their inception into our daily routine, my picky eaters come home with empty lunch boxes; which did not happen before. Though expensive initially, the Planet Box has probably saved me more money in food waste and a gave me a priceless peace of mind that I am making my kids balanced eaters. Not only that, I have not had to purchase another lunch box for school. I just purchase new magnets for $3.95 for the beginning of school and the boys are thrilled. Since my first post about this lifestyle change, they have added another version, the Shuttle, which is slightly smaller and would be perfect for preschool and daycare. I have the Launch, and the boys have the Rover. I get lots of comments at work while I am eating (and logging my treatments). These are truly an investment for building solid eating habits and organization. Bonus factor, kiddos with fine motor challenges or sensory challenges can easily access these boxes to open and shut them.
Favorite App:Writing Wizard
L'escapadou hit the ball out of the park with this app. It is still my favorite app to support good handwriting habits. The customizability of this app is outstanding. Many of the teachers that I have introduced to it have incorporated it into independent work stations and vocabulary lessons. Because you can easily input words and record the pronunciation, it provides a multi sensory learning experience for those with learning challenges. But because it is visually fun without being nauseating, kids enjoy using the app. What I especially love about the app is that during the tracing activity, it prompts correct letter starting points and formation. Though I use Handwriting without Tears formation, the app has D'Nealian and Zane-Bloser formation too so you can choose what works for your classroom. Overall, this app is well worth the $2.99
Favorite Office Supply:3M Post Its.
I put them on my forehead, my shirt, my IEPS, my computer, basically anywhere I need the cue to remember to do something. But I also came across Avery See Through sticky notes which are so convenient to have around to help visually highlight reading words or math problems so that homework doesn't seem so overwhelming.
Favorite Math Game: Think Fun! Math Dice
Any version of this game is a great go to for independent or group stations. It is easily differentiated for all levels of learners and abilities. From Math Dice Jr. to Math Dice Tournament Kit, students will be immersed with skills from number recognition to exponents.
Favorite Reading/Language Game- Think Fun! Zingo
Zingo! is bingo with an (educational) twist. Early readers can benefit and begin to associate words and pictures as they match the tiles to the boards. Or for emergent readers, and even for small group resource time, use Sight Word Zingo to increase and fluency with sight words.
Favorite Mom Item- True Lemon, Lime and Orange
Nope, not coffee. But these True Lemon packets make me drink. I have to be motivated to drink water. So when I finally added these little packets of bliss into my Thermos, my hydration levels improved. I don't need it sweet; I just need a little essence of citrus to make me suck it down. So not only is a caffeinated mommy a happy mommy, so is a hydrated one.
No comments:
Post a Comment