The “Tentacle Toolbox” is an innovative educational toolkit for playful exploration of autism, developed by educator Carla Carvalho. It contains books, games, and sensory materials for pre-school and primary school children, plus information for adults. This award-winning project promotes inclusion through practical experience.
Borrow an innovative suitcase with a wide range of materials and helpful information for actively engaging with autism and developing inclusion. A practical solution for encounters, acceptance, appreciation and support. Suitable for children from preschool and fundamental school as well as their accompanying adults. Highly recommended!
Suitcase contents
The suitcase currently contains several children’s books, materials for colouring and handicrafts, games that encourage joint activity, a clock and several sensory objects and objects on the subject of feelings. The contents can be selected and adapted to the age of the children concerned.
There is also a folder with background information for professionals, as well as a folder with further information and material for adults and children.
Opinion
Varied, playful, appropriate. Well suited to give non-autistic children, parents, educators and teachers an insight into the topics of autism, needs, behaviours, feelings, experiences, strengths of autistic children, diversity and inclusion.
Also interesting for autistic children and their parents to deepen their understanding and get practical ideas for helpful measures.
Inclusion requires interest, active engagement and familiarisation. This process can be stimulated and supported by the contents of the suitcase.
Future of the project
Carla Carvalho’s wish is that she can provide a suitcase for each canton. However, as she pays for this out of her own pocket, she is currently limited to 3 suitcases travelling around the country.
Children’s price 2024
SNJ contacted them and encouraged them to enter for the Children’s Prize 2024. The development team took part and won in April. Further information on their facebook page Tentacle Toolbox and on the website kannerpräis.lu.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to borrow the case, you can contact Mrs Carvalho by email at mrcm.carvalho.carla@gmail.com or via Facebook. She speaks Luxembourgish, German, French and English and works at the Maison Relais Um Weier (26, rue de Limpach 3932 Mondercange).