Today, we’re here to make the case for recess! Learn 10 positive discipline strategies that are alternatives to removing recess as punishment for negative behavior. By now, most of you know that we’re big advocates of free play, movement, and sensory motor exploration here at The Inspired Treehouse. Sometimes it’s disheartening to see how infrequently kids are able to get up and move during the school day when our training and experience as therapists tells us that movement and sensory [Continue Reading]
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: BEST APPS FOR KIDS
You probably already know how we feel about free play, recess, and the importance of unstructured motor experiences and sensory exploration for kids. So it might come as a bit of a surprise that I’m about write a post about screen time. But I can’t help sharing some of the the best apps for kids that I use to promote fine motor and visual motor skills and more! While we will always be huge advocates for active, unstructured play for kids, there is [Continue Reading]
School Bus Movement Rhyme
This free printable school bus movement rhyme is the perfect way to introduce young students to their classroom and new friends! Ask most preschoolers and kindergarteners what their favorite thing about school is and they’ll probably tell you…RIDING ON THE BUS! I know how excited my boys get when they see that big yellow bus come thundering down the street, so I came up with a little rhyme and movement activity for kids that can bring the fun of riding [Continue Reading]
Amazon Prime Day Deals We’ll Be Watching For: Therapy Must-Haves!
It’s coming!! Amazon Prime Day deals are coming up on July 15 and 16, 2019 and we can’t wait! There are so many products that we have on our therapy wishlists that we’ll be watching on Prime Day to see if we can score a deal! Why is Amazon Prime a good idea for therapists and teachers? Before we go any further, I didn’t think this post would be complete without a quick “Ode to My Amazon Prime Membership”. Guys…I [Continue Reading]
The Best Drawing Tools for Toddlers and Young Kids
These drawing tools are perfect for toddlers and young kids because they promote effective grasp patterns and give kids good control as they learn to make shapes and lines. *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. If you live or work with toddlers and/or young preschoolers, you know that their favorite thing in the world to do is…whatever you’re doing. We’ve all been there, checking emails with a toddler in our lap, pounding away at the keyboard. Cooking dinner with [Continue Reading]
Simple Drawing Ideas: Tricky Prewriting Practice for Kids
Learn some of our best simple drawing ideas ideas that are perfect for “tricking” kids into practicing those prewriting shapes! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. If you’re an OT who works in a preschool setting, you’re likely very familiar with prewriting skills. You work on those vertical and horizontal lines, circles, diagonal lines, and intersecting lines all day every day…knowing that strong prewriting skills are the foundation for letter formation and early writing skills down the road. [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]
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]
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]