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Storage is always an issue when homeschooling.  There are so many items that need the perfect storage container, shelf or bin.  Each year new books and materials are added to the mix.  It's a never ending battle.

This year our morning work shelf was overflowing.  Each kiddo has:

• Three workbooks
• One book from the library
• Daily journal
• Writing notebook
• Writing resources folder
• White board

No matter how much effort the kiddos put forth, trying to keep their books and materials organized and neat, it wasn't working.  There was stuff everywhere.

That doesn't even take into consideration how hard it was to move all of their materials from one place to another when it was time to work.

And then I found the best schoolbook storage hack ever!

I was shopping and just happened to spot four large utility caddies in the clearance aisle.  They were bigger than others I had seen, and only had two compartments, one on each side.  The compartments were large enough to store the kiddos' workbooks horizontally.  They happened to be teal too, matching our learning time room perfectly.

I couldn't resist purchasing them.

When I had the caddies at home, I transferred all of the kiddos morning work material over.  At first I was worried it might be difficult to use.  Some materials stood up higher than the handle.  But, I was wrong.  It was extremely easy to grab hold of the handle with everything in it.

I worried about the weight of the caddy with all of the materials in it.  But, because of the handle, and materials balanced on each side, it was super easy to handle.

Before the caddy, the kiddos were trying to carry their materials, stacked on top of each other from the shelf to their work spaces and back.  Inevitably, someone's books or crayons always fell. Now we don't have to worry about that.  The kiddos can carry their caddies anywhere.

I am so excited about our new schoolbook storage hack!  It's working perfectly.  Our learning time room remains clean and orderly.  The kiddos can carry their books with ease, and have no fear of dropping them.  I wish I would have thought of this sooner!

If you enjoyed this idea, you may also enjoy the posts below.

A Tour of Our Montessori Classroom

A Day in teh Life of a Montessori Family with Special Needs

Our Montessori Inspired Bathroom

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Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Baby Dolls

Sunshine has been diagnosed with ASD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, PTSD, and a mood disorder.  She is a sensory seeker who lacks safety awareness.  Rages and physical aggression are typical.  Then there are manic episodes...

It is a constant struggle to keep Sunshine regulated and calm.  Thankfully over time there are a few things we've found that aid in this process.  Sunshine loves babies.  She's quite obsessed.

We've put together this portable anxiety kit to help her when we're able.  If you have a special needs child who loves babies as much as Sunshine, this anxiety kit for kids who love baby dolls may help!

1.  Baby Stella

Sunshine has had this doll since she was a year old.  Baby Stella has withstood Sunshine's destructive tendencies and when thrown, is soft, and will not hurt others.  The doll is also small, making it easy to bring along on the go.

2.  Baby Stella Feeding Set

Caring for Baby Stella is one of the very few ways Sunshine plays and entertains herself.  We've tried many different food sets, but this one she can't destroy, and once again, if pieces are thrown, they do not injure others.  Pieces are small and easily transportable.

3.  Baby Stella Diaper Bag Changing Set & Accessories

Sunshine is obsessed with putting items in and out of other items.  This diaper bag provides the opportunity to do just that, with items for her baby.  It also includes an adorable cell phone she can use, that won't hurt others when thrown.

4.  Baby Stella Snuggle Up Front Carrier

Sunshine craves proprioceptive input, yet at the same time she is sensitive to tactile input.  This baby carrier with Baby Stella gives her the input she needs, without aggravating her in other ways.  When using this item to ease anxieties, we make sure to supervise, so that straps do not end up wrapped around her neck.

5.  Little Mommy

I remember having this book when I was a little girl, and now Sunshine enjoys it.  It's the perfect book for a little girl who loves her baby.

6.  Baby Blanket

Sunshine does not go anywhere without her blankie.  Whether it's used for her baby doll or for herself, it's a must.  It provides her so much comfort.

7.  Wallet

Every Mommy needs a wallet, especially Sunshine.  She collects paper receipts everywhere we go.  Sunshine has to have them.  If she doesn't have receipts, she uses any type of card or piece of paper she can find.  This item provides a way for her to carry her collection and helps fulfill that need to put items in and out of other items.

8.  The Lullaby Album

When Sunshine was a baby I would sing or have lullabies playing on a daily basis.  It would calm her.  This CD is one of my absolute favorites and was played often.  Listening to it immediately takes her back to those precious times.  At times it can even bring her out of an episode.

9.  Water Bottle

As an infant, Sunshine's needs for nourishment were not met.  We always have a water bottle on hand in case she needs it.  Sometimes she drinks it. Other times she pours it on herself.  Either way it seems to calm her.

10.  Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Applying this ointment is the only way Sunshine has allowed us to provide effective deep pressure and massage, giving tactile and proprioceptive input to help regulate her.  Other techniques such as compressions and brushing have been disastrous.  We stumbled upon this miracle, as Sunshine suffers from eczema, and the ointment was needed to help her skin.

Essential Non Baby Doll Anxiety Kit Items

11.  Compact Mirror

We've found it extremely important to show Sunshine what she looks like when she's raging, but also when she's trying to calm herself.  Seeing herself also helps her return to the present.

12.  Sound Blocking Headphones

Sunshine is extremely sensitive to loud noises.  When she can't seem to take auditory input around her, the sound blocking headphones work wonders.  They're also great to have in her kit for parental use when she's raging and the screaming just won't stop.

13.  Peach Crisps

Fruit is Sunshine's favorite food group.  She devours it.  We've found this non perishable option works perfectly when we're on the go, as it's individually packed and crunchy.  Sunshine can't over eat and she enjoys the crunch of the initial bite.

If you enjoyed this post or are looking for other anxiety kit ideas, be sure to visit the posts below.

 Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Animals

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Star Wars

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kits For Kids Who Love Princesses

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kits for Children

Sensory Resources for Children who Need to Chew

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Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Princesses

Princess has been diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder, PTSD, and an anxiety disorder.  She is extremely sensitive to light and tactile input, especially when it involves her hands and feet.

We've designed this anxiety kit to help Princess self regulate and stay safe.  It is also used to bring her back to the present when needed.

Princess is a huge fan of Disney Princesses and all things royal.  We specifically chose a princess theme for her anxiety kit, because we knew it would make her smile.

If you have a special needs princess in your home, this anxiety kit for kids who love Disney Princesses may be just what you're looking for.

This post contains affiliate posts.

1. Rainbow Chewable Necklace

Princess loves to bite her nails and fingers.  This chewable necklace is beautiful and provides something else to bite in the most fashionable way.

2. Princess Lotion

One of the best ways to help Princess cope during an episode is to massage her arms and legs using scented lotion with glitter. It provides so much sensory input and comfort.

3.  Disney Store Frozen Anna and Elsa Sunglasses 

When Princess goes outside in the sun, or needs to "hide" when anxious she uses her sunglasses.  It is amazing the sense of safety Princess feels while wearing them.

4.  Frozen Soundtrack

This soundtrack has become Princess' favorite music of all time.  "Let It Go" has become a theme song for her and I, especially in those moments when she's not doing well.  I can turn on the song, with speakers blaring, and it almost always brings her back to me in a positive way.

5.  Crayola Color Wonder Disney Princess Glitter Paper and Markers

These are a fabulous safe way to provide stress relief and  keep Princess' hands busy, while not inviting destructive tendencies.  I love that she enjoys coloring and that it does calm her when anxious.

6.  Princess Adventure Stories

Princess loves to read.  It provides an escape from reality.  She also finds it soothing, especially before bedtime. Whether we read the book to her or she reads it on her own, you can always see that it's helpful.

7.  Photo Album

Princess' anxiety kit includes pictures of her with me, in our happiest memory making moments. The visual stimuli is very powerful.  It helps keep her in the present and remind her of the happiness that she's experienced.

8. Soft Baby Blanket

Princess loves soft things.  She rubs them against her face, and they always provide comfort.  This baby blanket is the perfect size to keep in her anxiety kit, as it travels well.

9.  Disney Cinderella Wooden Magnetic Playset

When anxious, it's important that Princess keep her hands busy.  Magnetic dolls provide the perfect activity for her.  She absolutely loves them.

10.  Water Bottle

As an infant, before coming to our home, Princess was neglected and starved.  To this day, she worries she won't be fed or have enough to drink.  Whenever we go anywhere, we always have her water bottle.  In those moments when she's in an episode, drinking water, can be the key to helping her pull through.

11.  Disney Princess Fruit Snacks

It's always important to have a snack on hand for Princess.  I've found individually wrapped snacks work best, as she won't eat too much.  She is a huge fan of fruit snacks, and doesn't have them very often.  So when I need to use food to help her during an episode, these are usually a great go to choice. It helps that they're chewy as well.

Essential Non Princess Anxiety Kit Items

12.  Kids World Yoga

Princess struggles to keep her mind and body calm.  Yoga is great medicine for her.  This DVD has done wonders for her.  It's something she can do on her own, or with a sibling or parent.

13.  Fun Yoga Mat for Kids

It's only proper to have a yoga mat if you're going to do yoga.  Princess loves this mat and uses it regularly.

14.  Good Morning Yoga & Good Night Yoga

When we don't have a DVD player and yoga mat with us, we bring along our yoga books.  No matter what type of help she needs, one or the other will do the trick.


Princess' anxiety kit is key to her being successful at home and away.  Without it, we would find ourselves in some pretty horrific situations.  We are so thankful we were able to put it together and that it helps as much as it does.


If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the posts below.

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit For Kids Who Love Animals

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Star Wars

Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Baby Dolls

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Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kits for Children

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Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Star Wars

Bulldozer has been diagnosed with ASD and ADHD.  He is one of my hyperactive, sensory seeking children.  He also struggles with sensory overload and auditory processing issues.

We have learned that we must always have something on hand for Bulldozer, whether at home or away to help keep him regulated, occupied, and calm.  Otherwise he does not function well.

Bulldozer loves Star Wars.  One could easily say he's obsessed.  We've found that all things Star Wars are great ways to keep Bulldozer at his best.  For that reason, we created a Star Wars themed anxiety kit for him.  It works at home and can easily be stored in a backpack for when we're away.

If you have a special needs child who loves Star Wars, this Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Star Wars, may be exactly what you need!

This post contains affiliate links.

1.  Star Wars Coloring Books & Crayons

Bulldozer loves to color.  It relaxes him.  Coloring also keeps him focused and quiet, while his hands are busy.  I couldn't ask for more than that!

2.  Star Wars Death Star Perplexus

The perplexus provides great visual stimuli for Bulldozer when he needs it most.

3.  Darth Vader Headphones

Bulldozer doesn't enjoy wearing things on his head, but when it comes to these headphones, he'll do it, just because they're Star Wars.  They go great with his MP3 player, when he needs auditory input.

4.  Star Wars:  The Force Awakens Soundtrack

Have I mentioned Bulldozer loves movie soundtracks right now?  The kid has quite the obsession with John Williams.  If I give him his MP3 player with headphones and he listens to this soundtrack, all is right in the world.

5.  Star Wars Character Encyclopedia

For an anxious kiddo who loves Star Wars, a character encyclopedia is the perfect way to relax.  This one has been updated to include all of the movies.

6. Star Wars Bubbles

Bubbles provide great visual stimuli for Bulldozer, but they also get him moving.  He loves to chase after them, popping each and every one. When he needs physical activity to get out of a funk, bubbles are a guaranteed way to get it.

7. Darth Vader Bobble Head Figure

It's so hard not to stare at a bobble head figure when it's moving.  A Darth Vader themed one will provide entertainment for quite some time.  Once again this provides visual input for Bulldozer.

8.  Star Wars Water Bottle

Water is always a great thing!  When you drink it, you hydrate yourself, you're forced to breathe correctly, and it's refreshing.  Bulldozer lives on water.  He will not drink anything else.  We bring his water bottle everywhere.

9.  Death Star Stress Ball

We actually have a Darth Vader stress ball, but it's no longer available, so for purchasing purposes, this is the next best thing.  Whether it's squeezed or played with, it keeps hands busy and is quiet.

10.  Classic 3-Dimensional Pin Art Board

Forgive me for going out on a limb with this item, but every time I see this sensory fidget, I think of Hans Solo frozen in carbonite.  Bulldozer loves playing with this. It provides great tactile input for him with a visual tease as well.

11.  Disney Star Wars Force Awakens Figures

For those times when nothing but Star Wars soothes, I always keep figures on hand for fun.  They hit the spot and help ease anxieties every time.

We love the ones featured here but also are big fans of  Star Wars Galactic Heroes Figures, especially when Bulldozer was going through his phase of throwing things and tearing them apart.

12.  Hot Wheels Star Wars Starships

A sensory kit would not be complete if I did not have Star Wars Starships included.  They give tactile input while providing opportunity for great visual stimuli as well.

13. Nabisco Star Wars Honey Maid Graham Graham Snacks

Bulldozer is not one to put things in his mouth, but he is an absolute bear when he's hungry.  I try to keep these on hand in his kit, just in case he needs a snack. An individual package helps ensure he doesn't eat too much.

Essential Non Star Wars Anxiety Kit Items

1.  Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon is one of Bulldozer's favorite scents.  Anything that reminds him of baked goods will work to help him breathe calmly and relax.  

2.  Spaghetti Ball

This feeds into Bulldozer's need for visual stimulation, while also providing a tactile component that Bulldozer loves.  The texture of a spaghetti ball is one of his favorites.  At times I even find him placing it on his head, which is huge because he doesn't like anything on his head.

3.  Hyperflex Stretchy String

This has the same texture as the spaghetti ball and provides Bulldozer with input he needs whether sitting, standing or moving.

4.  Liquid Motion Bubbler

We don't leave the house without this, especially if we're going somewhere I know Bulldozer will need to sit for a long period of time.  It provides Bulldozer with the visual stimuli he craves in a very quiet and safe way.


Bulldozer loves his Star Wars themed sensory/anxiety kit.  We have taken it with us to so many different places.  He's used it at home during the day when he needs a break, or when he just can't seem to get enough sensory input.  It has been such a life saver!

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more anxiety kit ideas, be sure to visit the posts below.

Anxiety Kit For Kids Who Love Animals

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Princesses

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Baby Dolls

Sensory Resources for Children who Need to Chew

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kits for Children

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Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Animals

Dinomite has been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder.

He becomes extremely anxious when-

• Anticipating events
• Preparing for new experiences (He suffers from Neophobia)
• Routine and schedule changes

His anxieties, extreme sensory sensitivities, and need for rigid, ritualistic routines and can be a lethal combination.

To help Dinomite stay regulated and calm in difficult situations we have created an animal-themed, sensory-based anxiety kit just for him.  The kit is small enough to be carried in a backpack, making it possible to go anywhere with you!

If your child is also an animal lover, you'll definitely like the ideas here. They're perfect for creating an anxiety kit for kids who love animals!

Animal Themed Sensory Items

1.  Wooden Dinosaur Fidgets

These are perfect for when Dinomite needs to fidget with his hands.  We've also seen how they help him stay still and quiet in places where it's required.

2.  Wooden Turtle Labyrinth Maze

Dinomite enjoys mazes.  They help him focus.  This adorable wooden turtle maze is perfect for use at home and on the go.  It keeps him focused and again gives him something to keep his hands busy.

3.  Purple Squeeze Octopus

This purple octopus is the perfect squishy fidget for squeezing.  The texture of it is very soothing to Dinomite.

4.  Bird Songs of the Northwoods

Dinomite loves the sound of birds.  Listening and focusing on their different calls and songs helps improve his breathing and relaxes his body.  This music is downloaded to his MP3 Player.  He listens with headphones.

5.  Animal Workouts Book

Dinomite uses this book when he needs to regulate in a physical way, especially when he's on the verge of becoming aggressive.  He loves it!

6.  National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia

Dinomite loves to read, especially when the books are about animals.  If he puts on his headphones and opens his book, while snuggling in the peace corner, or in bed in his room, you can be assured he'll calm down in no time.

7.  SHARK TOOTH Silicone Necklace

The shark tooth necklace is almost always around Dinomite's neck, otherwise he's chewing on LEGO tires.  The kid has a constant need for oral stimulation and will resort to chewing anything.  When we can't find his shark tooth necklace, gum is a great substitute.

8.  Floating Marine Life Sensory Toy

Liquid motion toys can be so relaxing for special needs kiddos.  Dinomite loves this one.  It has fish floating around in it.

9.  Geoworld's Bug Collection

Sometimes Dinomite just needs to be in his world, studying animals up close. These real insects are perfect for times like these!

10.  Weighted Snake

For those times when deep pressure is needed, there's no better way to receive it than cuddling with this adorable snake.  Just lay it on your lap and you'll see what I mean.

Note:  We usually keep this item at home, as it's quite heavy to carry around on day trips.

Non Animal Themed Essentials

1.  Water Bottle

Drinking water is always a great way to help Dinomite calm down. It helps him breathe and provides great oral input.  Extra hydration is always a plus.

2.  Cinnamon Sticks

Dinomite loves the smell of cinnamon.  When he needs a pleasant smell to replace another that is bothering him, it's always great to have a cinnamon stick on hand. They are small, all natural, and smell so good.  They also help him take deep breaths when needed.

3.  Snug Safe n Sound Kids Earmuffs / Hearing Protectors

Dinomite is extremely sensitive to sound. These headphones are crucial to keeping Dinomite calm when he can't control noise around him. He carries them wherever he expects to hear loud noises.

All of us love Dinomite's anxiety kit. I don't know what we'd do without it at this point.  There is nothing that calms him faster.  It's amazing what a difference it makes when you create an anxiety kit specific for your child, their needs, and their passions.


If you're still looking for items for your child's anxiety kit, be sure to visit the posts below!

 Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Star Wars

 Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit for Kids Who Love Baby Dolls

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kit For Kids Who Love Princesses

Sensory Oriented Anxiety Kits for Children

Sensory Resources for Children who Need to Chew

Read More »