Recalling Safety Information with Music What letter comes before G in the alphabet? Chances are, you probably started singing the “ABCs” to answer that question! Music is used as a tool all over the world to help children learn academic information (Schoolhouse Rock, anyone?) Did you know music can also be used to help keep […]
Trick-or-Treat Communication Cards Hearing children shout, “trick or treat!” on your doorstep on Halloween is always a fond and fun surprise. But for kids with complex communication needs, this childhood experience can often be daunting or even avoided. Complex communication needs refers to any individual who has a significant difficulty communicating in a typical manner. […]
ADHD Awareness Month October is ADHD Awareness Month! This is a great opportunity to share facts, resources, and current information about this common brain-based disorder that is part of life for many children, teens, and adults across the world. What is ADHD? ADHD is an abbreviation for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a specific set […]
Dolly Parton’s “I Am a Rainbow” Book Read-Aloud Listen to the full book read-aloud here. This book was chosen because it does an excellent job discussing feelings and emotions. It uses the colors of the rainbow as a visual representation for the characters in the book to discuss their emotions. Each page is associated with […]
“Wash Your Hands” Song Happy fall! Time for colorful leaves, pretty pumpkins, cozy sweaters, and – OH NO! Germs! As we approach flu season, it is important to encourage healthy habits at home and at school – like hand washing! Click HERE for a hand washing song written by our music therapist, to the tune […]
A Gross Motor Balance Activity Today’s challenge is to work on your balance! Balance is a necessary skill for nearly all movements we do throughout the day, such as walking, going up and down stairs, sports, and play. Here are a few ways you can work with your child to improve theirs: Stand on foam/pillow: […]
Dyslexia Awareness Month October is dyslexia awareness month, which is a great time to learn about dyslexia, as well as resources for children that have dyslexia Facts about Dyslexia: As many as 1 in 5 students have a diagnosis of dyslexia, and is the most common learning disability. Dyslexia is a learning disability that includes difficulty in […]
How do we teach children to tolerate making mistakes? Making mistakes can be frustrating at all ages. It is important to teach children that everyone makes mistakes! It is part of the learning process and it is okay. The best part of making mistakes is that they serve as an opportunity to learn and grow. […]
Why do OT’s encourage a tripod grasp? First, what is a tripod grasp? A tripod grasp refers to a common hand grip, utilizing the thumb, pointer, and index fingers. We use this grasp to pick up and move small objects, and to control writing utensils. Why is it so important? Using an appropriate tripod grasp […]
AIM: a child-centered approach you can try at home What is AIM? AIM stands for Accept, Identify, Move. AIM is a form of clinical behavior analysis that combines ABA, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT.) AIM helps individuals learn to accept physical and psychological experiences in order to participate more fully in the meaningful […]