Have you ever heard of Fitt’s Law? “Fitts’s Law allows to predict a time it takes a user to point at an object using a specific pointing device (such as a mouse, trackball, trackpad, or even a finger)”. At a website about Fitt’s Law – http://fww.few.vu.nl/hci/interactive/fitts/, you can collect data on how long it takes a […]
Ever have the blues at your job? Feeling like you are stuck in a rut? Here are 5 ways to snap out of a funk as a pediatric occupational or physical therapist: 1. Remember why you chose this profession – to help others. 2. Connect with other therapists to ask for help establish a […]
Make these mini sponge blocks to encourage strengthening in the fingers, visual spatial skills, visual motor skills and grading of movements. The bonus is that they are super light to carry around from school to school if you are a therapist who travels from school to school or a parent who needs to bring along […]
There are a few good apps that are free today, 2/28/14. Here they are: 1. Toca Boca Doctor: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toca-doctor/id424209938?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 – This is a great app for young children. It challenges visual perceptual skills, visual motor skills and eye hand coordination. It works well as a reward – complete a certain number of tasks and the child is rewarded with a mini […]
Here are a few ideas using calculator tape to practice visual motor skills and other developmental skills. By setting up various tasks, the child will have to cross midline, use both sides of the body, visually track the letters/numbers and use visual motor skills. Use some calculator tape to create a long line of letters, […]
Recent research explored the complex relationship between spelling and handwriting specifically that spelling ability influences handwriting ability. The participants (31 children with dyslexia and age matched and spelling-ability matched children) were assessed for execution speed and temporal characteristics of handwriting when completing sentence-copying tasks that were free from composing demands. In addition, the predictive value of […]
It can be difficult for some children to complete two tasks at one time (dual task conditions). In the school setting, the task of walking and carrying school supplies, lunch tray or textbooks is a common occurrence. Here is some recent research that was conducted to evaluate the effects of dual task constraints on walking and bimanual […]
To continue on with yesterday’s topic, promoting participation in recreational activities for children with disabilities, today’s topic will discuss specific recommendations for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Research has shown that children with JIA can participate in exercise regimens without exacerbating the disease. In addition, research has shown that exercise for at least 6 […]
Therapists can follow in the footsteps of teachers and create lesson plans for therapy sessions. This can be especially useful for group sessions or push in therapy. When the lesson plan is written, provide a copy to the teacher or parent to inform them of your goals for the session. It is a great way […]
Here are 4 free last minute printables for OT and PT to help celebrate Valentine’s Day. 1. Valentine’s Day Brain Break 2. Conversation Heart Clothes Pins 3. Multisensory Handwriting Freebie – Valentine’s Day 4. Valentine Pencil Critters to cut, fold and create. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!!!!