Learn how to help a baby crawl and check out some of the most common alternative “crawling” patterns we’ve seen in our therapy practice. Crawling on all fours is one of the first efficient modes of transportation for a baby. Sure, rolling can get your little one from one place to another but crawling can help him chase you from the kitchen to the bathroom in a matter of seconds! Babies often learn to crawl between the age of 6-9 [Continue Reading]
DIY Balloon Fidget Toys for Kids
Read about how and why fidget toys for kids work and learn how to make some super simple fidget toys using balloons and other supplies you have on hand! Many kids (and adults) have a strong need to fidget with objects in order to pay attention and remain calm and focused. Some research indicates that fidgeting may be related to increased attention as well as retention of information. And this is consistent with the anecdotal evidence we see every [Continue Reading]
The Best OT Podcasts!
Check out all of our favorite OT podcasts! In celebration of OT Month this year, we thought it would be fun to compile a list of the best podcasts available for our favorite fun-loving occupational therapists. Whether you commute to your place of employment, enjoy long runs to work off the stress of the day, or prefer to listen and learn as you complete your ADLs (wink), we think there is something for everyone on this list! OCCUPIED ||Focus on [Continue Reading]
10 Fun Ways to Play With Lummi Sticks
Lummi Sticks are a great way to promote all kinds of developmental skills for kids! Check out our favorite ways to play! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. Have you heard of Lummi Sticks? These 7”-10” long wooden cylinders resemble drumsticks and can be used in a variety of ways to promote developmental skills in children — both physical and cognitive. They are easy to transport and are a very economical tool for strapped therapy budgets! Lummi Sticks can [Continue Reading]
10 Fun Ways to Play & Learn With Dot Markers
Dot markers are one of our all-time favorite therapy supplies! There are so many fun ways to use them to promote fine motor and visual motor skills! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. If you’re a teacher or therapist, you probably have a set of dot markers somewhere in your stash of supplies. If you don’t, you definitely want to pick up a pack of them ASAP. And if you do have them but haven’t used them in awhile [Continue Reading]
What’s the Difference Between a School Therapist and a Clinical Therapist?
Learn more about the differences between a school therapist and a clinic based therapist. One of the most challenging parts of being a school therapist is defending the decision not to recommend therapy services in the educational setting. I have sat through numerous IEPs and MFEs during which this has been a huge point of contention. And, I, as a non-confrontational person who hates to have people mad at me, stutter and stammer my way through the explanation every single [Continue Reading]
Felt Flower Craft for Kids
If you’re looking for a simple and fun flower craft for kids, this is the project for you! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. We love this cute and easy flower craft for working on bilateral coordination and clothing fasteners (buttoning)! For kids who are just learning how to button (or who are struggling with getting the hang of clothing fasteners), this is a great way to practice and ease the challenge a little bit by using a [Continue Reading]
Group Facilitation Tips for School Therapists
These tips and strategies for group facilitation will come in handy for any pediatric therapist who is working with groups of kids during treatment sessions. As a new school-based therapist, I had plenty of questions for my boss, other therapists, and the teachers I worked with. But I spent most of my time questioning myself. Was I writing good goals? Were my evals okay? Were my treatments effective? Would I ever feel confident and comfortable in this job? I felt [Continue Reading]
Calm Kids On the Go! Sensory Ideas for Outings
Running from soccer practice to dance to dinner and more? You can still have a car full of calm kids with these awesome sensory ideas for when you’re on the go! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. Therapists often make recommendations to families so therapeutic interventions can be carried out at home. The limited time that we are able to see a child one on one requires that, for optimal improvement, skills be practiced outside of our sessions. [Continue Reading]