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Tackling Transition Times
Tips for inclusive transition strategies in preschool.
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Adapting Signs for pre-verbal communication
By: Renata Bursten, Dragonfly Staff
Many hearing children use Sign instead of or before verbal communication. But what do you do if traditional Signs are physically difficult to master? Adapt them!
For example, the traditional Sign used to indicate "I need to go to the washroom" involves putting the thumb between the third and fourth fingers in a fist and waving the fist. If the child can't manage the hand position you could try using a plain closed fist waving instead.
Sign-based communication can help improve communication skills, lower frustration, improve manual dexterity, and teach children that hands can be used for meaningful activities.
You will find a good group of Sign resources in Dragonfly's book section.
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PLAY Tip
Learning how to catch a ball can be as easy as 1 2 3!
Catching a ball can be harder then it looks! Catching balls develops good shoulder stability and torso stability.
You can help make the process easier by offering the right balls in the right order. Here is a three step process to try:
1. First start with a sturdy balloon, a punching balloon without the elastic is ideal. It can be easier to start in a sitting position about 2-3 feet away.
2. Next, try with a light high friction ball. The 9 and 15 inch Yadda balls are ideal.
,3. In the final step, stand or sit a little further apart and bounce the Yadda ball to the child. The bounce gives the child a little extra time to catch the ball.
Note: For children with latex allergies, balloons contain latex but the Yadda balls are latex free.