Childhood Enrichment Therapy

04/02/2025

03/30/2025

FREE EVENT!!
Are you looking for a Preschool in Westmoreland County for your young learner? Westmoreland County LICC is inviting you to a Preschool Expo!
Come speak to various preschools in the area and choose which one you like best for your child.😀

03/16/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/152AiNdkvg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Time for this reminder!

This is my most widely shared post. And rightly so, it’s an important one. These are “prewriting patterns”, with the average (but not prescribed) age at which children are developmentally ready to achieve these patterns listed below them in years and months. Being able to process visual information and produce a movement in response (e.g. copying these prewriting patterns or letter formations), is known as “visual motor integration”.

Note that an X is not typically achieved until 4 years 11 months, and a triangle at 5 years 3 months. If a child can’t form these basic shapes...then they probably won’t be able to form letters. ⠀⠀
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It is quite concerning then that there are 3 year 7 month olds starting formal schooling (in Western Australia at least), where they’re soon expected to write. Not only are their visual motor integration skills not developed enough, their hands are also physically under-developed. In addition, recognising letters, understanding phonics and beginning to read are all needed in order for a child to write meaningfully, skills which children starting kindy (and preprimary) typically don’t have. We also know that when a child learns something that doesn’t hold meaning, it‘s unlikely to stick.
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So if you have a 3-4 year old who spontaneously asks or attempts to write letters, that’s great; otherwise, there is no need to initiate or worry about this. Unfortunately there is a misconception, particularly with the way that the current curriculum and expectations stand, that earlier is better. Earlier is not always better.

Preschool children should be focusing on the foundation skills needed for writing, and most of this can be achieved through PLAY. Big body movements like running and jumping and climbing to strengthen the core, shoulders and hands; playing and tinkering with small parts and toys to develop fine motor skills and the coordination and strength needed to grasp a pencil; drawing and experimenting with shapes; and finally guidance from adults on how to form individual letters efficiently, BEFORE writing words and sentences.

Please note that this message does not translate to “don’t teach prewriting patterns” or “don’t get help if you’re concerned” - it is more to ease the minds of parents who may be concerned that their child is “behind”.

Source of shape and age ranges: Beery Buktenica Test of Visual Motor Integration, 6th Edition

02/28/2025

Fun Family Event!
March 8, 2025. Westmoreland Mall. 11:00am-3:00pm

11/28/2024

From all of us at Childhood Enrichment Therapy, Happy Thanksgiving!! We hope your day is blessed with fun, food, laughter and beautiful memories of those you hold dear!! ❤️

10/16/2024

That’s right!

Image: Girl, I've Got You with Cassie GS

09/03/2024

More frequent "brain breaks" can improve student attention, reduce behavior problems.

08/30/2024

❤️

08/06/2024

Childhood Enrichment Therapy is hiring Physical Therapists and Special Instructors to cover Westmoreland County. If you’re interested in applying, please email Brianne Reyes:
brianne@childhoodenrichmenttherapy.com

06/18/2024

Childhood Enrichment Therapy is hiring Physical Therapists! If anyone is interested in helping us cover Westmoreland County, please contact: Brianne@childhoodenrichmenttherapy.com
Thanks!!