Theraplaytt

08/09/2025

Behavior redirection

Behavior Redirection Scripts : PDF
Practical Phrases for Special Education Teachers to Redirect Classroom Behavior Effectively
This resource is ideal for special education teachers, general education teachers, inclusion teachers, paraprofessionals, and classroom support teams. It offers powerful yet simple communication tools to manage behavior without escalation and to create a more positive classroom environment.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Behavior-Redirection-Scripts-Practical-Phrases-for-Special-Education-Teachers-14381203

07/09/2025

Fun crossing midline activities

What does crossing midline mean?

Crossing midline is when you move your hand, foot, or another body part across the middle of your body to the other side. It helps your brain and body work together.

These activities are great for building coordination, focus, and motor skills.

Clapping Games:
Play games like Pat-a-Cake where hands cross over to clap.

Reaching for Toys:
Place toys on one side and have kids grab them with the opposite hand.

High-Five Across:
High-five a friend using the opposite hand.

Stringing Beads:
Use one hand to hold the string and the other to thread beads.

Drawing Big Rainbows:
Use crayons or markers to draw big arcs across the paper.

Hula Hooping:
Swing the hoop around the waist or arms.

Catching Scarves:
Toss scarves in the air and catch them with the opposite hand.

Scooping Sand or Water:
Use one hand to scoop and pour into a bucket on the other side.

Popping Bubbles:
Pop bubbles on the opposite side of the body.

Simon Says:
Add moves like Touch your left knee with your right hand.

Yoga Poses:
Try poses like "Twisting Pretzel" where arms and legs cross.

04/09/2025

Autism and wandering

As families enjoy the last long weekend of summer, remember: Children on the autism spectrum may be drawn to water, roads, or unfamiliar places, and may not respond when called.

Understanding their unique safety needs can help prevent tragedy: ncmec.org/autism

02/09/2025

Gross and fine motor skills for babies

30/08/2025

Pencil grasp tips

These simple tips and activities can improve the way kids hold their pencils! ✏️

✍️ Draw, write, or color in prone position

✍️ Use shortened writing utensils like library or gold pencils

✍️ Break crayons into smaller pieces and use for coloring

✍️ Draw, write, or paint on a vertical surface

✍️ Work on core strength! Remember, proximal stability is the foundation for distal mobility.

✍️ Use colored tape to mark where kids should grasp their pencil

✍️ Try tucking a small object like a bead into the child’s 4th and 5th fingers while they grasp a pencil. This will promote the use of the “tripod fingers”.

Want the free pencil grasp handout? Leave a ✍️ in the comments and we’ll send it your way!

28/08/2025

Dexterity Builders: Fine Motor Group👷 for Ages 6-9!

Led by a paediatric occupational therapist, this small-group program (1 therapist : 3 children) is designed to help kids improve hand strength, endurance, dexterity visual motor integration, motor planning, and encourage social participation — all in a fun, play-based, safe, and engaging environment.

Perfect for children who want to be more master hands on skills like cutting with scissors, using utensils, opening containers, fastening buttons/zippers, and building with small pieces.

📍 Limited spots available - call Theraplay office at 221-3866 to reserve your child’s spot today!

‼️Children must meet specific criteria to be included in this group

28/08/2025

Exercise and self-regulation

🏃‍♂️💥 Did You Know that Exercise is a Superpower for Self-Regulation?

Looking for ways to help kids manage big emotions, stay focused, and make good choices? Start with movement! Here’s why exercise is a game-changer for self-regulation:

🧠 Boosts Brain Power
Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improving attention, memory, and decision-making—helping kids stay on task and control impulses.

😌 Reduces Stress
Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, helping kids feel calmer, more balanced, and better able to manage frustration and anxiety.

🚦 Builds Self-Control
Whether it’s team sports or solo activities, movement teaches kids how to follow rules, work with others, and regulate their behavior in everyday life.

💤 Improves Sleep
Active kids sleep better—and quality sleep is essential for emotional balance and self-regulation the next day!

🌟 Boosts Confidence
Physical challenges build a sense of accomplishment and confidence, which helps kids stay in control even when things get tough.

💪 Exercise truly builds both body and mind!

Want easy, effective movement ideas to support self-regulation? Check out our 30 games and activities to support self-regulation practice for kids ---> https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/self-regulation/?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com

27/08/2025

Why presuming competence matters

Viraj Dhanda's norm-shattering acceptance was made all the more poignant because he was considered intellectually challenged for the first 14 years of his life.

25/08/2025

A good approach for our kids

It's crucial for parents to normalize open conversations about mental health with their children.

👏 Encouraging them to express their emotions without judgment.

👏 Setting healthy boundaries can empower kids to manage their feelings mindfully.

By actively working together on coping skills and sharing their own emotional experiences, parents can create an environment where their children feel safe and supported in their mental well-being journey.

What else do we need to normalize?

22/08/2025

Sensory seeking vs sensory avoiding

Have you ever wondered why some children have a strong urge to seek sensory input while others seems to avoid it? https://ilslearningcorner.com/2016-04-proprioceptive-dysfunction-causes-sensory-seeking-and-sensory-avoiding-behavior/

21/08/2025

Sign up today !! Fantastic topics

✨ Empowering Families, Building Resilience, and Thriving Through Change ✨

The Down Syndrome Family Network, in collaboration with Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference, proudly invites you to a transformative workshop:

“Tools to Navigate Big Feelings, Build Resilience, and Thrive Through Change”
🗓 Saturday 27th September, 2025 | ⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 Brentwood Professional Centre, Chaguanas — Trinidad 🇹🇹

An afternoon of knowledge and inspiration awaits, featuring leading professionals and advocates who will share practical strategies for parents, young people, and families. Together, we’ll explore emotional intelligence, resilience, and tools to face life’s transitions with courage. 💚💙

🔗 Register now: https://tinyurl.com/DSFNTrinSept

✨ Stay tuned for our Tobago Workshop coming soon! ✨