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What is Graded Movement and How You Can Help

There are many reasons why a child may have difficulties with graded movement or using the right amount of force when performing motor skills.  You might hear someone say “they have difficulty with grading their movements” or an Occupational Therapist might say “decreased force modulation”. What is Graded Movement? Basically, graded movements are when a […]

Why is Recess Important?

As school based therapists, we are often asked why is recess important? Often times we try to educate school staff on why withholding recess from students can be detrimental.

As school based therapists, we are often asked why is recess important? Often times we try to educate school staff on why withholding recess from students can be detrimental. If you want to help students in the classroom? Add recess time! Evidence indicates that higher levels of physical activity at recess were related to better […]

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Dinosaur Puzzles Printable – Free

Do you know a dinosaur loving kid? Check out this FREE dinosaur puzzles printable to practice visual spatial skills.

Do you know a dinosaur loving kid? Check out this FREE dinosaur puzzles printable to practice visual spatial skills and problem solve.  Did you know that research shows that intense interests in things such as dinosaurs make children go deeper into the world and develop critical thinking, motivate them to seek information and develop a […]

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Hypermobility in Children – Why Positioning Matters

When hypermobility in children is present, delayed postural control can sometimes be present. This means that due to the difficulty of stabilizing the head, trunk, and pelvis against gravity, a child may take longer to reach postural milestones such as holding their head steady, sitting without the need for external support, and standing independently.

When hypermobility in children is present, delayed postural control can sometimes be present. This means that due to the difficulty of stabilizing the head, trunk, and pelvis against gravity, a child may take longer to reach postural milestones such as holding their head steady, sitting without the need for external support, and standing independently. For […]

Empower Children, Parents and Teachers – 5 Ways For Pediatric Therapists to Help

Pediatric therapists can help to empower children, parents and teachers. Encouraging children and families to work on independence is the goal.

Pediatric therapists can help to empower children, parents and teachers. In fact, encouraging children and families to work on independence is an underlying goal for all children. Essentially, when we empower children and their support systems to use information and communication we can help kids to reach new goals! Research in Developmental Disabilities published research […]

Development of Handwriting Skills – 15 Factors Leading to Successful Handwriting

The development of handwriting skills in children is a complex process. Hundreds of OTs and COTAs report on the 15 factors that are needed.

The development of handwriting skills in children is a complex process. Here are the results of a 33 question survey on the pre-handwriting factors needed for successful handwriting.  It was was completed by 535 occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (from the USA). Development of Handwriting Skills – 15 Pre-Handwriting Factors The responses from the […]

Coordination Exercises for Kids

Did you know that coordination exercises for kids provide so many benefits for children especially at school?

Did you know that coordination exercises for kids provide so many benefits for children especially at school? Coordination exercises include physical activity where children practice visual motor skills and/or bilateral skills where they use both sides of the body together. These types of skills are very important when it comes to completing everyday skills such […]

Physical Activity for Children with Disabilities – Tips for Inclusion Sports

We are aware of the importance of physical activity for children with disabilities but research indicates children don't stick with inclusion sports.

Many of us are aware of the importance of physical activity for children with disabilities.  Unfortunately, research indicates that persons with disabilities frequently join inclusive sports but do not continue with inclusion sports overtime. Parents report rejection by staff and other participants. In addition, parents feel that there is a lack of contact and understanding […]