Let's start in the bottom left corner. I have a basket on my desk with all kinds of squishy items. Kids and adults both LOVE them. I found this blue centipede, the pink bristly thing and orange "submarine" with soft bristles. These can be squeezed into lots of distorted shapes. It gives students something to do with their hands and eyes when they are feeling uncomfortable. I actually have 2 of the blue centipedes and one of my students with sensory issues likes to sit with one in each hand and swing them across his body and they thump on his upper arms. It's a calming thing to him.
Above the squishies are 2 multi-sided shapes that can be used for a class lesson, small group, or something to work on with an individual over a series of sessions. Each person writes something about the lesson, group or themselves and then all the pieces are put together to create a hanging shape.
Next, still heading to the right you will see a cube with white circles on it. This and an erasable marker can allow a student or you to create multiple conversation starters on a variety of topics.
Just above the cube are two plastic stand up picture frames. They come in 4x6 and 8x10 sizes both vertical and horizontal. You can use these for class or group rules or special motivational sayings you want to share with students. They also make great stands for holding instructions for centers or at a sign-in table for a presentation or parent workshop.
Beneath the frames are maps of the USA. I was thinking of using one of these for new students to mark where they are from and one for faculty to mark where they went to college.
On top of the maps are cardstock neon colored "star burst" shapes of varying sizes. I have been collecting ideas for positive sayings to print on labels and hang up around the school.
Next to the star bursts is a beach ball. Use for writing questions, words, or actions on it and having groups or individuals toss it around. The "catcher" has to perform whatever their thumb lands on. This can be an icebreaker or a reward for good behavior. Fun, fun, fun!
Below that are a variety of colored speech bubbles with a slick surface. Great for dry erase markers to allow kids to write down what they are thinking in a group, especially for those who have difficulty with remembering to wait their turn to talk or if you are asking a quesion everyone wants to answer. Also good with older students if you are talking about postive or negative self-talk, self-censoring, or partner sharing. I'm sure there are lots of other ways to use with classes, groups, and individuals.
Lastly, in the middle is are small, individual white boards. I love these for students of all ages to draw how they are feeling, to tell what happened, or when drawing out a plan of action. You can also both use the boards to ask and answer questions together.
What terrific Dollar $tore items have you found? Please share how you have used your Dollar $tore purchases!
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