Fantastic Discovery right around the corner

Scouting out our new neighborhood, Billy (that is my Director of Accounts) and I found a huge sensory park three blocks away from our new home in North York. We are super excited to announce that several afternoons this summer will be spend pin-nicing in a FANTASTIC sensory park; the park is inset from the road, in a private area shaded by trees. It is not near  any major roads, and is lined with trees providing an excellent visual reminders of physical boundaries. It could not be more ideal for our learners.

In the park there are two huge structures and three or four smaller ones; each one is taller than the next, and performs one of several motions (spinning, rocking, sliding, swinging and so on). There is one structure that is over 8ft tall; it is a cascading climbing wall that even a grown-up would find enticing. The park is surrounded by tons of grass, perfect for pic-nics and soccer games. The park is amazing because there are activities for children from 3 to 18+ right in the same physical area. I guarantee my employees are going to love the park, and would bet money on at least one of them getting on one of the toys and taking it for a ride (I know I sure did). The majority of the toys require little physical strength and are designed for maximum motion for minimum output; this means that many of our friends with low muscle tone, and poor coordination are still able to participate in an active way.

The second major find in our area, besides the local grocery store and DQ, is a community center and outdoor pool; the next step is to find out whether there is a lifeguard on duty, if so...we will definitely pay a visit this summer once or twice!

Transitions, Transitions: Tis the Season to be Anxious, falalalalalalalala

Teachers and students alike are anxious at this time of year, planning for next year and beyond. As special educators, there are steps that we can take to decrease the overall anxiety of our students, and our colleagues, as the case may be.

How to transition into a new learning environment

-Expose your child to the new environment, before he or she is expected to remain independently
-Speak openly with your child, encouraging dialogue about new things
-Discuss expectations and rules of the new space
-Allow your child to explore the environment at his or her own pace
-Reinforce positive interactions with people, teaching materials, and toys
-Develop social stories which explain the new and unfamiliar routines and expectations; a new drive to school, a new route to walk, a new teacher and a new classroom.
-Allow a transition period, and don’t expect or require an easy transition; know that new environments can be overwhelming, and allow your child to feel whatever comes naturally.
-Pair the environment and instructors with fun, fun, fun. How can I successfully pair with a child?
 *Lots and LOTS of positive reinforcement: high 5s, hugs, tickles, fun activities and games, treats, special activities, trips to the park
*Establish trust in the relationship
*Establish consistent expectations and standards of behaviour
*Develop a rapport

Planing for a successful transition is an essential component of any thorough program; a transition plan is usually written by a special needs teacher, behaviour therapist or individual formally trained in the writing and application of a successful transition plans. For more information on how you can develop your own transition plan, or for information on professionals who can support the transition process, send us an email at
MagnificentMindsToronto@Gmail.com