Our Pediatric Physical Therapists have had fun incorporating Winter Olympic themes into the therapy with kids.
With the Winter Olympics in full swing, we have fun incorporating “Olympics” themes into our children’s therapy.
Our pediatric physical therapy team shares tips for encouraging activity during our colder weather months in the Northwest.
Game Recommendations for Speech Therapy:
*trade secret, speech therapists NEVER follow the rules in board games. You can modify almost any game to include a speech or language target, or teach to a variety of language levels.
Hedbanz
At a basic level, Hedbanz provides a wide variety of vocabulary cards. You can increase vocabulary by working on labeling or sort cards in to different categories such as foods or animals. Children can place the card on their head and work on guessing when given a description OR can give a description of the card on their opponents head. As language levels increase, you may choose to play the game as the rules describe by working on deductive reasoning. The child has to ask questions to determine what picture is on their head.
I Can Do That!
I Can Do That is a great game for preschoolers. It targets motor skills and receptive language skills. You can work on a variety of spatial concepts using the “trick-a-ma-stick” including over, under, around etc. You can modify the cards and work on 1, 2 or 3 step directions. To increase the challenge, you can also use items around your house. Instead of crawling under the trick-a-ma-stick have your child crawl under the table.
Guess Where?
This game is intended for use with children ages 6 and up. Similar to Guess Who and Hedbanz, it helps children develop deductive reasoning. However, this game can be modified to accommodate children younger than 6. A modification I frequently employ is instruct children to simply ask “Where is the dog?” or “where is the cat?” I have found this can help reinforce the idea that “where” questions ask about places. I have also found that this game can also help encourage the development of theory of mind. For instance, if my grandmother piece is in the kitchen, yours might not be. If I can’t see your house, I can’t know where you put your family members. I use vocabulary such as “I am thinking…” or “I am wondering….” to help encourage the development of theory of mind.
Written by the Speech Therapy Team at MOSAIC Children’s Therapy Clinic-Seattle. mosaicrehab.com/seattle
October is National Physical Therapy Month and our pediatric physical therapists always work on making therapy fun!
Most kids love the thought of being a superhero, so we have exercises to encourage them to practice and build strength to meet their therapy goals.
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Many children, especially with special needs don’t tolerate sitting at a table, and especially WRITING at a table. As people, we are sensory beings and most of us learn better with supported or added sensory input to an activity. That is why we sing the alphabet and why some kids learning to spell will do so while skipping rope. Here we have taken to writing on the window so that the body is not restricted behind a table or in a chair. Her head is not in an upright position. By being in a quadruped position her body is creating new neuropathways to this task. She is learning to process writing differently. She is getting feedback from the position of her body, through her arm that is weight-bearing, and all her muscles that are working hard to write on a large vertical surface with larger motions.
Here, prone on the swing with the lobster claw: Motor planning and grip strengthening to manipulate open/close motion- supports fine motor skills and tool usage. Tool usage is important – as adults we use tools as an extension of our bodies everyday with eating utensils, writing utensils, playing sports (hockey, golf, baseball), brushing teeth, etc.
For more information, MOSAIC Children’s Therapy locations are in Bellevue, Issaquah, Mountlake Terrace, and Seattle, WA.
This summer we have had fun themes to implement into our therapy sessions for pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy.
This week with a science theme and hands on activities, there are many opportunities to foster language and communication in a natural environment. Our speech therapy team offers some ideas to use at home and therapy settings.
MOSAIC Children’s Therapy Clinics are located in WA State in Bellevue, Issaquah, Mountlake Terrace, and Seattle.
Summer Olympic Theme – Red, White, and Blue. Pediatric Physical Therapy, running and jumping.
Summer theme week was Red, White and Blue. Rockets, bubbles, and breath work for self-regulation
MOSAIC Children’s Therapy Clinics are located in Bellevue, Issaquah, Mountlake Terrace, and Seattle Washington. www.mosaicrehab.com
Pediatric Physical Therapy and balance for throwing and catching.
MOSAIC Children’s Therapy Clinics are located in Bellevue, Issaquah, Mountlake Terrace, and Seattle Washington. www.mosaicrehab.com
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