Sensory Diets are often recommended to help students maintain optimal regulation and attention in the school setting when children are in preschool and elementary school. As children age, their interests and social awareness evolve. This also means that sometimes, what started out as a solid and supportive plan initiated at a child’s PPT meeting becomes…
The Case for Gross Motor Centers for Preschool Classrooms
By Rachel Butler, COTA/L More and more research is being published that shows the benefits of movement for learning. As a result, elementary school teachers are incorporating movement breaks into their schedules and some middle schools are bringing back recess. Preschool children seem to be constantly moving, so why incorporate more movement into their classrooms? …
Sight Word Scavenger Hunt
Supplies: Play Dough Sticky Notes Writing Utensil Set-Up Prior to Child Engagement: Adult writes 5-10 sight words on sticky notes and hides the sticky notes around the room Adult sets a ball of play-dough next to a writing utensil on a non-stick floor or table Procedure: Child looks for one sight word tag. Depending on…
Letter Visualization Activity
Supplies Container with magnet/cut out letters (uppercase or lowercase) Two floor dots/ small mats/ trays/ paper plates Set up Set up two floor spots in classroom/ home at an appropriate space apart so that child can not see the letters on the second spot when standing at the fist spot Spread letters (more or less…
Sight word Visualization
Supplies Sight words from appropriate list written on index cards or card stock Two floor spots, mats, trays, or paper plates 1 container of multiple sets of letter beads (We like these from Lakeshore) White board/paper/ chalkboard Appropriate writing implement for surface (pencil, dry erase marker, chalk) Procedure 1. Place floor spots at appropriate distance…
Children with ADHD Benefit from Intense Movement & Proprioceptive Input!
4 self-care items parents can use at home
From one busy parent to another, here are four self-care strategies I use at home to help relax and de-stress from the day. Lets start with a tool I use almost everyday to de-stress, the Vanity Planet Rejuvenating Scalp Massager. The vibrating massager has two settings and rubber brittles that comb through the hair. As mentioned…
Managing screen time in a digital world
Media is taking over our lives. As parents, we need to learn how to create balance for our family, especially if our children have sensory and learning needs.
Do marketers in a digital world know more than parents?
Is it more valuable to have a quick win or long term success? As a parent of a child with sensory, learning, or attention difficulties, sometimes it’s easy to go for the quick wins and immediate rewards. The marketing world tells us that is exactly what we need. Post a cute picture and get…
