Tiffany's Tuesday Tip

"Life Rolls On"

Fall is here! While I love this time of the year, sometimes I can’t resist travelling to someplace warm just to get that last dash of summer in before the seasons change. I recently had to opportunity to attend the 2015 ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship in La Jolla, CA.

I was both moved and inspired to see so many people and children leaving their wheelchairs behind to surf and enjoy the beach. It was such a stark reminder that we don’t have to let our circumstances limit what’s possible in life. I was particularly inspired by a slogan on one child’s wheelchair that read “Life Rolls On”.  Clearly it does, as the owner, a double leg amputee, was in the ocean having a fantastic time. My goal is to bring that kind of inspiration to my OT clients as we work toward reaching various milestones.

As you help your children get back into their school routine, don’t forget to sign up for handwriting and/or OT services. My schedule is filling up fast, so call or email today to schedule.

Tiffany's Tuesday Tip

It’s finally summertime, and the livin’ is easy. I really like to take my clients outdoors whenever possible during this time of the year. One of my favorite activities for my outdoor clients is creating an obstacle course. An obstacle course is an excellent way to work on motor planning, problem solving, bilateral coordination and sequential memory.

This activity works really well using playground equipment—other kids at the park will often join in the fun. Use the slides, climbing walls, monkey bars and swings to get your child in motion. Or you can create a DIY version in your own backyard. Be sure to include some running, jumping, climbing and balancing activities when creating your course. Get creative and use objects that you have on hand. A long piece of wood can double as a balance beam. Use a jump rope or garden hose as a makeshift “tightrope.” Throw water balloons at a target. Toss beanbags into a laundry basket. Crawl under a picnic table and over a small cooler. Use sidewalk chalk to draw hopscotch squares to jump through. Take a lap around the yard while pushing a big wheel, tricycle or pulling a wagon. Set up some cones or other objects for your child to weave through. Hula hoop! Or set up several hoops for your child to jump through. The possibilities are endless!

Tiffany' Thursday Tip

Tiffany's Thursday Tip

More handwriting tools...

If you couldn’t already tell, I am a strong proponent of using various tools to help my clients with handwriting issues. Many children require assistance maintaining the proper grip consistently. Common problems include gripping the pencil too tight, not tight enough, holding the pencil with the incorrect fingers…the list goes on. Here are some of my favorite corrective “devices”.

 The Writing Claw Grip

This is one of my favorites because it automatically places your hand in the correct open web, three-finger (tripod) position and can be used for lefties and righties.

Tiffany's Thursday Tip

Size matters….in handwriting! (I don’t know where you thought I was going with that. J) One of the most challenging tasks for my handwriting students is remembering appropriate letter size and placement. I recently came across a cool resource that can be used at home or in the classroom. The Magnetic Rectasquare Board is essentially a magnetic wipe-off board that comes with several pink, yellow and blue magnets of various sizes. Students can write letters on the appropriately sized squares. This can be used to help with handwriting, spelling and vocabulary. Check it out here: http://www.realotsolutions.com/products/smhp-magnetic.html

Upcoming Homeschool Classes

COME LEARN WITH ME! I'm teaching handwriting classes on Thursdays starting this week at the Ethical Humanist Society, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL. My Letter Adventures Class emphasizes letter formation using the award winning Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum and multi-sensory strategies for 2 to 6 year olds. While my new Gaming the Cursive Way Class addresses correct cursive letter formation, while working on speed and accuracy of cursive handwriting for children 8 and up. 

To register, contact me at: writenow.reid@gmail.com or 773-507-5076. Follow this link for more information: http://www.nakitababy.com/…/homescho…/ajcollectiveworkshops/

Happy Easter !!!

Happy Easter!!! During my therapy sessions yesterday, my clients enjoyed hunting for eggs with words in them and I enjoyed watching them demonstrate proper letter formation while writing super silly sentences.

Tiffany's Thursday Tip

Knots, not just for scouts

After your child masters tying shoelaces, I like to introduce tying other types of knots using different types of rope. This activity is appropriate for older children, typically 9-10 years old. In addition to helping your child earn those ever-coveted scout badges, continued work on tying knots improves visual perception, hand strength and fine motor skills.

The Internet has an abundance of instructional knot sites…Check out here and here. Or if you prefer a book, I like this one.

Tiffany's Thursday Tip

Board games are a great way to cure boredom and engage your child. Games are a great way to help develop social skills, improve attention span and practice taking turns.  One of my favorites is Operation. This game has the added bonus of helping your child work on his/her fine motor skills.

Tiffany's Thursday Tip

While spring does not appear to be anywhere in sight on a day like today, trust me, it’s coming. I’ve been encouraging my clients’ parents to break out the spring gym shoes and dress shoes with laces now so when those warmer days finally get here, their kids will be experts at tying their shoes. One of my favorite products to help with shoe tying is the I Can Tie Shoelaces. Check out their how-to video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXld0k8pi3o#t=73