Parent communication is key to successful pediatric OT intervention. I am always looking for ways to improve communication with the families I work with. E-mail is great, but sometimes a quick handwritten note can be more effective. That’s why I created these "A NOTE FROM OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY" notes - inspired by KnockKnock paper products! This is an easy way to give parents a general overview of what the OT session looked like and make any recommendations for home. I am

Thanksgiving is coming! Most people love this holiday because it is filled with yummy foods and relaxtion. For my students with sensory processing issues, however, this holiday can be filled with adverse sensory input and too much unstructured time. Sitting down at the table with others to eat a meal is only a small part of this holiday, but it is a part that can be difficult for children with sensory processing issues. Using a place mat with organizing activities and a sc

Working with kiddos to help build fine motor skills and improve handwriting? Well then... Stop everything you're doing. Go to your crayon box. Break all of your crayons. My number one tip for parents and teachers of young students is to only use crayons until a consistent mature grasp exists, and to break all of those crayons into small pieces... ....."Why??" you may be wondering.. I'll tell you why... 1. Crayons provide feedback that markers do not. If you want a dark lin

The simplest way to create an easier transition is to use a visual schedule. Using a visual schedule provides structure and predictability, which decreases anxiety. Schedules can be complex and include the whole day, or they can be simple and focus only on the task at hand. Below are examples of schedules, and how you might use them with children who have difficulty with transitions. "First --> Then" Boards are my go-to transition-buster tool! You can use them with a clas

This Writing Wednesday is a all about fall and all about using pincer grasp to make these beautiful leaf rubbings! Enjoy this multi-sensory activity by going outside to pick your own fallen leaves. Materials: Leaves, Crayons, dycem non-slip, paper, and scissors Directions: Place leaves on dycem, place paper over leaves, use pincer grasp to hold crayon horizontally rub over leave until print appears. Finished Product: Perfect to display !

Fall Articulating this difficulty and dislike for transitions can be hard for adults, let alone children (especially children with communication disabilities). It’s important to be aware of all the many transitions that occur in our daily lives and the demands these transitions hold. I like to look at transitions in four categories: 1. Seasonal: Changes in temperature and daylight. 2. Daily: the big transition between daily activities (going from school, to afters