Tot School Tuesday

This week, we focused  on getting into the groove of our new, new schedule (I'll tell you more about this soon), so Tot  School was a bit sporadic, but I didn't want to leave you hanging without a Tot School Tuesday post!


Because Stone has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS and is enrolled within our local public school system's PPCD program we have access to a parenting coach who has provided us with valuable tools and information to help our family work better.

Both Stone and Cash struggle with Apraxia, so visual cues have been a huge help in keeping certain behaviors in check.  We put photos of parents (just clipart I found through Word) onto our light switches and the buttons on our television, along with the doors.  These serve as a visual reminder that turning light switches and TVs on and off and opening doors, are "mommy/daddy" jobs in our house.

Another tool that I couldn't live without, and that our children have grown to love, are social stories and power cards.  I can't tell you how these two items (really variations of the same thing) have saved us and provided peace in our home.  I highly suggest you check out the two links and create stories of your own.

For our family, we have created:
- Potty Power Cards
- Car Seat social stories
- Going to the grocery social stories
- Playing well with others social stories
- Getting dressed social stories
- Eating (staying in our chair) social stories
- Using an inside voice social stories

The concepts and words behind these stories are now a part of our everyday vernacular.  Our kids know the stories, and I found that using snapshots of them and people they love help to keep and  maintain interest.  They are honestly now some of their favorite books!

I've gotten a bit behind in posting due to a bad bout of allergies but I have a lot of good stuff planned!  Please bear with me as I work to catch-up.  Coming soon:  the winner of the T-shirt give-away (comments have closed), info on our new schedule, photos from Cash's circus party, more matching PJs and new tips and tricks on how we make it all work!