Discover SPARK Guides: Simple Play Adaptations for Kids
SPARK Guides provide practical, easy-to-use strategies for adapting materials and activities to create learning experiences for all young children. Designed for early childhood professionals, families, and caregivers, these 4–6 page guides offer step-by-step ideas to support all learners.
Check out “An Introduction to SPARK Guides” to get started!
Check out item and kit availability through the OCALI Lending Library.
SPARK Big Step-by-Step
File name: SPARK_Big-Step-by-Step.pdf
Shows how to set up and use the Big Step-by-Step to support AAC communication and participation.
SPARK BigMack
File name: SPARK_BIGMack.pdf
Shows how to set up and use the BIGMack to support AAC communication and participation.
SPARK Buddy Button Switch
File name: SPARK_Buddy-Button-Switch.pdf
Shows how to use the Buddy Button Switch to provide accessible, independent participation through adapted controls.
SPARK Busy Box Alternative
File name: SPARK_Busy-Box-Alternative.pdf
Shows how to use Busy Box Alternative to support accessible learning, play, and participation.
SPARK Choice Board
File name: SPARK_Choice-Board.pdf
Shows how to use a choice board to help children communicate preferences and make choices.
SPARK Communicator Portable Waist
File name: SPARK_Communicator-Portable-Waist.pdf
Shows how to keep communication symbols within reach using a wearable waist communicator.
SPARK Crayon Rocks
File name: SPARK_Crayon-Rocks.pdf
Shows how to use Crayon Rocks to make art activities easier to grasp, control, and enjoy.
SPARK Dimpl Duo
File name: SPARK_Dimpl-Duo.pdf
Shows how to use Dimpl Duo for sensory exploration, engagement, and hands-on play.
SPARK Dycem
File name: SPARK_Dycem.pdf
Shows how to use non-slip material to stabilize items and improve access during activities.
SPARK Feelings Chart and Cards
File name: SPARK_Feelings-Chart-and-Cards.pdf
Shows how to use Feelings Chart and Cards to recognize, label, and communicate feelings.
SPARK Fidgipod
File name: SPARK_Fidgipod.pdf
Shows how to use Fidgipod for sensory exploration, engagement, and hands-on play.
SPARK Finger Crayons
File name: SPARK_Finger-Crayons.pdf
Shows how to use Finger Crayons to make art activities easier to grasp, control, and enjoy.
SPARK First Then Flip Schedule
File name: SPARK_First-Then-Flip-Schedule.pdf
Shows how to use a first-then schedule to clarify expectations and support transitions.
SPARK Giant Alphabet Lower Case Stamp Set
File name: SPARK_Giant-Alphabet-Lower-Case-Stamp-Set.pdf
Shows how to use Giant Alphabet Lower Case Stamp Set to support hands-on learning, creativity, and fine-motor development.
SPARK Giant Alphabet Upper Case Stamp Set
File name: SPARK_Giant-Alphabet-Upper-Case-Stamp-Set.pdf
Shows how to use Giant Alphabet Upper Case Stamp Set to support hands-on learning, creativity, and fine-motor development.
SPARK Giant Emotions Stamp Set
File name: SPARK_Giant-Emotions-Stamp-Set.pdf
Shows how to use Giant Emotions Stamp Set to support hands-on learning, creativity, and fine-motor development.
SPARK Giant Farm Animals Stamp Set
File name: SPARK_Giant-Farm-Animals-Stamp-Set.pdf
Shows how to use Giant Farm Animals Stamp Set to support hands-on learning, creativity, and fine-motor development.
SPARK Giant Numbers Stamp Set
File name: SPARK_Giant-Numbers-Stamp-Set.pdf
Shows how to use Giant Numbers Stamp Set to support hands-on learning, creativity, and fine-motor development.
SPARK Giant Sea Life Stamp Set
File name: SPARK_Giant-Sea-Life-Stamp-Set.pdf
Shows how to use Giant Sea Life Stamp Set to support hands-on learning, creativity, and fine-motor development.
SPARK Giant Shapes Stamp Set
File name: SPARK_Giant-Shapes-Stamp-Set.pdf
Shows how to use Giant Shapes Stamp Set to support hands-on learning, creativity, and fine-motor development.
SPARK GoTalk 4
File name: SPARK_GoTalk-4.pdf
Shows how to set up and use the GoTalk 4 to support AAC communication and participation.
SPARK GoTalk One
File name: SPARK_GoTalk-One.pdf
Shows how to set up and use the GoTalk One to support AAC communication and participation.
SPARK GPS Tracker
File name: SPARK_GPS-Tracker.pdf
Shows how to use the GPS Tracker to support location awareness and safety.
SPARK Hi Ho Cherry-O Built-In Switch Game
File name: SPARK_Hi-Ho-Cherry-O-Built-in-Switch-Game.pdf
Shows how to use the Hi Ho Cherry-O Built-In Switch Game to provide accessible, independent participation through adapted controls.
SPARK Light Up Countdown Timer
File name: SPARK_Light-Up-Countdown-Timer.pdf
Shows how to use the Light Up Countdown Timer to make time visible or noticeable and support routines and transitions.
SPARK Logan Prox Talker
File name: SPARK_Logan-Prox-Talker.pdf
Shows how to set up and use the Logan Prox Talker to support AAC communication and participation.
SPARK Outdoor Gate Alarm
File name: SPARK_Outdoor-Gate-Alarm.pdf
Shows how to use the Outdoor Gate Alarm to provide an alert when a door or gate opens.
SPARK Pouring Cup
File name: SPARK_Pouring-Cup.pdf
Shows how to use a switch-activated pouring cup to support participation in cooking and other activities.
SPARK PowerLink 4
File name: SPARK_PowerLink-4.pdf
Shows how to use a PowerLink and switches to make common electrical devices accessible.
SPARK QuickTalker FeatherTouch
File name: SPARK_QuickTalker-FeatherTouch.pdf
Shows how to set up and use the QuickTalker FeatherTouch to support AAC communication and participation.
SPARK Quiet Ears Ear Muffs
File name: SPARK_Quiet-Ears-Ear-Muffs.pdf
Shows how to use earmuffs to reduce sound and support participation in noisy settings.
SPARK Rainbow Viewers
File name: SPARK_Rainbow-Viewers.pdf
Shows how to use Rainbow Viewers for sensory exploration, engagement, and hands-on play.
Shared Reading Guides: Multisensory Strategies to Support All Children
Explore shared reading resources that support the meaningful participation of all learners. Access book-specific Shared Reading Guides, a planning template to create your own guides, and extension activities that connect literacy to art, music, STEM, and family engagement.
Books and supporting materials, including book kits, can be checked out thorugh the OCALI Lending Library.
Shared Reading Guide - Barnyard Dance
File name: Barnyard-Dance-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Barnyard Dance accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Brown Bear
File name: Brown-Bear-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Brown Bear accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Five Little Monkeys
File name: Five-Little-Monkeys-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Five Little Monkeys accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - From Head to Toe
File name: From-Head-to-Toe-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of From Head to Toe accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Go Away Big Green Monster
File name: Go-Away-Big-Green-Monster-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Go Away Big Green Monster accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Goodnight Moon
File name: Goodnight-Moon-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Goodnight Moon accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Here Are My Hands
File name: Here-Are-My-Hands-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Here Are My Hands accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - I Went Walking
File name: I-Went-Walking-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of I Went Walking accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Itsy Bitsy Spider
File name: Itsy-Bitsy-Spider-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Itsy Bitsy Spider accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Kiss, Kiss Good Night
File name: Kiss-Kiss-Good-Night-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Kiss, Kiss Good Night accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - Max's Breakfast
File name: Maxs-Breakfast-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of Max's Breakfast accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - No, David!
File name: No-David-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of No, David! accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - That's Not My Dinosaur
File name: Thats-Not-My-Dinosaur-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of That's Not My Dinosaur accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - That's Not My Puppy
File name: Thats-Not-My-Puppy-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of That's Not My Puppy accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - The Lunch Box Surprise
File name: The-Lunch-Box-Surprise-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of The Lunch Box Surprise accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Shared Reading Guide - The Very Busy Spider
File name: The-Very-Busy-Spider-Shared-Reading-Guide.pdf
Provides strategies and activities for making shared reading of The Very Busy Spider accessible, interactive, and meaningful.
Pivotal Practices Early Childhood Implementation Tools
Pivotal Practices in Early Childhood Implementation Tools are designed to help early care and education professionals put effective teaching practices into action. These quick-reference, one-page guides offer practical strategies and prompts that support consistent implementation of practices that promote positive outcomes for all young children.
Pivotal Practices - Positive Attention
File name: Pivotal_Practices_Positive_Attention.pdf
Explains how to use positive attention to encourage appropriate behavior and strengthen relationships.
Pivotal Practices - Visual Schedules
File name: Pivotal_Practices_Visual_Schedules.pdf
Explains how to create and use visual schedules to support routines, understanding, and transitions
Behaviors At-a-Glance
Short, topic-specific overview sheets breaking down common interfering behavior through observation, family connection, functions of behavior, and effective strategies to support positive behaviors. These guides can be used individually or as a resource for coaching or team collaboration.
Behavior At a Glance - Biting
File name: Behavior_At_a_Glance_Biting.pdf
Explains possible reasons for biting and strategies to prevent and respond to it.
Behavior At a Glance - Hitting
File name: Behavior_At_a_Glance_Hitting.pdf
Explains possible reasons for hitting and strategies to prevent and respond to it.
Behavior At a Glance - Tantrums
File name: Behavior_At_a_Glance_Tantrums.pdf
Explains possible reasons for tantrums and strategies to prevent and respond to them.