Helping children wear the LENA vest.
Some children will wear the vest eagerly. Others may need more of an introduction and time to get used to it.
Normalize wearing the vest.
Read the Our LENA Day story (included in your Room Kit) to introduce the vest. Pass vests around to give children a chance to explore or dress a familiar stuffie in an extra vest.
Build excitement.
Allow children to “customize” their vest with stickers or markers. (Just keep the device pocket clear of decoration.) Some teachers even make up songs about putting on the vest!
Support sensory‑sensitive children.
Try soft undershirts beneath the vest, introduce the vest slowly, or let them explore it first without wearing it.
If a child still doesn’t want to wear the vest after trying these suggestions, follow their lead and try again next week!