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Educational Tools That Actually Work (and Why I Love Them)
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items As an educator who has worked with both early years and special needs learners, I know how important it is to have the right resources—ones that are engaging, accessible, and truly support diverse learning needs. This list includes some of my go-to t...
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Sections
6
Outdoor Play
Sensory Tools
Reading and Phonics
Maths Games and Activities
Online Learning Resources
Books
Outdoor Play
Stepping Stones for Kids are a fun and durable way to help toddlers build balance and gross motor skills. These 10 non-slip stones are perfect for both indoor and outdoor play, making them great for creating obstacle courses and engaging in active pl...
Kids Stepping Stones – 10 Non-Slip Durable
If you're looking for a fun and engaging way to boost gross motor skills and coordination, I highly recommend the 2-in-1 Musical Jump 'n Toss. I’ve used a similar toy in my special needs classroom, and it’s been fantastic for encouraging active play ...
2-in-1 Musical Jump 'n Toss - Best Active Play for Ages 4 to 6
If you’re looking for a fun way to boost gross motor skills and coordination, the OgoDisk Max is a fantastic choice. I’ve used similar hand-trampoline sets in my special needs classroom, and they’ve been incredibly valuable for active play and cooper...
AeroDisk Max - Best Active Play for Ages 4 to 7
If you’re searching for an exciting way to spark a child’s love for nature and science, the Deluxe Outdoor Explorer Kit is a must-have. I’ve used similar kits in my special needs classroom, and they’ve been fantastic for encouraging outdoor play and ...
Deluxe Outdoor Explorer Kit - Best Active Play for Ages 3 to 5
Sensory Tools
The Pushpeel Sensory Activity Board is an amazing silicone fidget toy designed for calming stress, anxiety, and ADHD, and it's perfect for both kids and adults. This versatile sensory toy features 11 strings and comes with a portable travel bag, maki...
Pushpeel Sensory Activity Board Fidget Toy
If you’re on the hunt for a fun and creative activity for kids, I highly recommend the Kinetic Sand set. It comes with 2 pounds of sand in bright Pink, Yellow, and Teal, along with ten tools for molding and shaping.
I recently saw how engaging it is when I visited my friend’s 4-year-old daughter. She was completely absorbed in mixing, molding, and creating with the sand, and she loved using the different tools. The sand sticks together nicely and never dries o...
I recently saw how engaging it is when I visited my friend’s 4-year-old daughter. She was completely absorbed in mixing, molding, and creating with the sand, and she loved using the different tools. The sand sticks together nicely and never dries o...
Kinetic Sand Ultimate Set, 10 Molds
Looking for a fun, sensory toy for kids or a unique fidget tool for yourself? The GoGoPo Squid Suction Cup Sticks are fantastic! These sticks are perfect for sticking to any surface and peeling off to hear a satisfying pop with each suction cup. Not ...
4x GoGoPo Squid Suction Cup Fidget/Sensory Toy
If you're looking for a fun and engaging fidget toy, the Enchanting Unicorn Thinking Putty® is a fantastic choice. I’ve used it in my classroom and also bought it for a friend, and it’s been a hit for both kids and adults. This putty is not only visu...
Crazy Aarons Enchanting Unicorn Thinking Putty
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to relieve stress and keep your hands busy, check out Squishy Smoosho's Jelly Cubes. I’ve used these in my classroom and for a friend, and they’ve been fantastic as fidget toys. They fit perfectly in y...
Smoosho's Sensory Jelly Cube Assortment
If you’re looking for a gift that sparks creativity and provides endless fun, the Shashibo Shape-Shifting Puzzle Cube is an excellent choice. I’ve gifted this puzzle to several friends' children, and they absolutely loved it. This award-winning puzzl...
Shashibo Explorers Series Assortment
If you're looking for a fun and effective tool to enhance physical development, the Teeter Popper is fantastic. I’ve used it extensively with my students as a special needs teacher, and it’s been incredibly valuable. Kids can sit, stand, rock, or til...
Teeter Popper - Best Active Play for Ages 3 to 5
If you're looking for a versatile tool that sparks creativity and fine motor skills, Squigz are a fantastic choice. I've used similar products in my special needs classroom, and they were a hit with students. These flexible, suction-based toys stick ...
Squigz - Best Bath Toys for Ages 3 to 6
Looking for a fun and effective way to teach early math skills? The Count and Sort Stacking Tower is a fantastic tool for young learners! While I don’t own this exact set, I’ve used similar ones in teaching, and they’re brilliant for building a solid...
Count and Sort Stacking Tower
These noise-canceling ear muffs are perfect for protecting kids’ hearing and reducing sensory overload. I’ve seen how they help special needs children manage noise and emotional regulation effectively.
Kids Ear Protection Muffs - Various Colors
Reading and Phonics
If you're looking for a fun and engaging way to boost early reading skills, the Skill Builders First Grade Reading Activity Set is fantastic! I've used similar sets in my teaching, and they're incredibly effective. This set includes everything you ne...
Skill Builders! First Grade Reading Activity Set
If you’re on the hunt for a fun and effective way to boost early reading skills, the Melissa & Doug See & Spell Phonics Puzzle is a fantastic choice! While I haven’t personally owned this set, I’ve used similar ones in teaching, and they’re i...
See & Spell - Best Early Learning Toys for Babies
If you’re looking for a fun and educational game for preschoolers, the I Spy Preschool Game is a must-have! This game makes early reading and learning a blast with vibrant, realistic pictures that kids will love. It’s perfect for practicing visual re...
I Spy Preschool Game
Looking for a fun way to boost your child’s reading and spelling skills? Boggle Jr. is perfect for preschoolers eager to turn letters into words! This game offers two exciting levels of play: "Match It/Spell It" where kids match letter dice to pictur...
Boggle Jr.
LITTLE BUD KIDS Spin-and-Read Phonics Toy
The LITTLE BUD KIDS Spin-and-Read Phonics Toy is a hit with parents and teachers alike! This fun, Montessori-style toy is perfect for kids ages 3 to 6, helping them learn to read with ease.
Parents in Austr...
Spin-and-Read Phonics Toy with Wooden Blocks
Maths Games and Activities
This sorting set is excellent for developing fine motor and organizational skills in early years and special needs children. The colorful crayons and manipulatives make sorting and counting fun and engaging for kids aged 3 and up.
Learning Resources Rainbow Sorting Crayons
If you're looking for a playful way to teach early math and sorting skills, the Sort 'N Match Egg Stackers are perfect! While I don’t own this exact set, I’ve used similar ones in teaching and they’re fantastic for developing fine motor skills, match...
Sort 'N Match Egg Stackers
Looking to make math fun and engaging? The Chalkboard 123 Magna-Tiles Structures are a fantastic way to do just that! While I don’t own this exact set, I’ve used similar ones in teaching and they’re incredibly effective. Each tile features numbers an...
Chalkboard 123 Magna-Tiles Structures
Online Learning Resources
IXL is fantastic for supporting all learners with its extensive math and English skills, real-time diagnostics, and personalized guidance. Parents of children I teach have praised it for effectively tracking progress and addressing learning needs.
IXL - Family membership
ABCya has over 300 fun, educational games for PreK-6th grade, covering subjects from multiplication to typing. I’ve noticed how engaging these games are for both early years students and special needs children.
ABCya! Educational Computer Games and Apps for Kids
Rosetta Stone, now with IXL Learning, offers effective language learning through innovative digital tools. Friends who use it find it incredibly valuable for mastering over 30 languages.
Rosetta Stone limited offer.
Wyzant is a fantastic resource for one-on-one learning, especially if you’re looking for flexibility and affordability. Parents I know have used it for their older children, finding it incredibly helpful for catching up on tricky subjects that weren’...
Wyzant: Expert Tutors at Affordable Prices
Books
If you're struggling to connect with students with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), this guide by Laura Kerbey is incredibly insightful. It offers practical advice and personal anecdotes that can help you rethink your approach and create a suppor...
The Educator's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance
If you’re worried that self-directed education won’t suit your child with special needs, Naomi Fisher’s book offers invaluable insights. It shows how traditional schooling often fails neurodivergent children and provides practical advice on implement...
Neurodiversity and Self-Directed Education