| How to Sponge Paint With Kids Posted: 22 May 2018 05:00 PM PDT Sponge painting is a fun, easy craft to do with kids. You can cut the sponges into a variety of shapes to stimulate and encourage your child's creativity. Once you have the basic technique down, use the sponges to decorate a number of surfaces, from posters to bedroom walls. EditCutting the Sponges - Get a plain kitchen sponge. Kitchen sponges come with tiny holes and larger holes, so you can pick the one that you like. Make sure that the sponge does not have a scratchy pad on 1 side. It will be difficult to cut.[1]
- Consider getting multiple sponges in different colors. This way, you can match the sponge to the paint color.
- Do not use sea sponges if you want to cut out specific shapes. They are too lumpy. They will make great clouds, however!
- Clean the sponge, if needed, then allow it to dry. Store bought sponges are already clean, but used kitchen sponges are dirty. If you are reusing an old sponge, clean it with soap and hot water. Rinse the sponge until all of the soap bubbles are gone, then set it out to dry.
- The sponge must be completely dry, otherwise the marker will bleed.
- Use a cookie cutter and a marker to trace a shape onto the sponge. Depending on the size of the cookie cutter, you may be able to fit 2 shapes onto 1 sponge. You can also draw the shapes by hand if you prefer.[2]
- Simple shapes, like hearts and stars, work better than more complex shapes, like snowflakes.
- For complex shapes, like a flower, draw the flower, stem, and leaves separately.
- Consider other learning shapes, such as letters, numbers, circles, or squares.
- Cut the sponge with scissors along the lines that you drew. Make short, little snips as you cut, otherwise the edges may come out jagged. You can discard the scraps, or you can save them to make geometric shapes![3]
- This step should be completed by an adult, even if the child helped you draw the shapes.
- If you drew separate shapes, like a flower, stem, and leaves, cut them out separately.
- Get additional sponges to paint with, if desired. Visit your local craft store, and see what types of sponges that you can find. Pick up a few and have them ready to paint with. Do not cut these sponges.
- Sponge brushes come with wedge-shaped tips, so they are perfect for creating lines and flower stems.
- Pouncers are round sponge brushes perfect for making polka dots.
- Sea sponges are very lumpy and ideal for clouds.
EditSetting up a Workspace - Choose an easy-to-clean area. Sponge painting can get messy, so some place that is easy to clean would be the best. Painting outside on a warm, sunny day is a great idea because the paint will dry faster. Your child may also find inspiration in the world around them.
- Make sure that you have a table that you can work on, and that nothing that can get dirty or ruined is nearby.
- If you are painting outside, try a patio table. You can also have your child sit on the sidewalk.
- Cover your work surface with newspaper. Use 2 to 3 layers of newspaper in case your child spills some paint or water. Another option is to cut up a plastic or paper bag, and use that instead. You can also use a cheap, plastic tablecloth or butcher paper.
- You can find cheap, plastic tablecloths in the baking or party supply section of a craft store.
- Have your child put on some easy-to-clean clothing. Even though most children's paints are washable, there is still a chance that they might stain. If your child likes to get messy, it would be a good idea to have them wear an apron or an art smock as well.
- If you are using acrylic paint, then you should definitely have your child wear clothing that can get dirty.
- If your child is wearing a shirt with long sleeves, be sure to roll them up.
- If your child has long hair, pull it back into a braid or ponytail.
- Pour some water-based paint onto a palette. Tempera paint, poster paint, or acrylic craft paint all work great for this. Make a blob big enough to dip the sponge into. Use 1 color of paint per palette.[4]
- Paper plates and plastic lids make perfect palette.
- If the paint is thick like toothpaste, stir some water into it. This will make it more spreadable and easier to soak into the sponge.
- Look for paints that say things like "washable" or "kids' paint."
- Spread some paper onto a flat surface. If you want to, tape down the corners of the paper, or weigh them down with smooth stones. Poster paper, printer paper, or construction paper all work just fine for this. You can even use one of those giant sketch pads instead.[5]
- If you are using a sketch pad, tear the paper out first. Otherwise, the paint may accidentally bleed through the paper and stain the next page.
- Another option is to use fabric. Heavier fabric, such as canvas, will work better than thinner fabric, such as cotton.
- For a wearable project, use an apron, tote bag, or T-shirt. Acrylic paint or fabric paint will work the best.[6]
EditCreating Your Painting - Dip your sponge into the paint. Hold the sponge by the edges in 1 hand, then lower it into the paint. Press it into the paint firmly enough to soak some paint up, but not so firmly that it soaks through to the top of the sponge.[7]
- Make sure that the entire bottom of the sponge is touching the paint.
- Lift the sponge out, then press it against your paper. Again, press the sponge firmly enough to make an imprint, but not so firmly that all of the paint leaks out against the paper.[8]
- Simply patting it against the paper should be enough; you shouldn't have to squish down on it.
- Pull the sponge away to reveal your shape. There will be a slight, bumpy texture left in the paint, which is the whole point of sponge painting. Depending on how big the holes were in your sponge, you may also see white speckles in your shape!
- Sprinkle some glitter onto the wet paint before it dries for a sparkly effect!
- Repeat the process to stamp more shapes against the paper. There should be enough paint left on your sponge to stamp it 1 or 2 more times. Each time you stamp with the sponge, your image will be fainter and fainter. Eventually, you will need to reload it with more paint.
- Use a regular sponge and a lighter color to create a background first if desired. Let the paint dry before moving on.
- Use different shapes and colors to create a more detailed design. Clean the sponge with water before switching to a new color. You don't have to dry the sponge out completely, but you should squeeze the excess water out from it.[9]
- If you want to overlap shapes, let the first layer of paint dry.
- For example, use a round yellow shape for a flower's center, round red shapes for the petals, and a skinny, green rectangle for the stem.
- Let the paint dry. How long this takes depends on the weather and how much paint your child used. In most cases, this should only take 10 to 15 minutes. If the paint is not drying fast enough, set it out in the warm sunshine or dry it with a hairdryer.
- If you used fabric paint, you may have to heat set it. Cover the painting with a tea towel, then press it with a warm iron. Read the instructions on the paint bottle for more detail.
EditGetting Creative - Apply the paint to the sponge, then drag the sponge across the paper. This is a great alternative to the traditional way of sponge painting. Flip your sponge over, and make a few drops of different colors of paint across the middle of the sponge. Turn the sponge back over and press it against the paper. Drag the sponge across the paper to reveal your design![10]
- The drops of paint should all be right next to each other, touching.
- Add some finger painting if your child likes to get messy. If your child wants a more hands-on activity, let them! Have them dip their fingers into the paint, then add some dots and stripes to their composition.[11]
- Make sure that the paint is non-toxic first. Most children's paint is non-toxic, but read the label to be sure.
- Paint over stencils for a unique effect. Place a stencil over your paper, or create an image using masking tape. Stamp away on the paper with a sponge and paint, then let the paint dry. Once the paint has dried, pull the stencil away, or peel the tape off.[12]
- A neat alternative to this is to create an image using a white crayon, then sponge paint over it with watercolor paint.
- Use a paper plate as your canvas to create an apple. Use sponge and red paint to cover a plain, white paper plate. Let the paint dry, then cut a stem out of brown paper and a leaf out of green paper. Staple or glue the stem and leaf to the top of the apple.[13]
- You can use this technique and different colors to create other fun shapes, such as oranges, suns, or turkeys.
- Use sponge paint instead of dye to color Easter eggs. Instead of working with messy liquid dyes, sponge paint pictures and designs onto the eggs. You may need to craft stands or hold the egg for your kids as they paint, since holding and painting might be difficult for younger ages.
- Blow the yolks and whites out of the eggs first. This way, you can still eat the eggs.
- If you want to paint whole eggs, hard boil them first, and be sure to use non-toxic paint.
- Decorate a wooden toy chest with your kids. Paper and fabric aren't the only options for painting! Get a wooden toy chest or crate, and paint it using larger sponge shapes. Acrylic craft paint will work the best for this, but you can use non-washable tempera paint too.
- Make sure that the tempera paint is labeled "non-washable," otherwise it will come off if it gets wet.
- Use the sponge painting activity for educational purposes. Cut out letters of the alphabet or numbers to help young children learn the alphabet or count to 10.
- Help young children learn color and shape with the sponges![14]
- Use clothespins to hold uncut sponges for a mess-free project.[15]
EditThings You'll Need - Sponge
- Cookie cutter
- Marker
- Scissors
- Styrofoam trays or paper plates
- Water
- Paper or poster board
- Non-toxic paint
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| How to Do Reverse Crunches Posted: 22 May 2018 09:00 AM PDT The reverse crunch is a core exercise that targets the muscles of the lower abdomen. To perform a reverse crunch, lie flat on your back with your hands beneath your hips. Bend your knees and lift them towards your head, drawing them upward slightly at the end of the movement. Lower your feet back down just above the floor to complete one repetition. Add reverse crunches to your regular core routine to progress along your journey towards a tight, toned waistline! EditGetting into Position - Lie flat on your back. Fully extend your legs, with your toes pointing upward and keeping your gaze focused on the ceiling. Your body should form a straight line from head to toe.[1]
- Relax your shoulders and neck to minimize the tension in your upper body.
- Stretching out on a lightly cushioned surface like a yoga mat or a carpeted section of the floor can make performing the exercise more comfortable.
- Place your arms down beside your body. Reach your fingertips toward your feet on either side of your thighs. Press your palms firmly into the floor to create stability. If you don't feel quite stable enough in this position, try sliding the backs of your hands beneath your buttocks to anchor your arms closer to your body.[2]
- Bend your knees if you need to do so. The straighter your legs, the more of an ab workout this exercise gives you. If you're just starting out, though, or if you have limited mobility, you may find it helpful to bend your knees in the beginning. Lift your feet and pull your knees back until your thighs are perpendicular to the floor. Then, tighten the muscles in your hips and thighs to lock your legs in place. They should remain at this angle throughout the entire movement.[3]
- With your feet elevated and your knees bent, the tops of your shins should be roughly parallel to the floor.
EditPerforming the Crunch - Draw your knees toward your head. Contract the muscles of your lower abdomen and bring your bent knees straight back until they're just in front of your face. Make sure your hips and butt are firmly rooted to the floor. They'll act as a hinge for your thighs to swivel over.[4]
- Don't forget to breathe. You'll exhale sharply as you bring your knees up and exhale as you lower them down.
- Lift your knees upward at the top of the movement. As your knees come level with your gaze, push them up in the direction of the ceiling. This should cause your lower back and buttocks to come off the ground by an inch or two.[5]
- This extra lift increases the overall range of motion, making the crunch more effective.
- Avoid rocking into the movement or extending your back too forcefully. You're just looking for a tight vertical tilt to briefly engage your middle and upper abs.
- Lower your knees back to hip level. Let your lower body come down in a slow, controlled manner, stopping when your thighs are once again perpendicular. Reverse the motion of your legs and raise your knees again to start the next repetition. You've just completed your first reverse crunch![6]
- Pause briefly before beginning your next rep. When you return to the starting position, take a split second to steady yourself and neutralize any momentum you've built up. That way, you won't be tempted to cheat when transitioning into the next crunch. Your core muscles alone should initiate the movement.[7]
- Pausing momentarily will also give you a chance to catch your breath and assess your technique.
- Aim for 8-12 crunches per set. A low-moderate rep scheme will offer just enough of a challenge when you're first starting out. For best results, make an effort to perform each crunch with proper form and a full range of motion. Your abs will thank you for it![8]
- Feel free to pick a higher or lower number to suit your individual fitness level.
- It's okay if you don't get the same number of reps every set. You might be able to complete 12 crunches while you're fresh, but only grind out 8 by the time you reach your final set.
EditIntensifying the Movement - Increase your total number of repetitions. Once you get to the point where you can do 8-12 reps with ease, gradually work your way up to 15 reps. Keep working until you get up to 3 sets of 15 reps. If you're looking for further intensity after that, try a variation of the exercise such as leg lifts.[9]
- The number of sets you do will depend on your individual goals and the way the rest of your workout is structured. Remember, though, that too many reps of any type of spine crunch can be dangerous long-term.
- Quality is more important than quantity. You'll only be doing yourself a disservice by letting your technique break down in order to get more reps in.
- Incorporate a standard crunch. Place your hands above your head or rest your fingertips on your earlobes. Then squeeze your upper abs until your head and shoulders are off the floor. You can either maintain this position as a static hold while doing your reverse crunches, or raise both your upper and lower body simultaneously for a blistering total ab workout.[10]
- Make sure your core stays tightly contracted throughout the entire movement to steady yourself and keep both halves of your body moving in sync with one another.
- Try them on a decline bench or chair. Lie on a decline or sit-up bench, or a sturdy household chair, so that your head is higher than your legs and grip the upper end with both hands for support. Then, pull your knees up and back just like you would for a regular reverse crunch. The slight change in angle will introduce a whole new element to the exercise.[11]
- A decline bench with variable height settings will allow you to make the movement slightly easier if you're fatigued or struggling to make it through a full range of motion. However, a sturdy chair will work just as well if you don't want to invest in new equipment.
- Performing reverse crunches on a decline forces you to engage the muscles of your lower abs even more.
- Reverse crunches are an alternative to traditional crunches and situps. They may work better for those who suffer from lower back pain or are looking for an alternative to the standard crunch.
- Keep up a consistent pace. Both the raising and lowering portions of the movement should take about 3-5 full seconds.
- If you're having trouble keeping your shoulders from coming up off the floor, try extending your arms overhead and holding onto a stable surface, such as a bench or dumbbell, to create a counterpoint.
- Be careful not to let your back arch as you lower your legs. Doing so can place unnecessary strain on your lower back and lead to pain, injury, and discomfort.
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| How to Understand an Autistic Person's Needs Posted: 22 May 2018 01:00 AM PDT The understanding and attitude towards autism varies between people and communities. Some notice the signs of autism in near and dear ones and immediately seek help. However there are some who are still ignorant or not very clear about the impact of autism in someone. If you have someone in your family, neighborhood, school or workplace who show these signs, you can be considerate of that individual and speak to them or their family so they can receive support. EditUnderstanding Childhood Difficulties - Look for developmental differences. Autistic children may develop more quickly in some areas and more slowly than others. They may need help learning to communicate, walk, read, and more. It has been described as a "different road entirely."[1]
- Children who do not learn to speak right away can use AAC such as sign language, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), picture boards, and more. Don't be afraid that using alternative communication systems will hold back language; it won't hold them back, may actually encourage verbalizations, and can bridge the gap until they learn to speak (if they are ever able to).[2]
- Children who have trouble controlling their bodies may not be able to let on that they are thinking more deeply than others realize.[3][4]
- Some autistic children develop at an average or fast speed relative to their non-autistic peers. Delayed skills may not be visible until childhood, teen, or adult years.
- Keep an eye on communication struggles. Autistic children may have difficulty expressing themselves, and understanding others.
- They may find it hard to express how they feel.
- They tend to think literally, and may have trouble understanding implications, hints, metaphors, or tasks that require them to "read between the lines."
- They may not understand body language, and have difficulty recognizing what it means and how to use it.
- Other people may judge them negatively for being different. Harsh, critical, or cruel feedback may make an autistic child feel anxious about socializing.
- Recognize how school can be harder for autistic children. Some autistic children may need extra help learning the material, while others may be underchallenged and bored. Regardless of intelligence, many autistic students struggle to stay organized, communicate with teachers, handle transitions, and stay on top of all the bustle of a school day. Extra support can help meet their unique needs.
- A school can form an IEP to identify the student's strengths and needs, and set goals for learning at their individual pace.
- Untreated co-occurring health problems, such as anxiety disorders or digestive issues, may cause them to miss school more often.
- Not all support and "tutoring" is based in academic subjects, either. Autistic children may benefit from educational therapy or coaching for executive functioning and organization/time-management skills. Tutoring sessions on learning how to study, how to organize your time, and how to approach assignments can be just as helpful, if not more so, than tutoring focused on the actual academic subject.
- Consider how autistic kids may struggle to make friends. Autistic people find it difficult to read non-autistic body language and understand what their peers are thinking. Therapies such as RDI can help autistic children learn to communicate well with people who are so different from them.
- Many autistic people describe the difference as a cultural divide, as if they had come from another planet with different customs.[5] Extra support can help lessen the "culture shock" and explain common non-autistic social norms, such as white lies and eye contact.
- Recognize the risk of bullying. Autistic people are more likely to be targeted by bullies, and may not know how to respond to it or recognize the types of bullying. A specialist can help them recognize when someone is being mean and develop an action plan for getting help (and what to do if adults are unhelpful).
- Take your loved one seriously if they say someone is deeply upsetting them. Even if you don't fully understand it, let them know that their emotions are important and you care about the problem.
- Autistic children may find an easier time making friends who are also disabled, as these children are less likely to judge the child for being different.
- Notice self-care issues. The child may struggle with motor skills (e.g. tying shoes), disorganization, and confusion about how to do a task. A therapist can help them learn to take care of themselves, and teach life skills that they'll need in adulthood. Skills like brushing your teeth and preparing snacks can be taught in a structured setting, and then generalized with support until they can be practiced independently at home.
- Consider sensory issues. Hypersensitivity may make some things difficult or painful to tolerate, such as the sound of sirens or the feel of a scratchy tag. Hyposensitivity may mean a hyperactive child, who is always moving and has difficulty focusing or sitting calmly.
- An occupational therapist can help you build a "sensory diet" of activities to improve sensory issues, both by sating the need for input and acclimating the child to difficult input.
- Sensory issues may lead to self-injurious stimming, which needs to be redirected into something non-harmful.
- Understand the need for routine. Uncertainty and unpredictability can be frightening to autistic children. Having a consistent routine helps them predict what happens next, and can help them feel calmer.
- Having a calendar, picture schedule, or written schedule can help them understand what will happen.
- Consider the need to stim and fidget. Autistic children may move and act in different ways, like rocking back and forth, flicking their fingers, humming, spinning, and doing other unique things. While it can look unusual, it is important to the child's well-being.
- Recognize difficulties with stress. Painful sensory issues, social challenges, disruptions from routine, negative feedback from adults, and all kinds of difficulties can be very stressful for autistic people. Stress management can be hard for an autistic person, and they may melt down or shut down when they are overwhelmed.
- Autistic children may need more time to relax than other children do. This can help them stay calmer.
- Keep in mind that every autistic child is different. It's normal for autistic children to have problems that are not mentioned here, and to not have serious troubles in every area. As you get to know a child, you will learn about their unique abilities and needs.
EditUnderstanding Adulthood Difficulties Autism is a lifelong disability, and its childhood symptoms continue into adulthood. Autistic adults face new challenges as they grow older. - Recognize that childhood difficulties do not disappear upon turning 18. Many autistic adults continue to struggle with understanding others, staying organized, sensory issues, and other challenges. This can impact future school, work, relationships, and home life.
- Consider the existence of developmental delays. Autistic people learn skills at their own pace, sometimes faster and sometimes slower than their peers.[6] Thus, an autistic adult may be highly specialized, perhaps writing award-winning poetry while being unable to hand wash dishes or clean the bathroom. These developmental delays can pose a challenge during transitions to college, work, or one's own place to live.
- A 25-year-old could have the expertise of a 40-year-old in computer science, but have the self care skills of a 10-year-old. Just as it would be inappropriate to expect a 10-year-old to live independently, many autistic adults need continued support despite being at an age where neurotypicals can be independent.
- Realize they may need some accommodations in educational settings. Education doesn't have to stop after high school. However, in many countries, the university and college system is very different from the secondary school environment, and it may require autistic students to be self advocates in a way they haven't been before. In the US in particular, students may need to disclose their autism to their institutions in order to be eligible for accommodations.[7] Depending on their needs, they may be eligible for help like a note taker or extended time for tests.
- Recognize that autistic adults may have difficulty working. Some autistic people cannot handle complex or abstract tasks, and may need to work minimum-wage jobs, such as in an assembly line. Others may be quite capable intellectually, and struggle with issues such as disorganization,[8] chronic anxiety, and working in teams.
- Support from specialists may be the difference between a waitressing job and unemployment, or between job-hopping and finding a stable and fulfilling job.
- Consider social challenges that autistic adults face at work. Work comes with a completely new set of unspoken social rules, which may be difficult for autistic adults to pick up. Many autistic adults rely upon mentors to help with questions from "What should I wear?" to "How do I handle this situation with my boss?"[9]
- Look out for self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.[10] Diagnosed late or early, autistic people may suffer from being left out and failing to meet non-autistics' expectations. Autistic people may need extra encouragement and support from their loved ones, to reassure them that they are loved just the way they are.
- Recognize that relationships can be a struggle for autistic people. Autistic people find social interactions difficult, and this can include building and maintaining romantic relationships.
- Consider needs in the household. Some autistic people struggle to keep their home in order. Cooking, cleaning, paying bills, and other everyday chores may be challenging or impossible. This may be related to motor skills, intellectual ability, and/or disorganization.
- If married, an autistic adult may be able to rely upon their spouse for housework. Others may continue living with parents or loved ones. Some are eligible for disability support, such as an agency that cleans for them.
- Remember that every autistic person is unique. An autistic person may struggle a lot in one area, and need no help in another. They'll have needs not described here, related to their background, personality, other traits, and other disabilities (if any). Look at the autistic person as an individual when considering what they need.
- Different autistics will need different accommodations and supports. For example, one autistic person might desperately need a quiet workplace, while another enjoys noise and bustle. Tailor accommodations to the individual.
- A therapy or approach that works for one autistic person may not work for another.
EditGetting Support - Consider therapies and medications to help your autistic loved one. Many types of therapies are available that can teach the person needed skills, from cooking to asking for help. Medications can help with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and epilepsy.
- Look into living opportunities for autistic adults. They may be able and eager to live alone completely independently, or with minimal support from roommates or loved ones. However, there are also lots of alternatives available if they need or desire a more supportive structure. Get your loved one evaluated to see what types of services they qualify for. This may include...
- In-home services, such as cooking and cleaning
- Group homes
- Quality institutions
- Ensure that all caregivers have a support network. Caring for children and adults is a challenge, and parents/caregivers should get assistance as needed.
- Look into respite services, which allow caregivers to take a break to re-center themselves while the autistic person has fun with the respite caregiver.
- Encourage caregivers to engage with the Autistic community, which can offer advice, since its members were once autistic children.[13] (It can also show them what autistic adults look like, and autistic people can be good friends as well as non-autistics.)
- Recognize that not all autistic traits need to be treated. Autism also comes with positive traits: systematizing skills, attention to detail, and visual perceptiveness. Other traits, such as deep focus and most stimming, are different but harmless. Rather than stamping autism out of the autistic person, the goal should be helping them grow into a capable, happy, and confident autistic adult.
- Training people to act "normal" and blend in at all costs can be harmful. If your therapist pushes this, say that this is not okay with you, or get a new therapist.
- Celebrate and work on their strengths. Helping an autistic person doesn't only mean working on their weaknesses; it includes building their strengths. Encourage them to develop, explore, and share their skills.
- Harness their strengths to help them learn new things. For example, a young child who loves dogs could learn to count by counting pictures of dogs, and a student interested in stars could practice public speaking by giving a presentation on stars.
- Avoid overly intensive therapies. Autistic people (especially children) should be able to enjoy undirected free time, so they can explore things that interest them, and have fun.
- Encourage your loved one to interact with the Autistic community. In-person and online friendships with other autistic people can support their self-esteem, and they can share coping strategies with each other. Consider...
- Autism/disability playgroups
- Special Olympics
- Support groups for disabled/autistic people
- Online Autistic community, through #ActuallyAutistic, #AskAnAutistic, and #REDinstead
- Ensure that the autistic person receives plenty of love and support. It's challenging to be an autistic person in a non-autistic world, and your loved one may fear that no one will like them, or that they are a burden. Surround them with people who love them just the way they are. Give them plenty of evidence of their worth.
- Some therapies and institutions use abusive "aversives" to inflict pain as a punishment, or push the autistic person to act "normal," even though it may cause psychological pain. Do some research to ensure that your loved one is safe, and take notice if the therapy/institution is upsetting them.
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