As therapists, teachers and parents our job is to “help children to help themselves” as Maria Montessori once stated. We need to direct activities and skills so children ask “help me to do it myself.” Have you ever noticed how much children want to be independent at a young age? It can be so hard […]
As educators and parents, our job is to take care of and teach children until the day when they can head out on their own. While they might graduate from high school knowing how to read and write, there are other skills that are just as important that may not get covered in the classroom. […]
The ability to complete the functional tasks of navigating the community, such as crossing the street, develops along a continuum. Children need motor skills, visual perceptual skills, balance skills and safety awareness to be independent in the community. The developmental progression of the following community skills will be addressed: walking up/down ramps, curbs, different surfaces, […]
Assigning classroom jobs for students is a wonderful way to encourage independence and to allow for functional movement breaks throughout the day. When students have to complete their classroom jobs, they are being responsible and usually getting in some physical activity and functional fine motor skill practice. All children benefit from physical activity throughout the […]
Do you think asking children with chronic conditions to do chores is beneficial for their development? A recent research study indicated that the answer is yes! It is not always easy though. When parents raise a child with a disability or chronic condition, they may overestimate limitations associated with their condition or have decreased expectations […]
Do you work on teaching daily living skills to special needs students? Have you ever used video conferencing to teach new activities of daily living? Recent research indicated that using video conferencing to teach daily living skills to individuals with autism spectrum disorder help them to independently perform targeted skills and all targeted skills were […]
Schools today are under an extreme amount of pressure to get students to improve test scores, follow the Common Core and get those kids on the path to college. Reading, writing and math are crucial skills to have when going out to face the world but what about everyday life skills. Who is teaching life […]
Hand washing is important at any time of the year. During cold and flu season, it is even more important. Working in schools, we all know that they are breeding grounds for germs and dirty hands. The best way to prevent spreading germs and to stay healthy is to teach children proper hand washing techniques. […]
Children can struggle when they learn how to button. They need lots of opportunities for button practice time. It can feel overwhelming to a child and stressful for the parents or teachers who are standing by to help if needed. If buttoning seems overwhelming to your child or student, start with the step below their […]
Should children do chores? Heck yes! In fact, it should be on the top of the list. Performing chores teaches children important life skills. As parents and teachers, it can be super hard to stand by sometimes while children learn how to help at home or at school. It takes a lot of patience because […]