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How Occupational Therapy Supports School Readiness Skills for Children

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School Readiness Skills and How Occupational Therapy Can Help

As your child prepares to enter school, it’s important to ensure they have developed key skills that will set them up for success in the classroom. While most people think of academic skills first, school readiness encompasses much more. It involves a combination of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills that enable children to interact with their environment, communicate with others, and perform tasks independently. Occupational Therapy plays a critical role in helping children develop these skills, ensuring they are ready to thrive in the school environment.

What Are School Readiness Skills?

School readiness skills are the foundation children need to succeed in school and beyond. These skills can range in areas, including:

  1. Motor Skills: Physical abilities needed for tasks like holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, and using a computer.
  2. Cognitive Skills: Problem-solving, memory, attention, and following multi step instructions.
  3. Self-regulation: The ability to control emotions, focus attention, and manage impulses.
  4. Social Skills: Communication, cooperation, and forming friendships with peers.
  5. Independence: Being able to complete tasks like dressing, feeding, and using the bathroom independently.

While children often develop many of these skills through everyday experiences and play, sometimes we may need more support in certain areas. This is where occupational therapy can HELP!

How Occupational Therapy Supports School Readiness Skills

Occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills needed to function independently and participate in daily activities. For school readiness, an OT can address a variety of skills, ranging from fine motor skills to emotional regulation.

1. Fine Motor Skills:

Fine motor skills are essential for performing tasks like writing, cutting with scissors, and manipulating small objects. These skills involve the small muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists.

How OT helps:

  • Handwriting: Occupational therapists can work on grip strength, pencil control, grasp, and letter formation.
  • Cutting: Through activities that strengthen hand muscles, incorporate bilateral hand use, and improve coordination, OTs can help children use scissors effectively.
  • Manipulating Objects: Simple activities, such as stacking blocks, buttoning shirts, or zipping jackets, can be incorporated into therapy to improve finger dexterity.

2. Sensory Processing:

Children who have difficulty processing sensory information (sounds, lights, textures, smells) may find it challenging to focus in a busy classroom environment.

How OT helps:

  • Sensory Integration: Through specialized activities, an OT can help children learn to cope with sensory overload or under-sensitivity. For example, children might engage in tactile play, use fidget toys, or participate in calming sensory breaks.
  • Self-regulation: OT teaches strategies like deep breathing, stretching, and muscle relaxation to help children manage their responses to stress or overstimulation.

4. Social and Communication Skills:

School readiness isn’t just about physical skills—it’s also about being able to communicate, share, and work with others. Children must learn to understand social cues, follow directions, and engage with their peers.

How OT helps:

  • Social Interaction: Occupational therapists use role-playing, peer play,  and social stories to help children practice sharing, taking turns, and understanding facial expressions.
  • Cooperative Play: Children can engage in group activities that promote teamwork, turn-taking, and appropriate communication.
  • Following Instructions: Through structured activities, OTs can help children develop the ability to listen, understand, and follow multi-step instructions.

5. Self-Care Skills:

One often-overlooked area of school readiness is the ability to perform daily tasks independently, such as dressing, eating, and toileting.

How OT helps:

  • Dressing: Occupational therapists can break down the steps needed to put on and take off clothes, teaching children how to button, zip, or tie shoes.
  • Feeding: They can work with children to develop the skills necessary for using utensils, managing snacks, and opening lunchboxes.
  • Toileting: OT helps children develop the independence to use the bathroom and practice hygiene routines like handwashing.

6. Attention and Focus:

A critical skill for school success is the ability to focus and pay attention during class activities.

How OT helps:

  • Improved Focus: OTs use games and activities that challenge attention, helping children learn to stay on task for longer periods.
  • Task Completion: Children learn how to break down tasks into manageable steps and practice following through until the task is completed.
  • Transitioning Between Activities: OTs help children practice switching from one activity to another smoothly, such as moving from recess to classroom work.

How to Get Started with Occupational Therapy for School Readiness

School readiness is more than just knowing the alphabet or counting to ten—it’s about developing the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills that will help children thrive in a classroom environment. Occupational therapy can support children in developing the motor skills, self-regulation, social abilities, and independence they need to succeed. If you’re concerned about your child’s readiness for school, working with an OT can provide valuable support and make the transition smoother.

If you’re concerned about your child’s school readiness skills, occupational therapy might be the solution. Call us today at 252-341-9944 to get started.

Shocking Truth: Why Kids Can’t Hold Pencils Anymore!

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Fine motor skills are getting worse in kids today. More and more children struggle to hold pencils, use scissors, or even tie their shoes. According to a recent report from Art-K, 77% of teachers say that fine motor skills are harder for students now than just a few years ago. So, what’s causing this decline? And more importantly, what can parents do to help?

Carolina Therapy Connection specializes in helping children in Greenville, New Bern, Morehead City, and Goldsboro, NC, develop the skills they need to succeed. Our occupational therapy (OT) services focus on fine motor development, handwriting, coordination, and self-care skills to give kids confidence and independence.

Why Are Kids Losing Fine Motor Skills?

Experts point to several key reasons why fine motor skills are declining:

1. Too Much Screen Time

Instead of playing with toys, coloring, or building with blocks, many children spend hours swiping and tapping on screens. This doesn’t give their hands the same strength-building practice as traditional play.

2. Less Hands-On Learning

Many children aren’t getting enough time to practice holding crayons, cutting with scissors, or playing with small objects. Fewer opportunities for these activities can make school tasks much harder.

3. Not Enough Outdoor Play

Running, climbing, digging, and playing outside help strengthen a child’s hands and improve coordination. But many kids today spend less time outdoors, limiting natural muscle development.

4. Clothing and Snack Changes

Modern clothing and food packaging have made life easier but have also reduced everyday fine motor practice. Elastic waistbands replace buttons and zippers, Velcro shoes replace laces, and pre-packaged snacks mean kids don’t open containers or use utensils as much as before.

Simple Ways Parents Can Help at Home

The good news? You can help your child strengthen their fine motor skills with easy, fun activities at home! Here are simple, practical steps to get started:

1. Encourage Daily Fine Motor Play

Fine motor skills develop best through play. Try these activities:

  • Play-Doh and Clay – Let kids roll, pinch, and shape clay to build hand strength.
  • Puzzles and Bead Threading – These boost coordination and dexterity.
  • Lacing Cards or Sewing Projects – Great for developing control and finger strength.
  • Scissor Skills – Have kids cut paper, old magazines, or even straws for fun crafts.

2. Get Kids Involved in Everyday Tasks

Let your child help with activities that naturally build fine motor skills, such as:

  • Cooking Together – Stirring, pouring, kneading dough, and peeling fruit strengthen hands.
  • Self-Care Tasks – Encourage kids to button shirts, zip jackets, and tie shoelaces.
  • Household Chores – Folding laundry, wiping tables, and opening containers all help build fine motor strength.

3. Limit Screen Time and Increase Hands-On Activities

Try implementing screen-free times, especially before and after school. Instead, encourage activities like:

  • Drawing and Coloring – A fun way to develop pencil grip and hand control.
  • Playing with Blocks and LEGOs – Helps strengthen little fingers and improve problem-solving skills.
  • Outdoor Play – Let kids dig in the dirt, climb, and collect small objects like acorns or leaves.

4. Make Handwriting Practice Fun

If your child struggles with handwriting, avoid frustration by making it engaging and low-pressure:

  • Use a Sand or Rice Tray – Have kids practice letters by tracing them with their fingers.
  • Write on a Chalkboard or Whiteboard – This builds wrist and hand strength.
  • Try Special Handwriting Tools – Use thicker pencils, grips, or markers for better control.
  • Turn Writing into a Game – Write letters in shaving cream or use sidewalk chalk outside.
  • Use Fun Sensory Feedback– Using all of your senses increases learning. Think smell, sounds, and textures.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Help

At Carolina Therapy Connection, our occupational therapists use fun, play-based techniques to improve fine motor skills. We help kids in Greenville, New Bern, Morehead City, and Goldsboro, NC with:

  • Hand Strength Training – Using squeeze toys, tweezers, and resistance exercises.
  • Coordination Development – Working on scissor use, handwriting, and using both hands together.
  • Self-Care Skills – Teaching kids to tie shoes, button clothes, and use utensils confidently.
  • Handwriting Support – Helping kids develop a firm pencil grip and letter formation skills.

When Should You Seek Help?

If your child:

  • Struggles with holding a pencil or writing legibly
  • Has trouble using scissors or fastening buttons
  • Avoids activities that require hand coordination
  • Seems behind peers in self-care tasks

… they may benefit from occupational therapy.

Contact us today at Carolina Therapy Connection to learn how our team can help your child build stronger hands and gain confidence in everyday tasks!

 

 

Sweet Dreams: Sleep Strategies for a Well-Rested Child

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Why Sleep Matters: Sleep Strategies Key to a Well-Rested Child

Parenting can be a rollercoaster ride filled with joy, challenges, and sleepless nights. Nights without sleep might seem normal in the newborn phase, but they don’t have to be a permanent part of parenting! Do you know some simple sleep strategies that can help the family sleep better? This blog post will explore tips to make bedtime a breeze for you and your kids!

The Power of Routine: Sticking to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to sleep! Using a regular sleep schedule helps create a clock inside your child’s body. It also helps to create a predictable routine for your child. Try to get to bed and wake up simultaneously every day. That includes weekends! This will help the body create a regular sleep pattern and make falling asleep easier. 

Create a Nightly Routine

Ensuring a good night’s sleep starts before your child’s head hits the pillow. Create a consistent bedtime routine. Before bed, try taking a warm, calming bath. Read a book in bed or try relaxation strategies like listening to calming music or stretching. Limit snacks, drinks, and screen time before bed. 

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment for Your Child

Turn your child’s bedroom into a space that encourages sleep. Keep the space quiet and dark. You can use blackout curtains to block light and a white noise machine to drown out any noise. Temperature is also critical. Make sure your child is not too hot or too cold. The actual place of sleep can make or break a good night of sleep. Ensure your child’s mattress and pillows provide good support for a restful sleep. You can also try stretchy lycra sheets to provide compression during sleep, making your child feel as if they are getting a comfy hug all night long. If your child displays fear of the dark, use a night light to provide a comforting light while sleeping. 

The Role of Screen Time in Your Child’s Sleep Quality

The light from screens like phones, tablets, or TVs can interfere with sleep. Try to avoid using screens for at least an hour before bedtime. It may also be helpful to remove screens from the bedroom. Instead, read a book, draw, or play a quiet game to help when winding down before bed.

Daytime Activities That Promote Better Sleep at Night

Did you know that being active during the day can help you sleep better at night? Please encourage your child to get outside to play or do some fun movement activities to help their body feel tired when it’s time to lay their heads down.

Nutrition and Sleep: What to Eat and Avoid Before Bedtime

Some foods and drinks make it harder for your child to fall asleep. Avoid eating large meals or spicy foods before bed, as they can cause discomfort during sleep. Try not to have snacks or drinks with caffeine or sugar before bedtime. Instead, stick to a light, healthy snack that won’t disrupt their sleep. 

Follow these simple tips to become a sleep superstar and have sweet dreams every night! Remember, getting enough sleep is essential for staying healthy, so prioritize a good night’s sleep.

How Carolina Therapy Connection Can Support Better Sleep? 

In addition to utilizing the tips above at home, we know that sometimes families may need extra support. At ***@***********************on.com","type":"person"}”>Carolina Therapy Connection, our Occupational Therapists work to address any barriers that affect someone’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being. Occupational therapists at CTC can help determine if your child’s sleep difficulties are related to underlying sensory or environmental issues. They can help establish a sensory diet (a personalized, organized plan that provides sensory input activities that a person needs to regulate their body throughout the day) to address potential underlying sensory issues that may impact sleep. They can also provide additional strategies for your child’s specific sleep needs. Our goals are to improve your child’s sleep quality to increase participation in meaningful activities throughout the day. Additionally, check out our Amazon storefront for items that can help achieve a good night’s sleep! 

 

By: Caroline Zissette, MS, OTR/L

 

 

Moving to Learn: How Movement-Based Activities Boost Speech and Language Development

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We Like to Move It, Move It with Movement-Base Activities!

When you think of movement-based therapy, you may immediately think of physical or occupational therapy. Turns out, speech and language skills can and should be targeted through gross motor activities as well! How does movement help children develop speech and language skills? Incorporating movement into speech therapy sessions promotes attention, self-regulation, and learning. 

Movement-Base Activities can set the stage for Learning

Effective speech therapy doesn’t require that a child stays seated in their chair! When kids can move around (e.g., stand, bounce, jump, swing, dance), they are often more motivated to participate in therapy activities. Allowing for movement can increase a child’s attention towards the task at hand, contributing to more significant learning. Movement can also have a calming effect on the body! Think about the soothing impact of rocking a baby and how it feels to swing in a hammock or go on a walk after a long day. Engaging in movement can help a child maintain control over their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, thus freeing up cognitive resources needed to focus on learning.  

Fun, Movement-Based Activities 

  • Create an Obstacle Course
    • Collaborate to create an obstacle course! Slides, swings, cones, bean bags, scooter boards, and balance beams can all be used to create an exciting obstacle course. Target following directions, understanding spatial concepts, and using verbs while designing and completing the course. For kids working on speech sounds, each station can include an opportunity to practice 5-10 words containing target sounds before moving on to the next station.
  • Go on a Scavenger Hunt Around the Room
    • Take turns hiding objects, puzzle pieces, or pictures around the room. To make it even more fun, use a flashlight or binoculars as you search for the hidden items. As your child finds the secret item, have them describe what they saw and where they found it to encourage expressive language skills.
  • Sing and Dance to Music
    • Music’s repetitive and melodic element makes it a meaningful way to experience language. For younger kids, sing familiar nursery rhymes and songs to encourage early communication skills such as imitating actions (e.g., clapping hands, stomping feet). Music tends to be repetitive, which provides many opportunities to hear words and phrases. Using a sing-song voice often makes language more memorable for children as they acquire words. Older kids may enjoy taking a dance break while practicing their speech and language goals or choose songs containing a child’s target speech sounds to make repetitive practice more fun!

How can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

Ask your child’s speech-language pathologist for more ideas for using movement to foster the development of speech and language skills. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s communication skills, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Carolina Therapy Connection can help!

 

The Magic of Sensory Bins

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Unleashing Creativity and Play: The Magic of Sensory Bins in Occupational Therapy

In the world of occupational therapy, sensory bins are a beloved tool used to foster creativity, play, and learning. Sensory bins are simple setups; however, they provide children with hands-on experiences to stimulate their senses, all while encouraging play. 

 

 

 

 

What is a Sensory Bin?

A sensory bin is a container filled with materials to offer diverse sensory experiences. Sensory bins can be as simple as a box filled with rice or as elaborate as a themed setup with various textures and materials. The goal of creating a sensory bin is to include items for children to explore through touch, sight, sound, and sometimes even smell or taste. 

 

Benefits of Sensory Bins

  1. Stimulating the Senses—Sensory bins can engage children’s senses through various materials. They can offer unique tactile experiences through different textures like beans, rice, pasta, sand, or flour. 
  2. Supporting Cognitive Development—Sensory bins can be tailored to support different learning objectives. For example, submerging alphabet letters or numbers in the bin can help children practice letter and number recognition, enhancing their skills. Sensory bins can also early literacy be a fun way to integrate learning and sensory development. 
  3. Providing opportunities for Creativity – When tailored to a specific theme, sensory bins allow creativity and imaginative play. Sensory bins are naturally open-ended, allowing the use of materials within the bin in various ways for play. 
  4. Enhancing Fine Motor Skills—Sensory bins can include various tools to encourage fine motor skill development. Items such as spoons, tweezers, and tongs allow children to develop hand strength, bilateral coordination, and hand-eye coordination. 
  5. Increasing Emotional Regulation – Sensory play is naturally calming and therapeutic, especially with sensory bins. Children can improve sustained attention and better manage their emotions with repetitive scooping, pouring, and sorting motions. Sensory bins provide a place for self-regulation and relaxation. 
  6. Fostering Social Skills – When used in a group setting, sensory bins can promote social interaction and cooperation. Learning to share materials, engage in imaginative play, and play in shared spaces are all benefits of sensory bins. 

 

Creating Your Own Sensory Bin

  1. Select Materials – The possibilities are ENDLESS. Common materials used in sensory bins include rice, beans, sand, and pasta. Other items could include plastic animal figurines, building blocks, or pom poms. These items can be cost effective and are often found around your home already. It is important to ensure that materials are safe and age appropriate for the age group. 
  2. Incorporating Tools – Add spoons, tongs, containers, tweezers, and other tools to enhance the play experience. 
  3. Set Up the Bin – Arrange the materials within a container. If desired, include other elements such as themed toys, letters/numbers, or activity cards. Make sure the bin is large enough for the children to explore comfortably. 
  4. Optional – Starting with a Theme – Start with a theme that interests your child and can support the current learning objectives. Themes can range from seasons to holidays to your child’s favorite show. 

 

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

Here at Carolina Therapy Connection, our Occupational Therapist often incorporates sensory bins into your child’s treatment sessions when appropriate. We are constantly switching out our bins with new sensory experiences for our clients. Consult with your child’s Occupational Therapist for more ideas and information about ways to include sensory bins into your child’s play routine at home. 

Sensory bins are more than just a fun play activity. They are powerful tools to support your child’s sensory development, fine motor skills, emotional regulation, social skills, and creativity. Incorporating sensory bins into your child’s play routine can help create enriching experiences! So, gather your materials, embrace the mess, and embark on a sensory adventure with your child that is both joyful and educational. 

 

Top Toys for Christmas 2024: Gift Ideas that Spark Joy and Learning!

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Get ready for a holiday season filled with joy and excitement! 

Christmas is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the perfect toys for the little ones in your life. Toys aren’t just about fun; they’re a gateway to imagination, creativity, and developing skills. Toys play a powerful role in child development by enhancing a wide range of skills in fun and engaging ways. 

Cognitive Development Toys: Best Picks for Christmas that Boost Brainpower

Puzzles, building blocks, and educational games help kids practice problem-solving, spatial awareness, and logical thinking. Toys that encourage sorting, matching, or memory exercises also boost cognitive abilities.

 

Toys for Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Top Christmas Gifts for Active Play

Toys that involve grasping, stacking, and balancing—like blocks, action figures, and ride-ons—help improve fine and gross motor skills. These activities strengthen muscle control, coordination, and agility.

 

Best Social and Emotional Development Toys for Christmas 2024

Toys that encourage sharing, turn-taking, or role-play—such as dolls, board games, and pretend-play sets—allow kids to practice empathy, teamwork, and communication. These experiences are essential for social and emotional development.

 

Toys to Foster Language and Communication Skills This Christmas

Reading toys, storytelling sets, and interactive games with audio components help expand vocabulary and encourage communication. Toys that prompt children to describe, ask questions, or follow instructions further support language development.

 

Top Toys for Creativity and Imagination: Christmas Gifts for Young Innovators

Open-ended toys, like art supplies, dress-up costumes, and pretend-play sets, allow kids to explore their imaginations freely. This fosters creativity, self-expression, and cognitive flexibility, all of which are essential for innovative thinking.

 

Emotional Development Toys: Christmas Ideas for Nurturing Empathy and Self-Expression

Through imaginative play, children process emotions, practice self-regulation, and learn to empathize with others. Toys that mimic real-life scenarios, such as dolls or play kitchens, provide a safe space for emotional expression and exploration.

 

Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Toys for Every Age and Interest

Bring joy to your holiday season with toys kids will love! From educational building sets to group game boards and sensory fidgets, our toy recommendation has something special for every age and interest. 

 

How Can Carolina Therapy Help?

At Carolina Therapy, we’re here to make your holiday shopping easier with an amazing list of toys and games recommended by our experienced therapists. Our team has carefully curated options for all ages, designed to support development, encourage creativity, and bring endless joy to playtime. Check out our Amazon storefront to find the best toys for this Christmas season—each chosen to help children grow, learn, and thrive!

 

The Best Chores for Kids by Age: Recommendations from a Pediatric Occupational Therapist

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Chores can be essential to a child’s development, helping them build responsibility, independence, and various motor skills. Pediatric occupational therapists often recommend specific chores based on a child’s age to optimize their development and ensure appropriate and manageable tasks. Here’s a guide on the best chores for kids by age, highlighting how these activities can benefit their growth.

Ages 2-3: Building Basic Skills

Chores:

– Picking Up Toys: Encourages organization and fine motor skills.

– Wiping Spills: Helps with motor coordination and understanding cause and effect.

-Putting Clothes in Hamper: Teaches responsibility and hand-eye coordination.

Benefits:

– Motor Skills: These chores enhance fine and gross motor skills through simple movements.

– Cognitive Development: Understanding instructions and following through improves cognitive abilities.

– Responsibility: Starting with simple tasks helps instill a sense of duty and accomplishment.

Ages 4-5: Enhancing Coordination and Responsibility

Chores:

– Setting the Table: Develops sequencing skills and hand-eye coordination.

– Feeding Pets: Teaches empathy, responsibility, and routine.

– Watering Plants: Enhances motor skills and an understanding of plant care.

Benefits:

– Coordination: Tasks that involve multiple steps improve coordination and planning.

– Responsibility: Regular chores like feeding pets build a routine and sense of duty.

– Cognitive Skills: Following more complex instructions aids cognitive development.

 

Ages 6-7: Introducing Independence

Chores:

– Making the Bed: Encourages independence and fine motor skills.

– Sorting Laundry: Teaches categorization and organization.

– Clearing the Table: Develops responsibility and an understanding of teamwork.

Benefits:

– Independence: These chores promote self-reliance and the ability to complete tasks without assistance.

– Organizational Skills: Sorting laundry and clearing the table enhance organizational abilities.

– Motor Skills: Making the bed involves coordination and fine motor skills.

 

Ages 8-10: Building Competence and Confidence

Chores:

– Vacuuming: Enhances gross motor skills and a sense of thoroughness.

– Taking Out the Trash: Teaches responsibility and the importance of cleanliness.

– Folding Laundry: Develops fine motor skills and attention to detail.

Benefits:

-Competence: Successfully completing more complex chores builds competence and confidence.

– Responsibility: Regular tasks like taking out the trash teach the importance of contributing to household upkeep.

– Motor Skills: Folding laundry and vacuuming involve both fine and gross motor skills.

 

Ages 11-13: Encouraging Independence and Time Management

Chores:

– Cooking Simple Meals: Teaches life skills, safety, and time management.

– Mowing the Lawn: Enhances gross motor skills and responsibility.

– Cleaning Bathrooms: Develops an understanding of hygiene and thoroughness.

Benefits:

– Life Skills: Cooking and other complex chores prepare kids for future independence.

– Time Management: Balancing chores with other activities helps develop time management skills.

– Responsibility: Taking on significant chores like cleaning bathrooms fosters a deeper sense of responsibility.

 

Ages 14-17: Preparing for Adulthood

Chores:

– Managing Finances: Teaches budgeting, saving, and financial responsibility.

– Grocery Shopping: Develops planning skills and an understanding of nutrition.

-Maintaining Vehicles: Teaches practical skills and the importance of upkeep.

Benefits:

– Adulting Skills: These chores prepare teens for adult responsibilities and independence.

– Financial Literacy: Managing finances instills essential budgeting and saving habits.

– Practical Skills: Tasks like vehicle maintenance provide practical knowledge useful in adulthood.

 

How can Carolina Therapy Connection help?

Incorporating age-appropriate chores into your child’s routine can significantly aid their development. Pediatric occupational therapists emphasize the importance of tailoring tasks to a child’s age and capabilities to foster motor skills, cognitive development, and a sense of responsibility. As children grow, their chores should evolve to challenge them appropriately and prepare them for future independence. Encouraging kids to participate in household chores not only helps them develop crucial life skills but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

 

 

Handwriting Ideas to Take Homework from Boring to FUN! 

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Teaching kids handwriting is an essential skill that sets them up for success in school and beyond.

Here are some tips to make handwriting practice fun and effective for children: 

Start with the Basics:

  • Begin by teaching them how to hold a pencil properly. Make sure they grip it comfortably but firmly. 
  • Use Large Lines: Provide paper with large lines to help them understand the proportions of letters. You can find special handwritten papers with guidelines specifically for this purpose. 
  • Practice Letter Formation: Start with uppercase letters and then move on to lowercase. Demonstrate how each letter is formed and encourage them to mimic your movements. 
  • Repetition: Handwriting improves with practice. Encourage kids to practice writing letters and words regularly. You can make it more engaging by turning it into a game or challenge. 
  • Use Multisensory Approaches: Incorporate different senses into handwriting practice. For example, tracing letters in sand or shaving cream can provide tactile feedback that reinforces learning. 
  • Provide Positive Feedback: Praise their efforts and progress. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation to continue practicing. 
  • Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for improvement and celebrate their milestones along the way. 
  • Be Patient: Remember that learning handwriting takes time and patience. Encourage persistence and provide support when they feel frustrated. 

Making handwriting practice fun for kids can encourage them to engage with the activity more eagerly when writing isn’t so easy. Here are some creative and fun ideas to make handwriting more fun: 

  • Write with Different Materials: Encourage kids to write on a chalkboard with different materials, such as colored pencils, gel pens, markers, or chalk. 
  • Rainbow Writing: Have kids trace over letters or words multiple times using different colored pencils or markers.
  • Letter Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt where kids search for letters in books, magazines, or around the house. Once they find a letter, they can write it down! 
  • Write a Story: Encourage kids to write a short story or a letter to a friend or family member. 
  • Write on Unconventional Surfaces: Let kids write on unconventional surfaces such as a large whiteboard, a window with washable markers, or even with their fingers in sand or shaving cream. 
  • Handwriting Games: Incorporate games into handwriting practice, such as Hangman, Tic-Tac-Toe, or Bingo, using words or letters. 
  • Decorate Letters: After writing a letter or word, encourage kids to decorate it with doodles, stickers, or drawings related to the word. 
  • Write Secret Messages: Have kids write secret messages to each other using a white crayon on white paper. When they’re done writing, they can reveal the messages by painting over it with watercolors. 
  • Create Handwriting Challenges: Set up fun handwriting challenges such as writing the alphabet backward, writing with their non-dominant hand, or writing as neatly and as quickly as possible. 

How can Carolina Therapy Connection help with kids’ handwriting skills?

If your kiddo is having difficulty with handwriting, an Occupational Therapist at CTC can help! Whether it be because your kiddo doesn’t attend well due to finding handwriting boring, finds difficulty with the visual perceptual and visual motor skills necessary to orient and place the words on the line, or because of decreased strength making it hard to apply the right amount of pressure, an Occupational Therapist can determine strategies to make it easier for your child to enjoy handwriting! 

By: Shelby Godwin, COTA/L, AC

 

Let’s PLAY!

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Why is Play Development Important for Children? 

An essential component of a child’s learning is through play. Play builds the foundation of teaching children how to communicate with others, solve problems, and develop new motor skills. Play often involves spending much time on the floor being silly, making animal noises, or acting out your child’s favorite nursery rhyme songs. Play appears too fun to be therapeutic in speech therapy sessions, right? However, that’s when the magic truly happens! Understanding why and play development for children’s communication skills is helpful.

 

Different Types of Play Development for Children’s Communication Skills:

  • Functional Play

    • Begins before two years old. It is the most common play among infants, toddlers, and young children. Functional play is when toys or objects are used according to their intended function, such as rolling a ball, pushing a car on the floor, banging blocks, etc. 

  • Relational Play

    • Also, it can begin before two years old. Children who engage in relational play often use (manipulate) items to discover how they relate to one another. Examples of relational play include feeding a teddy bear, stacking blocks, or grouping objects. 

  • Self-Directed Play

    • Begins before two years old as well. Self-directed play is when children use toys or objects toward themselves. They determine and control the content and intent of their play by following their own ideas and interests. Toys or objects offered to children are simple and can be play-doh, crafts, pretend food/clothes, etc. 

  • Parallel Play

    • Begins around 2 to 3 years old. This play involves children independently playing with the same toys/objects next to each other. However, they are being very observant. At this point, the child is more aware of their presence around others. The child has increased interest and acknowledges that the other person is playing similarly to them. Most often, they will begin to imitate based on peer modeling. Thai type of play can be seen when two children are playing with their own farm animals, making animal sounds but not interacting.

Now That We Know Play Development, How Do We Help Children Improve Their Communication Skills at Home?

  • Set up your environment so that the child can better focus   
  • Engaging and joining in on the child’s interests
  • Follow the child’s lead
  • Gradually introducing new toys and sensory experiences
    •  Some children need exposure to a new toy over time before initiating a purposeful interaction on their own 🙂
  • Modeling how to play with the toy and gradually fading support  
  • Providing rewards with successful attempts at play
  • Encouraging the child to imitate sounds and words (e.g., go, uh-oh, neigh, etc.)
  • Ask open-ended questions like “What should we make?” “Where should this go?” “What should we feed the dog?” by using toys such as animals, blocks, and/or cars.
  • Incorporating play based on various contexts (e.g., Play with a sibling and/or peer) 

Activities to Try at Home:

  • Bubbles
  • Cars, trains
  • Books
  • Blocks, Legos, or Nesting Eggs
  • Baby doll/dollhouse 
  • Magnetic Tiles  
  • Ball
  • Singing nursery rhyme songs 
  • Farm set / Kitchen set 
  • Potato Head
  • And MUCH MORE 🙂 

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning,” said Diane Ackerman.

How can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

Further questions or concerns regarding play development for children’s communication skills? A Speech-Language Pathologist can support your child and provide parent education/training to best support your child’s communication development. Play in speech therapy increases the child’s motivation, increases communication opportunities, strengthens the development of other developmental skills, and more! 

 

Zones of Regulation

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What are the Zones of Regulation?

The Zones of Regulation is a curriculum that your child’s therapist may use to help your child develop self-regulation skills. Self-regulation is “the ability to achieve the preferred state of alertness for the given situation.” Other terms often interchanged for self-regulation include self-control, impulse control, and self-management. The curriculum focuses on lessons and activities to help the child identify their different “Zones” and strategies to increase self-regulation. Additionally, your child will be able to increase their understanding of emotions and coping skills. 

The Zones: Self-Regulation

“The Zones of Regulation creates a system to categorize how the body feels and emotions into four colored Zones with which the students can easily identify.” 

There are four zones within the Zones of Regulation

  • Blue Zone
  • Green Zone
  • Yellow Zone
  • Red Zone

The Blue Zone is a state of low alertness. Feelings can include sad, tired, sick, or bored. 

 

The Green Zone is a state of ideal alertness. This includes feeling calm, happy, or focused.

 

The Yellow Zone is a state of heightened alertness. Feelings can include frustration, worry, excitement, silliness, or fear. 

 

The Red Zone is a state of extremely heightened alertness. This includes anger, rage, extreme fear, and explosive behavior. 

 

How are the Zones used?

Your child’s therapist will work with them to identify which Zone they are in and strategies to help them self-regulate within each Zone. They will work together to develop a “toolbox” with strategies and techniques for obtaining optimal alertness in everyday situations. It is important to understand that no zone is “bad,” and all are expected from time to time. Instead, the intention is to help your child identify tools and coping strategies to self-regulate within each Zone. 

 

What can Carolina Therapy Connection help?

For the Zones of Regulation to work as intended, home carryover is super important. Strategies include using the same language and talking about the Zones within the home and community environments. Applying strategies to yourself can also increase carryover. For example, you may say, “This is super frustrating, and I am starting to go into the Yellow Zone. Maybe I will take some deep breaths.” Additionally, validate the zone that the child is in and help them implement the strategies and tools to self-regulate. Your child’s therapist can share the language and strategies used with the Zones of Regulation to increase carryover at home. 

 

By: Carolina Zissette, OT