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How to Help Kids Manage Big Feelings
Today we have a resource on helping kids manage big feelings. We have a lot of content on The OT Toolbox related to regulation, emotions, self regulation strategies, emotional regulation and behavioral regulation. This is actually a post from our email newsletter Lunch & Learn series. If you are not already a newsletter subscriber, be sure to…
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Tactile Defensiveness
Today, I have an update on a very old blog post for a specific reason. This fake snow messy sensory play activity is a valuable tool in addressing tactile defensiveness, or tactile sensitivity. In general descriptions, this simply means an over-sensitivity to touch, or over-responsiveness to touch sensations. For kids with sensory issues, this can…
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Pencil Grasp Development
Pencil grasp development is a common concern for many parents, teachers, and therapists. So often, we see children holding a pencil with all of their fingers wrapped around the pencil, or very awkward pencil grips and wonder what is a typical pencil grasp. But, did you know that children typically progress through pencil grasp development…
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Inhibitory Control in Executive Function: Signs, Examples, and OT Strategies
Inhibitory control is one of the foundational building blocks of executive function. Executive functions are the higher-level cognitive processes that allow a person to plan, organize, problem-solve, regulate emotions, and engage in goal-directed behavior. Among these processes, inhibitory control acts as the mental “brake system” that makes all the others possible. At its core, executive…
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Parallel Play: Definition, Benefits & Activities
In this blog we will discuss the importance of parallel play in young children, its benefits, and ways adults can support social skill development with young toddlers through this type of play. One aspect of occupational therapy play, parallel play is both a tool and a main job of kids! What Are Social Skills in Early Childhood? Social skills are the abilities that allow children…
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Mitten Paper
Coming up with fun occupational therapy activities for the winter months can be tricky, but this winter paper contains a whole winter theme making activity planning easy. This can be a dark and dreary time for many. Take this time to create amazing lesson plans for your learners! Add this activity to your winter occupational…
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Home Ideas: Sensory Seekers
Graphic showing a stressed brain wearing a Santa hat. Text says “Sensory Seekers and the Holidays” with words like self-regulation, sensory input, coping strategies, changes to routine, and crowds.
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Early Intervention for Sensory Differences
Our sensory system is very complicated. A lot of times when we hear about sensory, we think about our 5 senses (taste, touch, sight, smell and hearing.) This blog will take us into a deep dive of early intervention for sensory differences and the definition of different sensory processing areas. Early Intervention services provide supports…
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Lemon Battery Science Fair Project
Lemon STEM is such a fun way to explore concepts and this lemon battery science fair project is a winner! By using a lemon and a few other materials, you can discover the chemical process of moving electric current through a lemon to create a lemon battery. This lemon battery is a discovery activity that makes a great science fair project because the experiment is a…
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Valentine’s Day Occupational Therapy Activities
Here, you’ll find Valentine’s Day Occupational Therapy Activities that you can use this time of year to help kids develop skills. This is the time of year that red and pink hearts are everywhere, so why not use the theme of love and friendship in therapy interventions with fun Valentines day activities? Add these heart…
