Tag Archives: inclusion

Autism Iceberg – free visual to document unseen supports needed for the child to be successful (print or fill in with SnapType app) – created by Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP at OMazing Kids

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A free visual support for parents to use to help document the often unseen supports that they are providing that help their child succeed at school.

Unfortunately it’s common for evaluators who are not familiar with a child to state things like “But I don’t see any signs of Autism” or “But he doesn’t “look” Autistic” when they haven’t gathered all the info, looked deeper below the surface or even done any tests that would be part of the process to confirm that diagnosis.

This is especially unhelpful for a child who was accurately diagnosed with Autism at a very young age, has had years of intense intervention and they, their family, their teachers, their SLPs, etc… have worked very hard to make gains to achieve this level of success. You may mean well but pushing to change the eligibility category based on such limited info is harmful.

I worked with lots of kids, teens and young adults with Autism over my 28 year career. Most of the patients on my caseload either had that diagnosis or very similar needs.

So I know firsthand that Autism doesn’t just disappear. A particular individual’s needs may ebb and flow over time and can vary greatly even day to day depending on how they feel, sleep patterns, dietary changes, hormones, environmental sensory triggers, etc… And I’ve read numerous posts from adults with Autism who describe their part time use of AAC and varying need for supports depending on the needs, setting or communication partners. At it’s core Autism is a life-long neurological difference that we need to acknowledge, honor and support over the lifespan.

 

If you are in the process of completing an evaluation on a child you just met or don’t know very well, I invite you to:

  • Look deeper
  • Understand that Autism is a life-long neurological difference
  • Listen to that individual, their family and those who know them well regarding their journey and the types of supports that are needed in order for them to be successful
  • Remember what you are seeing in an eval, even one done over a couple of sessions, is just a tiny tip of a much larger unseen iceberg

I created this visual for the mother of one of the most amazing kids I ever had the pleasure of working with. I saw him for several years and his transformation was quite extraordinary.  But he still has Autism and still needs support. He has an incredible family who have always been willing to move heaven and earth to get him the services and supports that he needs. I have no doubt he will either discover or invent something that will be world changing. So when she reached out to me of course I had to do something. I will never “retire” from caring 💕

So I’m posting a FREE PDF and pictures of this in case anyone else might find it helpful.

If you want to print and fill out by writing in the boxes, there are three versions in this PDF (full color, faded color and black/white) so you can choose the one that best fits your printing needs: Autism Iceberg – Supports Needed for My Child to Appear Successful (free printable from Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP at OMazing Kids)

Or tap to open each full sized picture and then save the full sized picture of the one you want to the Camera Roll on your iPad or iPhone and then use the fabulous SnapType app to easily add text to the boxes. You can also take a picture of any worksheet to import it into that app to fill it in.

Full Color:

Faded Color:

Black and White:


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App: SnapType by SnapType, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snaptype/id1124115982, iOS Universal, iOS 9.0 or later, FREE.

If you want more features, check out their very affordable full version: SnapType Pro by SnapType, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snaptype-pro/id1124123246, $4.99. There are other PDF filler apps but this is by far the easiest one that I’ve used.

Example of me filling it out on SnapType (not specific to any particular child… just examples based on commonly occurring supports). After you are finished you can save it and export as a picture, as a PDF or as a SnapType file to share via e-mail or text message. The yellow highlighting only shows up while you are completing it… not in what you share.


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I made this visual using the iESLp app by Irmgard Raubenheimer, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ieslp/id912953895, iPad only, iOS 8.3 or later. The SymbolStix symbols are included in that app. The iceberg photo is an open source, non-attribution photo that I found online.

Please feel free the share this blog post but do NOT upload the PDF, any of the pictures or any of the links to those items to any online files, servers, Boom Cards, Teacher Pay Teachers, or any other sharing platforms. Just refer folks here to this post to get the items for themselves. I feel that it’s important for them to read this blog post to understand why they were created.

Thanks 😊

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Si6k7Y
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amoorad1/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amoorad
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

Adapted Games for Inclusive Play: Candy Land

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Adapted Games For Inclusive Play - Candy Land

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Adapted Games for Inclusive Play: Candy Land

I’ve been looking for a way to make the Candy Land game accessible for kids with special needs and found a great solution by combing an app, a specific version of the board game and ideas from an old journal article and a few websites!

Who knew that there has been SO many different versions of this game over the years and that each version has slightly different pictures on the “picture squares” in the game?

Well there has been and I was determined to get the version of the board game that matched up to this app. Could have sworn that I already had the Candy Land board game but looked through my entire stash of materials and couldn’t find it. If I had found it and it wasn’t the right version, my plan was to take screenshots of the pink picture squares from the app and attach them to the game board to make it match.
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After extensive research I finally figured out which version of the Candy Land board game matches this app. I bought “Candy Land – The Kingdom of Sweets Board Game” (2010) on Amazon for $7.49: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00000DMF5 and this app for $.99 (Candy Cards by Panther Technology,  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/candy-cards/id554983778?mt=8 , iOS 3.2 or later, Universal app that works on iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch). I was initially leery of the app since it had not been updated since 2012 but at the price of $.99 decided to try it out. I’m pleased to report that it worked fine on my iPad Air (running iOS 9.3.1) and on my iPhone 5 (running iOS 9.3.2). The only quirky thing I noted when using the app on an iPhone is that the app did not adjust to landscape orientation and had a small black band of dead space at the top and bottom of the screen.

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Check out all the options in this app’s settings area:

Under “Accessibility” settings:

  •  “Safety Time”: For kids who tend to tap repetitively, you can lock the screen for 2, 3, 5 or 10 seconds after drawing each card. That means focus can stay on the game instead of “stimming” on the iPad screen.
  • The “Target” feature can be centered, appear at random places, or even move around the screen if you are wanting to work on “targeted touch”. When “target” is toggled off, you can tap anywhere on the screen to “draw” a card (great for kids with more severe motor impairments).

Under “Play Settings”, you can toggle on/off the background music, the card count, and sound effects and select one of four backgrounds (grey metal, orange, candy stripe and my personal fave… a calming green).

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See more about the app on the developer’s website: http://panthertechnology.com/products/panther-candy-cards/

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So for the bargain price of $8.48 I now have a version of this classic kids game that is more inclusive of kids of a wide range of abilities and needs. I plan on modifying play further when I am in a group or have parents and/or siblings present by playing as “teams” where one teammate’s job is to “draw” the card using the app and the other teammate’s job is to move the game piece. Another option in a 1-on-1 session would be for you and the child to use it as a “cooperative” game and work together as a team to move one of the game pieces to the castle.

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I am also planning on incorporating the ideas for adaptations & task analysis from the journal article “Everyone Can Play!: Adapting the Candy Land Board Game TEACHING Exceptional Children July-August 1996 28: 28-33” (yes I realize the article is 20 years old but the concepts are still valid today). I saved a PDF of the full article out on Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1p1pimgnjmm52wp/Everyone%20Can%20Play%20-%20Adapting%20the%20Candy%20Land%20Board%20Game.pdf?dl=0

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{No Prep SLP Tips: Candy Land} https://omazingkidsllc.com/2016/07/28/no-prep-slp-tips-candy-land/

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Additional ideas:

Check out these great Pinterest boards full of game adaptation ideas:

And lots of materials created by SLPs on TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/PreK-12-Subject-Area/Speech-Therapy/Search:candy+land. I especially like this self esteem conversation prompts freebie: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Self-Esteem-Prompts-for-Candy-Land-1152578

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Oooh… just saw this fun idea to combine Candy Land + the Name That Word Game. Love finding new ways to use materials that I already own! I got my copy of that game several years ago at a back-to-school sale at a teacher supply store but saw that it’s available on Amazon.

http://millionsoffingerprints.blogspot.com/2013/05/today-in-speech-therapywe-played-candy.html

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness & educational activities for kids of all abilities
Home E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com
Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/17426452595789
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741
Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad
Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com
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Angela Moorad is the founder of OMazing Kids, LLC and is an ASHA certified & licensed pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Kids Yoga Teacher with over 26 years experience working in a variety of settings (early intervention, schools, teletherapy & a nonprofit pediatric rehab hospital for children with developmental disabilities). She is an app beta tester for educational & therapeutic app developers and loves sharing info about great apps, products, books & toys to use with kids of all abilities.
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{please ignore any ads that may appear below. This is a free blog and I don’t have any control over ads nor do I profit from them}

{OMazing Kids Book Review & Book Bundle Giveaway} “Love for Logan” & “Leah’s Voice” by Lori DeMonia

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 Book Bundle Giveaway pic

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Love for Logan is the lovely sequel to Leah’s Voice and is another wonderful addition to my special needs acceptance & awareness library! I love how the story unfolds, the message of the power of love and understanding and that it is inspired by the author’s daughters. The book gives insight into Sensory Processing Disorder & Autism.

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Here are a couple of pics of interior pages to give you a feel for the book:

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About the book: Love for Logan is an inspirational story based on actual events. A young girl learns to better understand why day to day life can be challenging for her older sister. While sharing a special night, the story embraces how one girl’s love for her sister empowers her to overcome one of life’s obstacles. This beautifully illustrated, kid friendly picture book, told through the eyes of a sibling, will help children understand others’ sensory difficulties, and explain sensory processing disorder.  Sensory Processing Disorder occurs when the nervous system’s messages received from sensory signals are not organized into appropriate responses. This limits a person’s ability to correctly interpret sensory information and can make even routine, daily events extremely challenging.

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  • Age Range: 6 and up
  • Hardcover: 26 pages
  • Publisher: Halo Publishing International (May 18, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1612443621
  • ISBN-13: 978-1612443621
  • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches

Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Logan-Lori-DeMonia/dp/1612443621

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Website: http://www.autismkidsbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leahsvoice

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See this post for my review on the first book, Leah’s Voice: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2015/07/11/omazing-kids-book-review-leahs-voice-by-lori-demonia/.

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A hardcover copy of both books will be included in the book bundle giveaway. 

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Leah's Voice

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  • Age Range: 6 – 8 years
  • Hardcover: 28 pages
  • Publisher: Halo Publishing International (October 31, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1612442404
  • ISBN-13: 978-1612442402
  • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches

Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Leahs-Voice-Lori-Demonia/dp/1612440894.

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See Leah’s art: http://www.kindtree.org/marketplace/artists/leah-demonia

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See this post for a peek inside my special needs acceptance & awareness library at OMazing Kids. I just updated that post to add this new book: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2015/07/11/a-peek-inside-my-my-special-needs-acceptance-awareness-library/

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Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review.  Opinions expressed are my own. Starting in 2013, a new component of reviews & giveaways hosted on OMazing Kids is that a review will be added on Amazon.com (for products sold on that site). See my Amazon profile at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A1JKVLELLSX7FD?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_aya_bb_pdp.

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giveaway .

This giveaway is CLOSED. Congratulations to the winner Kristy Austin in Oklahoma. 

Only USA entries are allowed for this giveaway due to shipping costs.  

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Easy Entry Form:

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  • Only entries with all required information will be valid. The info comes to me directly via e-mail & is ONLY used for the purposes of selecting winners and distributing prizes.

  • Helpful Info & Tips: Folks had requested a simpler entry option. I tried Rafflecopter but most folks did not enter an address so now I’m trying this online contact form instead. I will be hand selecting winners to insure products end up in the hands of folks who will put them to the best use. Briefly tell me how winning this would help you & the kids. I take the time to read each entry so details count. It doesn’t have to be lengthy…. just heart-felt.
  • If you experience any problems with the entry form in this blog post, please e-mail me specific details so I can attempt to fix it. E-mail to: amoorad1@juno.com . The entry deadline may be extended at the sole discretion of OMazing Kids in the event of prolonged entry problems.
  • Each “giveaway” is handled separately on OMazing Kids. So there are no rules prohibiting previous winners from entering this or future giveaways. I really do read every entry in every giveaway carefully to insure that the products end up in the best hands to impact kids lives.

Entry Deadline: 11:59pm CST on July 20, 2015.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • One entry per person.
  • Only USA entries are allowed for this giveaway. 
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via entries may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • Only entries with all required information will be valid.
  • The winner will be chosen from valid entries on July 21, 2015.

1 winner will win a bundle of 1 hardcover copy of each of the 2 books described above.

  • The winner will be notified via e-mail, their name will be posted on the blog post & will be posted on the OMazing Kids Facebook page. The company offering the prize may also post the winner’s name on their website, blog, Facebook page and/or other social media sites at their discretion.
  • The prize will be mailed to the winner using the address submitted in the entry form. OMazing Kids is not responsible for items lost in the mail or for inaccuracies in the mailing address or phone number. I copy & paste the info directly from what you submit << so PLEASE proof read your entry for accuracy before submitting it…. in the era of iPhone auto correction these errors happen pretty frequently>>
  • The winner’s address & phone number will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the prizes directly to the winners.  
  • After I e-mail the winner’s info to the company, it is their responsibility to mail out prizes. Please contact them first if you are concerned about not receiving a prize. If that does not resolve the problem, then feel free to e-mail me and I will glad to assist in whatever way I can.

  • Prize Value: $33.90 ($16.95 for each book)

Other Legal Stuff: I know they are just kids books  but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff… This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties. Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law,

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 This giveaway is part of the 8K 8Day Giveaway series to celebrate 8,000+ fans on the OMazing Kids Facebook page. See this album for details on other giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.972147469502925.1073741891.174264525957894&type=3

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/#omazing-kids-yoga

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741

Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

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OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the crayons divider bar or any ads or unusual hyperlinks that may appear above. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here. 

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A peek inside my special needs acceptance & awareness library….

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One of the frequent requests I receive is for suggestions regarding resources to help kids understand & appreciate special needs. The reason why I have a variety of resources for this is that there is no “one size fits all” resource. Some of the books in my library are geared towards group or classroom settings (but can also be modified for individual use). Some are geared towards specific special needs. Some are more subtle with general themes of respect, compassion & caring. Some are new and some have been in my library since I started my career as a SLP over 25 years ago. My library is frequently expanding but here’s what it includes at the moment:

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  • A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan
  • All Kinds of Friends by Ellen B. Senisi
  • ASD and Me: Learning About High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder by Teresa DeMars
  • Can I Tell You About Autism?: A guide for friends, family and professionals by Jude Welton
  • Do-si-Do with Autism Friendship Kit by Sarah Stup
  • How Katie Got a Voice (and a cool nickname) by Patricia L. Mervine, SLP
  • I Like Birthdays…. It’s the parties I’m not sure about! by Laurie Renke
  • Ian’s Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears
  • In Jesse’s Shoes: Appreciating Kids With Special Needs by Beverly Lewis
  • Leah’s Voice by Lori DeMonia
  • Love for Logan by Lori DeMonia
  • Meet the Beaker Kids: A book for anyone who’s ever had “enough” by Shanna Philipson
  • Show You Understand: Learning about Compassion and Caring by Regina G. Burch
  • Someone Special Just Like You by Tricia Brown
  • Sometimes My Brother: Helping Kids Understand Autism Through a Sibling’s Eyes by Angie Healy
  • Special People, Special Ways by Arlene Maguire
  • The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone with Autism by Ellen Sabin
  • The One and Only Special Me by Rozanne Lanczak Williams
  • The Special Needs Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone with Special Needs by Ellen Sabin
  • This is Gabriel Making Sense of School: A Book About Sensory Processing Disorder by Hartley Steiner
  • We Can Do It! by Laura Dwight

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I only have listed books that I have in my personal library. If you are an author of a book or resource geared towards helping kids understand special needs and would like me to review your work OR if you have questions about any of the resources I have listed, the best way to reach me is via Facebook Messaging on my OMazing Kids Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894.

(My e-mail is listed below but I am getting tons of spam mail due to using that account for social media and blogging…. to the point that I may not receive the e-mail or it being buried among the spam.)

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/#omazing-kids-yoga

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741

Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

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OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the crayons divider bar or any ads or unusual hyperlinks that may appear above. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here. 

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{OMazing Kids Book Review} “Leah’s Voice” by Lori DeMonia

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Leah's Voice

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Leah’s Voice is a wonderful addition to my special needs acceptance & awareness library! I love how the story unfolds, the message of treating everyone with kindness and that it is inspired by the author’s daughters.

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Here are a couple of pics of interior pages to give you a feel for the book:

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About the book:

Leah’s Voice is a fictional story inspired by two sisters. It touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with special needs such as autism. Siblings may find it difficult to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when their friends aren’t more understanding. Leah’s Voice tells the story of two sisters facing these challenges. Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance.

  • 2014 Dr. Temple Grandin Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award Presented by the Autism Society
  • Mom’s Choice Award Winner
  • New York Book Festival 2013 Honorable Mention Award
  • Readers’ Favorite Book Award Finalist 2013
  • London Book Festival 2013 Honorable Mention Award

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Available on Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/Leahs-Voice-Lori-Demonia/dp/1612440894.

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Website: http://leahsvoicethebook.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leahsvoice

Free printables for the book: http://www.leahsvoicethebook.com/#printablesPage

New website: http://autismkidsbooks.com

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See the story behind the book: http://geekclubbooks.com/2014/05/autism-story-leahs-voice/

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See Leah’s art: http://www.kindtree.org/marketplace/artists/leah-demonia

 

 

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Facebook Messaging for OMazing Kids: https://www.facebook.com/messages/174264525957894

AppPeeps Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OMazingKidsAppPeeps/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/#omazing-kids-yoga

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741

Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

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OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the crayons divider bar or any ads or unusual hyperlinks that may appear above. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here. 

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Review: Do-si-Do with Autism Friendship Kit by Sarah Stup

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The Do-Si-Do with Autism Friendship Kit is a “must have” for all disability awareness, inclusion & anti-bullying programs!

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Product Description: Do-Si-Do with Autism is a  ground-breaking CD and DVD set specially designed to help children without autism understand, accept and celebrate their peers with autism. Perfect for parents, school staff, advocacy organizations and teens — anyone building accepting communities.

Do-Si-Do with Autism is a delightfully entertaining and thoughtful way to introduce children to the importance and joy of building meaningful relationships with those who have autism and other developmental disabilities.

The story revolves around Taylor, the turtle with autism, who sheds light on what it is like to feel pain from the overwhelming movements and sounds around him. His feelings are especially pronounced on square dance day at school. Filled with dread, he retreats to the sidelines and finds solace in his beloved books. To his surprise, however, his classmates follow his lead and, in doing so, begin to focus less on their differences and more on all they have in common.

Price & Ordering Info: At the time of this post, the set was being sold at an introductory price of $39.00 and is available on their website: http://sarahstup.com/dosido.htm.

Includes:

The Do-si-Do with Autism by Sarah Stup set includes one CD & one DVD. Here are screenshots of the contents of each disc:

CD:

Do-si-Do with Autism CD contents

This kit is very well designed & organized! I love the positive message, awesome illustrations, quality narration, fun music, how many activities are included & that this was all inspired by the writings of an individual with ASD. What a fabulous example of self-advocacy! The best insights that we have into the world of Autism are to listen to individuals like Sarah who are able to tell us about it through their own experiences. It’s exciting to think about how easy & fun this would be to implement in any elementary school or advocacy event 🙂

get started

 

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Contents of the Disability Awareness Tool Kit (Step 3 – 37 page PDF):

Tool Kit

To give you an example of more awesomeness is packed into this set, the “Fun Pack” PDF from Step 4 is 123 pages full of printable activity sheets! Here are screenshots of the contents:

activities

activities 2

activities 3

activities 4

 

The Do-Si-Do with Autism book is included in three formats: e-book (36-page PDF), narrated & animated movie (16:00 minute DVD) & audio (MP3) . The DVD also includes a fabulous 3 minute video “Are Your Eyes Listening” that silently gives you a look into the world of Autism through the eyes of the author, Sarah Stup.

Do-Si-Do with Autism

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Do-si-Do with autism DVD

Common Core Standards Alignment Guide for teachers

Kindergarten • First grade • Second grade

Complete Contents list

More great FREE printables are available on their website:

* Bookmarks
* Desk decoration
* Autism Friendship poster
* Taylor’s holiday gift!

Make friends with someone with Autism

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About the Author:

Sarah Stup, a writer with Autism, discovered the power of the written word when she was eight.  Until that time, because she could not speak, few appreciated just how bright she was or the extent to which she absorbed her lessons and environment.  Ultimately, Sarah would graduate high school with honors, but it was from her first awkwardly written sentences that her dream of being a writer began.

Sarah was born in Frederick, MD, in 1983, and was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning its symptoms vary from person to person.  Sarah’s disability is considered significant.  She does not speak and has limited motor skills.  Still, she writes.

From her cozy kitchen nook, she has written two books in two years: Do-si-Do with Autism, for children; and Are Your Eyes Listening? Collected Works, for adults. Sarah has also just released her Keepsake Collection, which includes Nest Feathers: A celebration of family, home and memories shared and Heartand Spirit: Words to comfort, inspire and share.

Although Sarah’s writings deal with the experience of autism, each also touches on universal themes like love, personal meaning and the need to belong.

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Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

Contests & Giveaways on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsContestsandGiveaways

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/amoorad

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/#omazing-kids-yoga

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110305433538768736741

Boardmaker Share: http://www.boardmakershare.com/Community/FriendsProfile/10916/Angela-Moorad

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

App Reviews on The Appy Ladies: http://theappyladies.com/?s=Moorad

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OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the crayons divider bar or any ads or unusual hyperlinks that may appear above. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here. I have attempted to remove the CouponDropDown but no luck so far…. DO NOT click on any hyperlinks unless you hover above them first to insure they are valid. Ones I included should appear in blue font.

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Review & Giveaway: The Swingset Mamas CD’s

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Check out the fun, energetic & interactive music from the Swingset Mamas!

I first fell in love with the Swingset Mamas’ music when I found the song “Colors of the Rainbow” last year as I was looking for a song to encourage kids to try healthy foods in my work as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Love the calypso beat of that song and it is my fave on their 1st CD.

Hear mp3 samples at: http://www.amazon.com/Music-for-the-Whole-Family/dp/B0012MB1U8/ref=tmm_msc_title_0#mp3TrackPlayer

Then when I heard their song “Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes” and heard the story behind the song I was totally hooked!

Watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ3LnuQ-nE0

I love that Lizzie Swan and Marlowe Bechmann, the Swingset Mamas, have a strong commitment to using music as a way to spread the message of inclusion and acceptance of differences for all children and adults of all abilities. Their song “Take A Walk In Someone Else’s Shoes” was inspired by Marlowe’s family and their journey with Autism.  

As the mother of a child with autism, Marlowe values and utilizes music to communicate with her daughter.  See this page on their website for tips on making music with your family, Autism Awareness and more: http://www.swingsetmamas.com/wordpress/?page_id=26

Transitions and daily routines are often a challenge for parents of kids with special abilities. Try Downloading “Dressed” (free), and turn your morning dressing routine from a power struggle into a game! Or put on “Buckle Up” (also free) for an easy way to get the kids loaded up into the car.

I received free copies of their 2nd CD “Dance Around the House” and 3rd CD “Mamamorphosis” to try out with the kids I work with both as a SLP & in OMazing Kids. I love their unique music that has a strong beat but is not too fast or overstimulating. Here are my favorite tracks on each CD:

 

Dance Around the House: My favorite tracks are:

  • Knock Knock Blues – would be fun to use in introductions in any kids group activity, including social skill groups, kids yoga groups, etc….
  • Sunscreen Dance – will be fun to use in my summer beach-themed groups & would help any parent who has a battle getting their child to wear sunscreen. Check out this fun printable to go with the song: http://www.aolcdn.com/ch_kids/swingset-mamas-sun-printable.gif
  • Dressed – any parent who has a battle with their child getting dressed has to hear this song…. Getting dressed to this song would be FUN!
  • Dance Around the House – fun to use during any movement activity, including yoga freeze dance.
  • Books – would be fun to use as a transition song for storytime or going to the library.
  • Buckle Up – ever had a battle getting your kids to wear their seatbelt? This song will make that fun too.
  • Bugs – LOVE this song & can’t wait to use this the next time I do a bug-themed yoga class! See the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E0X5-vi1WM
  • Rain & Thunder (two separate tracks) – We are planning a free event around the book “Rain Talk” for Better Hearing & Speech Month at the JD McCarty Center and these will be perfect to use! Would also be cool to use as a way to desensitize kids who are frightened of rain & thunder.
  • 5 More Minutes & See Ya Later Alligator (two separate tracks) – would work great to help in transitions when it’s time to wrap up an activity and get ready to go. See the See Ya Later Alligator video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbeYhYPRpqc
  • Hear mp3 samples at: http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Around-the-House/dp/B0012KRG9A/ref=tmm_msc_title_0#mp3TrackPlayer

Mamamorphosis: My favorite tracks are:

  • Love Makes A Family – Love the lyrics about movement, affirmation & acceptance of differences and beat of this song!
  • Dancing Pants – fun to use during any movement activity, including yoga freeze dance.
  • Great to Be Me – awesome affirmation song.
  • Water Safety Rules – fun way to teach water safety this summer. Many kids with special needs are attracted to water so it is imperative that we teach ALL kids about water safety.
  • Ralph and Rosie (Metamorphosis) – it would be fun to do a whole frog & butterfly metamorphosis themed kids yoga class around this song 🙂
  • If I Became President – LOVE the message of peace & taking care of our planet in this song. See the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRtUFQ7hIyM
  • Time & Counting (two separate tracks) – adding music to concepts that can be challenging to learn.
  • Off Center – does a great job of describing what it might feel like if you had sensory processing difficulties.
  • Take A Walk In Someone Else’s Shoes – An AWESOME song with a wonderful message of inclusion & acceptance!
  • Hear mp3 samples at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MY3X4K/ref=dm_att_alb1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335640836&sr=8-3-ent#mp3TrackPlayer

 Website: http://www.swingsetmamas.com/wordpress/

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SwingsetMamas

 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Swingsetmamas/videos

Available for purchase at: http://www.swingsetmamas.com/wordpress/?page_id=89 – website includes direct links to downloads on iTunes, Amazon & CD Baby.

Disclaimer: I received a free sample of this product to facilitate my review. Opinions expressed are my own.

 

How to enter the giveaway:

  1. Enter via the “Giveaways” tab on the OMazing Kids FB page (http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga?v=app_197602066931325) & mention how you would be using the music with your child or the children you work with AND which CD you want if you win. (comments must be in English; must include full first & last name; 1 entry per Facebook account).
  2. For one additional entry, leave a comment on this blog post. Must mention how you would be using the music with your child or the children you work with AND which CD you want if you win. (comments must be in English; 1 entry per person; must have a valid e-mail address)
  3. Tips: You increase your odds of winning by entering via both methods. Entering via the “Giveaways” tab will save me the step of having to obtain your mailing address – the info you complete on the tab comes directly to me via an e-mail.

Entry Deadline: Enter by any of the methods listed above by 11:59pm CST on April 30, 2012.

Rules of Participation:

  • Must be 18 years or older with a valid e-mail address.
  • Only USA entries are being allowed for this particular giveaway.
  • Employees or family members of OMazing Kids, LLC or the product’s company are not eligible.
  • No purchase required.
  • Comments submitted via the Enter Giveaways Here…. tab on Facebook may be copied & pasted into the blog post.
  • Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  • Two (2) winners will be chosen via a random drawing of valid entries on May 1, 2012.
  • Each winner will be sent one (1) copy of the CD they selected in their entry.
  • The winners will be notified via e-mail and will be posted on the blog post.
  • If a winner only entered via blog post, their mailing address will be obtained via e-mail.
  • In the event that a winner does not respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be selected via a random drawing.
  • The winner’s address will be forwarded to the company and they will be mailing the CD directly to the winner.
  • Prize Value: retail price up to $14.00 depending on the CD selected

Other Legal Stuff: I know it’s just kids music CD’s but just to be safe here is all the legal stuff…

This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to OMazing Kids, LLC and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for our internal purposes in relation to the administration of the giveaway. Your information will NOT be sold to any outside parties.

Indemnification/Hold Harmless: By participating, entrants agree: (a) to the decisions of OMazing Kids, LLC, which shall be final in all respects; (b) to release, discharge, and hold harmless OMazing Kids, LLC and its respective representatives and agents from all liability, injuries, losses or damages of any kind to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize, or from participation in and/or entry into the Contest or any Contest-related activity and for acceptance, delivery, or use of any prize; (c) that the foregoing parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation or guaranty, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relating to any prize.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/OMazingKids/

Blog: http://omazingkidsllc.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

 

Universal Design for Inclusive Kids Yoga: Inclusion is Belonging

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I have had this on my heart to share for a while and decided that today would be a good day as we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Inclusion & Universal Design

Inclusive programs create accepting environments and send a powerful message that all children are welcomed and valued.

When inclusive practices are fully embraced, we provide all children with an authentic sense of belonging.

Materials and programs that are developed with “universal design” concepts are designed from the beginning to be flexible enough to accommodate the unique needs of a wide range of individuals, including those with and without disabilities.

The intent of “universal design” is to simplify life for everyone by making products and programs usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities. Have you ever used automatic doors or “curb cut” ramps? Then you have benefitted from universal design.

Inclusion is Belonging – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9-XX9227ek

Here’s my dream: Let’s use the concept of “universal design” as we develop and implement yoga programs and materials for kids and youth. What simple modifications can we make to be inclusive and supportive of kids and youth of all abilities and needs in our classes? Can we add visual supports? Simplify instructions? Modify poses for specific physical and/or sensory needs?

Before offering “separate” classes or creating “separate” materials for kids & youth with special needs, consider what could be done to support inclusion in what is already available.

Ok….. I’m not Pollyanna. I know that inclusion may take more thought and planning. Inclusion may be uncomfortable the first time you are faced with how to handle a challenging behavior. And there may some situations where it would not be safe for a particular child to be included at that point in time (ex: due to extremely aggressive behaviors). But based on my 21 years experience working with kids of all ages (0-21 years) & a wide variety of special needs, it is pretty rare to have a child with that extreme of a behavioral issue unless you are working in a program/setting specifically designed for those intense needs.

  • Who better to “be the change we want to see in the world” than those of us doing yoga with kids & youth?
  • Where better to truly teach the concept of inclusion than in yoga programs for kids & youth?

Need help knowing how to take steps towards inclusion? One great resource would be to collaborate with folks who are passionate about inclusion in your own community. Look for a teacher, a parent of a child with special needs, a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, social worker, etc… who shares your passion for inclusion.

And I’m here to brainstorm ideas via my OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page….. The reason I established it was as a means to promote inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities…. So I’d love to help!

Here are some great online resources for inclusion:

http://www.inclusionproject.org/

http://www.includingsamuel.com/resources/inclusion.aspx

Supporting Inclusion for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Community Programs

http://www.kitonline.org/html/about/publications/Supporting-Children-with-Autism-Disabilities/eMagFiles/source/Binder1.pdf

Supporting Social Emotional Needs

http://www.kitonline.org/html/about/publications/KITSocial-Emo-Bookletindd/eMagFiles/source/KITSocial%20Emo%20Booklet.pdf

Supporting Children with Developmental Disabilities

http://www.kitonline.org/html/about/publications/Supporting-Children-with-Development/eMagFiles/source/Special%20Hope%20Resource%20Guide.pdf

Visual Support Video Series: How to Use Pictures to Enhance Activities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=720vEFf40ls

Visual Support Video Series: How to Use Picture and Object Schedules

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpsJoZSn61c

Defining expectations: How to Teach Children What is Expected of Them

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZb_FqBAu7Q

Sensory support: How to Accommodate Children Who Are Over or Under-Sensitive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmsPYQd_Gmk

 

My goal in providing these thoughts & resources is to inspire and support inclusion. Namaste! 🙂

 

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1

Blog: http://omazingkidsyoga.com

NOTE: Please ignore any ads that appear below the wavy divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

 

OMazing Kids Yoga – Therapeutic Yoga For Kids and Teens with Autism (handouts & links for presentation at the Oklahoma Autism Conference 11-19-11)

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Here are links to my presentation & handouts for “OMazing Kids Yoga – Therapeutic Yoga For Kids and Teens with Autism” at the Oklahoma Autism Conference 11-19-11 –

About 60-65 folks (parents, teachers, OT’s, SLP’s, PT’s, psychologists, behavior therapists, music therapist, etc.) attended my presentation at the Oklahoma Autism Conference! It was SO fun to share my passion for kids yoga and give away all the great products 🙂

 Need visual supports for yoga groups? Here are a few to try out: yoga breathing visual support (flower and candle), Social Story “Good Behavior in Yoga Group” with picture symbols, Peace Tree – guided visualization.

Want a few quick facts about the attendees & door prizes?  conference attendee & door prize quick facts & map (1 page PDF)

Special “thanks” to the following 35 companies that donated a total of 163 kids yoga & relaxation products with a total retail value of over $2,500 that were given away as door prizes to folks who attended my presentation:

ABC’s of Yoga for Kids – http://www.abcyogaforkids.com/

Addriya™ – http://addriya.com/

Adventures of Super Stretch™ – http://www.adventuresofsuperstretch.com/

Alma Yoga (Alma Largey) – http://www.almayoga.com/

Asana Alphabet – http://www.asanaalphabet.com/

BodyLogique Adaptive Movement Education® –  http://www.bodylogique.com/

Budding Yogis  –  http://www.buddingyogis.com/

Color Me Yoga – http://www.colormeyoga.com/

Elahi Yoga  –  http://elahiyoga.com/

GreenTREE Yoga® – http://greentreeyoga.org/

Grounded Yoga – http://gogrounded.com/

Karma Kids Yoga – http://www.karmakidsyoga.com/

Kidding Around Yoga – http://kiddingaroundyoga.com/

Little Lotus Kids Yoga Cards – http://www.littlelotuskidsyoga.com/

Mosabee™ Your Yoga Routine – Eco Friendly Yoga Mat – http://www.mosabee.com/

Move With Me™ Action Adventures   –   http://www.move-with-me.com/

Musical Yoga Adventures – http://www.musicalyogaadventures.com/

My First Yoga™ – http://www.myfirstyoga.com/

Namaste Kid   –   http://www.namastekid.com/

Next Generation Yoga®  –  http://www.nextgenerationyoga.com/

Playful Planet™  –  http://www.playfulplanet.com/

Radiant Child® Yoga –  http://www.childrensyoga.com/

Shanti Generation  – http://www.shantigeneration.com/

S.T.O.P. and Relax©   –   http://stopandrelax.net/

Storytime Yoga™ – http://www.storytimeyoga.com/

Stress Free Kids® – http://www.stressfreekids.com/

Super Duper® Publications – http://www.superduperinc.com/

Yoga 4 Classrooms™  – http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/

YogaBuddies™ – http://www.yogabuddies.com/

Yoga Calm For Children –  http://www.yogacalm.org/

Yoga In My School – http://yogainmyschool.com/

Yoga Therapy for Every Special Child –  http://yogatherapy4children.com/

Yoga -Yingo®- http://www.yoga-yingo.com/

Yogiños: Yoga for Youth®  –  http://www.yoginos.com/

Young Yoga Masters – http://www.youngyogamasters.com/

If you want details about what each company donated & links to where to purchase those items, see the individual “thank you” posts I did on the OMazing Kids Yoga Facebook page each day in the week leading up to the conference: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga

I was glad I had taken the time to read/watch/review all the products before giving them away (I watched the last DVD as I was getting ready that morning!). This allowed me to give each participant a couple of items to best fit their needs based on age of the kids, their role, the setting, etc…. 🙂

NOTE:  Please ignore any ads that appear below the blue divider bar. This is a free blog site & I have no control over ads appearing here.

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2
Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder of OMazing Kids Yoga, LLC – inclusive yoga for kids & teens of all abilities in Norman, Oklahoma
Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2
E-mail: amoorad1@juno.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OMazingKidsYoga
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amoorad1
Blog: https://omazingkidsyoga.wordpress.com