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The Inspired Treehouse

Growing healthy bodies and minds through play!

Motor Skills And More! Working on a Vertical Surface

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Learn more about the benefits of working on a vertical surface and find some creative ways for kids to work in this position! *This post contains affiliate links.  Read more. One thing that stands out to me in the schools where I work is that you never see a good old fashioned chalkboard anymore!  Gone are the days of feeling that chalky dust all over your hands, racing classmates to finish math facts on the chalkboard, and clapping out the erasers during detention! :)Back when I was in school, I never thought about the developmental benefits of writing and working on the ... Read More about Motor Skills And More! Working on a Vertical Surface

6 Easy Tips to Improve Pencil Grasp

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Here are some of our favorite ways to teach kids how to improve their pencil grasp. One of the most common reasons that kids get referred for occupational therapy is because they have a "funky pencil grasp".   When kids struggle with holding a pencil efficiently, there are lots of easy little tricks we OTs like to use to promote stronger, more effective grasp patterns on writing utensils. Beyond the Tripod Grasp... We hear from a lot of people who are worried about the “funky” way their kids are grasping their pencils. While most people think of the tripod grasp as ... Read More about 6 Easy Tips to Improve Pencil Grasp

1-2 Month Developmental Milestones

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Today, we'll continue to explore infant milestones by month by diving into 1 to 2 month developmental milestones. Around this time in your baby's development, you might notice your baby’s arms and legs extend rapidly if the position of their head changes or if they are startled by a loud noise or a sudden movement. It may even result in a piercing cry.  This normal part of infancy is known as the Moro Reflex (one of your baby's primitive reflexes). This reflex peaks during this age range and eventually disappears around 3-4 months.  This reflex helps your baby strengthen their neck and ... Read More about 1-2 Month Developmental Milestones

Developmental Milestones 0-1 Month

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Take a look at some important infant milestones by month and learn about some great developmentally appropriate activities for infants! A new baby brings joy and so much love. Parents can't wait to learn everything about their precious little human!From the ages of 0 -12 months, infant physical development happens rapidly and things can change from day to day! It may be one of the most profound times in your life, when time will seemingly fly by -- especially from 0-3 months.During this phase of rapid physical development of infants, parents often ask questions like: What are 1 ... Read More about Developmental Milestones 0-1 Month

Self-Regulation Research: A Simple overview

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Do you work or live with kids who struggle with challenging behaviors? This easy-to-read overview of self-regulation research could help! If you feel a bit dazed and confused whenever the topic of evidence-based practice (EBP) comes up in conversation...don't worry. You’re definitely not alone. The idea that research-based interventions should always be the basis of our therapy practice has been drilled into our heads since day one of being a therapist.   But for as much buzz there is about EBP in the therapy world, there certainly aren’t a lot of resources out there to ... Read More about Self-Regulation Research: A Simple overview

Executive Functioning Strategies for Kids

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Occupational therapists and other professionals use many different executive functioning strategies to support kids in school and other settings. A messy backpack, an overflowing locker, missing assignments, impulsivity or difficulty with transitions between tasks.  These examples are just a few of many that might indicate that a child has a hard time with executive functioning skills.Executive functioning skills are like the brain's control center—they help kids plan, stay organized, manage their time, and regulate their emotions. For many children, developing these skills comes ... Read More about Executive Functioning Strategies for Kids

Managing Challenging Behavior

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Managing challenging behaviors in children requires understanding their underlying causes and implementing tailored strategies that promote self-regulation and positive development. Read on for more information! Understanding & Managing Challenging Behaviors in Kids Managing challenging behaviors in children is one of the most complex aspects of parenting and working with kids. Challenging behaviors in preschool and early childhood can range from tantrums and defiance to aggression and meltdowns.As caregivers, parents, and professionals working with kids, these challenging behavior ... Read More about Managing Challenging Behavior

Assistive Technology for Kids Who Struggle With Handwriting

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Today, we’re going to focus on assistive technology and alternatives to handwriting: what to do when handwriting simply isn’t an option. *This post contains affiliate links.  Read more. Assistive Technology for Kids Who Struggle With Handwriting Many children have physical, cognitive, motor, and other limitations that so significantly impact their ability to write that they require alternative means of written expression.  In these cases, there are several options available.  Here are several tools and strategies that I’ve used with some ... Read More about Assistive Technology for Kids Who Struggle With Handwriting

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