Ever notice how as pediatric occupational therapists and physical therapists, we observe children through a different lens than most? You may see and analyze a child’s actions very differently than the teacher in the room or the parent at home. This observational skill seems to improve vastly when you become a parent yourself and watch […]
The Journal of Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics published observational research on self regulation skills and developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The study included 15 children, with and without DCD and examined the differences in children’s use of self-regulatory and metacognitive skill during motor learning. The self regulatory behavior of the participants was observed using […]
Here is a FREE ultimate visual motor challenge with two difficulty levels. Can you copy the lines and shapes exactly onto the blank grid? The color version is slightly easier than the black and white version. The colors are easier to distinguish differences but you must match each color to the correct line and shape […]
Mindfulness can be defined as paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. Research has indicated that mindfulness in school children may help to improve: 1. emotional well being. 2. learning and associated cognitive processes, such as attention, focus and executive function skills. 3. mental health. 4. physical health (reduction in […]
There are many types of handwriting programs, papers and videos available to help children with visual prompts for proper letter formation. Regardless of the handwriting program used, some visual prompts used for teaching handwriting include: alphabet strip or wall cards to copy proper formation modeling proper letter formation wide lined paper three lines with one […]
Once in awhile, a new product hits the market that can be a game changer. In my opinion, the EazyHold flexible universal cuffs, appear to have accomplished this by helping children (and adults) with physical disabilities. Since I have a big interest in entrepeneurship, I thought it would be great to hear about the story […]
Here is a free rubric on the proper positioning for keyboarding from the Keyboard Rubrics digital download. School based occupational and physical therapists are frequently involved in evaluating positioning needs in the schools including computer stations. With more and more children spending countless hours in front of a computer screen, proper positioning is essential to […]
Have you seen all the adorable mini erasers at the Target dollar spot? They are also frequently at party stores and other dollar stores, too. They are festive, fun and cheap. Big bonus – they are great for fine motor activities. Here are 5 ideas to use mini erasers to work on children’s fine motor […]
Jingle bell pencil is a super simple idea that promotes fine motor skill practice and handwriting fun. Have the child string some jingle bells on to a pipe cleaner. Wrap the pipe cleaner and bells around the pencil. Start your musical writing! If the child is distracted by the bells while handwriting (or if it […]
Here is a holiday ornament activity that includes scissor skills, sequencing, motor planning, visual motor skills and following directions! All on one piece of paper (translation: NO PREP activity). This ornament activity is from the Cut, Sequence, Paste and Draw – Holiday Edition. Print out this activity and the child can cut, sequence, paste […]