Boy Time

I am always looking for things to do with my boys.  Just me and them.  With the girls it's easy.  They are happy to paint nails or dress up or go to a local coffee shop and talk.  Boys want adventure!  They want to build something.  They want to destroy something.  They would really like to set something on fire! 

For years, I have resisted gun play.  They were initially not allowed to have any toy guns.  I would even search out water squirters that looked like sharks or dolphins instead of guns.  Then came the Nerf gun phenomenon.  Those were allowable because they didn't look real and only had foam bullets.  A few Christmases later, I found myself purchasing 2 Red Rider BB guns.  I totally caved!

Taking time to aim.

You have to understand that neither my husband nor I grew up in a family that hunted or even had guns for protection.  But now we live in an area where there is a lot of opportunity to hunt.  Most of the families we spend time with own guns, usually for hunting.



Shooting cans gives immediate feedback.

So I decided that I needed to understand how to use the BB guns, all about their safety and function.  Our oldest son and I were doing some target practice and I discovered something.  I really like to shoot things!  Well, I like to shoot cans at least.  It was a great time with my boys (our younger son joined in too).  They loved learning a new skill.  Of course, within minutes, they had created a competition as well. 

It was really fun.  I didn't necessarily want to play with guns.  I had tons of things to do inside and could have easily occupied myself.  But it was so worth it.  Not just because it was fun.  Mostly because of the memories it gave my boys.  I want them to remember me as a mom who engaged in the activities that they were interested in.  Don't get me wrong, they are happy to eat the goodies I make during my times in the kitchen.  They just reallly appreciate the times spent learning about their interests, knowing them better.


Organizing Art Supplies

As a Homeschool mom, I am constantly frustrated that my children can never put their supplies away in the right boxes.  We have ample storage containers that are often empty.  No one seems to be able to find a pencil.  Crayons are always disappearing...probably in the same place as baby socks and earrings!  I am also a Speech-Language Pathologist who works primarily with Autistic and non-verbal children.  I tell you that so you will understand my preoccupation with pictures.  Autistic children can understand things so much better with pictures and children who cannot communicate with words or signs do very well with picture symbols.  I will post more on this later.  My hope is to have this blog much more organized very soon so that you can search by topic (I am still a newbie at blogging!).

So why haven't I put my mad visual support skills to use at home?  Maybe because I use it so much at work, that I am burnt out (not likely).  Or maybe I separate my home from work because we are blessed to have children who are all developing normally.  Whatever the reason, I have overcome it and have implemented visuals to help my children remember where to put their supplies.  Our children range in age from 21 months to nearly 13 years old.  All of our children are equally bad at putting things away!  Also, I have noticed that labeling with words doesn't work well, even for the ones who can read.  Maybe it doesn't catch their attention as well as the color photos.

My idea is this...put a picture of each category of supplies on each container.  Markers.  Pens and pencils. Crayons.  Glue, tape, and scissors.  Simple, right?  Then why did it take me so long to do it?  The million dollar question!

Here's how I did it:
1. Find images on Google Images.  When you find one you like, click on the largest image available.  The resolution is best when you copy the largest image.  You can quickly copy the photo by left-clicking and choosing "copy" from the menu (I would be happy to provide a more detailed explanation for the less computer-savvy among us).  Don't worry too much about the picture.  I get a little finicky sometimes and end up wasting time when the perfect picture is not that important.  It will not inhibit my children's ability to put away their crayons if it's not exactly like our crayons or if it has a very light watermark on it.

2. Paste the picture onto a document of some kind.  I was able to put multiple pictures on a page because I didn't need very large pictures to fit on the supply boxes.  Save a tree...one piece of printer paper at a time!  I prefer to print in color because younger children are better able to make the connection between the 2D picture and the equivalent 3D school supply.  This is especially true of the visual learner, especially individuals with Autism.

3. Cut out the pictures and adhere them to the boxes.  My boxes are plastic, so glue or decoupage would not work.  I happened to have some clear packaging tape on hand since we were preparing to move.  This has worked really well.

4. Organize the supplies according to the picture labels.  This is my favorite part!  I love the feeling that I get when I look in the school supplies area and see it so organized.  I just don't like doing it every week or so!

It has been over a month and one move later and it is still working!  I almost can't believe it.  They are not perfect, but when they forget, it is so much easier for them to put the supplies away in the correct place.  Success!

*To parents of, friends to, or professionals who work with individuals with disabilities:  I plan on posting ideas for using visual supports, social stories, and other communication helps.  If you have a specific need, please let me know.  I would love use the knowledge I have in this venue.