If you’ve been following my page for a while, you’re aware of my obsession with anything and everything Lakeshore Learning. (Read more about how I’ve used Lakeshore products in my classroom here).
From their neon book bin collection to their Easy-Clean Room Dividers, I cannot get enough of their products. So when Lakeshore Learning asked me to be a 2018 Ambassador, without hesitation my answer was “YES! ABSOLUTELY!”
As a long-time fan of the company, I can attest to the superior quality of every product I have purchased. Not only are their award-winning materials durable, but EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT WAS CREATED BY A FORMER TEACHER WITH EDUCATION IN MIND!
Excuse the all-caps, but HOW COOL IS THAT?! No wonder these items are so spectacular. They are made by people who “get it!”
What I especially love about this ambassador program is that Lakeshore Learning provided me with a list of about 50 products to test out. It wasn’t a one-size-fits-all “here, you’re going to write a blog post about our new products XYZ.”
They let me choose products that best represented the population I know best: special education.
Here are three products I feel every special education classroom will benefit from:
*drumroll please*
Let’s Go Fishing Counting Center
Students use the magnetic fishing pole to reel-in fish-shaped manipulatives. They then practice their counting skills by representing different numbers and placing them onto a card with a net.
Why I chose this product:
If there’s one thing I know for sure, magnets are extremely motivating for our little friends. This hands-on activity promotes basic number recognition, while also reinforcing fine motor skills as they retrieve the fish and place them on the mat. (Lakeshore Learning also has Let’s Go Fishing Sorting and Patterning centers!)
When to use:
This activity is perfect for small-group lessons, partner work, or independent work stations.
Create-A-Burger Sequencing Stacker
I knew I would like this Create-A-Burger Sequencing Stacker when I read the description online. But, let me tell you. This little cheeseburger is even more precious in person!!! Not only are the wooden pieces extremely durable, but whoever designed this had an eye for small details (which I definitely appreciate!) From the “grill marks” on the patty to the small rings within the onion, these pieces are very realistic, brightly colored, and highly motivating.
Why I chose this product:
Sequencing is such an important concept for our students. The Create-A-Burger sequence stacker facilities life skills as students follow the visual steps to make the burger in the proper order. This activity also reinforces fine motor skills, as they align the center hole with the burger stacking stick.
When to use:
The Create-A-Burger Sequencing Stacker is ideal for speech sessions, partner work, or a dramatic play center. For only $14.99, this is an absolute classroom necessity!
Build and Play Logic Puzzles
In the City Logic Puzzle
Why I chose this product:
Teaching in the self-contained classroom, I have worked with many students on the Autism Spectrum. While the preferred reinforcers always vary from year to year, there were two reinforcers that were consistent every year.
My students loved maps and they loved puzzles. These Logic Puzzles are both reinforcers in one! Students practice strategy, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills to help them complete the puzzles.
Around the Town Logic Puzzle
When to use:
These puzzles are perfect for reinforcing concepts such as colors and shapes. If you have a play-based learning station or use Pivotal Response Training in your classroom, these logic puzzles are great tools for eliciting language from students.
On the Farm Logic Puzzle
So if you are in search of fun and engaging materials to increase student engagement, I cannot recommend these Lakeshore Learning products enough!
Be sure to use this code to get 25% off any non-sale item!
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