Did you know that development of handwriting skills depends on a solid foundation of sensory processing skills?
Really, all of our motor output (both gross and fine motor) become refined and developed after sensory skills have been established. So, it’s pretty common for some kids with handwriting challenges to have underlying sensory processing issues.
It’s the height of quarantine, my poor girl is getting tired of the same activities, same people and same toys [continue reading]
If you’re new here, welcome. If you’re returning viewer, you must know that I am proudly obsessed with all things [continue reading]
I was introduced to “the real” Bocce ball when I was attending an outdoor wedding in San Diego. I was [continue reading]
I’m such a big coloring fan. I love coloring mostly with crayons or colored pencils because I love the versatility [continue reading]
Are we ever really too old to be playing with play dough? I, for one find it extremely therapeutic. If [continue reading]
Are we ever really too old to be playing with play dough? I, for one find it extremely therapeutic. If [continue reading]
One of my favorite, probably most functional ways to practice graded force: pouring liquids. If you need a quick introduction [continue reading]
One of the most common referrals I get is to assess handwriting skills and “awkward” pencil grasps. What counts as awkward? And if it is awkward, how do you fix it? Is it necessary to fix it? [continue reading]
If you’ve read my post on the development on handwriting skills, you know that handwriting isn’t just about handwriting. You [continue reading]
Aside from sensory integration and a sensory diet to follow at home, these games/activities below provide good opportunity to practice graded force skills. [continue reading]
I’d like to preface this post to reminding non-OT readers that, while we are sometimes known as “handwriting experts”, OTs [continue reading]
Handwriting and letter formation become integrated faster and with more ease when practiced in a multi-sensory fashion. Hands on learning [continue reading]
One of the most popular questions I’m asked as is: “What kind of grasp should my toddler have at this [continue reading]
Recently, I’ve been feeling so guilty with all the time and effort I’ve been putting into planning fun treatment sessions for my clients and then coming home to read the same book and play the same picnic game with my 21 month old. I found a little inspiration with the Easter theme and wanted to plan an Easter activity for toddlers. So, I got a little excited when I went to the Target dollar section and found these super cute Easter eggs, crinkle paper fillers and rubber porcupine balls! It had sensory bin screaming all over it. Then I grabbed a set of magnet letters, which I had been meaning to purchase for quite some time, and before I knew it, I had my afternoon mommy-OT date planned for my little one. [continue reading]
*This text contains affiliate links I am a sucker for holiday themed activities with kids. Spring is probably my 2nd [continue reading]
So you’re probably here because you’ve been told, or have realized yourself (maybe from reading about 5 common signs your [continue reading]
Is it just me, or do OTs LOVE that buzz phrase “crossing midline”? It feels like a Jeopardy answer someone [continue reading]
Empowering parents to be their child's best advocate.
-Laura Petix MS OTR/L