As a parent, do you ever feel like the Starbucks barista who is trying to take orders in the store, make the drinks because they are short staffed, run the drive-through and fill the online order in the cue all at once? It’s unreasonable to think that anyone can do this. But did you ever…
Why Brain Breaks and Wiggle Breaks Should Not be Led by a Video
Naperville, IL became famous for a fitness program implemented by the school district physical education teacher starting in 1990 that improved students’ academic performance and learning, not just their health. This famous case study found in the book SPARK, helped the idea that kids need to move to learn grab hold. The book, written by…
Tantrums and Technology: How to start meeting the emotional needs of children in a digital world
It’s happening again. Time to leave the house to go to school and the screamin erupts as you tell your children it’s time to hand over their tablets. The morning usually goes peacefully as long as the tablets are nearby but the day can go downhill fast if you have to take the tablet abruptly…
Why writing helps kids learn (And why typing doesn’t)
Handwriting has been a long-debated subject, especially with the push to go paperless in school and use more online learning platforms like Google Classroom. Schools are always saying that they are looking for research-based interventions before implementing programs into the school curriculum. Yet, research shows without a doubt that handwriting is not just a skill…
Creativity is in the white space: Why we need more forts and hideouts for kids
Wiring for Distraction In a world filled with screens to play video games, host Minecraft playdates, and complete school work, kids are becoming more and more distracted and disorganized. They might seem engaged and attentive when they play a stimulating video game or watch a Youtube video but then when it comes to completing an…
Do you have a Love – Hate Relationship with Technology?
As a parent, I struggle with the balance between technology and getting my child out, active and engaged. It seems like our children prefer iPads over hanging out with friends face to face or going out on a walk to explore. If you are a parent of a child with additional learning needs, is on…
Occupational therapy in school is more than just a related service
Occupational therapy in schools is not just a related service. As an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration, you can have a powerful influence on support a school team’s ability to create cohesive intervention plans that reflect the value of movement, breathing, and integration of the senses for learning and self-regulation. I encourage both school…
Understanding dyslexia and sensory processing
Children with dyslexia often have motion-processing disorders and may have an overlapping diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder. It is important to understand how the brain and body work together to support reading skill development in order to make sure that you are engaging a child with dyslexia in activities that are going to support development…
