Making playdough

Playdough is such a great resource for sensory sessions and child/adult development and relaxation. However I am using it with groups of children so buying it can work out quite expensive. I had a look online and came across this one which seemed really easy to make and edible, should it accidentally be put in the mouth. I've used plain flour so it is not suitable for anyone with a gluten/wheat intolerance to eat but should be ok to touch. However you know who you are making it for so use your knowledge of them to see of you think it's suitable.

As usual the video skills are quite poor but I'm uploading it as otherwise I'll never get anything uploaded whilst I'm trying to improve.......it's going to take some time I can tell you that! Unfortunately I cannot remember where I found the playdough receipe but here it is:

You will need:

* 8tbsp plain flour

* 2tbsp table salt

* 60mls warm water

* 1tbsp vegetable oil

* Food colouring - a few drops (I also added some flavourings too)

What you do:

1. Add the flour and salt to a mixing bowl and stir.

2. In a measuring jug add the water and then add the oil and colourings/flavourings. Give this a good stir.

3. Add the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon.

4. Lightly flour the surface you are working on and tip the dough out. Form a ball and knead until smooth and pliable.

5. The dough can be put into an air tight sandwich bag and kept in the fridge until needed. (I'm not sure how long it will stay in the fridge but I'm guessing several days at least).

Happy playdough making!

Etsy shop finally open

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the sensory packs I have put together please check out my Etsy shop: Marjorie and Me by Kerry

In 2017 I open my Etsy shop to sell craft items but over time my business progressed and I had less time to make items to sell so I had to close it. I’ve been meaning to re-open it but my confidence has prevented me. However, sometimes you have to just be brave. What am I fearing? Nothing. I have no problems failing. I have no problem with it not being successful. But I do have a problem with not having a go. So , here we go……

I’ve uploaded 9 items to my shop. These are designed to support young children, children with SEND, adults with learning disabilities and people who require a sensory approach, to enjoy sensory toys. I’m interested to see if these sell in packs or if buyers would rather buy the toys individually, or if there is no interest at all in buying these items from me.

I’m also looking at developing resources for PMLD which can be explored on trays, in bowls and from a variety of different laying, sitting and standing positions. I’m looking at linking these to stories to start with.

I feel like I could waffle on more but I’ll save you from that. I’m happy to hear your feedback on the items I have in my shop and any thing you think I should/should not do. Thank you.

Have a lovely day

Makaton Tactile Signing

I have been so fortunate today and met (well over a webinar anyway) the amazing Shelina Mitha. Selina is a Speech and Language Therapist and one of her many areas of specialism is tactile signing with children who are blind, as well as those with MSI (Multiple Sensory Impairments) and PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities). Selina has been a Senior Makaton Tutor for 10 years and today she gave a presentation to makaton members on Tactile Signing using Makaton.

Shelina’s knowledge and passion for this subject matter is so clear to see. I found myself thinking of ways to use such signing techniques and with who. But. This is not why I wanted to write a quick blog post on tactile signing. At the end of the session Shelina answered questions. A lot of the questions were around whether The Makaton Charity would be standardising a package of signs for use with children and adults who are VI, MSI and PMLD. The Charity staff alluded to the fact this proposal was not in their business plan, but Shelina seemed keen on this happening.

And then Shelina said: “STANDARDISING GIVES YOU A COMMUNITY”. And isn’t that true and surely what we are all about? Individuals with these complex needs struggle to communicate their choices and needs, let alone initiate communication with others. They are supported by staff and family members and their ‘friends’ are other individual with similar needs in the same class/group as them. If a communication system is standardised then others can communicate with the individual (and not just those who know the individual well). To only be able to communicate with your immediate family and paid professionals is a sad state of affairs to me.

Sooooooo, let’s hope Shelina’s influence can encourage the Makaton Charity to consider this task of standardising tactile signs as a priority.

I’ll keep you updated. Until then, enjoy the sunshine!

Image taken from Google Images and not my own.

Summer Activities - Cornflour and water

Well, this is clearly being uploaded on the wrong day - it’s too wet to be outside today exploring cornflour and water! So, if you’re doing this activity indoors, put a giant towel or blanket on the floor first. The joy with cornflour is that if it gets on your clothes then it washes off so easily as it’s just flour.

This video is aimed at supporting families and carers to create accessible activities for the individuals they care for. It is not for the individuals themselves. When I refer to ‘individuals’ I am referring to young children, children with SEND, adults with learning disabilities and people who require a sensory approach to their understanding and day to day life.

Boxes of cornflour are available in all supermarkets and a box costs a round 50p. This can last for the whole summer.

Enjoy exploring cornflour and water!

Summer Activities - shaving foam and paint

Finally! I pressed ‘upload’ on my YouTube account and posted this video about using shaving foam and paint with the individuals you have/support. It is aimed at families and carers to give them ideas of accessible and sensory activities to do over the summer break. Have fun!

Summer Activity - Sensory Bunting

It can be a struggle to be creative with children and adults who have a significant visual impairment. It can also be difficult to do things which are meaningful and can be enjoyed by everyone. C is going to be having a garden party in August with some of her Mum’s friends so we have made bunting for it. For me, the key outcome of this is the experience that the child has whilst exploring the different textures and the sounds they make when touched. The end result, in this case the bunting, is a by-product for everyone else to enjoy. But the experiences the child has whilst making the bunting is of paramount importance and not perfectly neat bunting.

For this activity you will need:

Paper or card

Paint in the colours of your choice

Shaving foam

Ribbon or string

Buttons, bells, beads

I also laminated the triangle bunting so it would last longer but this is not necessary, it’s entirely up to you.

Hole punch

How we did it:

Whilst C sat in her postural seating, with the tray on, I squirted paint and shaving foam onto her tray. The shaving foam makes a great noise when coming out of the can which can be a good motivator. I then supported C, with hand over hand, to explore the mixtures before she did this independently. It’s fair to say that we had paint everywhere and went through lots of wet wipes and old tea towels whilst cleaning up! You know the person you are supporting best so you’ll know off they put things in their mouth, throw etc, so plan the activity in a space accordingly.

Once the paint and shaving foam had been mixed we put paper on top of the tray and used our hands to push down. C loves banging on her tray so this was great fun. We then let the paper dry and the big clean up began.

The following week, after I had cut out triangles and laminated them and punched holes in the top for the ribbon to go through, C explored the laminated bunting triangles. She loved the noise they made when she flicked them and enjoyed being fanned by them. We then explored the ribbon, buttons, beads and bells. Some of the beads were smelly beads (I think I got them from Smyth’s some time ago) to enhance the experience for C. She loves dropping things off her tray and the sound they make when they hit the floor. As a result I ended up picking up lots of beads from the ground whilst C laughed! I threaded the items onto the ribbon as we were exploring their textures and sounds. The final bunting has tiny bells attached as well as buttons, beads and laminated triangles so the experience was thoroughly enjoyable for C and looks lovely in her garden.

Happy bunting making!

Paint and shaving foam on the tray and ready to be explored…..

The tray after some hand-over-hand exploration

The tray after lots of self-exploration and paper added and pushed into the paint and foam mixture

The paper drying on a large towel to prevent the family’s carpet being painted on too…..

Not a great picture of C exploring the ribbon, buttons and bells but it’s quite tricky to get photos when you’re supporting someone……I’ll try and get better

The bunting laying out not the grass as we worked on the other end of the ribbon……doing this outside had it’s challenges as the wind suddenly picked up. Apparently this was hilarious……

The finished bunting looking fabulous in the tree

Close up so you can see the paint texture and beads, bells and buttons ;-)

The Woodlands Secondary School Cafe is open!

The Community Cafe at Woodlands is awesome. This is a fact. The cafe is part funded by the Duke of Edinburgh Award and is run by a dedicated team of staff at school. The cafe lead is employed full time to run and teach in the cafe and is supported by a colleague with catering experience. The cafe is staffed by the students; all of whom have SEND and are aged 14-18 years.

I know I’m biased, but it really is an awesome little oasis tucked away in Luton. Yesterday was my first day back in school and I made sure I booked my lunch in the cafe. I had a tuna salad bowl with a Diet Coke. The salad is made by the students following the TEACCH principles; working left to right and adding a handful of each salad item to the bowl. This is such an accessible way of promoting independence and employability skills for students with additional needs and/or autism.

The prices are so accessible too as the cafe is not-for-profit and it is a training cafe, for want of a better word, so my lunch plus a cappuccino only came to £4.40. Brilliant! Plus, the new mugs match the colour of the walls = winning at co-ordination. Ha ha ha

I’m back there today……..lunch already ordered ;-)

Take care

The flowers are on

I’ve finally got around to changing the batteries in my home-made flower vase. It looks so pretty now, even if I say so myself! The flower lights were around £5.00 from Primark, several years ago, and the ‘vase’ is a properly cleaned out gherkin jar from Costco. This little creation makes me so happy and I love it on my table or on my cooker. It’s the little things in life that should be focused on……..

Have a lovely day and enjoy the sunshine

My inflatable saxophone had a slow puncture

Today I provided a free Makaton session to a group of fantastic adults with learning disabilities and older people from Central Bedfordshire Council. Everyone was amazing and it was great to see some old faces from 20 years ago……one of which still remembered me and my car!

I was trying to make Makaton accessible and motivating so that the staff can continue it, going forwards. I love signing to music as I feel this is the best way to make Makaton accessible to anyone and everyone. Today we learnt the 10 signs needed for ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ by The Tokens. Some of the people knew Makaton as a user but perhaps did not use to regularly, but the signing prompted them to remember the signs for colours and songs. It was totally magical and I can’t wait for next week……

This week the group learnt the following signs and saw the matching symbol (Widgit symbols):

1. Jungle

2. Lion

3. Sleeps

4. Tonight

5. Quiet

6. Near

7. Village

8. Darling

9. Don’t

10. Fear

What an amazing achievement for 30 minutes!

During one of the musical sections of the song we mimed playing the saxophone. Unfortunately my saxophone was floppy as I thought the bit you blow into was letting air out……so I glued it shut with super glue (no extreme actions here!) but it kept going down so I think it had a slow puncture. However this did not deter my enthusiasm…..!

Makaton is developing a workshop for people who are getting forgetful and their carer. I’m attending a webinar (ooooo get me!) in August about it so I’ll let you know about it then, but perhaps this is something that some of the people attending today’s zoom session may benefit from in the future……?

It's all about the McFlurry

Every weekend I support an amazing little girl with profound and complex learning disabilities. Prior to the pandemic I was supporting her to increase her tolerance of new experiences, sounds, smells and tastes. Unfortunately the pandemic prevented us from continuing on this path, however being safe and well is definitely more important than anything else so that has been our priority.

However, as things are slowly returning to ‘normal’ I decided this weekend we would start exploring a new opportunity; McDonald’s Drive-Thru. This challenged C is a variety of ways; she does not like the car stopping, she is not a fan of people talking that she does not like (especially men) and she hates it when the car stops properly and the engine is turned off…….so this was going to be interesting……

C was amazing; she coped really well with everything until I stopped the car to give her the ice cream. She did her usual and started to scream but once the first spoonful of ice cream had been tasted she instantly calmed and enjoyed herself immensely! McFlurry has healing powers…….ha ha ha.

Sometimes it is easier and safer to do what is familiar and predictable. However stepping outside of our comfort zone does us all good from time to time. So I’ll repeat this several more times before introducing a new experience but then we will try something new. Ensuring C has a great quality of life, filled with experiences that stimulate and motivate her is my goal. And McDonald’s was a success!

Have a great week and take care

Sensory Pencil Cases - this may not be their name.......?

Soooooooooo, as you know I find putting myself ‘out there’ a terrifying experience. I doubt myself, worry and eventually talk myself out of things. But I’m putting on my big girl pants today and being brave and talking about something that I’ve been thinking of, making, and dreaming of selling………and that’s ‘sensory pencil cases’. I’m not sure this is what they will be called but something like this.

I’ve attached 3 practice photographs below. They are practice because I actually want to photograph them on a white/lighter background……rather than my kitchen table!

As a carer/support worker/personal assistant (or sibling, parent, etc) I support children young people and adults with complex and additional needs to access the community. I find that I need a back pack full of items to support and engage the individual. I’m not just talking about anti-bacterial hand gel, wet wipes and tissues. I’m talking; sensory toys, craft activities and books. As you know I absolutely love The Works for their amazing £1-£2 craft activity packs (and have a box full of them…….just in case) so I always have a couple of these to hand. But I wanted something small and accessible to contain sensory items which could be used at a coffee table or restaurant table as well as in the car or park. I also wanted something that did not scream ‘I’ve got special needs’ or seemed too ‘young’ for an adult. I also wanted something to support children. So I’ve got a huge box of stuff that will hopefully meet these needs and will offer individuals, their carers and family an accessible resource to support them in a variety of situations. These will be sold in my shop on my website (I think……). As you can see, the details are still a little vague but my enthusiasm for resources like these remains so high.

Photos below and I’ll keep you updated……

Have a lovely day

Last week of facilitating Wellbeing sessions over zoom!

My time of facilitating wellbeing sessions over zoom is finally coming to an end as I’ll be back in school from next week. It’ll be great to return to face-to-face sessions where the relationship with the young people can be built upon and developed to support them to reach their full potential.

It’s fair to say that 2 years ago I never thought I would be facilitating sessions over zoom, or saying things like ‘you’re on mute!” or “can everyone mute please”, but there I was doing it all. My IT skills have definitely developed over the past 18 months, as have everyone’s, due to the pandemic and the fact that it was online or not at all. The young people with SEND have been outstanding in their acceptance of all the changes over the past 2 academic years. It has not been an easy path, but everyone has tried their best and been amazing as a result.

No more ‘Kerry in the laptop’ photos from next week (although some of my work remains online, my sessions with the school are returning to face-to-face) so I’ve included my last one below.

This week in the Wellbeing Sessions we have been discussing Boris Johnson’s speech on Monday about the easing date moving to 19th July, from 20th June. The young people had lots to say and were brilliant in sharing their thoughts. We then discussed what kind of arty and crafty activities we found enjoyable and relaxing as this linked to the topic of this year’s Learning Disability Week. Lots of young people liked to paint but others enjoyed writing and drawing their own stories, creating models with lego or exploring play dough. Another great week with some amazing young people.

What arty or crafty activities do you enjoy?

Learning Disability Week 2021 (14th-20th June 2021)

This years theme for Learning Disability Week is; GET ARTY

I use art throughout a lot of my work and use it to explore different sensory experiences. This week I have been using face paints to explore art. We explored their colour, what they felt like and how they felt when we drew on our skin. We drew lines, circles and shapes.

The good news was that the face paints washed off really easily too…..phew! I also stayed away from C’s face due to skin sensitivities and the fact she rubs her eyes. But she loved exploring the textures and shapes being drawn on her arms and legs.

Don’t forget to get arty this week!

When will I learn?

The past 18 months have effected us all differently, but I think it’s fair to say that no one has been untouched by the pandemic. Our lives are different and we are eager to welcome in the ‘new normal’……whatever that may be! For the people who have lost their jobs and are desperately seeking new employment, this must be such a worrying time. For the families who have tried to ‘work from home’ whilst ‘home-schooling’ their children, I salute you! My heart really goes out to the families where one of their children has autism. Routine and repetition is so important for these children and the sudden and unexplained changes have been awful for them, their families and most importantly, their siblings. I believe these families have really struggled and my heart goes out to them. Schools and colleges provide such an important learning opportunity for children and young people with SEND as well as a safe sanctuary. Families are reliant on these settings and their lives have been turned upside over the past 18 months. I do want to stress that in no way am I suggesting only families with a child with autism have struggled. I have experienced these families and their struggles so I am speaking from experience but I totally recognise that all of us are different and our situations are unique as are experiences of the pandemic. The struggle has been real.

I have been working throughout the pandemic and due to demand I have worked for 7 days a week for an extended period of time, which was not my intention at all, but it happened. The consequence to this has been huge on my health. I am having to slow down now, because my health is being significantly affected by this past year and to ensure I can keep working (albeit less hours) I have to listen to my body and the fabulous NHS. But I am determined to learn from this experience (finally) and want the second half of 2021 to be my healthiest and happiest!

So, it’s time to practice what I preach…….

Get the sun lotion on and enjoy all the vitamin D!

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

This year the focus is on NATURE. This fits in nicely with the latest government advice of; Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air. A lot of local groups and schools have really embraced this week, this year. And who can blame them after the year we have all had!

This week I have supported a young person to access the community and drive through Woburn to see the deers as well support a child to get out and about. My wellbeing sessions this week touched on Mental Health Awareness Week as well as inspirational disabled people. Susan Boyle’s first audition from Britain’s Got Talent was definitely the most popular! Susan has a diagnosis of autism.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned my ‘happy place’ here before (no doubt several times). I love being at Dunstable Downs. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea and think I’m an avid walker, because I’m not. Far from it in fact. But I do like a wander over the Downs and I love sitting in their coffee shop, people watching and taking in the sights. I’ve really missed going there since all the lockdowns as I would go there to work. I find it very inspiring and creative being there. I cannot wait to get back to it. The other local venue I’m growing to love more and more is Houghton Hall Park. This park is beautiful (and currently has a great mobile coffee van there too).

I benefit from being outside and taking in the fresh air. It certainly helps my sense of wellness and I love taking the individuals I support to different parks and outside venues. They benefit greatly to. In fact, we all do.

Take care and look after yourselves. Remember self-care is important.

Dunstable Downs on a foggy day, but still beautiful

My brother’s dog enjoying being outside and making the most of the good weather. I couldn’t not share this photo as it’s so beautiful

New resources for Girls Group

I’m still facilitating sessions over zoom and in Girls Group we are looking at our image and social media. I thought the best way to do this will be through using dolls…….so here’s introducing Mercy and Zuzanna!

The dolls are great for highlighting body parts and which ones are private and which are public. Plus the dolls can easily be dressed and undressed to show appropriate dress for different situations. They were introduced this week to the girls and went down well so I’m hoping they’re doing to be a good addition to the discussions we have going forwards.

Have a great week and remember it’s never too early to eat chocolate eggs!

Mercy and Zuzanna in their boxes

Zuzanna is a Barbie doll with moveable joints

Mercy

It started so well......

On Tuesday morning I got up and ready really early so that I could film some Makaton signing videos before heading out to work. I actually made an effort with my make-up, tidied up the kitchen and cleared the table. This was a task in itself! Where does all this ‘stuff’ come from?

I then spent ages phaffing around with the tri-pod and getting my camera level so it didn’t look like I was standing on a hill. I practised the signs several times so I felt confident and then I pressed ‘record’…..

And that’s when I heard it…….the washing machine was on! For goodness sake, Kerry! Why oh why did I put the washing machine on and then try and film 30cms from it? The washing machine wouldn’t have finished before I left for work so that was that. The only thing for it was to have another coffee. After all, my mantra is: Coffee First, Then Work.

All ready to start……

Ssssssssh!

A Daily Focus

As you know, blogging is something I really want to do more of but I struggle with it. I’m always aware that my writing isn’t great (I’m definitely a talker!) and I’m not sure that what I’m writing is of any interest to anyone, but me. Then I thought; if it helps me to focus my thoughts, plan and share my views on a platform, then I should just do it…..

I love Instagram and always try to upload daily on my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages. I’m always trying to get into a routine for uploading videos too (mainly signing Makaton) but I’m clearly not very good at this either!

I’ve decided to give my week a focus and have a theme for each day:

Monday - Mindful Monday

Tuesday - Time Out Tuesday

Wednesday - Wellbeing Wednesday

Thursday - Thoughtful Thursday

Friday - Fabulous Friday

Saturday - Sensory Saturday

Sunday - Self-Care Sunday

It’s really giving me a focus to my work and covers all the areas of work that my business focusses on. So far, daffodils, McDonald’s and of course, coffee, have featured this week.

Have a great week and remember that self care is not selfish, it's necessary.

Worry worry worry - it's all around

I needed to create a visual tool to support young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) to express their worries but keep them contained so that their anxiety does not manifest itself into something huge and unmanageable. In fact, I think this is something we all need to work, not just young people with SEND, but anyway…….as usual; I digress.

I decided to make a worry jar late on Tuesday evening. My sessions start first thing on a Wednesday morning. So with some washable purple paint, a teeny-tiny paintbrush and a tub of ‘coffee mate’ retrieved from the recycling bin, I set to work. I think what was created can only be described as a masterpiece and I suspect the demand for such items will be huge……. or not! Luckily the students were very forgiving of my home-made efforts.

The worry jar was filled up with the heart felt concerns from the students. Unsurprisingly the majority of the concerns were covid related. Once student bravely expressed their loneliness and unhappiness, whereas another spoke of the fear of another lockdown if things are rushed. Their thoughts and feelings echoed that of the staff supporting them and, no doubt, a lot of people in the UK. We discussed the worries and what we could do to help the situation with the caveat that sometimes we cannot make the worry go away but sharing it is very important, being the loud and clear message.

One of the reasons I love my job is because of the organic responses to situations that the people I support always have. Some are not worried about covid, their worries are more personal and specific. Alongside the worries around family, friendships and covid, were worries about teeth, Bob the Builder, Boris Johnson and having to leave the ‘man-cave’, to name but a few. These worries are as important and just as valid and were discussed in turn too.

This will be something that I touch on every week between now and Easter as the return to education in a school or college is going to be tricky. The students in school, although missing their friends, have got used to not having to share the staff’s attentions. The students at home have got used to getting up later and learning from their sofa. This will all take time to re-adjust and settle back into a new form of learning for the rest of the academic year.

However, I do believe that together we can make great things happen and through consistency and focus we can improve our wellbeing and that of those around us.

So, take care and stay safe. I believe the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched back on.

Valentines/Galentines sensory box

I’ve pulled together a sensory box with a Valentine/Galentine theme. I’m starting to do this for topics and themes so everything is in one place. It’ll be easier to find and to store……hopefully. I’m tackling my office next week - wish me luck!

Anyway, I digress as usual………

In a huge Tupperware I have gathered objects that are red, pink and some white. i’ve focussed on different textures but with one colour. In the box there are measuring spoons, a toothbrush, scarves, a shower puff, heart lights (I LOVE Poundland lights as they are great for things like this.), sweets and a Piglet. I’m hoping to use this during the week with a child to see how they explore the textures. I will also crush the love hearts into her yogurt and let her play with the marshmallows.

I’ll let you know how we get on.

This was easy and cheap to make so it’s totally accessible to everyone - happy valentines and valentines day xxx

Valentine and Galentines Sensory Box