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We’re always searching for innovative ways to engage and inspire our students while meeting their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Have you heard about Lovevery playkits? These thoughtfully designed kits could be just what we need to bring a fresh wave of excitement and learning to our classrooms. Typically we think of these kits as resources for parents to support their own child’s development. As a teacher and a mom who has used these kits with my own children AND with my students, let me share with you why these kits are such a game-changer.
Why Lovevery Playkits?
1. Purposeful Design for Developmental Stages
Lovevery playkits are not just any ordinary toys. They’re curated with input from experts in child development, neuroscience, and Montessori education, making them particularly effective for our diverse learners. Each kit is tailored to specific age groups and developmental milestones, which helps ensure that we’re providing our students with the right tools at the right time. Typically our IEP goals follow specific milestones which makes it so helpful to have already curated kits to support these specific areas of development.
2. Heirloom Quality Materials
The materials used in Lovevery kits are truly exceptional. They’re crafted from sustainable, high-quality wood and organic cotton, making them durable and safe for our students to explore. The tactile and sensory experiences offered by these materials are perfect for students who benefit from hands-on learning and can withstand the wear and tear of classroom use. It feels like a big relief to invest in something that you can likely use for decades with kids, not just peeling laminated file folders and broken plastic materials!
3. Supports IEP Goals
IEP goals are at the heart of what we do. Lovevery kits can align beautifully with student goals, offering opportunities for students to develop cognitive, motor, and SEL skills in a play-based setting. Whether you’re working on improving fine motor skills, enhancing social interactions, or boosting problem-solving abilities, there’s a Lovevery kit that can help support each goal.
How to Use Lovevery Kits in the Classroom
1. Enhance Learning Centers
Imagine transforming your classroom’s learning centers with Lovevery kits. Each kit contains a variety of items that can be used to create engaging centers. For instance, a kit designed for toddlers might include stackable blocks and nesting cups, which are perfect for developing hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness. You can rotate kits to keep centers fresh and exciting, allowing students to explore new concepts at their own pace.
2. Encourage Independent Play
Lovevery kits are designed to encourage independent play, which can be incredibly empowering for our students. When students engage in self-directed play, they build confidence and autonomy—skills that are crucial for lifelong learning, as well as often requested by parents and caregivers. As students explore the kits, they can practice making choices and problem-solving on their own, fostering a sense of independence that often aligns with their IEP goals.
3. Foster SEL
Many Lovevery kits include items that promote social emotional learning. For example, role-playing toys like dolls and kitchen sets can help students practice empathy, communication, and cooperation. These experiences are essential for building social skills and can be integrated into group activities and authentic with peers.
4. Support Sensory Integration
For students with sensory processing challenges, Lovevery playkits offer a variety of textures, colors, and sounds to explore. The sensory experiences provided by these kits can help students regulate their sensory systems and improve focus and attention. Incorporating these kits into sensory breaks or calm corners can be so helpful for students needing a little extra support.
5. Connect with Families
One of the great things about Lovevery is that they also offer resources for families. By incorporating Lovevery kits into your classroom, you can bridge the gap between school and home, providing families with ideas and activities to continue supporting their child’s learning journey outside of school.
Why You Should Give Lovevery Playkits a Try
1. Expertly Curated
Lovevery kits are backed by research and expert insights, ensuring that every item included is purposeful and beneficial for child development. As teachers, we can feel confident knowing that these tools are rooted in research. What a breath of fresh air to not be the one doing all the curating, but leaving it to other experts we can trust.
2. Engaging and Fun
We ALL know kids learn best when they’re having fun. Lovevery kits are designed to be engaging and enjoyable, capturing students’ attention and making learning feel like play. When students are excited to learn, they’re more likely to make progress toward their goals. I can attest to the squeals of delight and the endless moments of open-ended play that the playkits provide.
3. Versatile and Adaptable
Every classroom is unique, and Lovevery kits are versatile enough to adapt to your specific needs. Whether you’re working with autistic students, children with emotional disabilities, or intellectual disabilities , you can find ways to incorporate Lovevery kits into your teaching strategies.
4. Long-Lasting Quality
The heirloom quality of Lovevery materials means that these kits are an investment in your classroom’s future. They are built to last, ensuring that your students can benefit from them year after year.
5. Easy to Implement
Integrating Lovevery kits into your classroom doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your teaching methods. They complement existing curricula and can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine. Whether you use them for structured lessons or free play, these kits are a valuable addition to any classroom.
Lovevery playkits offer an exciting opportunity to enhance our special education classrooms.
By providing our students with high-quality, developmentally appropriate tools, we can support their growth and help them achieve their IEP goals in a fun and engaging way. So why not give Lovevery a try? You might just find that these kits become an indispensable part of your teaching toolkit.