Helping special education students thrive in classrooms requires a tailored approach that considers their unique needs. For that reason, many parents, teachers, and therapists select special education school supplies.
Fortunately, there are plenty of special education school supplies on the market, ranging from adaptive pencil grips to visual planners. These supplies are highly accommodating — swaddle swings, for example, help kids manage their anxiety by instilling a sense of security. Fidget toys help relieve stress for kids with ADHD by allowing them to occupy their hands to focus better during learning.
To help you learn more about special education school supplies, we’ve compiled this buying guide. We’re including an overview of popular categories, and we’re sharing a few of our favorites at the end. Our top choice, the Harkla Sensory Swing for Kids & Adults, functions as a highly flexible therapeutic cradle to help kids find a comfortable, secure position in no time.
What to know before you buy special education school supplies
Special education school supplies based on needs
- Fine motor and gross motor skills: Fine motor skills refer to the tiny muscles in hands and fingers that control holding, gripping, or manipulating everyday items. Kids with special needs benefit from using items to develop and master these skills, such as jigsaw puzzles, art sets, or modeling dough. Gross motor skills refer to larger muscles in the body that are responsible for walking, kicking, or lifting. To help kids improve their muscle control and coordination, it’s recommended that kids with special needs work with balance boards, ride-on toys, and balls.
- Sensory integration: Kids with sensory integration needs benefit from positive sensory experiences. This includes allowing them to see, touch, or hear in calmer settings where they won’t feel overwhelmed. Popular items that may aid in sensory integration include snuggle wraps, swaddle swings, weighted blankets, and headphones, to name a few.
- Language development: Kids with language development needs require support and assistance in expressing themselves or developing their communication skills. These items are highly visual, offering a different medium for kids to express themselves other than verbally. Some supplies that may help include conversation flipbooks, whiteboards, flashcards, and emoji tools.
- Behavioral: Kids with behavioral needs benefit from improving their self-esteem and self-control. For this reason, use supplies that help kids monitor and manage their behavior. One of the most popular supplies in this category is pocket charts, followed by reward boards, facial expression posters, and reminder bracelets.
How much you can expect to spend on special education school supplies
Small, simple supplies like pencil grips or sensory squishies cost $10 and below. Larger items like balance boards or flashcard sets cost $12 to $50. Supplies such as swaddle swings or deluxe fidget toy sets cost anywhere from $50 to $150. The priciest supplies, such as interactive whiteboards or tablets, run as high as $300 to $1,000.
Special education school supplies FAQ
What are some popular special education school supplies for middle school and high school students?
A. Many students in this age range benefit from using voice or audio recorders for lectures and lessons so they can go back and revisit information at their own pace. Tablets are also helpful, since there is a broad range of adaptive learning apps available.
How do I build the right set of special education school supplies for my classroom?
A. It’s an ongoing process, which is why many special education teachers add new products regularly. To stay on top of up-and-coming products, many teachers join online special education forums and follow educational toy and supply companies on social media.
What are the best special education school supplies to buy?
Top special education school supplies
Harkla Sensory Swing for Kids & Adults
What you need to know: This popular option offers comfort and a sense of security through therapeutic cuddling.
What you’ll love: It’s made with flexible material that lets kids wiggle into a comfortable position. The swinging design and compression help with vestibular input and calming. It’s good for exercise, motor control and anxiety management.
What you should consider: Some people reported issues with the stitching coming apart.
Top special education school supplies for the money
Show to Tell Communication Cards
What you need to know: This 24-card flipbook on a ring helps kids communicate simple phrases with text and images.
What you’ll love: The deck of square cards is easy for kids to flip through to find the right phrase. Text and images are clear and easy to read. It can be used in a wide variety of social settings, and it helps kids express themselves and set boundaries.
What you should consider: Some parents felt the cards weren’t suitable for younger kids, including kindergartners.
Worth checking out
Teacher Created Resources Fidget Box
What you need to know: This box includes a well-rounded assortment of toys with a variety of textures and functions to keep hands occupied.
What you’ll love: The assortment includes several quiet fidget toys, including spiky rings, stretchy noodles, squishies and a ball with round bumps. All pieces are made to be quiet so they aren’t distracting to other students. Most are pocket-sized for easy portability. They help kids relieve anxiety and may boost focus during learning.
What you should consider: The toys are on the smaller side, so it’s not a suitable option for everyone.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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