Thursday, May 12, 2022
STEM Toys: Targeting Speech, Language, and Occupational Therapy Goals using Blu Track
In our therapy clinic, we're always looking for ways to incorporate STEM activities into our sessions. Not only are they incredibly motivating for kids, they often help close the gaps in skills we are targeting by tying them into academic concepts. Even our youngest kids benefit greatly from age-appropriate STEM activities! This week, we're excited to share about one of our latest and incredibly versatile finds, Blu Track! Blu Track is a premium, patented, flexible, two-lane race track that brings hours of fun and creativity while exploring cause and effect and problem-solving opportunities. Even better, it's made right here in the USA.
Friday, May 6, 2022
Explaining Adoption through Storybooks: 'ABC Adoption & Me' by Gayle Swift #adoptionpicturebooks
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Teaching Basic Concepts through Reading: Clothing and Colors #ChronicleBooks #interactivereading #boardbooks
As a speech-language pathologist, parents often ask me how they can help their toddlers and preschoolers improve their language skills. For little ones who haven't yet developed strong vocabulary skills, working on basic concepts is my first answer. Basic concepts are essentially words that kids need to understand in order to participate in daily routines, follow directions, and participate successfully in conversations. Studies have shown a link between the ability of young children to understand and name these concepts and their future academic success. By this I mean naming body parts, clothing, colors, shapes, animals, early prepositions, etc. One of my favorite ways to target these skills with kids is through book reading, and Chronicle Books has an amazing selection. Two books that I'm going to recommend today are Touch Words: Clothes by Rilla Alexander and Matching Game Book: Colors by Stephanie Babin.
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Gemma di Luna Luxury Wine Collection for Valentine's Day! #GemmaMoment
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Explaining Foster Care Adoption thru Storybooks: Elliot by Julie Pearson #adoptionpicturebooks
Friday, April 1, 2022
Destress and Satisfy Sensory Needs with Squishy and Soothing Nee Doh #sensoryregulation #anxietytools
Those who struggle with anxiety and other self-regulation issues know the value of strategies and tools to help calm the mind and body. In our pediatric clinic, we find that many of our clients benefit from manipulatives and fidget toys. It helps them to manage emotional, sensory, and/or self-regulatory needs, and balance alertness, so that their brains are ready to focus and engage on tasks presented. As an adult, I find some of the same strategies helpful in my own life! One of the newest manipulatives that I've come across and can't put down is Nee Doh. This squishy stress ball has such a mellowing effect, that it's definitely worth talking about. Nee Doh comes in a wide range of shapes, colors, and themes, and I fully expect it to be a popular items with kids this season, so check it out below!
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
STEM Toys for Kids: Promote Brain Development with Magformers Backyard Adventure! #CriticalThinkingSkills #CreativePlay
Imagination and creative play go hand-in-hand with brain development and STEM toys are the perfect way to introduce kids to creative exploration to help them develop a love for learning. Magformers is one of our favorite STEM toy brands and the Magformers Backyard Adventure set is fun for preschoolers and school-age kids alike. With 61 pieces included, the possibilities are endless and pieces are designed in a way that makes it easy for little fingers to build and connect without frustration.
Monday, March 21, 2022
Building Literacy Skills: A Hands-On Approach with Junior Learning CVC ToolBox
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
LOVEUARY is the new February on Hallmark Channel with the Original Premiere of "Welcome to Mama's" on Saturday, Feb. 26th at 8pm/7c!
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Groovy Girl Gifts for Valentine's Day #Galentine #giftsforher
I love personalized gifts and Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion for them! Groovy Girl Gifts has a fantastic selection of personalized sets that are perfect for a favorite Galentine or special someone in your life. My favorite may be Cupid's Love Box. No matter the occasion, this shop always offers unique selections that you won't find in your regular brick and mortar stores. Check out one of my favorite boxes below to get an idea of the quality they offer...