Learning to Shine Occupational Therapy For Kids

16/04/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Just Better Care Illawarra's newest Occupational Therapist, John.

John is an enthusiastic Occupational Therapist who brings fresh knowledge, dedication, and a strong commitment to achieving positive patient outcomes by providing expert OT services in the Illawarra.

John will be working Tuesday to Thursday and has immediate capacity, so to take advantage of this reach out to John on: Ph: 0492 906 640 or Email: john@learningtoshine.com.au

15/04/2026

Our books are now open!

We currently have capacity for new clients and offer;
* Comprehensive OT Assessments
* 1:1 therapy sessions
* Small group programs
* School readiness groups
* Supported Playgroups

If you're looking for OT support in Moss Vale area, please get in touch.

10/04/2026

The ability to cross the midline can directly impact your child's daily tasks such as dressing, writing and reading.

How do I know if my child is having challenges with midline crossing ?

There might be a few things you observe:

* If asked to draw a line across the paper, your child will turn the paper so that there is no need to cross the midline.
* Your child may begin to write with the dominant hand and upon reaching the centre of the body they will change the pencil to the other hand. Or your child will swap constantly between hands without the emergence of a dominant hand for tasks
* Your child may have difficulty visually scanning from the dominant to the non-dominant side which may be evident when reading or copying

Some of our favourite activities that you can try at home;

🌈Have your child draw a large rainbow, starting on one side of their body and moving across to the other side. Draw lots of lines with lots of colours for practice.

🔴 Play twister! Encourages limbs to cross over each other

🙆Yoga Poses for torso rotation. Check out kids yoga on Youtube

🧹Wiping surfaces; Have you child wipe down a table, window or floor with a cloth, encouraging large sweeping motions from one side of the body to the other

If you have concerns about your child's ability to complete these activities, give us a call on 4869 3221 to discuss further

08/04/2026

Follow us on Instagram to see more of what we are up to in the Learning to Shine Clinic 🔆

01/04/2026

Supported Playgroup - Where Play Meets Growth! 🌈

Friday's 10am

If you're looking for a gentle, supportive environment that blends play, social skills, sensory fun and developmental support - we'd love to welcome you and your family.

Come join the fun and watch your child thrive.

Spots are limited - Contact us to join the fun.

30/03/2026

Reaching, toughing, pressing , tracing... it might look simple, but moments like this are powerful opportunities for sensory integration.

Tactile input; information we gather through our skin-helps children make sense of their world. When a child explores a sensory board, they're not just feeling textures. They're building pathways for:

🖐️Body awareness
🖐️Fine motor development
🖐️Emotional regulation
🖐️Confidence in exploring new sensations

For some children, tactile play provides calming, organising input. For others, it's a chance to stretch their comfort zone and learn that new sensations can feel safe and enjoyable.

In this moment, this little one is doing exactly what their nervous system needs; reaching up, engaging their muscles, and taking in rich sensory information through their hands. It's purposeful, playful, and deeply supportive of their development.

Sensory integration doesn't always need to be complicated - sometimes it's as simple as offering a safe space to explore

28/03/2026

Join us on Friday Mornings at 10am where Allied Health Assistants facilitate structured playgroup activities to support your child's development and emerging abilities and provide education for you and your child along the way.

This group gives you the opportunity to encourage your child to participate in a variety of supported activities.

Playgroup sessions will include:
Visual Aids
Key word sign
Age appropriate activities to support fine motor development
Behaviour support
Free play
Structured group time
Music & gross motor movement
Sensory & messy play
Safe, comfortable and accepting environment

Connect with other families, share ideas and experiences to help build social support networks ❤

Bookings required, we look forward to meeting you and your family.

25/03/2026

Exciting News! We have availability to welcome new clients!
We are looking forward to supporting you and your children.

If you have been thinking about OT for your child, now is the time.

NO REFERRAL REQUIRED ✔

Places will fill fast, give us a call on 02 4869 3221 to discuss your child's needs. Our wonderful team will be able to assist you with next steps.

We cannot wait to meet you and your family.

17/03/2026

⚛TERM 2 Steam Group Therapy ⚛

Friday's Fortnightly 4pm - 5pm
Primary School Aged Children

Our new STEAM program is a fun, therapist designed, program, that blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics with the core principles of Occupational Therapy.

Sessions are small groups to ensure personalised support and meaningful connections

Contact us today for more information or to enrol your child on (02) 4869 3221 or email us at office@learningtoshine.com.au

Our Group Programs are designed to develop and enhance skills alongside peers in a supportive and FUN way. Our groups offer a safe setting to practice functional social-emotional and motor skills,...

16/03/2026

🐴 Limited Spaces available for our April School Holiday Pony Group Program 🐴

Tuesday 14th April
2 hours
Morning or Afternoon sessions available
Hollyhall Farm Avoca

Hollyhall Farm is the perfect setting for a small-group OT program that blends equine-assisted experiences with purposeful therapeutic goals.

This group will support children's sensory regulation, confidence, communication, motor development, and emotional wellbeing through structured, hands-on interactions with ponies in a calm farm environment.

If you would like to join us and the ponies, please call us on 4869 3221 to enquire or book your spot.

13/03/2026

Looking for an NDIS plan manager? Check out Just Better Care - Illawarra and Southern Highlands

Finding the right NDIS provider can make a huge difference to your independence, confidence, and progress toward your goals. Read our Guide to find out what to look for in a quality provider: https://www.justbettercare.com/news-events/ndis-provider-guide-australia

11/03/2026

Why do we use Peanut Balls & How can you use them at home? 🥜🏐

* Core Strength - Sit on the peanut ball and try to keep your balance
Targeting abdominal & back muscles, helps with posture and overall body control

* Pretend Play - Look, I am a Superhero!
Movement & Imagination together assist physical & cognitive development

* Balance - Lay on their tummy and rock back and forth
Activates the vestibular system and helps with coordination

* Gross Motor - Obstacle course, crawl over the ball
For full body movement, motor planning & coordination

* Sensory Regulation - Gently roll the ball over your child's body like a steam roller
Deep pressure can be calming and organising, Ensure you ask after the comfort level and pressure level

* Bouncing Games - Child to bounce on the ball
A fun exercise that strengthens core muscles and activates the vestibular system