Swimming is one of the primary motor skills every human being should acquire. Why? It may save your life some day. So how do you go about teaching your child to swim? There are many excellent swimming programs available and this site does not intend to be an exhaustive guide in swimming skill development. As […]
One of my favorites is the “squeeze toy” pictured above. It allows the child to squeeze when turned into a ball and this stimulates proprioceptors, which you may recall, help inhibit unecessary stimulation in the brain. In essence, it provides calming stimulation. When the ball is turned inside out it becomes this “spiky” thing that provides tactile […]
It is always fun to see the reaction of children when I pull out a plunger to play with. Even at a very young age, children acquire a sense of place – and plungers belong in the toilet, certainly not in the gross motor room. After I assure them that the plunger I use has […]
Play dough is a favorite of many children. This time tested activity strengthen the hands and is a great entrée into touch exploration. Benefits: Hand strengthening occurs when the fingers are fully extended (straight) and used to press down and roll the dough back and forth to make coils. Children, typically call these “snakes” or “hot dogs.” Isolating […]
Some people say I’m lucky because I never had to spend a lot of money on a “professional wardrobe.” If I had to give one reason why I couldn’t indulge myself in stylish skirts and dresses I’d sum it up in two words: “Crab Walking.” As a “go to” activity for trunk strengthening and improving […]
Long ago I was an “Itinerant Therapist.” This meant that I traveled to children’s homes to work with them, lugging all my equipment and bag of trick with me. I will always be exceedingly grateful to the many families who opened their homes week after week for me to”play” with their children. The forbearance and […]
*PLAYDOUGH: 4 CUPS FLOUR 4 CUPS WATER 1 CUPS SALT 3 TBS CREAM OF TARTAR 4 TBS OIL *GAK: 1 CUP WHITE GLUE 1 CUP WATER MIX IN BOWL #1 FOOD COLORING 1 CUP WATER 1 1/2 TSP BORAX MIX TOGETHER IN BOWL #2 COMBINE CONTENTS OF BOTH BOWLS, PULL OUT WATER AND KNEAD […]
I work with children of all shapes, sizes and areas of difficulty. “Blanket Roll-Ups” is an activity all children love! It is simple and requires nothing more than a favorite blanket, a carpeted floor (or mat) and a caregiver’s strong arms. Benefits: This activity taps into all sensory areas so it is a hugely […]