It’s almost back to school time! For the month of August, get 50% off our Guide to Alternative Seating for the Classroom and our Pushing into the Classroom Webinar! Use discount code BTS50!Check out these 10 swimming tips for sensory kids and kids who are reluctant to get into the water. If you have a typically functioning sensory system, transitioning between one environment and another is probably pretty simple. You can move from being indoors to outdoors without much thought [Continue Reading]
DIY Window Clings & Movement Game
Making these DIY window clings is a great fine motor activity for kids and playing with them can promote coordination, body awareness, and more! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. We love a good DIY project here at The Inspired Treehouse, especially one that’s cheap and easy! We think this one could be a really fun idea for an occupational or physical therapy session, or for a teacher to make and keep on hand in the classroom, or even [Continue Reading]
Hardware Store Finds: DIY Games & Activities for Kids!
These creative and budget-friendly DIY games and activities for kids are the perfect additions to this school year’s supply list! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. The final third of the summer is always a time for me to get organized for the upcoming school year. I compile my student folders, get my printable therapy planner all set up for the year, and take inventory of equipment. I also hunt for some cool new toys to add to my [Continue Reading]
Speech Development During Bath Time
Check out this speech-language pathologist’s favorite ideas for promoting speech development during bath time! I work full-time (plus some additional gigs during the school year) as a speech-language pathologist. Every summer I PROMISE myself that I’m going to have time for a little R&R, some home remodeling projects, and a new exercise plan… But somehow it just never happens. I’m not sure how I always end up so busy in the summer! Can you relate? If summer is flying [Continue Reading]
Beginner Cutting Skills for Toddlers and Young Kids
These simple beginner cutting skills are great for helping young kids and kids with fine motor delays to learn how to snip paper and move scissors across paper. *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. As a pediatric occupational therapist, when I first start teaching kids how to use scissors, I start with snipping – simply getting used to that motion of grasping, opening, and closing the scissors. But usually, it’s not enough to just have kids snip along [Continue Reading]
The Secret to Helping Kids Learn to Put On Shoes
Check out this occupational therapist’s secret to helping kids learn to put on shoes independently. *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. There are a handful of developmental concerns that parents and teachers come to me about time and time again. Some of the most common? Potty training, picky eating, handwriting, and hand strength. Another huge one is dressing skills – specifically, kids who can’t put on shoes on or tie their shoes independently. When Kids Can’t Put On [Continue Reading]
Sensory Processing Disorder and Speech Problems
Learn how sensory processing disorder and speech problems can overlap (& how to help!) He gets upset and then I can’t understand anything he’s saying. She’s fine until she starts to get nervous, then she just ‘shuts down.’ When he’s too excited it’s hard to get him to focus to tell me what he wants. Do any of these remind you of a child that you know? Not sure what’s causing the problem? It could be related to sensory processing! [Continue Reading]
Wikki Stix: 12 Fun Ways to Play
Check out our favorite ways to play with this classic toy! This post contains affiliate links. Read more. There are a handful of toys and supplies that, as soon as I discover them, become instant staples in my day-to-day therapy practice. These materials are usually portable, multi-functional, and super appealing to kids. They’re things I can grab out of my therapy bag for a quick on-the-fly treatment session with a child, no matter how old they are or what skill [Continue Reading]
Scarf Activities for Kids
Check out these awesome scarf activities for kids that promote all kinds of motor skills! I love scarf activities for so many reasons! You’ll find tons of fun ways to play with scarves in my book, ABC’s of Active Learning: Multisensory Literacy Activities. Scarf activities are excellent, non-threatening ways to introduce catching skills to children. The scarf moves more slowly than a ball and provides children frequent and easy opportunities to catch it as it falls. Successful manipulation of scarves [Continue Reading]