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Discussion

Office “fun”

Hi guys,

I’m curious on what you keep stocked in your rooms as far as fun distractions....if anything at all.

I am not one to let kids wait around forever if it’s something minor. My BS radar is on point and I know my regulars. Especially with corona I know next year will be busy. I have a few kids who just need that quiet space every now and then to come hang out then go back to class. Noisy lunch rooms or loud projects will set them off. A few kids have sensory issues and sometimes a dark, quiet corner can change their whole day. Our counselor is part time so many days these kids will just come hang out with me for a few minutes (given I’m not too swamped or I no contagious kids)

My older kids will bring a book or if they’re going home they’ll do homework while waiting.

Sometimes it’s hard to even get temps on some of my smaller ones who are terrified of the nurse’s office. I have cute little things on my desk that usually distract them. That or I hand them a glove or cotton ball to play with.

I’m just curious if you use anything to just catch their attention and keep kids “busy”. Books to me are just asking for germs. They love to color and I try to keep paper and crayons and just wipe them down. A friend uses those calm down glitter jars and says the kids are mesmerized.

Do you have any “fun” in your office?

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    • Featured Replies

    I have some coloring books and crayons. I also don't mind printing a special coloring sheet for a little one if I am not busy. I have a bin of toy trucks and a few random happy meal toys that have been donated by flare jr over the years. Those are used as a reward for the child being calm during an intervention - they can earn a few minutes of playtime. Those toys have also become a rare reward for my student population who work for reinforcers and rewards (autistic, pdd, od, etc). The older students are requested to get a book to read or homework to do while waiting. Sick kids going home are more than welcome to take a snooze while they are waiting. When I took over the office there was a selection of games. I've slowly tossed them all.

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    3 hours ago, Flare said:

    I have some coloring books and crayons. I also don't mind printing a special coloring sheet for a little one if I am not busy. I have a bin of toy trucks and a few random happy meal toys that have been donated by flare jr over the years. Those are used as a reward for the child being calm during an intervention - they can earn a few minutes of playtime. Those toys have also become a rare reward for my student population who work for reinforcers and rewards (autistic, pdd, od, etc). The older students are requested to get a book to read or homework to do while waiting. Sick kids going home are more than welcome to take a snooze while they are waiting. When I took over the office there was a selection of games. I've slowly tossed them all.

    I try not to keep to much around, even less now...gah! But Flare, look at us go on the cartoon page!

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    I have a shelf of random kids book from my own stash, then some medical/health themed picture books that I sit around the office. I have a few funko pops sitting around that often get played with by those hanging out/waiting. I have a drawer of crayons and coloring books. And a stuffed Olaf that talks when you bop him.

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    21 hours ago, NutmeggeRN said:

    I try not to keep to much around, even less now...gah! But Flare, look at us go on the cartoon page!

    if a few paw patrol pages printed keeps the kid calm and quiet, them I'm all about it!! ?

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    • Experts

    Coloring, will have to rethink this with not having to clean between uses.

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