Kids will explore how to make their bodies into “bridges” with this fun core strength activity. If you like this, you’ll love our Core Strengthening Handbook! With 40 pages and more than 50 fun core strengthening activities for kids, it’s the perfect resource for helping little ones keep those core muscles strong all summer long! Through the end of June, The Core Strengthening Handbook is on sale for only $9.99 and we’re bundling it with our printable core strengthening [Continue Reading]
ZOOM BALL: 5 FUN WAYS TO PLAY
Today, we’re sharing some fun ways to play with one of our favorite therapy toys…The Zoom Ball! A therapist’s bag is a magical thing. Kids can’t help themselves from digging through our treasures, knowing that we have all of the best toys and supplies! Occupational Therapists carry around a lot of little things — they love play dough, fidgets, and fun toys like Squigz — to encourage grasping skills, hand strengthening, and more! Physical Therapists love the big stuff [Continue Reading]
TACTILE STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR TEENAGERS
Our friend and fellow OT, Courtney Dickinson, is back today with more great information about sensory issues and teens! This week, she’s tackling how teens and older kids process tactile input. This post contains affiliate links. Read more. Do you have a teen that constantly needs to touch everything and maybe everyone? Does your teen only prefer certain types of clothing or have difficulty dressing appropriately for the weather? Does he not appear to notice when he is messy or dirty? [Continue Reading]
10 REASONS TO USE A VISUAL SCHEDULE
We’re so happy to be welcoming Brooke from Schedule Power to The Inspired Treehouse today to share 10 reasons to use a visual schedule! Brooke is a preschool teacher at a Pyramid Plus demonstration site in Colorado. With over 8 years experience, Brooke teaches toddlers and preschoolers in an inclusive classroom supporting children of all abilities. She is co-author of the Backpack Series, a collection of handouts sponsored by TACSEI to support teachers and parents in teaching social and emotional [Continue Reading]
SUMMER ACTIVITIES PACKET!
As pediatric therapists, we know how important it is to help kids keep up with skills over the summer. As moms, we understand that actually getting kids to practice anything over the summer can be a hair-pulling, teeth-gritting experience. So we’ve created an awesome printable packet full of fine motor, gross motor, and sensory activities and ideas to keep you busy all summer long. If you’re a parent, purchase the downloadable packet, print one out, and try to do one activity a [Continue Reading]
PLAYGROUND GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
We’re back again this month with our awesome group of therapy bloggers to talk more about Functional Skills for Kids! This time around, we’re taking a closer look at playground games and activities. Each therapist is tackling a different aspect of how playground play is linked to child development. We’ve talked before about how the environment shapes the way kids play, and there’s no more quintessential childhood environment than the playground! Most kids can’t get enough of the slides, swings, [Continue Reading]
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS TO HELP THEM LISTEN
We’re so happy to have a guest with us today to explore how to talk to kids so they’ll actually listen! Today’s post was contributed by Paige Hays, owner of Paige Hays, Therapy Services in the Twin Cities, MN area. Paige specializes in pediatrics, with expertise ranging from cognition and sensory issues to working with children with neuromuscular disabilities and complex medical needs. Take it away, Paige! I Stopped Saying “No,” “Don’t,” and “Stop,” and It Worked! No standing on [Continue Reading]
PRINTABLE SCHEDULE FOR THE MORNING ROUTINE
The ProNamel® brand has compensated me in connection with statements made in this post. “Mooooooommmmmm! I missed it!” yelled my oldest son, in tears. “I can’t believe I missed it! Miss Elaine just drove right by and didn’t stop… I wasn’t even outside yet!” My sensitive and rule-abiding son had just missed the bus for the first time. But, based on how the mornings usually go at our house, it won’t be the last. I think of each school morning [Continue Reading]
CREATIVE CRAFTS: STICKY NOTE FINE MOTOR ART
Looking for bright, sunny, creative crafts to welcome spring? We’ve got your back! Kids will love sticking and re-sticking these bright colored notes to make their own masterpieces! This post contains affiliate links. Read more. It’s Monday morning after a crazy busy weekend and you’re rushing into work (late as usual). Your first treatment session is starting in 5 minutes and you realize that you have nothing planned. You dig through your therapy bag, past the containers of dried play [Continue Reading]