Between ages 3 and 5, children's hands are getting stronger, more coordinated, and more precise. The key to developing fine motor skills at this stage.... PLAY! Below are engaging, low prep-activities that help strengthen little hands while engaging in fun activities. Think of these activities as workouts for little hands. Just like we need exercise to stay fit, kids need fun exercises to strengthen their hand muscles and coordination. Here are some reasons why motor skills a

Using "I wonder..." helps keep play relaxed and open. Instead of putting your child on the spot to answer or do something "the right way," it gently invites them to think, explore, and try their own ideas. It shows your child that you're interested in what they are doing without pressure or expectations. From an OT perspective, this kind of language supports learning through play that feels meaningful, child led and enjoyable.

Parenting is a marathon, not a race—especially when you are parenting a sensory child. The reality is that no single sensory strategy works forever or in every situation. Children grow, environments change, and needs evolve. One of the most powerful tools you have as a parent is simply taking focused time to observe your child.

Connect Four, a simple yet strategic game, offers more than just entertainment. It supports various developmental skills that are essential for a child’s growth. This post explores how playing Connect Four can boost cognitive, social, and emotional abilities in children, providing practical examples and insights for parents and educators.

Polyvagal Theory is a science backed way to understand what is going on in a child's nervous system. It helps us comprehend why feeling safe is the foundation for learning, socializing, and participating in daily activities. Polyvagal Theory explains how our body and brain work together to respond to stressors that are a part of everyday life. It offers a powerful lens through with which we can better support a child and even our own emotional regulation, engagement, and conn

Handwriting is not just about forming letters neatly. It’s a complex blend of cognitive, motor, visual, and language skills working together in real time. From proper posture and fine motor control to understanding letter spacing and sentence flow, every part of the writing process taps into multiple areas of development. How complex is handwriting? Below is a list of what is happening behind the scenes when a child writes a sentence or paragraph.

Have you ever had a student say they didn’t realize they needed the bathroom until it was almost too late? Or a student that insists they're not hungry even though they haven't eaten all day? These situations might be linked to something called interoception—our body’s ability to sense what’s going on inside, like feeling hungry, thirsty, tired, or needing a break.

Looking for a fun, low-prep, no cost way to boost focus, movement and listening skills in your classroom? Welcome back to an old favorite: Simon Says. This classic game, great for rainy days or brain breaks, is a wonderful way to support children's development including self-regulation and attention to motor skills and classroom cooperation.

Occupational therapists know the importance of play as the foundation of childhood development. One area of play that sparks concern among parents, caregivers, and schools is risky play. It carries the potential for bumps and bruises. But research shows that it also carries powerful benefits for a child's development, mental health, and resilience.

If you've ever played Chutes and Ladders (also known as Snakes and Ladders), you probably remember the fun of climbing the ladder and the frustration/disappointment of sliding down the chute. It might seem like a simple game of chance, but it offers more than just family fun. This classic children's game provides a rich, developmentally supportive experience, especially when it comes to two crucial areas of child development: emotional regulation and executive function skill

Helpful homework tips for parents

Tips to help parents set their child up for success with back to school homework

Tried and true handwriting tips for teachers from an occupational therapist to support a child's handwriting development. Let's face it:...

Occupational therapist perspective on Candy Land as a way to support the development of emotional regulation and executive function skills in young children Candy Land game showing all the fun characters and potential sticky stops. Let’s talk about something we all know and (maybe) love: Candy Land. Yes, that colorful, sugary game that feels like a magical fairyland where everyone wins... until you don’t. And then the tears. The tantrums. The dramatic "I’m never playing again

Go Fish card game is an easy and affordable way to keep kids' hands and minds engaged during slow summer days or long airport wait.

Tips for teachers to identify when a child's poor handwriting needs additional support and a referral to occupational therapy.

Children with dysgraphia struggle with academic work due to illegible handwriting. The challenges can lead to work frustration and avoidance

Understanding the difference between sloppy handwriting and dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that profoundly impacts a child's ability to write, draw, and express themselves through written language