Supplies 1 bowl of plain (not butter) popped popcorn 1 package fresh cranberries Thicker thread such as upholstery thread Sewing needle Procedure 1. If using sewing needles is new for your child, demonstrate safe use, pointing out sharp and dull ends of the needle, and safe storage (such as in a pincushion) when not using…
Give the Gift of Calm: Tools and Tricks for Self Regulation
As information about sensory differences and strategies such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and breathing have become more mainstream, items that OTs have used with kids for years to improve self- regulation are readily available for purchase. Here is a list of recommended items focusing on Rhythm, Pressure, and Respiration, the key components of RESTORING activities….
Sometimes reading fluency is not just about decoding: How hidden vision deficits made me rethink my tutoring session.
As a special educator with 45 years experience and training in Orton-Gillingham, I have always believed in the value of using multi-sensory tools and strategies to teaching reading and math. The Orton-Gillingham approach to reading is a language based, multi- sensory, structured, sequential, cognitive and flexible program. Orton-Gillingham is a well known and respected reading…
Behavior and Nutrition: Eating for Energy!
We all know that fruits, veggies, protein, good fats, and whole grains are good for us. But did you ever think about how they help your child to get through their day? Think about your child at school. They have breakfast, get on the bus, have a quick snack (maybe) and lunch at school,…
Summer Fun Supports Learning and Positive Behavior in Children
Why do children seem so much better behaved in the summertime? Is it because they are enrolled in camp and they “get all of their energy out?” Is it because being outside in nature, children are getting away from iPads and television and are less irritable without the screen time? Or maybe children are…
Whole Body Listening in the Classroom
As a child in a busy classroom how many times do you hear: “Pay attention,” “Quiet down and listen up,” “I’m not going to tell you again; You should have been listening to the instructions,” “Didn’t you hear me?” Teachers use many different strategies to gain the attention of their students and get them to…
Sensational Achievements is Hiring!
Are you committed to excellence and making a difference in the lives of others? We are looking for playful and dynamic occupational therapists who want to help children make “sensational achievements.” Therapists should have 3+ years of experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Evaluation and treatment of sensory processing disorders…
Give Thanks for Picky Eaters
Give THANKS for Picky Eaters: Tips to help your holiday meal go smoothly Try:holiday foods BEFORE the big day! Introduce your child to the new foods they will have every 2-3 days in the weeks leading up to your holiday feast. Share stories and traditions your family may have around that food. Let your child have control…
5 Reasons to Support Our GoFundMe Intiative
All children can benefit from optimizing movement breaks to support learning in the classroom. Body Activated Learning is understandable and accessible for teachers, staff, and paraprofessionals without confusing terminology. It can be easily integrated with other “Brain Break” tools and customized to each teacher’s classroom needs. Body Activated Learning goes beyond supporting self-regulation to enhancing…
Listening is a Life Skill
We live in a multisensory world full of visuals and sound to the point that it can become overloading. It impacts our self-regulation, visual skill development, ability to filter out distractions, and the ability to actively and consciously listen to our friends and family in everyday interactions. This is especially challenging for children with sensory…
