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Blog posts : "General"

Chewelry

Chewelry is any type of necklace, bracelet, and/or chewing product that is used to provide oral sensory input to children (and even adults) who like to chew on things. Chewing helps to calm, organize, and de-stress as well as help increase focus and attention. Chewelry may be appropriate for your...

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Sensory Brushing

Sensory brushing was developed by Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, CAOTA. Its technical name is the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique & Oral Tactile Technique. This method involves using a prescribed method of providing stimulation through pressure touch massage to help the mi...

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Sensory Bins

Sensory bins may be one of the most used things around the clinic by all disciplines. They are just so versatile and fun! Most pre-made sets are labeled as being intended for ages 3 and up. They are typically placed in a plastic bin with a filler such as rice, water beads, water, sand, beans, cer...

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Magic Tracks RC

When we say that Magic Tracks RC are a favorite around here, we really mean it! They get requested by both boys and girls. It consists of up to 10 feet of tracks that can be assembled in many shapes/sizes and, to make them even more interesting, they glow in the dark. On top of that, the car that...

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Pancake Pile-Up

Pancake Pile-Up is a fun, interactive. game that can be played with children ages 4 and up. Here are a few ideas for use at home: Speech & Language: Practice naming the objects in the game, such as a spatula and the different ingredients in the pancakes. You can also have them say their targ...

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Picasso Tiles

Picasso Tiles are often requested around the clinic by both boys and girls. You only need a little creativity and imagination to begin to use them (but they also have a little instruction book if creativity isn't really your thing). The possibilities are endless with them. Picasso Tiles are desig...

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Pop the Pig

Who doesn’t love a good Family Game Night? They are not only fun but can be used to target so many developmental areas, including social skills, sportsmanship, following directions, reasoning, and turn-taking. Pop the Pig is a surprise game that is fun for all ages! It is designed for 2-6 players...

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Your child will do their best in therapy if they are ready to participate and learn. We have put together a few suggestions for setting your child up for success in therapy. General: Make sure your child goes to bed on time. Drink water. Avoid sugary drinks right before therapy. Your child i...

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Nobody Ever Told Me (or my Mother) That! by Diane Bahr is a great resource for parents regarding feeding, breathing, and even speech development. This book was written by a SLP in an easy to read and understand format. Here are a few of the subjects discussed in this resource: Basics of nursing...

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With warmer weather approaching, we'd like to share some "spring/summer" shoe must-haves! Some things to look for: Flexible sole Closed toe Wide toe box Little to no toe rise Slightly elevated toe box - helps decrease trips and falls for new walkers For confident walkers, you want to choo...

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TalkTools Honey Bear

The TalkTools Honey Bear is probably our favorite way to teach straw drinking to the little ones around our clinic.  Straw drinking can be started as earlier as 6 months of age if your child is ready developmentally. Please check with your child’s therapist to be sure. Here are a few benefits of ...

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Let’s talk about another really amazing imaginative play toy! The Fisher-Price Tea Set by children of all ages at the clinic. It is recommended for ages 18 months and older. The tea pot in this set makes fun pouring noise when it is tilted and that is something we have seen our kids want to hear ...

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Stilts

Pretend play is always fun but it is extra fun when you can be a dinosaur or a monster (or any other animal you can dream up) stomping down the hallway. Here are a few ideas for use at home: Speech & Language: Practice different animal sounds as your child stomps around the room. You can als...

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Screen Time

What is screen time? Screen time is the amount of time that someone spends using a device. It includes playing games – on a smartphone or games console –, streaming video content or TV shows, browsing the internet, doing homework online or engaging in any activities while using a screen. Benefit...

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Squigz

Squigz are a fan favorite with all of our therapies here! They are recommended for ages 3 & up and target so many developmental areas. Here are a few ideas for use at home: Speech & Language: Let your child’s imagination run wild as they practice their target speech sounds while earning ...

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Don't Push The Button!

Don’t Push The Button! by Bill Cotter is a fun, interactive book that is involves a very curious monster named Larry. The book is part of a whole series of interactive books. It is recommended for ages 2 and up. Larry gets into lots of different mishaps as he is trying not to do things. Here are ...

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Oball

The Oball is another one of our therapist recommended tools. It is recommended for any age. The Oball is made up of 32 finger holes that allow all hands to grasp it, no matter how tiny. It is also lightweight, colorful, and safe for mouthing as well as durable. Here are a few ideas for use at hom...

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Critter Clinic

The Critter Clinic is one of our favorite toys around the clinic because it is so versatile. It is recommended for ages 2 years and up and is a great open-ended toy that can be used over and over again in a variety of ways. It can even be decorated as things other than a vet clinic with props, su...

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Chunky Wooden Puzzles

Chunky wooden puzzles can be used for more than just their traditional method to increase developmental skills. Most chunky wooden puzzles are recommended for children ages 2 and older. Here are a few ideas for use at home: Speech & Language: Practice pretend and imaginative play by using th...

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Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog is not only adorable but is a great tool for strengthening multiple developmental skills in children. It is designed for children 18 months and older.  Here are a few ideas for use at home: Speech & Language: Hide the spikes throughout the room and use prepositi...

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