“ Do not train children to learning by force and harshness , but direct them to it by what amuses their minds , so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each .” – Plato
Each child has the ability to learn , regardless of any label . If we can help our children find a passion for learning , then we are helping them reach their fullest potential .
AUTISM SOLUTIONS
4 SIMPLE WAYS TO USE MAGNETS
to Help Your ASD Child Master Skills
By Lindsay WIEAND
“ Do not train children to learning by force and harshness , but direct them to it by what amuses their minds , so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each .” – Plato
Each child has the ability to learn , regardless of any label . If we can help our children find a passion for learning , then we are helping them reach their fullest potential .
With a child on the spectrum , especially a non-verbal one , it can be rather difficult and challenging to help our little ones not only learn , but also enjoy the process . One method that worked for my son involves utilizing magnets . The examples mentioned were a result of suggestions from my son ’ s previous occupational therapist and inspiration from Pinterest , the virtual bulletin board .
To start , I bought picture magnets for the fridge ( the ones used for a 4 x 6 picture ), and I put weather terms on index cards for each one . One magnet said , “ Today ’ s Weather .” The other magnets included snow , rain , sun , etc . Each day , I would have my son go to the window , and I would discuss the weather . Next , we would go to the fridge , and I would ask him to find the weather for that day . This is a great activity to do prior to a child entering preschool or kindergarten . As a “ ramp-up ” activity for older children , you could connect the weather with pictures of your child wearing appropriate clothes for that season . This will help your son or daughter with developing independence in the future when it comes to choosing appropriate attire for the day .
Another method for using magnets is for shape identification . I used plastic worksheet holders for binders ( purchased at an office supply store ). I bought a roll of magnets from a craft store and I put strips on the back of two plastic sheets . This allowed me to switch the paper out each day , depending on the task . Next , I took a piece of computer paper and made the shapes I wanted him to identify in the four quadrants of the paper . I started with a circle , a square , a rectangle , and a triangle . Once he practiced those , I moved to harder shapes , like crescents and stars . I made the shapes by cutting them out of construction paper and putting tape around them to prevent ripping ( If you have a laminating machine , even better ). I put a magnet on the back of each one , and I had my activ-
36 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 44