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]
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]
How to Make a Visual Schedule
Learn more about creating effective visual schedules for kids from Meg Proctor, Occupational Therapist and owner of Learn Play Thrive! Many parents, teachers, and therapists have heard somewhere along the line that visual schedules can help their child or student with autism and other special needs. But when it comes time to make the schedule, there are so many factors that impact whether it is meaningful for the child. Have you ever made a visual schedule only to have a [Continue Reading]
The Best Kids Tongs and 10 of Our Favorite Ways to Play!
Looking for fresh, fun ways to play with kids tongs to build fine motor skills? We’ve got you covered! Why Play With Tongs? As an OT, one of my favorite tools for building fine motor skills is kids tongs. Activities using tongs are great for helping kids develop the strength and coordination they need in the small muscles of the hands – the muscles responsible for cutting with scissors, grasping a pencil, and writing. Most importantly, when kids use tongs, [Continue Reading]
End of the Year Gifts for Therapists
Check out our top 10 ideas for gifts for therapists! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. It’s the end of the school year. Papers are coming home in stacks — why, why, why do they hold onto all of that artwork ALL year? Can’t it come home quarterly? Parties are happening just about everyday. Field trips are leaving little cheeks sun-kissed and little bodies tired. And your wallet might as well just be held open while the bills fly [Continue Reading]
When Kids Can’t Control Loud Voices
How can you help kids who struggle with controlling their loud voices? This speech language pathologist has some ideas! This post contains affiliate links. Read more. As a speech therapist, there’s nothing I love more than a student who is engaged and excited to participate! However, some friends can get a little too lively for the occasion. If you’ve ever wondered how to support children who tend to speak using loud voices – kids who struggle with regulating [Continue Reading]