Showing posts with label School Age. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School Age. Show all posts

May 01, 2025

Free Printable Colorful Stars I Spy Game

This free printable colorful stars I spy printable for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

Many hyperlexic learners have a passion or special interest for colors and shapes, especially as toddlers and preschoolers.

So, this free printable colorful stars I spy game leans into that love for colors and specifically one shape: stars! Simply count up the stars for each color and see how many there are.

By the way, since I live in Canada where we use colour versus color (although I tend to use the American spelling on this blog for simplicity), you will find two copies of this game included below, one with the American English spelling and one with the British English spelling. That way you can print the one that best suits your needs and spelling variant.

Free printable colorful stars I spy game for kids

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this colorful star themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Colorful Stars I Spy Game

This colorful stars I spy game has six pages: two game sheets (different spellings for colorful/colourful), two pages to record the answers (different spellings for colorful/colourful and gray/grey), and two answer keys (different spellings for grey/gray). Feel free to print off the page that makes sense for your regional spelling of colorful/colourful. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable colorful stars I spy game for kids

Continue reading "Free Printable Colorful Stars I Spy Game"

March 18, 2025

Free Printable Neurodiversity I Spy Game

This free printable neurodiversity I spy game for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills! It would be a great activity for Neurodiversity Celebration Week or Autism Acceptance Month.

When you think of neurodiversity what come to mind? A brain? An infinity symbol? Specific colors? A specific neurotype? Specific terms like acceptance or inclusion?

Well, that's what this free printable neurodiversity I spy game is all about. It includes a variety of symbols that might represent neurodiversity, from the infinity symbol and fidgets to a butterfly and a brain.

You can use this I spy game as an activity for Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Autism Acceptance Month, or whenever really.

Free printable neurodiversity I spy game for kids

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this neurodiversity themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Neurodiversity I Spy Game

This neurodiversity I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable neurodiversity I spy game for kids

Continue reading "Free Printable Neurodiversity I Spy Game"

February 11, 2025

Free Printable Penguin Winter Sports I Spy Game

This free printable penguin winter sports I spy game for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

I think it makes a lot of sense to share this adorable wintery I spy game given that we are on fourth (or fifth or sixth? I've lost count at this point) consecutive day of temperatures well below -40 C. Between that and the amount of snow in my front yard (I don't think our snow pile has ever been this huge!), it's clearly February in Saskatchewan.

So, whether you experience winters like we do (I hope you're somewhere much warmer!) or not, this free printable penguin winter sports I spy game is adorable. It features penguins skating, skiing, tubing, and more.

This game is perfect for animal lovers and sport lovers alike.

Free printable penguin winter sports I spy game for kids

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this winter themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Penguin Winter Sports I Spy Game

This penguin winter sports I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable penguin winter sports I spy game for kids

Continue reading "Free Printable Penguin Winter Sports I Spy Game"

January 30, 2025

Free Printable Colorful Hearts I Spy Game

This free printable colorful hearts I spy printable for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills this Valentine's Day!

For many hyperlexic learners, colors and shapes can be a big passion or special interest.

So, the following I spy game leans into that love for colors and specifically one shape: hearts. After all, Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

Now, whether you want to work on colors or just need a quick Valentine's Day activity, this free printable colorful hearts I spy game is lots of fun for kids of all ages, hyperlexic or not.

By the way, since I live in Canada where we use colour versus color (although I tend to use the American spelling on this blog for simplicity), you will find two copies of this game included below, one with the American English spelling and one with the British English spelling. That way you can print the one that best suits your needs and spelling variant.

Free printable colorful hearts I spy game for kids that's perfect for Valentine's Day

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this Valentine's Day heart themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Colorful Hearts I Spy Game

This colorful hearts I spy game has five pages: two game sheets (different spellings for colorful/colourful), two pages to record the answers (different spellings for colorful/colourful), and an answer key. Feel free to print off the page that makes sense for your regional spelling of colorful/colourful. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable colorful hearts I spy game for kids that's perfect for Valentine's Day

Continue reading "Free Printable Colorful Hearts I Spy Game"

January 07, 2025

Free Printable Colors I Spy Game

This free printable colors I spy printable for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

Many hyperlexic and autistic learners have a passion for colors, especially as toddlers and preschoolers. They'll often enjoy sorting objects into rainbow order as part of their daily play, whether that's crayons, letters, cars, or something else entirely.

So, while this free printable colors I spy game is designed with these kids in mind, it can also be a great resource for teachers and homeschooling parents to teach (and practice) colors.

Simply search for the different blobs of colors and count them up. How many are there of each?

By the way, since I live in Canada where we use colour versus color (although I tend to use the American spelling on this blog for simplicity), you will find two copies of this game included below, one with the American English spelling and one with the British English spelling. That way you can print the one that best suits your needs and spelling variant.

Free printable colors I spy game for kids

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this color themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Colors I Spy Game

This colors I spy game has five pages: two game sheets (different spellings for colors/colours), two pages to record the answers (different spellings for colors/colours), and an answer key. Feel free to print off the page that makes sense for your regional spelling of colors/colours. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable colors I spy game for kids

Continue reading "Free Printable Colors I Spy Game"

September 12, 2024

Free Printable I Need Help Cards

These free printable I need help cards are great for kids, teens, and adults to advocate for their needs and request help.

Asking for help can be difficult for a lot of people. Yet, we all need help from time to time.

However, knowing when you need help is one thing, but knowing what to say when you need to ask for help is another thing (hint: try these social scripts).

Then there are the occasions where you might be so overwhelmed or stuck that mouth words become unreliable. Especially in environments, such as school or work, that can be busy, chaotic, and full of sensory stimuli.

Well, that's what these I need help cards are for. They're a great way for kids, teens, and adults alike to advocate for their needs and request help when they need it.

So, let's take a closer look at these help cards, what's included, and how or when you can use them.

These free printable I need help cards are great for kids, teens, and adults to advocate for their needs and request help

About these Free Printable I Need Help Cards

This set of cards are perfect for kids, teens, or adults who may need help asking for assistance, whether that's at home, at school, at work, or while out and about.

You can simply grab a card and show it whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, confused, unsure, etc. instead of having to rely on mouth words.

In total, there are 32 different cards in this set, including:

  • 23 black and white cards that feature an icon paired with the text "I need help." and one card that is text only
  • 8 color cards featuring clipart (includes diverse images and even sign language) paired with the text "I need help."

You certainly don't need to print all of these cards off. Just print off the pages that will be the most relevant to your needs.

Then, once you've printed them off, cut and laminate for durability. Then keep the cards accessible, whether that's on your child's desk at school or home, on a lanyard, in your purse, in your pocket, etc.

Examples of When & How to Use these Help Cards

These help cards are versatile and can be used for a wide variety of situations and environments. For example, you could use them:

  • At school when you're feeling stuck or confused, don't understand the instructions, need clarification, can't find certain supplies, etc.
  • For emotional support
  • At home when you need guidance, comfort, or support
  • At work when you need clarification, don't understand a task, need troubleshooting help, feeling overwhelming with workload, etc.
  • When lost or confused in a public setting
  • When instructions are unclear
  • During extracurricular activities such as lessons or sports
  • During therapy sessions or medical appointments
  • In new or unfamiliar situations
  • When overstimulated
  • When you feel a meltdown, shutdown, or sensory overload is close

Really, these cards are great to keep on hand everywhere you go. After all, you never know when you might need help or guidance.

Examples of when to use I need help cards for kids, teens, and adults

Download the Free Printable Help Cards

This printable pack is four pages long and has 8 cards per page for a total of 32 help cards. There are three pages that are black and white and one page that is color.

Simply print the pages that best suit your needs. Then cut and laminate the cards for durability.

To get a copy of the I need help cards, click the link below:

>> Click here to download this free printable

 

These free printable I need help cards are great for kids, teens, and adults to advocate for their needs and request help

Continue reading "Free Printable I Need Help Cards"

September 11, 2024

Free Printable Support Needs Cards

Free printable support needs cards for kids, teens, and adults to advocate for their needs at school and work.

Learning how to advocate for one's needs is important. Especially at school or at work where specific supports or accommodations might need to be in place in order to be successful in that environment.

Perhaps you already have some specific self advocacy scripts that you use verbally. However, sometimes, situational mutism or expressive language difficulties can make it challenging to communicate your needs orally.

In that case, you can use these free printable support needs cards to communicate your needs, without having to rely on mouth words. Instead, you can use written words on these cards to relay a specific message and make a request for help.

Free printable support needs cards for kids, teens, and adults to support self advocacy skills

About the Free Printable Support Needs Cards

Designed to help with self advocacy skills, these cards can help kids, teens, and even adults communicate their support needs to those around them. For instance, they can be used to help students communicate to teachers, employees to employers, kids to coaches, and so much more.

These support cards are versatile and are great for:

  • School, home, or workplaces
  • Those who are able to write independently (although there are a few options for younger kids and/or those unable to write independently)
  • Those who are easily overwhelmed, experience situational mutism, and/or have expressive language difficulties with mouth words
  • Children, teens, and adults

In this pack, there are 10 different options to choose from to fit a variety of situations, needs, and preferences. The options include:

  • Wording #1: What I want you to know / How you can help
  • Wording #2: I need to tell you / How you can support me
  • Wording #3: Here's what's going on / Here's what would help
  • Wording #4: Here's how I'm feeling / What I need
  • Wording #5: My message / My request
  • Wording #6: I need help with / What works for me
  • Blank: So you can write your own phrases, draw your own emojis or coping tools, add pictures, etc.
  • Visual Option #1: Features 5 emojis and one blank face and 9 example coping tools and strategies (headphones, fidget, stop/break, visuals/AAC, water, more time, movement, books, chewelry)
  • Visual Option #2 (hyperlexia edition!): Features 5 emojis and one blank face and 9 example coping tools and strategies that appeal to hyperlexic learners (visuals/AAC, whiteboard or writing tablet/drawing, books, letter toys, calculator, number toys, word puzzles, iPad/screen time, closed captions)
  • Visual Option #3: Features 5 emojis and one blank face and a blank space to add your own coping strategies and tools

Suggestions for How to Use these Support Cards

While these support cards were originally intended to be used within the classroom, they certainly aren't limited to that environment. Here are a few suggestions on how you might use this visual support:

  • Laminate and tape it to a school (or work) desk. Pair it with a dry erase marker. Then fill it in as needed throughout the school (or work) day and erase as needed.
  • Laminate and add one velcro dot in each box. Then make some picture cards that can fit in the boxes, laminate them, and add a velcro dot to the back of the picture cards.
  • Fill in a couple examples for a variety of different skills or activities that you or your child might need support with. You could then laminate them and keep them in a folder or binder to pull out as needed. Alternatively, you could assemble the pages into a little booklet that you or your child could then flip through as needed.
  • Is there a substitute teacher? Fill in one of the pages that make sense (e.g., "What I want you to know/How you can help" or "I need to tell you/How you can best support me" are perfect for this!) and hand it to the teacher at the start of the school day.
  • Starting camp, daycare, or some extracurricular activity (i.e., sports or music lessons)? Fill in one of the pages that make sense (e.g., "What I want you to know/How you can help" or "I need to tell you/How you can best support me" are perfect for this!) and hand it to the instructor or coach at the start of the camp, lessons, etc.
  • Use at home when doing homework, similar to how it might be used within the classroom.
  • Use them for social situations too, where sensory overload might be common (e.g., birthday parties) and supports might be necessary for success. You can fill in one of the pages, similar to the suggestions above for substitute teachers or extracurricular activities.
  • For the ones with visuals, they could be laminated and paired with a dry erase marker. Then you could simply circle or color the emoji and coping tool you need. Or, you could simply point to the emoji and coping tool instead.

Download the Free Printable

This printable pack contains 10 pages with two cards per page. Each page features slightly different phrases and wordings so feel free to pick and choose the wordings that work best for your needs.

As indicated above, there are also a couple of options that use pictures instead and one page is blank and customizable.

To get your copy of the support needs cards, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Free printable support needs cards for kids, teens, and adults to support self advocacy skills

Continue reading "Free Printable Support Needs Cards"

September 10, 2024

Free Printable I Need a Break Cards

These free printable I need a break cards are great for teaching self-advocacy skills and supporting regulation.

Sometimes kids - okay, teens and adults too! - get overwhelmed and need to take a break.

However, it can be hard to ask for a break when you need one. Especially if you're non-speaking, experience situational mutism, or have difficulties with expressive language. Or sometimes the environment (e.g., school) itself makes it challenging to communicate that you need a break, simply because there's so much else going on.

Well, that's where these I need a break cards come in handy. They're a great way to advocate for oneself and ask for a break. And they make for a great visual for a variety of settings.

So, let's take a closer look at these little break cards, what's included, and how or when you can use them.

These free printable I need a break cards for kids are great for teaching self-advocacy and regulation skills

About These Free Printable I Need a Break Cards

This set of cards are perfect for kids, teens, or adults who may need help asking for a break, whether that's at home, at school, at work, or while out and about.

You can simply grab a card and show it whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, tired, etc. instead of having to rely on mouth words.

In total, there are 40 different cards in this set, including:

  • 17 black and white cards that feature an icon paired with the text "I need a break." and one card that is text only
  • 2 black and white cards that feature an icon paired with the text "I need a sensory break."
  • 2 black and white cards that feature an icon paired with the text "I need a quiet break."
  • 2 black and white cards that feature an icon paired with the text "I need a movement break."
  • 8 color cards featuring girl clipart paired with the above four phrases (2 cards per phrase)
  • 8 color cards featuring boy clipart paired with the above four phrases (2 cards per phrase)

You certainly don't need to print all of these cards off. Just print off the pages that will be the most relevant to your needs.

Then, once you've printed them off, cut and laminate for durability. Then keep the cards accessible, whether that's on your child's desk at school or home, on a lanyard, in your purse, in your pocket, etc.

Examples of When to Use these Break Cards

These break cards are versatile and can be used for a wide variety of situations and environments. For example, you could use them:

  • At school, especially during a loud classroom or school activity (e.g., assemblies)
  • During speech or occupational therapy
  • In environments with strong sensory stimuli (e.g., concerts, shopping malls, grocery store)
  • During long lessons at school or meetings at work
  • In crowded or busy environments
  • On field trips
  • When instructions are overwhelming
  • During homework or studying
  • In different social situations (e.g., play dates, weddings, family gatherings), especially if they are new or unfamiliar
  • When you feel a meltdown or sensory overload is close
  • When overstimulated
  • While traveling or on vacation

Basically, if it's a situation or environment that is known to be overwhelming or is unfamiliar, then it's a good idea to keep one of these break cards handy.

Examples of when to use break cards

Download the Free Printable Break Cards

This printable pack is five pages long and has 8 cards per page for a total of 40 break cards for students. There are three pages that are black and white and two pages that are color.

Simply print the pages that best suit your needs. Then cut and laminate the cards for durability.

To get a copy of the I need a break cards, click the link below:

>> Click here to download this free printable

 

These free printable I need a break cards for kids are great for teaching self-advocacy skills and supporting regulation

Continue reading "Free Printable I Need a Break Cards"

July 27, 2021

Olympic Summer Games Themed I Spy Game {Free Printable for Kids}

If you're looking for a fun Olympic Games activity for kids, then try this free printable summer games themed I spy game for kids!

The Olympics are perfect for hyperlexic kids to watch what with all those flags, scores, and timers. It ticks the boxes for a lot of common interests for hyperlexic kids.

It's not surprising then that my kids love to watch the Olympics. And, honestly, I'm glad that they do because I've always loved watching the Olympics.

My boys really like learning about the different sports too. So I thought it would be fun to make a free printable Olympic summer games themed I spy game to showcase some of the different sports.

Free printable Olympic summer games themed I spy game for kids

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this Olympics themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Olympic Summer Games Themed I Spy Game

This summer games themed I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable Olympic summer games themed I spy game for kids

Continue reading "Olympic Summer Games Themed I Spy Game {Free Printable for Kids}"

June 30, 2020

Camping Themed I Spy Game {Free Printable for Kids}

This free printable camping I spy game for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

Summer is a great time to head outdoors and do fun things like go camping, even if it's in your backyard, like we recently did. Plot twist: it did not go well as we discovered that the tent had a hole in it and a lot of rain came leaking in...

Anyway, leak tent or not, you can help prep your kids for an upcoming camping trip with this free printable camping I spy game for kids. They'll love counting up all the different camping related items.

By the way, this I spy game pairs perfectly with the free camping themed WH question cards as it uses the same clipart.

Free printable camping themed I spy game for kids

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this camping themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Camping I Spy Game

This camping I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable camping themed I spy game for kids

Continue reading "Camping Themed I Spy Game {Free Printable for Kids}"