As school based therapists, we are frequently working on gross motor skills in small spaces. In my experience, I have worked in crowded classrooms, hallways, under stairwells and even closets. You have to come up with creative ideas to get students moving without the benefits of a large gym or outdoor space. Here are 5 […]
Some students may have difficulties keeping up with their peers in physical education class, recess or walking in a classroom line. Finding feasible endurance activities can be difficult in the school setting. One school I worked at actually had a gorgeous work out room with treadmills, exercise bicycles, ellipticals and full nautilus equipment. The reality […]
The Journal of Physical Science published research on 96 elementary school children with cerebral palsy to identify factors influencing handwriting articulation based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) and to recommend effective evaluation and intervention strategies. The participants were: 54 males, 42 females, average age of 11.16 years old, 54 with […]
1. Earth Day Crafts: Create collages out of recycled materials. The children can cut up recycled cardboard or magazines to create a collage. Perhaps think of a theme such as healthy foods or exercise. Maybe write the child’s name in large bubble letters and glue on the recycled pictures. 2. Earth Day Challenge: Who can […]
The interoceptive sense perceives the physiological condition of the internal body. It includes pain, temperature, itch, affectionate touch, sensations from our organs and muscles, hunger, thirst, and air hunger. It also includes “gut” feelings such as calmness, comfort, contentment, happiness, safety, security and warmth. The exteroceptive sense perceives external stimulus outside of the body such […]
Pediatric Physical Therapy published research on whether focused attention changed as sitting postural control improved in 19 children with mild to moderate cerebral palsy (mean age 21.47 months). Each participant was evaluated for focused attention and sitting scores pre and post intervention. The intervention consisted of physical therapy sessions (perceptual motor training, home program and […]
Autism published a research review on the literature regarding behavioral outcomes of exercise interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder aged less than 16 years old. Thirteen studies were included. The results indicated: exercise interventions consisting individually of jogging, horseback riding, martial arts, swimming or yoga/dance can result in improvements to numerous behavioural outcomes including stereotypic behaviours, social-emotional […]
Here are some sample pages from a great new download “Brick” Activities for School and Home by Michael Callahan, MS, OT. Created by an OT with 25+ years of experience, these two dimensional designs offer a just right challenge for some students. Using only 2×2 and 2×4 LEGO® type blocks, children can copy the holiday themed projects, […]
The results are in from the survey on service delivery model for school based therapy. There were over 500 responses to the questions! You can read all the results at Your Therapy Source. Please take a moment to answer the two question survey on evaluation tools.
The April 2016 issue of the Your Therapy Source Digital Magazine for Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists is now available. Read articles on pre-handwriting skills, postural control, self regulation, toe walking, activity ideas and more! Check it out below or download the free magazine at https://www.yourtherapysource.com/magazine.html