Here are some activities to support with handwriting: Start with shapes and support your kiddo with mastering these first as they are the foundational skills for letters and numbers: Tracing shapes Dot to dot shapes Copying shapes Drawing shapes independently when asked Move to letters/numbers when the child is ready and has mastered shapes Tracing Dot to dot Copying Drawing independently when asked Other Supplemental Ideas: Draw on a whiteboard with big shapes and letters/nu

Here are a list of activities that can support bilateral motor coordination, crossing the midline, bilateral motor integration, and visual skills. Playing at playgrounds Slides Monkey bars Stepping stones Swinging Climbing Ball activities Catching/throwing/dribbling a ball Dribbling with one hand Dribbling with alternating hands Throwing a ball at a target Start with larger balls and move to smaller as the skills get mastered Coordinated motor tasks XC skiing Soccer outside o

Here are some ideas of activities to complete at home with your school-aged child to promote underlying skills for executive functioning, handwriting, visual skills, bilateral motor integration, and/or motor coordination skills: Board games Battleship - can show both boards when learning how to play Uno Monopoly Junior and build up to Monopoly Sorry Candy Land Connect 4 Tic-tac-toe Etc. Legos with following instructions Ball activities Catching/throwing/dribbling a small ball

Here are some activities you can do at home that may help your child learn how to tie their shoes. Lacing beads on a string Lacing cards Tying knots Puzzles Tangrams Painting Drawing Legos "How to draw" videos and books Bilateral motor coordination and crossing the midline activities Ball activities Catching/throwing/dribbling a ball Fine motor activities Sorting cards Pegs in a pegboard Pennies in a piggy bank Stacking blocks ***IMPORTANT NOTE: Be mindful of your child with

Check out this article and the accompanying picture from the article to learn more about "w" sitting and why it may or may not be a red flag and what we can do about it. https://www.kidsensetherapygroup.com/w-sitting-what-you-need-to-know/

This is an amazing program that may help with handwriting struggles. Check it out using the link. https://www.lwtears.com/solutions/writing/handwriting-without-tears?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADvRHk94X5yvrtIcF7vJ7WrdL11UW&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpP63BhDYARIsAOQkATauuTaWit1BHZWuXlUyXCQVs43has4bkc72XbZKq-grTfuph8wLKL8aAlS_EALw_wcB

Some children develop very picky eating habits that may affect their weight, diet, and overall health, as well as their family dynamic and lifestyle regarding food. These children may be more than just picky eaters, but instead problem-feeders. These limited diets can also be difficult for families to afford or accommodate, and/or may also cause digestive issues and difficulties with bowel movements. Here are some resources that I have found helpful in working with families w

An affiliate from Stone Soup Group visited the clinic yesterday and provided information on a new support group for families! See the picture for more information. Here is a link to their website: https://www.stonesoupgroup.org/

Picky eating can be very challenging for families. Here is an activity that you can do at home that may help to expose them to new foods in a fun way. Items Needed: Food items that your child likes. Food items your child does not like (e.g., raw carrot, raw broccoli, etc.). A sensory bin of your child's choice (if possible) (e.g., a tray of shaving cream, a bowl of flour and water, a bowl of bubbly water, a bin of dried rice or beans or noodles, etc.). Preferred toys or any o

Here are some ideas that may help your child calm down when they may be experiencing difficulty with sensory processing, emotional regulation, and/or behavior management: Get below their eye level and speak calmly Use a safe/calming space for them to use to calm down Safe space with limited toys and other items Soft blankets Weighted blankets Limit bright lights and loud noises Turn off some lights Use noise-canceling headphones Play gentle, calming music Movement or swinging

Sensory play is a crucial aspect of a child's development, allowing them to explore their senses and enhance cognitive, social, and emotional skills. As an occupational therapist specializing in pediatric care, I have seen firsthand the impact that engaging sensory activities can have on children. In this post, we will explore a range of effective sensory play activities that can benefit kids of all ages. Sensory Bins: Creating a sensory bin is a fantastic way to engage a chi

Creating Calming Sensory Spaces for Children As parents and caregivers, creating a calm and nurturing environment for children is essential for their overall well-being. For children who may have sensory processing challenges, having a dedicated sensory space can provide them with the tools they need to regulate their sensory input and feel at ease. Sensory spaces are designed to cater to a child's unique sensory needs by offering a variety of sensory experiences that help th

Fine motor skills are an essential part of a child's development, as they play a crucial role in everyday activities such as writing, drawing, using scissors, and feeding oneself. As a parent or caregiver, it's important to support and enhance these skills in children from a young age to help them build the necessary foundation for future tasks and activities. There are many fun and creative ways to help boost fine motor skills in children. One effective method is through the