Merlin Day Academy

Happy Wednesday! Every day is a new adventure at Merlin!😄

We're practicing teeth brushing techniques by brushing dry-erase marker "germs" away!

We're exploring our neighborhood and building confidence, one community safety skill at a time! From learning about positive choices to discovering new places, our adventures help us grow life skills and practice independence.

We're working on the daily living skill of cutting "food" with a fork and knife, while using both sides of our body!

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and we're celebrating our incredible SLPs with spotlights written by their coworkers!

This colorful sensory bin is helping us focus on tactile play, coordination, and sharing with peers!

For many families, brushing teeth can sometimes feel like an uphill climb, especially when navigating unique sensory needs. But together, we can turn this everyday task into a positive opportunity for building your child's confidence and independence!

In our new article, "Teaching Children to Brush Their Teeth with Confidence and Care," we share expert, family-centered advice to help your child master this routine. You will discover:
-Fun facts to spark your child's imagination
-Simple, sensory-friendly tips tailored to your child's unique needs
-Easy ways to break the process into small, achievable steps
-Guidance on finding the right tools, from soft bristles to unflavored toothpaste

Learn more: https://merlindayacademy.com/teaching-children-to-brush-their-teeth/

Teaching Children to Brush Their Teeth with Confidence and Care - Merlin Day Academy Teaching your child to brush their teeth develops independence and creates a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. Learning to brush takes practice, creative strategies, and equipment that fits. For families raising neurodiverse children with unique needs, teaching them how to brush their teeth h...

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for our Art Show this week! Our Merlin artists had a blast creating and sharing their masterpieces. Thank you for celebrating creativity, self-expression, and community with us! 🎨

Setting up a sensory bin does not have to be messy or stressful! Creating a personalized sensory experience at home is easier than you might think, and it offers amazing support for your child's unique growth. Whether they need to calm down after a busy day or practice their communication skills, sensory bins provide a tailored environment for them to grow.

Here are three simple tips to set up a successful sensory bin:
🔹 Choose the right container: A clear, shallow bin allows your child to easily see and reach all the fun materials inside.
🔹 Add everyday tools: Include measuring cups, tongs, or small funnels to help strengthen your child's hands and build coordination.
🔹 Keep clean up simple: Place a washable mat or an old shower curtain underneath the bin to catch spills. This keeps the activity stress-free for you!

Learn more: https://merlindayacademy.com/spring-sensory-bins/

Spring Sensory Bins: Building Skills for Neurodiverse Children - Merlin Day Academy In Chicago, there are all kinds of fun activities for families raising kids. But finding ones that are engaging, developmental, and fit your child's sensory needs, well that might seem like mission impossible. That's exactly why sensory bins have become a go‑to favorite. For neurodiverse children,

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms at Merlin Day Academy! Today, we’re celebrating the amazing moms on our team who inspire us every day with their compassion, dedication, and love—both at work and at home. Thank you for everything you do to champion our community! 💙🌷 less