Neurodiverse Learners
TK- 1st Grade
A Curated Learning List for the“Littles”
And their very….very….very…very big feelings 😳
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Profile
Thrives on predictable routines
Learns through hands on play
Building early independence skills
Enjoys sensory based play
Age: 4-7
Grade: TK-1st
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Skills Supported
Outer Skills: Recognizing letters and sounds, Counts, sorts, and uses basic number sense, follows simple directions, and uses tools and manipulatives
Inner Skills: Asking questions, exploring curiosity, putting forth effort, role exploration, and pretend play
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What To Expect
Prep: Low
Time: 60-90 minutes per activity per weekInvolvement: As Independent working with 4 and 5 year olds can be 😅
Cost: $$
Recommended Resources
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Calendar
A super cute and well-reviewed calendar! It’s interactive with the day of the month, moon phases, and weather conditions. It comes in multiple languages and you can teach multiple things at the same time! My favorite kind of learning.
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Ready for Routines
Help your kiddos with their routines using a first then apprach with visuals and a timer! For neurodiverse kiddos, this is a great introduction to help them have some ownership around their schedule for the day!
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Dinosaur Math
One of my favorite math manipulatives with young children in mind! You can teach counting, addition, subtraction all whils introducing a scale! The frogs are weighted along with the numbers also lend themselves to early algebra!
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Pre-Box
Who doesn’t love a good box! A new subscription box on the block, pre-box offers curated items that engage all 5 senses for early learners . Created by a speech and language pathologist who specializes in pediatric communication, autism, and apraxia, you know you and your kids are in good hands! These boxes can be paired with with Daniel Tiger or Blippi episodes!
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Tweezer Tongs
I have to admit that I love sorting of any kind! So when I saw the tweezers, I knew that was a great option to help kids learn to count, add, and substract while also building fine motor skills. Pair this with a sticker activity book and you’ve got something with low prep! What I love about this sticker by number is the stickers are not too big but also not too small!
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Leapfrog Globe
A globe is a great way to explore the world right there in your living room! With With over 7000 reviews on Amazon, this isn’t just an ordinary globe but also offers a tiny screen with playable videos that explores cultures, animals, and habitats! There are a few resources I would pair with this activity! One is for the littles and another for older kiddos!
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ABC Puzzles
These ABC Puzzles were a staple in my house when my kids were learning their ABC’s and Numbers! My kiddo would lay these out in order and in a straight line all around our home! They can be used to learn the letters, sounds, or words in a hands on kind of way! Pair it with this free ABC chart and a busy book and you’ve got some independent play and learning!
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Peg Patterns
So I don’t love that it’s a bunch of pieces BUT…I also love that it’s a bunch of pieces that don’t require me to keep them all! With over 200 pegs, I can afford to lose a couple, or let’s be honest, at least 50 by the time it gets to the last kid! Try these color videos and pair with the same busy book from ABC Puzzles!
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Yoto Players
Marketed as the audio player that makes traveling easier, this is a great way for your kiddos to listen to stories anywhere, as well as music and popular movies converted into book titles! If you’re going to invest in a yoto player be sure to pick up the headphones, cover, and card cases!
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Homeschool
This list was created for the little ones who like things the way they like them, learn best through play and movement, and just want the adults around them to get on board. It was also created for the adults who want to gently stretch their kids, build early routines and independence, and support their kids in expressing their needs while learning to share space with others.
This isn’t a curriculum, but more of a discovery with learning. It’s a simple way to build foundational skills while learning through play.
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Afterschool
This list was also created for the neurodiverse littles who’ve been learning and trying all day, and come home tired, hungry, and needing a soft place to land. They need time to decompress before they can engage, and a little bit of fun to go with their snack. It’s also for the adults who want to build responsibility, emotional awareness, and early regulation skills, and who want to know there kiddos are playing while learning.
This isn’t homework, but it’s not just filling time either. It’s a gentle way to build routines with supportive, engaging resources
