Carmen Knight, M.A.T. Early Childhood and Special Education

Allergies can be an obstacle to overcome especially when working with children. Allergies to certain foods, plants or trees, even pets are common. But latex/rubber? Approximately one percent of the population has a latex allergy. As a child, this should not deter the ability to learn and have a good time like other children do. SmileMakers provides latex free products for children that will allow them to enjoy everyday items just like their peers. Two items that I like to use with my patients that have latex allergies are Ladybug Crawlers and stickers. The Ladybug Crawlers are a latex free toy children can use to work on areas of development, and latex free stickers to reward them for a job well done.

Ladybug Crawlers

Gross Motor:
To begin using this latex free toy for gross motor skill development, you can request that the child throw the ladybug on the window or mirror. The gross motor skill of throwing will assist the child with balance and will increase their hand-eye coordination. Gross motor skills are essential for standing, walking and running. The child will love to watch the ladybug crawler come down the glass while improving their gross motor skills at the same time.

Color Identification:
Color identification is important for children as they begin to associate colors with important signs and symbols. An example would be learning that red is associated with stop while green is associated with go. Color identification is very important for a child's development. These fun ladybug crawlers are a great tool for color identification since they come in five colors. Throw several of the crawlers on the window or mirror and have your patient remove the color you identify. These ladybugs are cute and colorful and will certainly allow you to work on expressive language as the child watches the ladybugs crawl.

Latex Free Stickers

Rewarding your patients for working hard on their developmental goals is a great way to motivate and just say 'job well done'. Stickers are a fun, convenient and inexpensive way to do that. With SmileMakers large assortment of manufacturer certified hypoallergenic and latex free stickers, you can reward and motivate without allergy concerns. They offer bestselling licensed stickers in a variety of themes that children are sure to love. Their selection will appeal to all children and make patients feel special and rewarded for all their hard work. You can also use these stickers to work on skills such as expressive and receptive language. You can request that the child select the sticker they desire. This shows that the child understands your question (receptive language) and then you can ask the child to tell you about the sticker (expressive language). There is always a way to work on developmental milestones, even as you reward the child!

It is important, when working with children, that we make sure that those with latex allergies are safe and included in all the same activities to help them reach their full potential. And SmileMakers makes it easy with their large selection of latex free items.