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. …
Restore Exercise #2 to Calm Down From Holiday Excitement
Use this exercise sequence to restore the body to a calm place. This can be used between classes, when preparing to go into a more overwhelming activity like writing, and even just to calm down from holiday excitement. The Wave supports rhythmic whole body movement while encouraging deep breathing. Finger Push Ups Activate the fingers,…
Holiday Decorations for Fine Motor Skill Development
Build your child’s fine motor skills while getting into the holiday spirit. In this video, I will show you three different ornaments you can make using pipe cleaners and pony beads. Depending on your child’s abilities, one may be easier than another. If your child succeeds with the easiest one (Candy Cane) and is feeling…
Energizing Exercise if You are Stuck at Home this Holiday Season
As the pandemic continues, many schools have made the choice to switch to distance learning either temporarily or indefinitely. Each state, each city, each district is taking their own approach to implementing precautions to minimize transmission. This holiday season, families are making the same decisions – to visit or not visit with family. To send…
10 Sensory Stocking Stuffers
This season, picking the right holiday stocking stuffers can make all the difference. Check out this YouTube Video to learn more about how to identify your child’s sensory preferences and figure out the best gifts for you child’s stocking or under the tree or scroll down to start shopping! Born2Calm ADHD Fidget Toys Stress and…
5 Gift Ideas to Keep Kids Active Indoors
Parents are always looking for ways to keep their kids active in the winter. Unfortunalty, this winter we can’t rely on visiting bowling alleys or trampoline parks as we have in the past and there is no guarantee of snow for snowman building, and, let’s face it – it can get pretty cold the further…
Mummy Family
Supplies 2 or more paper towel rolls White Yarn Scissors 1 roll masking tape Assorted googly eyes Black Sharpie Procedure Cut 1 paper towel roll into pieces to represent family members Cut a small slit into the top and bottom of each piece of paper towel roll Begin by threading yarn through 1 slit of…
Surviving Snows Days as a working mom of a child with special needs
How many 6 am calls have you gotten from school so far? You know, the one that throws off your entire day if you are a working parent? The one that leaves you either frantically rescheduling your appointments for the day or calling every babysitter on your list? Yes, I am talking about a SNOW…
Fine Motor Valentine’s Day Soap Craft
Supplies 1 bar of soap (we used Dove for sensitive skin) 1 box grater with removable lid 1 bowl to hold grated soap 1 tablespoon of warm water 1 medium sized cutting board 1 cookie cutter (approximately 2”x 2” works well) 1 spatula Procedure 1.Set up the grater so that child will pull the…
Make a Popcorn and Cranberry Garland to Improve Fine Motor Skills
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…
