I am a dollar store or dollar aisle frequenter when it comes to grabbing things for working in the school with kids. I love a bargain! The nice thing is there is usually something that a therapist can use (or figure out how to use) during all seasons! It’s pretty hard for me to go […]
5 Dollar Store or Aisle Finds For Therapists Read More »
The scooter board is an awesome tool to use for strengthening in kids. It’s so much fun to use with so many different games and obstacle courses that it’s hard to believe that you could be strengthening at the same time! My 2 year old recently received one for his birthday. He really enjoys it,
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I love fall. I am especially looking forward to the weather this year. At 8 months pregnant cool weather is much appreciated! One of my favorite activities to do with my family is go to the local pumpkin patch. My son loves to play and climb on the pumpkins. Pumpkins are the perfect them to
I’ve gotten a bit carried away with making printables lately! I love the design aspect of it. It’s good therapy! I’m sad to admit it, but I’ve never decorated my desk. The majority of the reason is I’m rarely there, but really I could have put up at least one picture. In my printable frenzy
Therapy Room Printables Read More »
I’ve always found that making things fun is the way to go. Whether that be in therapy or at home. I’m very much a “fun” exercise type person myself. I’d rather play an organized sport or game than run on the treadmill. I’m always trying to come up with new ideas to incorporate gross motor skills
Apple Toss – Gross Motor Game Read More »
Fitness stations are a simple way to add movement to the day. Fitness stations are perfect for physical education but can also be incorporated into math centers, literacy center, or workshop set ups. This can add the much needed movement component to the day. The research is out there that kids need to move! Fitness
Fitness Stations – How and Why Read More »
Is there really anything more action packed than superheros? They jump, run, kick, and spin. The list could go on and on when it comes to superheros. With all the action superheros provide, they are perfect for incorporating gross motor into the day. The superhero hop is the perfect way to do this!
Superhero Gross Motor Game – Superhero Hop Read More »
Who doesn’t love a circus theme? The circus theme makes it easy to incorporate gross motor and fine motor skills. What kid doesn’t love the idea of a circus or carnival? Implementing circus themed activities for kids into your gross motor or fine motor activities doesn’t have to be hard. Check out all of
Circus Themed Activities For Kids Read More »
It’s finally the time of the year when we can really get out of the house. People are out and about back on the trails and visiting state parks. Even though I’m from Minnesota, I’m not much of a winter person. I don’t love the cold, but I love being outside. As soon as the
Pink Oatmeal is excited to have Darice Cunniff posting today on the importance of free play in our classrooms. Darice has been an elementary teacher for over 35 years with the majority of her time spent in the Kindergarten classroom and how she has seen it change over her time in the classroom. As a
What Happened To Free Play? Read More »
I love Spring! Living in Minnesota, the winters are long, and nothing is better than seeing that white stuff disappear! I don’t even mind the muddy mess or puddles that come with the melting snow. It’s actually a lot of fun. I’ve been letting my son go crazy playing in them. It’s resulted in several
Spring Gross Motor Game – Puddle Jumping Read More »
Hooray! March has finally arrived. March brings hope that Spring is upon us, especially here in Minnesota. March means basketball tournaments, shamrock shakes, and St. Patrick’s Day. March also means that we are playing fun gross motor games with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. The clover hop is a great way to get kids up and
St. Patrick’s Day Gross Motor – Clover Hop Read More »
I recently read an article, Letting Kids Move Isn’t A Break From Learning, It is Learning. In this article the author discusses how important movement is in the learning process and gives great ideas on how to incorporate movement into learning, not just as a brain break. Now don’t get me wrong, brain breaks are an essential
Kinesthetic Learning – 20+ Ideas Read More »
As part of my job I get to travel between schools. I love this part of my job…most of the time. The only issue with this is, I don’t always have my own space. This is especially true when I am working with kids that aren’t a part of a center based program. I usually
School-Based Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Resources Read More »
I’m excited to have teamed up with a fellow educator and share with her readers all about posture in the classroom. You can read all about it at Minds In Bloom! photo credit: Marind is waiting for les tambours de la pluie via photopin cc with added cropping and text
Posture In The Classroom Read More »
Are you looking for a different way to incorporate physical activity into the classroom? Maybe you need a different spin on brain breaks? Maybe you are looking for some carryover from therapies to the classroom with a fitness emphasis? I started to implement marathons (miles, 5k’s, 10k’s) as a motivation to move during the day.
Marathons For Movement Motivation Read More »
I remember my mom making playing card holders for her Kindergarten classroom years ago! I even made a playing card holder for a motor development project back in college. This particular playing card holder still stands as my favorite in spite of all of the great ideas that can now be found on Pinterest. Card holders
DIY Playing Card Holder Read More »
An exciting milestone in our little ones lives is learning to climb the stairs. This milestone typically takes place around 21-24 months. At this age, children are still using a step together pattern (one foot on each step) and a railing. By 30-36 months, kids should start to alternate steps using the railing. At approximately 3
Stair Climbing Made Fun Read More »
Social media is where it’s at! Like it or not, social media’s not showing any signs of going away. I’m personally a big fan of social media. It’s a great resource for staying up-to-date with not only friends, but for keeping up on what is going on in your profession. As therapists, a quick search
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I love brain breaks. I don’t love when I hear others saying that their students earned a brain break. Students shouldn’t earn brain breaks. Hearing that kids didn’t earn a brain break just seems backwards to me. In fact, that may be the time they needed it the most. Brain breaks are something that students need, and should not be
Why We Need Brain Breaks and Why They Shouldn’t Be Earned Read More »