HAPPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH!!!!!!

April is Occupational Therapy month so thank an OT for all they do.  Happy OT month to all our fellow therapists!

Cute Chic

Try this cute chic for some spring time art.  Just cut out an oval (have the kids draw one and then cut it out, if they are capable) and cut it in 2 pieces using a zig zag pattern.  Cut out a chic shaped head from yellow paper.  Then put a hinge on the side and have the kids decorate as they like.

Good Read

I came upon this article about teaching young children.  Good read and would love to start discussion about people's opinions.  Please take the time to read and comment if you would like.
http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2011/03/why_preschool_shouldnt_be_like_school.html?wpsrc=sh_all_mob_fb_top
   Going into preschools, I see them progressively becoming more and more like kindergarten in what is expected from the children, so this article is relevant in today's world.

Bubble wrap bee hives

Try this to make bee hives: paint bubble wrap with yellow paint.  Draw a picture of a hive on white paper and push the bubble wrap onto the hive to paint it.  Next, put an index finger into black paint and push it onto the yellow hive to make bees.  So easy and cute and great for finger isolation (index finger only in black paint) and sensory. For an added challenge, once the hive is dry, have the child cut it out.

Home Made Fine Motor Activity

Here's an easy fine motor activity you can make at home.  All you need is a clear, plastic jar and cotton balls.  Have the kids use tongs to pick up the cotton balls and put them into the container.  To increase the difficulty of the task, leave the lid on and have them put the balls through the pour hole.  Once the jar is filled, they have made a cute snowman.

milk jug igloo

Kids love to play in forts. tents and other confined places.  So, for winter we decided to try an "igloo" fort. Collect any size jug to make your igloo.  We found it is easier to tape 3-4 together first, then tape these rows together.  Make it as high and wide as you like.  Have a snow ball battle from the fort.

Fun obstacle course to challenge ballance

A fun way to transition between activities is by doing an obstacle course.  When going from table top work to circle time, or vice versa, have the kids go via obstacle course.  It not only entertains them, it can build their gross motor skills while allowing them the movement time they need during their school day to be able to learn most effectively.  Studies show that children need time between sedentary learning times for gross motor to allow them to concentrate and to learn better.  Try these ideas, or make your own obstacle courses.  Ideas can be: crawling through a tunnel, hopping over an object, stepping up and down a stool, scooter boards and catching and throwing balls. 

Have the kids jump on the bubble wrap to make cool popping noises.