Children are naturally curious! They love to learn and love to play.  They love to learn through play.

When choosing toys and activities, I love activities that do "double duty"... address some skills like hand strength, bilateral coordination, visual tracking... as well as learning a cognitive skill such as "shapes".  

Here are 8 fun ideas to introduce to your children to learn about shapes! I've used a paper plate but feel free to use cardboard if you can't access a paper plate. 

1. Make Shape Stencils.
Cut out shapes in your paper plate that can be used as stencils.  

2. Pom Pom Maze
Cut small shapes in your paper plate.  Place a pom pom on the plate and use both hands to move it around the plate to find a specific shape or series of shapes. 

3. Threading Shapes
Use a hole punch to make holes to represent the corners or in the case of a circle, multiple holes to create the circle. Use a ribbon or yarn to have your child thread. 

4. Stain Glass Shapes
Cut out shapes on the paper plates and cover with cellophane.  Kids love to look through the stain glass. 

5. Fold the flap shapes
Draw shapes around the edge of the plate. Cut between the shapes.  Ask your child to find the shapes and fold down the appropriate flap. 

6. I Spy Shapes
Draw or stick on some shapes onto a plate.  Ask your child to find  a specific shape on the plate or in a certain colour.  

 

7. Shape Roads
This has been a popular  FREE subscriber email printable.  If you don't have this printable, use this link HERE .
Print and cut out the shape.  Stick them onto the plate and then have your child use their cars to "drive" on the shapes. 

 8. Peg shape match. 
Use self adhesive foam shapes... place a shape on each peg (clothespin) of the same colour and a matching shape on the paper plate.  Have your child find the matching shapes by placing the pegs. 

Do you have a favourite way to learn shapes?  
​
Watch these paper plate shape ideas on You tube ---> ​https://youtu.be/5kPU-PSjA9Q

More paper plate ideas?  Find some Paper Plate Road trip games here! 

Paper plates are so easy to transport and are a great size for little hands. Which idea will your child enjoy? ​

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
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You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​

"Practice makes perfect!" 

Did you grow up in an era with this mantra repeated to you as a child?  

I'm not sure that this drove me to persist or excel in any way as child.  

"Practice makes progress..." is a much better attitude to have.  It is one that we can foster in our children. 

It is one that we can tell ourselves. 

For our children, we want to encourage attempts.  We want to encourage risks being taken and that it is really okay to make mistakes.  We want to encourage persistence when things are difficult and positive self talk.  We want to encourage hard work as rarely is something achieved on the first try. 

The Your Kids OT byline is "make learning fun".  We want to create a "just right challenge" where learning comes from natural fun opportunities. For some children, this comes from rapport built with the therapists or engagement from their caregivers. 

However, I don't always get it right... as a therapist or as a parent (true confessions). Whilst success stories are shared (see this one on IG), I might not so readily share when things have gone wrong. 

For ourselves as parents, educators, therapists.... this is permission that you (we) don't have to get it right all of the time.  Especially in the last 12 months when we have been thrown into new depths of online learning, telehealth services, managing lock downs, it is also really okay to make mistakes.

If I've learnt anything in my 20 plus years as an occupational therapist, it's that we are all life-long learners.  The longer I practice, the more new things I learn.  Even terminology continues to change.  "Postural control" has given way to "core muscle strength".  "Planning and organizational skills" have given way to "executive functioning". "Social skills" have broadened to "social emotional learning".  You will see that I'm slowly making changes on my website to reflect these categories ---> Article categories. 

So whether you are a therapy undergraduate about to embark on your career, a parent who is navigating life with a child with a disability, an experienced educator who has a new class of children or here to pass on this tip to the children in your life.... "practice makes progress".  

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​

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No prep.
Quick.
Easy.
Any service delivery method.
Groups or indviduals.

There are many reasons to love "pencil warm ups"!

Just grab a pencil or a crayon.  These "pencil warms ups" have been collated for school-age children to encourage dynamic finger movements of the thumb, index and third fingers.  We want to build these fingers with strength and dexterity to manipulate a pencil for writing.  

Before your child will successfully do these "warm ups" they will require a certain amount of stability in their shoulder, elbow and wrist.  You will find that the children who don't have this stability are using their whole arms to move the pencil.  They may have three fingers holding (grasping) the pencil, but they use their whole hand as one unit to move in a static way. This is developmentally appropriate for younger children (preschool age).  Children who are moving their whole arm or their hand/wrist will try to "cheat" with these warm ups. They will hold the pencil firmly whilst moving at their wrist or elbow. That's ok! Give them time and work up towards dynamic finger movements.  Find more fine motor skills activities here ---> FINE MOTOR SKILLS

"Pencil warm ups" are great for the classroom as the whole class can be doing these activities together. As an OT you might want to introduce these warm ups to individual children or use them for a group.  Use them via virtual therapy services or in person.  Parents can implement these warm ups easily at home and the whole family could get involved. 

Use the FREE printable as a reference or watch the you-tube video. The printable has a QR code and link back to the you-tube video. I have time-stamped each warm up in the comments section of you-tube for easy reference to each pencil warm up. 

FREE PRINTABLE: Pencil Warm Ups Printable!
YOU-TUBE: https://youtu.be/ua3x-KMlefI

Pencil warm ups are not new, however I hope that you have found some new ones with the ones that I have shared.  I have included more emphasis on thumb movements as I see many children who have difficulties with thumb flexion, extension and opposition.  Sometimes children I see demonstrate dynamic finger movements, however hold their thumb locked into place for stability. 
​
Let me know if you are using these pencil warm ups! Are there some new ones that you haven't tried before?  Have you got a great pencil warm up that you use? 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/

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As an occupational therapist, I spend a lot of time explaining what I do.  It comes with the title. 

What is an OT? What do you do? 

The definition is broad and we assist a wide range of people, of all ages, in a wide range of tasks. 

Fundamentally, occupational therapists assist people to live in a way that helps them to do daily tasks participating in their communities. We look at the person, the task and the environment using our "applied science" backgrounds, creatively collaborating to achieve positive outcomes!  Read more about the "just right challenge" HERE. 

BUT...

There are plenty of things OTs are NOT. 

• Occupational Therapists are not PARENTS to your children.

We are not going to make decisions for you, tell you what your priorities should be, set your child's boundaries, show them the same engagement and attachment that they can only get from you as parents. We are here to be partners with you, to collaborate with you, to provide insights from our perspective and to provide strategies to assist with achieving goals for you to implement.

• Occupational Therapists are not ENTERTAINERS for your children.

We are not seeing your children to make them laugh, fill in time, transport them out of reality or give them a technology fix.  Our sessions  may be fun, playful and engaging ... always with a purpose. Read more about about how OTs use PLAY. 

• Occupational Therapists are not BABYSITTERS for your children.

We are not looking after your children so that parents and teachers can have a break.  If you need a break, we can support you to help you find carers or respite to help. 

• Occupational Therapists are not TEACHERS.

We do teach your children skills and teach you skills as parents, but we don't focus on reading, spelling, numeracy and literacy like teachers do. We partner with teachers to help with classroom modifications, grading activities and explaining underlying difficulties. 

• Occupational Therapists are not PSCYHOLOGISTS.

We may help with behaviour management and regulation but we are not relationship experts.  Occupational Therapists don't provide diagnostic testing on behaviour, intelligence, development and learning disabilities. We partner with psychologists with learning, development and regulation needs for your child. 

• Occupational Therapists are not SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS.

We may help your child to communicate but we don't analyze receptive and expressive communication delays and difficulties. We partner with speech pathologists to help your child with communication and feeding.

• Occupational Therapists are not PHYSIOTHERAPISTS.

There is an old definition that Physios (Physical therapists) will see you from the waist down and OTs will go from the waist up.  This definition is probably not a helpful one as the overlap between the professions has increased over the years that I have practiced.  Gross motor skills, postural stability, core strength and function are the main areas of overlap... Occupational Therapists do not generally work purely on muscle skeletal issues, pain management and range of movement.  We partner with Physios to help achieve functional goals. 

• Occupational Therapists are not DOCTORS.

We cannot give exact prescriptions. This can be frustrating for all involved.  We can't say "play this game x number of times, do this activity with playdough x times a day, practice breathing for x minutes"  and your child will be able to xyz.... It just doesn't work that way. Each child is an individual and activities are chosen to address learning needs. It is important to understand (and for OTs to explain) why an activity is beneficial. 

OTs are a diverse bunch of professionals with special interest areas that cross all of these areas I have just mentioned. Some have extra training and experience with trauma, mental health, feeding, nutrition, social skills, equipment prescription, vision, toiletting, etc. 

OTs are TEAM PLAYERs. 
We work hard to have the same "game play" as everyone on the team so that the goals for the individual child can be achieved.  
OTs are LEARNERS.
We are constantly upgrading our own skills and learning from you (child, parents, others). 
OTs are CARERS.
We do care about your children.  We often "care" beyond the time allotted for us to see your child and for years afterwards. 

Read more about Paediatric assessment using the Occupational Performance Model (Australia). 

Do you have something that you would add to these lists?  What are occupational therapists to you? What are they not? 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​

​
Watch Top Tips: Scissor Skills "Thumbs on Top" on you-tube with a behind the scenes look at the new scissor skills printables ---> Take me to the video online! (if you can't see this attachment in your email or browser).

Once your child's thumbs are in position, they can start to open and close the scissors. Choosing the correct scissors for your child is also important.  Blunt craft scissors are great for cutting playdough but are not much use when it comes to paper.  These are often introduced as safety scissors for toddlers, however they can become quite frustrating when they don't actually cut. 

​If your child has developed a hand preference, it is also important for the scissors to be chosen which are specifically left or right-handed scissors.  Usually scissors which are promoted for "both hands" have the blades on the scissors to be more effective for right-handed users.  This can also be frustrating if you have a "lefty". 

Scissors that have a centre piece that allow for a "bounce" can help with the open/close action.  This is often one of the first difficulties that arise for young scissor users as they can quite easily "shut" their hand to close the scissors but they can't "open" their hand again to make the next cut. If you can't find these type of scissors (check the video link for a look at what I'm talking about) then placing your own hand over your child's hand with your third finger "dangerously" placed between the scissor handles (not the blades) ... this will give you a way of physically helping with the "opening part".... ​
​

Find more articles on scissor skills:
* 10 Practical Ways to Practice Scissor Skills
* Developing hand strength for Scissor Skills
* Pre-scissor skills (Opening and Closing Hands)
* Scissor Skills Busy Boxes

Find new printables for scissor skills:
* Make a Zoo
* Interactive Fun
* Cut and Paste Words
* Cut and Paste Sentences

If you missed the link above, you can have a closer look at these printables in the You-tube video ---> Printables in action

What are your top tips for scissor skills? 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/

Whilst Valentine's Day will come and go here at YKOT without much thought; I was inspired by all the "heart shaped" activities that are being shared at the moment. 

Depending on you child's age, have them cut strips from a toilet paper roll (or paper towel roll or wrapping paper insert).  Use this cardboard strip to shape a heart.  Decorate the hearts with markers and then use them for colour matching, stacking, posting or threading.  You could even make patterns, dip them in paint, trace around them or glue them down. 

Watch the You-tube video for some of these ideas in action below.

Find the Heart Shaped Toilet Roll Activities on you-tube ---> Take me to the video online! (if you can't see this attachment in your email or browser).

Scissor skills are a great way to work on bilateral coordination skills as one hand is used for "holding" and the other for manipulating the scissors to cut.  I love toilet paper rolls for cutting as they need to be turned which means the "holding hand" isn't still but has to be put into action as well. You will see some children struggle with this turning action and move their cutting arm so that the scissors point into all sorts of directions.  They may try to use the table or their body to stabilise as well. Encourage your child to cut with the scissors pointing forward (away from their body) and manipulate whatever that is being cut to maintain that forward cutting position. This takes time to achieve! 

Find more activities targetting fine motor skills HERE or watch the YKOT You Tube fine motor skills playlist HERE. 

​​Finger play is an easy way to "sneak in" some fine motor skill development.  What shapes can your child make with their fingers? A circle? A diamond? A triangle? A heart? 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/

Welcome to the "Let's talk" series where I discuss various phrases that are thrown around in the OT world.  These phrases often reflect our philosophy and underpin our practice.  Depending on an occupational therapist's experience, you may find individuals having different opinions on some of these topics. I'm hoping to share something from this series each month. 

So let's kick this off with discussing a "just-right challenge".

Children are learning and growing at their own pace.  They might be good at some things and have difficulties with other things.  This is part of normal child development. 

The children who benefit from OT are those children where daily challenges affect their ability to carry out their regular activities, meet developmental milestones or the expectations of others.  This can vary from physical skills, social skills, play skills, daily living skills (eg. eating, toiletting, dressing), organising skills, etc.

So what is a "just-right challenge"? 
The term originated with Jean Ayres, occupational therapist. She is attributed with being the OT who first conceptualized sensory integration theory and practice.  The "just-right challenge" or "adaptive-response" method describes a place where the child is met between boredom from something being too easy and frustration from it being too difficult. 

According to Rebeiro & Polgar (1998), the "just-right challenge" ...
---> is an optimal fit between the demands of the person, occupation and the environment
---> causes clients to be motivated to continue or repeat their experience
---> contributes to greater life satisfaction

Occupational therapists are always looking to help meet the child where they are at.... working from what they can do, extending them just that bit to meet a stepping stone towards their goals OR modifying the activity, environment or goal itself. 

This enables a child to feel some success and encourages them to keep working towards their goal.  

Download a poster version of this image from the YKOT shop.

Ways to achieve a "just-right challenge"!
The relationship between therapist and child is a balancing act where rapport is built through engagement and trust. Therapists are constantly adjusting their prompts, changing the amount of assistance they provide, modifying the activity, presenting the activity in a different way, making things harder, making things easier, changing environmental demands ... to meet your child where they are at on the day and at that time.  OTs call this process "grading". 

We want to encourage children to extend themselves to learn new skills (maybe outside of their comfort zones) but not feel overwhelmed with the demands causing them to be anxious, shut down or demonstrate challenging behaviours. We want children to work at their optimal level of arousal.

Therapists also look for ways to help children to be motivated, find satisfaction and rewards (internal and external) from working towards or achieving their goals. 

There may some situations where achieving a goal or completing a task is not possible without some accommodations or adaptions. This may be when a therapist recommends specialized equipment, tools or techniques outside what is conventionally used.  Achieving goals with modifications or accommodations is achieving and should not be considered "a cop out".  Function is function. 

Over time, we have seen some specialized equipment or adaptions become a "norm" in society. Sometimes this is wonderful - like grab rails in toilets, accessible ramps, visual schedules, scooter boards sold in department stores... Sometimes we (OTs) are cautiously optimistic but concerned - for example, with the use of weighted blankets and vests, some pencil grips, "sensory programs", etc - where the advice of an OT can be informative. 

Things to consider...

• What is challenging for one child may not be challenging for another. 
• Too much of a challenge can result in a fight or flight response.
• Too little of a challenge can result in a fight or flight response. 
• Providing accommodations or changing a task can give a child successful function. 

​
Let's discuss...

• When is it NOT appropriate to have a "just-right challenge"? 
• How does a "just-right challenge" work in telehealth when children are sometimes overwhelmed before logging on? 
• How does a "just-right challenge" work in a group setting? 
• What are your favourite ways to increase a challenge? 
• What are your favourite ways to reduce a challenge? 

For non-OTs reading this... therapy can look like "just playing" but OTs are considering all of the above when working with your child.  Read more--
* Why is my child just playing when they see an OT? 
* OT assessment process
* Sensory Triggers in the classroom

I would love to hear your comments on a "just-right challenge"! Comment below or join the conversation in my social media posts - I'll be sharing the YKOT Instagram and Facebook pages. 

Let's keep talking and I hope you join in with this series. Let me know if there is something that you would like to "talk" about!
​

​Reference: Rebeiro KL, Polgar JM. Enabling occupational performance: optimal experiences in therapy. Can J Occup Ther. 1999 Feb;66(1):14-22. doi: 10.1177/000841749906600102. PMID: 10462878.

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​

 "Bump the Line"

A phrase that I say quite often with children learning to write (aka "align") to the writing line or base line. 

Some children have never been taught to write on the line. It is quite common, as the focus begins with drawing, shapes and letter formation when children are starting to put pencil to paper. 

But then, the expectations come quickly that writing should be aligned and letter sizes should automatically reduce and fit between those lines. 

Some children will just not notice the lines.  They have become accustomed to having a whole page or a whole box to write their words so it is just not on their "radar". 

Others have difficulty for a number of reasons: 
* Visual motor skills- Understanding how lines and shapes are positioned in relationship to each other and with the lines on the page can be difficult for those with visual motor and visual spatial difficulties. These difficulties can been seen with letters written over the top of each other, huge gaps between letters, huge spaces or no spaces or both, inconsistent letter sizes and difficulties with aligning to writing lines. 
* Dynamic vs static pencil control - Children begin writing by controlling a pencil with their whole arm, then their control moves to their elbow, wrist and hand.  This progressive control develops as stability is gained and "ideally" the pencil is controlled with dynamic movements of the hand as intrinsic muscles push and pull.   When children control the pencil with their whole arm, elbow or wrist... it means that they will have difficulty reducing letter sizes and forming small movements with their pencil. Control is less precise so writing on the line can be affected. 
* Fine motor skills - Many of the children who have difficulty with dynamic finger movements will have poor fine motor skills. Read more on my site about FINE MOTOR SKILLS.
* Page stabilization difficulties - When a child stabilises their head rather than the page that they are writing on, it is often a sign of poor postural control (ie. poor core muscle strength).  Read more on my site about this issue PAGE STABILIZATION. 

So "bump the line". 

We start by using a physical boundary to help a child to "feel" where the line is.  This might be a ruler, an adult finger, wikki stix, playdough.... whatever you have at hand. 

Once a child is more aware of the line, take that physical prompt away. Your child might then need just a visual prompt such as highlighting the line.  Then move to just a verbal prompt "bump the line".  I often say this as they approach the line with their pencil. 

Every child is different. Some can move from physical to verbal prompt to nothing within one session.  For others it will take months and require repetition of each of the prompts. 

For others who have a combination of difficulties mentioned previously, additional support will also be required.  Earth paper lines are another great way to encourage the visual spatial awareness needed for handwriting legibility. Read more HERE and purchase EARTH PAPER lines HERE.  Earth paper lines also includes transition paper to assist children to move towards using ordinary writing lines. You will also find flashcards with Earth Paper lines at the YKOT shop. 

Would you like more handwriting tips and tricks?  The handwriting resources from The Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team are currently 50% off until January 31st in celebration of National Handwriting Day in the US.  Use the coupon code: Handwriting Day ---> TAKE ME TO THE SALE! 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
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You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
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Ho Ho ho!

This 2020 Christmas message almost didn't make it. I have to admit that I needed to take some time away from my laptop.  Anyone else feel like they need a break between 2020 and 2021?  It took me a while before I could start writing in my 2021 planner and I'm looking forward to shutting down my screens for a short time. 

But there was a bomb that I wasn't expecting... a final curveball.
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A small thing compared with what many of you have been through in 2020. I do feel for all of you who have been dealt a final curve ball which has meant not spending time with loved ones over Christmas. I'm so sorry that this year has been full of curveballs and uncertainty. 

I wanted to share a little sweet treat  (especially those who are still reading your emails so close to Christmas).  

Hot Chocolate Bombs
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Ingredients:
Dark and white cooking chocolate blocks.
Hot cocoa powder (hot chocolate)
Christmas sweet decorations (mini marshmallows, M & Ms).

Method:

• Melt a block of dark chocolate in the microwave. Use bursts of 30 seconds at medium heat and stir. (Check that you don't overheat the chocolate as melting times will vary between microwaves.  Usually heat until the chocolate still looks like block pieces but when you stir, it combines without lumps.  Make sure bowl and spoon are dry). 
• Spoon small amounts of chocolate into round silicon moulds and spread to coat mould. (I used cake pop moulds that I had on hand.  Others have used Easter Egg moulds).  
• Place in the refrigerator until set. 
• Once set, remove the shell from the silicon mould.  Fill one half with cocoa powder and mini marshmallows.
• Heat a small plate in the microwave (30 seconds works for me). 
• Place an empty shell onto the plate to gently melt the "circle" part.  Place this on top of the shell with cocoa/marshmallows.  Gently press and you can use your finger to spread the slightly melted chocolate to help the seal. Place finished "bomb" in a clean bowl. 
• Repeat until all shells are filled.  You may need to reheat your small plate a few times. 
• Place filled "bombs" in your refrigerator until set again. 
• Heat some white chocolate (50g is enough as it is just for decoration) in the microwave.  Allow to cool slightly before drizzling over the filled "bombs".  Top each bomb with sprinkles or an M & M.  Place in the refrigerator until ready to use!

To use these "Hot Chocolate Bombs"... heat up some milk and drop them into the cup.  Watch them melt and give them a final stir. Drink!

Some tips:
* Don't add Bailey's Irish Cream to the chocolate once it has been heated into the microwave. Hot and cold liquids together are not a good idea.  Add a small splash of Baileys prior to placing the chocolate in the microwave for a "boozy" Hot Chocolate!
* Don't try to film your process whilst balancing a tripod and having sticky chocolate fingers.  Your camera may fall and break... (ouch - this was my "bomb").  Even though I have the footage, I couldn't face my camera and take it out to edit ..... so, go to  DO IT ON A DIME who inspired me to make these. 
* If making this with your family - allow for all the refrigerator "setting time".  It is a bit fiddly and it is a lot quicker to put hot cocoa/chocolate straight into the cup ... but it is a little festive frivolity that some of you will enjoy. 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Keep healthy and safe! 

Thank you for your ongoing support! 
​

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
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​Christmas is a time for giving and in that spirit, I am sharing a second holiday FREEBIE with you!  

If you missed it, the FREE 2020 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PACK was a hit with my readers.  Make sure you get your copy of Christmas writing prompts, mazes, I spy pages and more ---->2020 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PACK.

The printables I create are typically made for ME first... so that I can use them in my own practice. It means that I aim to share only what works for me and what the children I work with have responded well to.  I am constantly creating therapy ideas and printable material (I don't always use worksheets - even though this paragraph may make it sound like I do... ).  There are many products which end up on the cutting room floor or need further development before I share them with you. 

Each year I find my caseload - the children I work with in private practice - is changing.  In the last few years, I have started to see more children who need help with social emotional regulation and social thinking skills.  There are many great programs to help children with these skills according to their age and level of understanding.  I can't actually name them here as I share this product with you as there are strict copyright laws around this. 

Today's FREEBIE is designed for children who need some assistance with social emotional regulation and social thinking skills. Christmas can be a time which brings heightened emotions and triggers for lack of self control... a difficult time for some with regulation.   

Social Emotional Competencies: Christmas edition .... includes:

• Expected/Unexpected behaviour
• Thinking about "just me" or "me and others"
• How others feel (when you do expected/unexpected behaviour)
• How big is the problem
• Understanding perspective (and empathy)
• Conversation starters (these are great for all kids and adults too)

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Use the form below to enter your email address to receive this FREE printable. If you are reading this in your email and can't see the form, you can either select "show remote content" in your email browser or use this link ----> TAKE ME TO  THE ONLINE PAGE to see the form online.

Would you like MORE social emotional resources? Check this out ---> SOCIAL EMOTIONAL COMPETENCY BUNDLE.

 Answering your questions....
Why do I need to fill the form in each time you offer a freebie? 
Using a form helps me as a content creator to keep track of which printables are most popular.  The forms help with distribution as often the files are too big to send via email. 

Why do I need to subscribe to receive your freebies? 
Subscribing to the YKOT newsletters means that you will always know when I have new products available or I can remind you of products I have created previously.  I also bring content regularly that has no products ... for those who are looking for therapy ideas, information about occupational therapy and an understanding of therapeutic clinical reasoning for activities. I occasionally share products or learning opportunities created by others where I have an affiliation.

You can unsubscribe at any time.  Too many emails? I get it.  I won't be offended if you are only here for the free stuff. 

Already a subscriber... well thank you!... you will only ever be on the newsletter list ONCE. You do need to re-enter your email address in the form so that the latest FREEBIE can be sent to you. 

Why isn't everything on your site free? 
YKOT continues to be created and run by "just me"... Cindy! Your support by subscribing or purchasing items helps me to sustain this blog  There are ongoing costs for running a website, running email distribution as well as the time spent in content creation. I do most of it for the "love" of creating content and sharing it with you... but the reality is that there are costs that need to be met as well. 

Haven't "met" me yet? Read about me or watch my introductory you-tube video ---> MEET ME

Phew... do you have more questions?  I always welcome your interaction via email (cindy@yourkidsot.com) or via social media.  Find me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook!  You can also find me on You-Tube (sorry no videos for a little while since Monte my puppy has arrived- but expect more in 2021)!  Your comments, likes and shares are also valued as they tell me what content you are interested in and what you find useful! 

Well if you have continued to the end of that speel... you are so valued! And THANK YOU for your ongoing support!

Enjoy this latest printable?  Send your friends/colleagues this way to get their own copy! 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
​