Although this is not officially an OT issue, I field questions about when and how to teach color recognition to young children. Like many of my other posts, I am writing this one so that I have something I can send parents; they can read about the concepts we discuss. There is so much going…… Continue reading The Three Stages of Color Recognition in Toddlers and Preschoolers
Month: October 2020
How The Pandemic is Affecting A Toddler’s Learning
The New York Times ran a ridiculous piece today about the effects of the pandemic on early learning. It had quotes from staff at programs for music class about the amazing motor and cognitive benefits of clapping in time to a song and imitating animal sounds. It had quotes from parents in wealthy NY suburbs,…… Continue reading How The Pandemic is Affecting A Toddler’s Learning
Is Your Child Bright or Gifted? Spot the Differences
One of my posts, Why Gifted Children Aren’t Their Teacher’s Favorite Students…. gets a lot of interest. Parents are surprised that having a gifted child doesn’t reap enthusiasm from the average educator. The general characteristics of a gifted person (intensity, drive, and complexity) can be downright disruptive in a general classroom. It often isn’t any easier…… Continue reading Is Your Child Bright or Gifted? Spot the Differences
Is It Sensory Treatment…Or Sensory Stimulation? How To Know The Difference
cco I have spent the first part of my career in pediatrics convincing parents, teachers, and other therapists that sensory processing is important for development, and that sensory processing disorders are a real “thing”. I am spending the latter part of my career trying to explain to the same groups that using a sensory-based activity…… Continue reading Is It Sensory Treatment…Or Sensory Stimulation? How To Know The Difference
How to Help Toddlers Prepare to Write
Ian, Lila, and Tom aren’t writing. They are drawing! Contrary to the ideas of some preschool teachers, most three year olds don’t write their names. In truth, most young fours don’t either. I refuse to count the kids who “draw” their names like the photo above. That isn’t writing. That is drawing, the same as…… Continue reading How to Help Toddlers Prepare to Write
Remote Learning Strategies for Special Needs Students
Remote learning isn’t easy. Helping a special needs student navigate it isn’t easy either. Here are some strategies to improve outcomes and reduce everyone’s stress about it: If your child’s OT has created a sensory diet for them, this is the time to use it. A sensory diet is a series of activities and actions…… Continue reading Remote Learning Strategies for Special Needs Students