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Thursday, February 28, 2013

No More Sticky Fingers from Bubbles!

Here is a little tip that I'm happy to share. Many kiddos that I see for OT love bubbles, but in the past, I  avoided pulling them out because my fingers would get sticky from reaching into the bottle for the wand. (Yes...I have sensory issues!) One day my bubbles were sitting next to a roll of Duct tape and I had a thought. I cut a piece of tape about 3-inches long and stuck another narrow strip to the back of that piece. (See photo)
I attached the Duct tape to my bottle of bubbles and voila!...a handy holder for my bubble wand. No more sticky fingers! :)

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Video for Teaching Shoe Tying


Tying shoes is a challenging skill that requires motor planning and dexterity.  A child should be independent with shoe tying by 7 years of age, but many children master this skill much earlier. When teaching shoe tying, it's a good idea to practice with a shoe that is placed just in front of the child, either on the floor or a table (rather than on their foot).  Here is a video of one strategy that I frequently use with kids.
Remember, the best way to develop fluency with shoe tying is to practice, practice, practice!


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Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I Can Spell My Name!

Do you have a students who is learning to spell her name? This is a fun activity that is easy to create. Using a large, simple font (I like 72 Cambria or Chalkboard), type the child's name and print it out on white paper or card stock. You can begin with just the first name and progress to first and last name. Cut around the letters making small squares and laminate them. I frequently use the self adhesive laminate sheets available on Amazon.  Cut out a rectangular piece of black poster board (make sure the child's name fits on the poster board) and laminate it as well. Use sticky-back velcro dots to attach each letter to the piece of poster board. (See photos below).

Mix the letters up and place them in front of the student. You may want to start with a field of two or three letters. Ask the child, "What letter comes first in your name?" The child should choose the correct letter and Velcro it to the first spot on the poster board. Provide cues and modeling if necessary. Continue with the activity until the child has fully spelled her name.

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