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Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder

It is our sense of vision that allows us to see and make sense of the words on this page. However, our sense of vision may not always process information correctly, leaving us to feel disorganized, confused, and unsure of what we see. What if the way you processed the title of this article made… Read more »

Sensory Motor Skills: What are they and why are they important?

Sensory motor skills are the basic foundation for learning. All the activities and movement we did as infants, toddlers and children help prepare our body and our brain to learn. These skills are essential to develop the ability to participate in classroom activities and affects academic achievements. Photo from pexels.com What are sensory motor skills?… Read more »

An Introduction to The Zones of Regulation

Each day we react to situations, other people, and our emotions through the course of our daily events and interactions. As adults, we utilize principles of self-regulation to help us deal with the ups and downs of our daily lives; engaging in yoga, meditation, exercise, journaling, or walking away from a situation, just to name… Read more »

Classroom Displays:  How Much Is Too Much?

The ability to focus and sustain attention to relevant information is important for learning in the classroom and for academic achievement. The more time spent focused on a task, the better the learning outcome. Studies have shown that during learning tasks, children look at the teacher when listening, but look away when thinking. Children on… Read more »

Multi-Sensory Reading Instruction and Your Child

Studies show that children with dyslexia or related speech sound disorders need a multi-sensory approach to reading. Multi-sensory education incorporates three learning pathways, which are: auditory (hearing), kinesthetic (touching or moving), and visual (seeing). Photo from pexels.com A multi-sensory approach to reading is beneficial not only for students with dyslexia, but for all learners. It… Read more »

Messy Play

Tactile play offers endless opportunities for learning and messy play is a crucial component of early education. There are many benefits of messy play. Photo from pexels.com What are the benefits of messy play? Messy play offers benefits to children of all ages and abilities. It allows children to become engaged and get to know… Read more »

Having Fun with Sensory Integration Activities

From the womb into adulthood, our neurological systems are developing and processing an overwhelming amount of sensory information every day. Our system must then interpret this information and make it ready to be tolerated and used for specific purposes. To help with this process, sensory integration activities are a fun and necessary part of development for any child, whether… Read more »

What is a Sensory Diet and Why Does My Child Need One?

Every person explores, feels, and senses her environment differently.  For some people, playing soothing background music helps increase focus, while for others, all background noise is distracting.  A sensory diet is a personalized set of activities and environmental modifications embedded in daily routines which supports individuals to be successful in tasks and transitions.  Photo from… Read more »

Using Music to Improve Sensory Processing

Music is frequently used as a therapeutic tool to calm or organize children. However, does music really have the potential for sensory organization? In 2007, researchers Hall and Case-Smith conducted a study exploring the effects of sound based intervention for those with sensory processing disorder. They found that children who used a sensory diet in… Read more »

An OT’s Guide to a Sensational Summer

Summer is a great time to relax and change up our routines. Less structure sometimes leads to boredom. Here are some fun activities to engage in with your child to help liven up summer break while keeping your child regulated. Indoor crafts and messy play Make homemade slime with school glue and Borax detergent. Got… Read more »