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Full Bloom Occupational Therapy

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25.01.2022 Life can get pretty busy but don’t forget to provide your little ones with opportunities to learn

24.01.2022 Got some spare cardboard lying around? (Maybe from all those online deliveries ). Here’s a fun little DIY activity! Skills targeted: fine and gross motor skills midline crossing (when moving one arm across to the opposite side of the body) ... hand eye coordination imaginative play joint attention (focusing on the same activity if playing with another person e.g. having a race or taking turns) This activity can be easily replicated using paper or any other surface that you can draw a track on. Get creative and have your little ones decorate their track with textas and stickers (another way to work on those fine motor skills ).

24.01.2022 As adults, we participate in chores on a daily basis and the good news is, there are plenty of household activities and routines that are appropriate for children to help with as well. You may even be surprised at how much they enjoy it! You may not realise it, but your little ones are working on so many important skills while participating in chores including: fine and gross motor skills hand eye coordination ... cognitive skills (following instructions, sequencing, planning) communication skills pretend play skills learning valuable life skills encourages structure and routine provides a sense of accomplishment and achievement establishes roles and responsibilities enhances family unit functioning (As you can tell, the list could go on and on...) Children of all ages experience excitement from sharing activities with their caregivers. Little ones as young as 2 experience pride and satisfaction from mastering tasks and these activities (if they choose to participate in them) can often enhance their pretend play skills. *Note: the idea of this post is not to suggest that toddlers and little ones be forced to participate in chores. Rather to provide a list of age appropriate household activities and routines that children may enjoy participating in, should they choose to.

23.01.2022 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2020 Posted @withregram @resilientlittlehearts The work of developing a positive, connected relationship with your child may well be some of the most anonymous & under-appreciated work you may ever do. ... It is also one of the most meaningful. When you take time to build a positive, connected relationship with your child, you are not only aiding their current development, you are also laying a foundation for their future mental health. This does not mean that your child won’t experience challenges or pain. But they will have a model of life, that when they are hurting, they will look for help with safe people. Relationships determine resilience #ResilientLittleHearts #besselvanderkolk See more

22.01.2022 WE LOVE PLAY DOUGH There are so many fun and therapeutic benefits to playing with play dough! Pinch it, roll it, knead it, stamp it, stretch it, cut it... the list goes on and on! ... For older children, play dough offers a multi sensory approach to teaching functional daily skills such as learning scissor skills, practicing letter and number formation, and learning to use cutlery. Making play dough with your child is also a great way to teach measuring, pouring, stirring and sequencing skills! Here is our favourite DIY play dough recipe - it’s quick, easy and doesn’t involve use of the stove top! Ingredients: 2 cups plain flour 1/2 cup salt 2 tbs cream of tartar 1 tbs oil 1 cup boiling water mixed with food colouring Method: mix dry ingredients in a large bowl add oil, boiling water and food colouring stir with a spoon until cool enough to mix in hands Add additional flour if required until the mixture no longer sticks to fingers *Store play dough sealed in a zip lock bag or airtight container in the fridge

22.01.2022 Children aren’t born with the ability to regulate their own emotions. They rely on co-regulation to develop emotional literacy and understand how to respond to big feelings. In the book The Whole Brain Child, Daniel Siegel describes a concept called Connect and Redirect which explains the roles that the two hemispheres of the brain play when we are experiencing big emotions. Simply put, the left brain is logical, literal, linguistic and linear while the right brain is holi...stic, non verbal, emotional and intuitive. Very young children, particularly under three years of age are right hemisphere dominant and haven’t mastered the ability to use logic and words to express their emotions. So how do we connect and redirect? Next time your child is experiencing big emotions try: 1 CONNECTING WITH THE RIGHT. Acknowledge your child’s feelings and use non verbal communication to try to connect with your child and help create a sense of calm. Use a nurturing tone of voice, step down so that you are at the same level to make eye contact, offer a cuddle and truly listen in a non- judgemental way. 2 REDIRECTING WITH THE LEFT. Once your child is feeling calm it is easier to use the left brain to manage the situation in a rational manner and apply logical problem solving and planning for next time. Note: this strategy won’t always do the trick, however it will help with teaching our children to balance and value both their emotions and ability to think logically. Swipe across for details of the book The Whole Brain Child which we highly recommend if you are wanting to learn more about nurturing your child’s developing mind

21.01.2022 A great article describing the stages of neurological development.

21.01.2022 My favourite lacing kit when introducing threading skills. The wooden tip at the end of the string makes it so much easier for little hands to grasp and stabilise, so their attention can be focused on all the other skills required for the task. Setting up an activity at a just right challenge level is so important when introducing new and complex tasks to leave little ones feeling empowered and a sense of accomplishment

20.01.2022 A great read about school readiness emphasising the importance of play and social and emotional development. https://www.abc.net.au//school-readiness-during-/12679484

15.01.2022 These sensory pouches are great for bigger kids too! What a fun way to work on finger strengthening and isolation, fine motor skills, colour sorting, pre writing and handwriting skills, hand eye coordination and midline crossing! Use permanent markers to draw on the inside of the laminating pouch Insert pompoms, beads, sequins or buttons and clear glue ... *See previous post for details about how to make a DIY sensory pouch. A zip lock bag or plastic pocket could be used instead of a laminating sheet for this activity, just be sure to seal it well with tape to avoid leakage. Adult supervision is recommended.

14.01.2022 Obstacle courses are such a great way to work on gross motor, coordination and attention skills, all while having so much fun! We are loving this range from @kmartaus. So colourful and such great quality! Pictured are the balance beams, balance buckets, stepping stones and agility ladder. Set it up outside when the is shining or inside on a rainy day . These can also be set up individually if space is limited.

14.01.2022 PLAY DOUGH FRIENDS Such a fun activity to get those little hands working hard! Skills targeted:... fine motor skills hand and finger strengthening bimanual hand skills (use of both hands) imaginative play and creativity problem solving skills This is such an easy activity to set up and always a winner! You can add to this activity by making your own play dough or increase the challenge by using theraputty instead of play dough.

14.01.2022 Visual schedules utilise pictures or symbols to demonstrate a series of planned activities. They can be used in a variety of ways including to show the different activities planned for a single day or to break down individual steps within a task. Benefits of visual schedules: provide structure and routine provide predictability... assist with communication skills assist with smoother transitions between activities assist with learning new tasks and independence promote calm due to predictability See more

10.01.2022 MAGIC PAINTING A simple and fun activity to encourage engagement in fine motor, pre writing and handwriting, and table top activities! This could also be set up on a vertical surface (easel or window) to work on shoulder stability, wrist extension and core strength Use a white crayon to draw or write something on the paper, then go over this with watercolour paint and watch the magic appear. ... Tip: if you don’t have watercolour paints at home or in the clinic, you can use water mixed with food colouring instead

10.01.2022 This is such a great visual by @babybegin explaining the benefits of tummy time! Tummy time allows babies to develop the neck, core, arm and leg strength that is required for reaching developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling and walking. Furthermore, spending time on the tummy helps to avoid developing a flat spot on the back of baby’s head (plagiocephaly). Awake and supervised tummy time can be introduced soon after birth. Initially attempt spending time ...on the tummy for a few minutes, 2-3 times a day with the aim of building up to 10-15 minutes multiple times a day. Remember that tummy time can be incorporated into many different daily routines and completed in a range of different positions if baby doesn’t tolerate being directly on the floor. Try to find what works best for you and your baby! Below are some ideas: position baby over your shoulder (burping position) lay baby on your chest/lap after nappy change during baby massage on floor using a tummy time pillow or rolled up towel underneath chest lay baby over an exercise ball (with hands on support) incorporate props such as a mirror, books, water mat, safe toys, bubbles, sound toys etc. lie on the floor at eye level and sing, talk, read to baby

10.01.2022 Too good not to repost. What a powerful visual. Posted @withregram @perthchildrensot The perfect little graphic by @kristin.wiens

09.01.2022 Non verbal communication and body language can be hard to read at the best of times. Add a mask into the picture and it makes it all that more challenging. We are loving this resource from @counselorkeri. Connecting socially is so important and we can learn so much from the . Stay safe and wear a mask

09.01.2022 I love finding therapy resources that are low cost and so accessible for clients. These dice will be great to incorporate into therapy sessions (and home play) to work on a range of skills: body awareness gross motor skills... bilateral coordination midline crossing teaching and copying actions learning and recognising numbers following instructions turn taking and social skills communication skills Examples of how I will use these dice in therapy sessions: movement breaks transitioning between activities warm up or closing activities obstacle courses How have you used these dice during therapy sessions? I’d love to hear your ideas! These dice were purchased at @kmartaus

08.01.2022 I love this as a reminder to slow down and focus on one step at a time! Focusing on the final goal or outcome can sometimes be overwhelming and result in increased frustration. When we break a goal down into smaller steps, it suddenly becomes much more achievable and learning is more successful! Always remember, the learning journey is just as important as the outcome

08.01.2022 Grateful and thankful #grateful #thankful #worldgratitudeday #gratitude #appreciatethelittlethings

08.01.2022 Happy OT week! So proud to be an OT and have the honour of supporting clients achieve their goals and reach their pOTential. Grateful to all the wonderful OTs who I have met along the way and had the privilege of learning so much from! #occupationaltherapy #thisisot #otweek #otweek2020 #rebuild #recover #reengage #grateful

07.01.2022 The origin and evolution of activity analysis can be linked back to the early 1900s (Cynthia Creighton). Activity analysis is a core skill of Occupational Therapists as it allows us to drive our assessments and interventions in a purposeful and meaningful way. When we understand the underlying performance issues, we are able to grade the activity up or down and make recommendations accordingly. Sometimes it is difficult to comprehend just how many skills are required to part...icipate in what may appear to be a simple task. Let’s look at tying shoelaces as an example: COGNITION: knowing how to initiate and sequence the steps involved in tying shoelaces e.g. first put shoe on foot then pick up laces in hands etc. EXECUTIVE FUNCTION: maintaining focus on the task, remembering individual steps within the task and the ability to regulate emotions e.g. becoming frustrated if an attempt is unsuccessful PROBLEM SOLVING: knowing what to do if something doesn’t go to plan e.g. laces come undone. PHYSICAL: the ability to position and move our arms and legs to reach and put shoes on our feet and tie laces MOTOR PLANNING: the ability to move body parts with control and precision to coordinate putting shoes on feet and sequence the steps involved in tying the laces HAND EYE COORDINATION: the ability to use the eyes to focus on the shoes/ laces and the hands to tie the laces POSTURAL CONTROL: the ability to stabilise the trunk and neck to enable the hands to reach the shoes and tie laces UPPER LIMB STRENGTH: finger/ hand strength to manoeuvre and pull laces tight FINE MOTOR SKILLS: in hand manipulation and dexterity to cross laces over each other, form loops and tie laces MOTIVATION: does the person have a desire to wear shoes with laces and learn to tie shoelaces? ENVIRONMENT: is the physical and social environment well set up to optimise participation in the task? Completing a thorough activity analysis is what ensures our intervention is individualised and client centred. It explains why when working with two clients on the same goal, one might have a focus on executive functioning skills while the other might focus on FM skills

06.01.2022 Did you know that an important fine motor skill involves being able to use the two sides of the hand separately to effectively manipulate objects? Picture an imaginary line down the middle of your hand separating the thumb, index and middle fingers from the ring and pinky fingers Hand separation is an important fine motor skill that begins to develop as a baby during tummy time and crawling (when the arches of the hands are developing), and continues to develop as a todd...ler and preschooler. This skill allows us to use our thumb side for precision, dexterity and manipulation, and our pinky side for stabilisation when participating in fine motor tasks. There are so many daily activities that require this important skill including handwriting and drawing, managing buttons and zippers, managing cutlery, using scissors, tying shoelaces, threading, managing money and so much more! Some ideas to encourage separation of the two sides of the hand: tummy time and crawling as a baby puzzles with small knobs beading and threading activities LEGO using pegs to pick up objects stickers peg board activities connect 4 poking pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks into play dough popping bubble wrap using spray bottles

05.01.2022 TUESDAY TIP Bubble wrap is a great activity for encouraging a pincer grasp and hand strengthening! A sheet of bubble wrap is handy to have with you on the go to keep your little ones busy and entertained! We love to keep one in the pram basket for long walks or use it as a warm up activity before completing a fine motor task ... There are so many fun ways to play with bubble wrap! What’s your favourite?

04.01.2022 Taking a moment to stop and breathe can help us feel calm, connected and grounded. When we feel calm we are able to focus and learn. Breathing maps are an effective strategy for teaching children when to breathe in, hold, breathe out and repeat. Tip: teaching deep breathing and relaxation strategies regularly and when a child is already in a calm state, will allow them to access these strategies more effectively when in a heightened state. ... We love these breathing maps from @thecalmclassroom_

03.01.2022 Play is a child’s primary occupation and crucial to their learning and development! Mildred Parten described six developmental stages in which children participate in social play ranging from unoccupied (birth to 3months), solitary (birth to 2 years) onlooker/spectator (2 years) parallel (2+ years), associative (3-4 years) and cooperative play (4+ years). Engagement in play encourages development of so many skills including:... creativity and imagination social and communication skills fine and gross motor skills problem solving skills emotional development cognitive skills

02.01.2022 Breaking instructions down into simple steps promotes increased understanding, engagement and motivation to participate in activities. Using simple FIRST, THEN language and/or visuals can be helpful when teaching sequencing of tasks and encouraging smooth transitions between activities. It provides predictability which is motivating and assists with understanding expectations for what comes next. FIRST, THEN visuals can also be a useful strategy for encouraging participatio...n in less desired activities. When used for this purpose, it is important to FIRST state the task that needs to be completed and THEN state the more desired or motivating activity. Examples of when a FIRST, THEN visual may be helpful (swipe across): FIRST sunhat / sun cream, THEN play outside FIRST tidy up toys, THEN choose a different toy FIRST toilet, THEN wash hands Share a FIRST, THEN phrase that you often use during therapy or at home...

02.01.2022 Welcome to Full Bloom Occupational Therapy! We are a Melbourne based Occupational Therapy service delivering therapy in the comfort of your own home, school or community environment. At Full Bloom we pride ourselves on delivering client-centred and evidence-based therapy to help our clients reach their full potential and achieve their goals. Since graduating from a double degree in Occupational Therapy and Psychological Science in 2012, I have gained extensive experience in... the areas of paediatric, adult and aged care rehabilitation in both private and public hospital settings including current employment at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne. I look forward to working with you and your loved ones to help you reach your potential and achieve your goals. Visit www.fullbloomot.com.au to learn more!

01.01.2022 I spy with my little This beautiful book by Elizabeth Doyle is so great for encouraging little ones to use their attention and observation skills! Each letter of the alphabet is a fun game of I spy with hidden objects all starting with that same letter sound. Such a fun and engaging way to work on visual perceptual skills and development of language skills. Furthermore, each picture is embossed and raised off the page, creating a beautiful tactile experience for litt...le learners. Happy reading

01.01.2022 COMMUNICATING WITH CONFIDENCE This week we celebrate Speech Pathology week. In Australia, 1.2 million people live with a communication disability. Communication is so much more than just speech and is often invisible or unseen. We are so grateful to the incredible Speech Pathologists who do such wonderful work to help so many people communicate with confidence

01.01.2022 When your coffee tray turns into a colour sorting activity