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]
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]
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]
Christmas Games for Kids: Present Stacking!
Add this fun and simple idea to your list of Christmas games for kids – it’s perfect for promoting core strength, balance, and social skills! We were short on present-themed gross motor activities during our play groups at The Treehouse this week and this fun idea came to mind at the last minute! The kids loved it! All you need are some basic props and the game can be changed up based on what supplies you have on hand. What [Continue Reading]
Reindeer Boot Camp: 6 Holiday Gross Motor Activities for Kids
These holiday gross motor activities for kids are perfect for a classroom holiday party or just to keep kids moving inside on a cold, snowy day! It’s time for Santa to get his crew all geared up for that grueling Christmas Eve delivery schedule! The elves are lifting weights and running on their treadmills to gain the endurance and strength they need to move presents, Santa is doing plenty of planks and sit-ups to strengthen his core so he [Continue Reading]
Kids Gift Ideas 2018
These kids gift ideas are perfect for promoting developmental skills for all ages and abilities! *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I logged into my Google account yesterday and was immediately confronted with my daughters’ wish lists, color-coded with fancy fonts as if they will get exactly what they want as long as it all looks good on paper! :) So I decided to jump in on their game and create the [Continue Reading]
When Do Kids Need Physical Therapy in School?
Learn more about how kids qualify for physical therapy in school settings from a school-based pediatric PT. *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. I am a pediatric physical therapist who has spent the majority of my career in the educational setting. I have evaluated hundreds of kids from ages 3 – 22 and determined the need for my services within a school building. How do kids qualify for physical therapy in school? In order for kids to [Continue Reading]
Using Visual Cues to Promote Gross Motor Skills
Using visual cues is a great way to support the development of gross motor skills in kids. Read on to find out more! *We received complimentary Tumbl Trak products in exchange for this review. All opinions and views are our own. *This post contains affiliate links. Read more. Teaching a child to do a new gross motor skill, especially a highly coordinated one that involves crossing midline or use of both sides of the body, can be a challenge. If [Continue Reading]
Sensory Halloween Scavenger Hunt
This Sensory Halloween Scavenger Hunt is the perfect way to keep kids calm if they’re nervous or overwhelmed by Trick or Treating. For some kids, Halloween is the best holiday of the year — candy, anyone? For others, it’s a night of complete sensory overload. From itchy costumes to strange new sounds, this spooky October evening can be a nightmare for kids with sensory processing concerns or even for kids who just get overwhelmed easily. We thought it would be [Continue Reading]