In the early stages of life, children are like sponges, eagerly soaking up the world around them. It's during this critical period that their brains are wired for learning, making it essential to provide them with the richest, most engaging experiences possible. One key principle that scientists from various fields, including developmental psychology, neuroscience, and behavior analysis, have emphasized is the importance of multisensory learning.

Engaging the Senses: A Scientific Perspective

Studies have shown that young children learn best when they engage with their environment using multiple senses simultaneously. Let's break down the science behind this concept:

Neuroscience: The brain is a highly adaptable organ, especially in early childhood. Multisensory experiences stimulate various parts of the brain, creating stronger neural connections. When a child touches, sees, smells, tastes, and hears something all at once, their brain forms complex associations, making learning more profound and memorable.

Developmental Psychology: Child psychologists have long observed that young children thrive in hands-on, experiential learning environments. When children physically interact with three-dimensional objects, they not only learn about the object itself but also develop essential cognitive skills, such as spatial awareness, object permanence, and cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, 3D learning often involves interaction with caregivers or peers, promoting social development alongside cognitive growth.

Behavior Analysis (Relational Frame Theory): As we engage our senses to interact with the world, we create meaningful connections between objects, sounds, textures, and more. These relational frames underpin the foundation of language, problem-solving, and complex thinking. In essence, our senses serve as the canvas upon which the art of learning is painted.  

So, let’s create environments that allow children to explore, touch, feel, see, smell, and hear the world around them. By doing so, we ensure that they embark on a multisensory learning adventure that sets the stage for a lifetime of curiosity, discovery, and success.

Game Time! The Sensory Guessing Adventure

Playing games that temporarily dampen one sense to heighten others can be a fun and educational way to explore sensory perception. Here's a game called "Sensory Guessing" that you can play with children:

Objective: To encourage children to rely on their remaining senses when one is temporarily restricted, promoting sensory exploration and cognitive development.

What You'll Need:

• Blindfold (or a scarf or cloth to cover the eyes)
• A variety of safe, familiar objects with distinct characteristics (e.g., a lemon, a cotton ball, a small bell, a piece of sandpaper)

How to Play:

1. Safety First: Before beginning the game, ensure that the child understands the rules and feels safe. Emphasize that they can remove the blindfold at any time if they feel uncomfortable or scared. Use a soft, comfortable blindfold, and check in with the child's comfort level throughout the game.
2. Set Up the Game: Place the objects in a container or on a table. Make sure the child is familiar with these objects and their names.
3. Blindfold the Child: Gently blindfold the child and reassure them of their safety.
4. Select the Object: Without the child seeing, choose one of the objects from the container/table.
5. Engage the Senses:
   • Sight: Since the child's sight is temporarily restricted, ask them to describe the object they are holding or touching using only their sense of touch. What does it feel like? Is it smooth, rough, hard, or soft?
   • Hearing: Next, have the child listen carefully to any sounds the object makes when they interact with it. For example, if it's a bell, ask them what sound it produces when they shake it.
   • Smell: Afterward, encourage the child to use their sense of smell. Let them take a sniff and describe any scents or odors they detect.
   • Taste (Optional): If the object is safe to taste (e.g., a piece of fruit), you can ask the child to take a small, cautious bite and describe the flavor. However, always ensure the child's safety and comfort with this step.
6. Guess the Object: Based on their observations through touch, sound, smell, and taste (if applicable), the child can make a guess about what the object might be.
7. Reveal the Object: Finally, reveal the object to the child. Discuss their guesses and observations. This is an excellent opportunity for conversation and learning about the characteristics of different objects.

*Remember that children may have varying sensory sensitivities and preferences. Some children may be more sensitive to sensory stimuli, while others may seek out sensory-rich experiences. Recognizing these individual differences is essential for tailored learning and support.

In this blog post I’m going to share with you one of my favorite things to use to nurture executive function skills in children (..and I’d be lying if I told you that I don’t use this myself from time to time). As a skill builders coach and an advocate for exceptional learning, let me introduce you to the world of visual timers and their impact on our little ones.

Unlocking Executive Function Skills
First, let's dive into what executive function skills are all about. These cognitive abilities are the unsung heroes of our daily lives, governing everything from time management and organization to problem-solving and self-control. Developing these skills in children is so important, as they lay the foundation for success in school and life.

The Magic of Visual Timers
Visual timers can make the abstract concept of time tangible, accessible, and engaging for children. That's exactly what Time Timer has created, and it's nothing short of magical.

Picture a visual timer with a disappearing-colored disk. As time ticks away, the disk gradually vanishes, offering a clear and intuitive visual representation of time passing. It's a game-changer for visual thinkers and differently wired brains, including those of children with autism and ADHD.

What I love most about Time Timer products are their color, accessory, and digital options. I’m confident you’ll find something that fits your needs!

Expert-Approved and Parent-Tested
Time Timer comes highly recommended by Autism and ADHD experts, myself included. I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact it has on my clients' lives. But my endorsement doesn't stop there – I use Time Timer at home with my own child (60-minute kids visual timer home edition).

Creative and Helpful Uses

Now, let's explore the creative and helpful ways Time Timer can be integrated into your child's routine:

1. Homework and Study Sessions: Encourage focused work by setting a specific time limit for homework or study sessions (think Pomodoro). The visual timer keeps your child on track and motivated.
2. Transition Times: Smooth out those challenging transitions between activities. Set the timer to signal when it's time to switch from playtime to bedtime or from screen time to chores. Using Time Timer, may shift the child’s focus from the parent to the timer, which can help reduce challenging behavior.
3. Daily Routines: Create a structured routine by using visual timers to mark key milestones during the day, like morning routines or bedtime rituals.
4. Managing Screen Time: Empower your child to manage screen time independently. Set limits and use the timer as a visual reminder.
5. Special Projects: Encourage creativity and productivity by allocating a set amount of time for art projects, reading, or hobbies.

Incorporating these visual supports into your child's life can support vital executive function skills. The evidence is clear, the experts agree, and countless families, including mine, have experienced the transformational impact. Grab one today to support your child’s journey of growth and independence!



Disclosure: In the interest of full transparency, please note that this blog contains affiliate links. This means that when you click on certain links within our content and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Rest assured, we only promote products and services that we genuinely believe in and that align with our mission to support learning. Your trust is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing a reliable and informative platform for your educational journey. By using our affiliate links, you are helping to support this blog and our efforts to empower individuals through valuable resources. Your support is greatly appreciated!

​

In today's digital age, with the internet and screens vying for our children's attention, it's easy to forget the incredible power of a simple, physical book. Yet, the truth remains: books are amazing tools for children's learning and skill development. Let's dive into why every child's life should be enriched by the joy of reading.

Imagination Soars: When children open the pages of a book, they step into a world of imagination. They encounter new characters, visit distant lands, and embark on epic adventures, all within the confines of their own mind. Reading encourages creativity, allowing children to visualize scenes and characters in their unique way.

Language and Communication Skills: Reading books exposes children to a rich vocabulary and diverse sentence structures. They learn new words, phrases, and expressions, which not only enhances their language skills but also broadens their ability to express themselves effectively.

Cognitive Development: Books challenge young minds. Whether it's solving a mystery in a detective novel or following the plot twists of a fantasy story, children engage their cognitive abilities by comprehending complex narratives, predicting outcomes, and analyzing cause-and-effect relationships.

A Wealth of Knowledge: Books are like treasure troves of knowledge. They cover a vast array of topics, from science to history, art to mathematics. Reading allows children to explore their interests and discover new passions.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: As children read about characters with diverse backgrounds and experiences, they develop empathy and emotional intelligence. They learn to understand different perspectives, handle their own emotions, and relate to the feelings of others.

Concentration and Focus: In a world filled with distractions, reading demands concentration. By sitting down with a book, children practice focusing their attention for extended periods, a skill that's increasingly valuable in our fast-paced society.

Lifelong Learning: Perhaps most importantly, books cultivate a love for lifelong learning. Children who enjoy reading are more likely to seek out knowledge and information throughout their lives, fostering a habit of continuous growth and development.

Bonding Time: Reading together can be a special bonding experience for parents and children. It provides an opportunity to share stories, discuss ideas, and create lasting memories.

Books are not just sources of entertainment; they are essential tools for children's learning and skill development.

                                                         Here are some of my favorites!

For younger children

1. I Can Do Hard Things by Gabi Garcia
2. They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
3. What Should Danny Do Series by Ganit & Adir Levy

For older children

1. Learning How to Learn by Barbara Oakley, et al.
2. Finance 101 for Kids by Walter Andal

For parents

1. Good Inside by Becky Kennedy
2. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Of course, I would love to share my work with you, "Hush Little Mind," a project that is close to my heart. It was born out of a sincere desire to create a meaningful resource for children, parents, teachers, and therapists who navigate the often complex terrain of a young mind, especially one affected by a hidden disability. The story is more than just words on paper; it is an invitation to reconnect with the present, to discover the values that light your path, and to move with unwavering purpose alongside a young protagonist.


​
 


​




​
​




​Get your copy today and help your child discover the incredible power within. It’s time to hush the mind and illuminate the soul!
 
-Saskia Soliz




Disclosure: In the interest of full transparency, please note that this blog contains affiliate links. This means that when you click on certain links within our content and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Rest assured, we only promote products and services that we genuinely believe in and that align with our mission to support learning. Your trust is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing a reliable and informative platform for your educational journey. By using our affiliate links, you are helping to support this blog and our efforts to empower individuals through valuable resources. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Hello, Hello! And welcome to the inaugural blog post of PSL Skill Builders, where our mission is to elevate the art of learning. I'm Saskia Soliz, or "Ski" to friends and colleagues, an Arizona licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over a decade of experience in empowering children and promoting their development. With a foundation built on evidence-based practices, I'm excited to share a platform that promises to transform your approach to learning support.

The Science Behind Learning

At the heart of our journey is a profound understanding of how humans learn best. Research has shown time and again that learning isn't a one-size-fits-all process. It's a unique, dynamic, and wonderfully complex journey that unfolds differently for each individual.

BCBA’s use evidence-based techniques to teach new skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and promote positive outcomes in various settings, such as schools, homes, clinics, and workplaces. These strategies are grounded in rigorous research, ensuring that we provide the most valuable supports to our learners. So, whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist, or anyone passionate about nurturing growth, this blog is designed with you in mind.

What to Expect

As you embark on this learning adventure with us, here's a glimpse of what you can anticipate:

1. Evidence-Based Insights: We'll delve deep into the science of learning, sharing evidence-based insights that demystify the learning process. From behavior analysis to exploring related science in other fields, our aim is to provide you with a robust understanding of how learning unfolds.
2. Skill-Building Resources: Discover a curated selection of products designed to assist in skill building and learning. Our goal is to connect you with resources that enhance growth and development, backed by scientific research.
3. Practical Tips: We'll offer practical tips and strategies that you can integrate into your daily routines. These actionable insights are designed to empower you in your role as a parent, educator, or supporter of growth.
4. Interactive Engagement: Expect an engaging, interactive learning experience. We encourage questions, discussions, and the sharing of your own insights. Learning is a collaborative journey, and your input is invaluable.
5. A Trusted Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for elevating learning. Together, we'll explore the latest developments in the field and celebrate the joy of fostering growth.

Join Us on the Learning Adventure

As we journey together into the world of evidence-based learning support, I invite you to explore, question, and grow alongside me. Our shared adventure is one of boundless possibilities, where science and practicality converge to illuminate the path to success.

Stay tuned for our upcoming posts!!

​

Disclosure: In the interest of full transparency, please note that this blog contains affiliate links. This means that when you click on certain links within our content and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Rest assured, we only promote products and services that we genuinely believe in and that align with our mission to support learning. Your trust is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing a reliable and informative platform for your educational journey. By using our affiliate links, you are helping to support this blog and our efforts to empower individuals through valuable resources. Your support is greatly appreciated!