Reflective Questions for Motor Learning

How do you provide feedback to children regarding their performance on a motor skill?  Do you provide constructive criticism, positive praise, additional motor commands, additional demonstrations or more trials? Why not ask the child to verbally plan or review their own performance on a motor task.  For example, once you request a motor task to […]

Wait for a Motor Response

Tip of the day:  Do you always remember to wait for a child’s motor response following directions?  I know I do not.  A simple tip is to countdown from 5 (or even 10 for some children) to wait each time you give a specific motor direction.  Whether it be about picking up small objects, playing […]

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Rehab Services and Youth with CP

Child: Care, Health and Development published research on rehabilitation services and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) in Canada.  A questionnaire on rehabilitation and educational resources (OT, PT, Speech, Psychology and special education) received within the last 6 months was completed by the parents of 91 school-age children and 167 adolescents with CP. More than half […]

Feeding Difficulties and Autism

The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders has published an analysis of the research related to feeding problems and autism.  The review indicated the following: significantly more feeding problems in children with autism versus their peers examination of dietary nutrients showed significantly lower intake of calcium and protein in children with autism The researchers recommend […]

Sitting and Walking Predicts Vocabulary

Infant Behavior and Development published research on the attainment of sitting and walking and the development of productive vocabulary between ages 16 and 28 months. This longitudinal study found that the earlier the age of unsupported sitting predicted a larger productive vocabulary. In addition, an earlier age of walking predicted a faster rate of growth […]

Presleep Activities and Time of Sleep Onset

Pediatrics published research on a survey completed by 2017 children ages 5-18 regarding activities reported during the 90 minutes before sleep time.  The results indicated that television watching was the most commonly reported activity before sleep time.  The participants who had a greater engagement in screen time  had a later sleep onset.  Participants who reported […]

Rug Gripper and Gross Motor Skills

I have found that visual cues can really help children when practicing gross motor skills.  Things like poly spots or cones are great for some kids but sometimes you need a little something extra.  Pictured above are the feet from Proprioceptive Poems.  These feet are great to provide that extra visual cue as to where […]