Hearts and Hands Therapy Services, Inc. of New England

12/11/2025

Modeling verbs at bath time 🛁

Finding language opportunities in routines you already do—such as bath time—can make modeling language feel easy and natural.

We don’t always think of bath time as “play,” but it can be a great opportunity to model action words in a play-based, sensory-rich way for kids who enjoy the water.

You can “scoop” water into a cup and “pour” it out, or “wash” different body parts.

Try making bath toys “jump,” "swim,” and “hide” under bubbles, “climb” up the side of the tub, or “fall” into the water. You can even “squeeze” a washcloth or “blow” the water to make little ripples.

Keep it playful, follow your child’s lead, and simply say the verbs as you do them—no pressure for your child to repeat.

Let us know if you try it! 🫧

12/09/2025

🌈 Book of the Week: The Rainbow Fish 🌈

�A beautiful story with an even more meaningful message!

At our clinic, we love using The Rainbow Fish during therapy sessions because it supports so many important developmental skills for children:�

✨ Social-Emotional Learning:�This story helps kids explore big ideas like kindness, friendship, and sharing. It gives therapists a gentle way to talk with children about feelings, taking turns, and how our actions impact others.�

🎨 Language Development:�Describing the fish, retelling the story, and predicting what might happen next all help build vocabulary and early storytelling skills.�

🧠 Executive Functioning:�The book encourages kids to think about choices, problem-solve, and reflect on how behavior affects social outcomes—skills that support flexibility and emotional regulation.�

🎭 Play & Creativity:�Follow-up activities like pretend play, craft time, or sensory play with “scales” make it fun to build fine motor skills and imagination.�

💙 Why It Helps:�Stories like The Rainbow Fish give children a safe way to talk about their feelings, practice social skills, and learn empathy—all while enjoying a colorful, engaging book.�

If your child loves this story at home, try pausing to ask questions like, “How do you think the fish feels?” or “What would you do?” These small moments build BIG developmental skills!

12/08/2025

Little wins, big skills!

Sometimes big goals start with small steps!

In ABA, this is called a Task Analysis — breaking down a complex skill into smaller, teachable parts.

If you’re introducing a new skill at home, try breaking it down step-by-step.

For example, when teaching your child to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, start with just one step — such as spreading the peanut butter — while you handle the rest. As your child becomes more independent, you can add the next step!

Your BCBA can help you create a personalized task analysis for skills at home and guide you on how to introduce each step successfully.

✨ Every little step is progress!

Examples of skills perfect for Task Analysis:

* Making a sandwich 🥪
* Brushing teeth 🪥
* Tying shoes 👟
* Folding clothes 👕
* And MORE!

12/04/2025

Play-Doh!

Oh how we love Play-Doh!! ��

In speech-language therapy, Play-Doh can be used to work on action words (roll, cut, slice, smash, etc), nouns (colors names, stencil names, etc), and grow utterance length (how many words they put together).

It can also be used to practice concepts like under, over, in, etc. and work on following directions.

Children can be exposed to quantity (three balls), size (big, bigger, small, etc.), and imaginative play. ��

The added benefit is that for some of our kids, Play-Doh can be very regulating. Play-Doh can be child led and provide play based learning opportunities. ��

What are some ways you use Play-Doh to connect with your child???

12/02/2025

Book of the Week: Read, Play, Grow!

Throughout December, we will be sharing some of our favorite books. 📚

First up!

🐻 Brown Bear Brown Bear 🐻

This is a great book for growing language and having fun with our kids!!

“Brown Bear Brown Bear” by Eric Carle is great for growing language as it uses repetitive language increasing exposure of the same words and concepts. It also teaches colors and animal names. ��We love this book in speech-language therapy because we can build activities off of it with toys for the animals, finger puppet play, music, etc.

This book is also good with expanded utterances (length of sentences) with continued exposure of "I see" phrases throughout the book as well as practicing answering questions. ��Simple at home activity to go with it:

�Act out each animal as you read —
* Bear: big stomps 🐻
* Bird: flap wings 🐦
* Frog: jump 🐸
* Cat: crawl 🐱

Skills this works on: Gross motor coordination, turn-taking and imitation, listening and movement sequencing

�Overall this book is a 10/10 for skill building and fun!! 🙌🏽

12/01/2025

ABA at home - helping your child succeed 🌟

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies can make a big difference at home!

Here are some simple tips to support your child’s success every day:

✅ Use a visual schedule – This helps your child know what to expect and prepare for changes in their day.

�✅ Stay flexible – Life happens! Keeping routines flexible helps your child learn to manage unexpected changes.

�✅ Give a heads up – Let your child know about upcoming activities and use timers to make transitions easier.

�✅ Reinforce positive behavior – Praise your child for specific things they do well and use their favorite items or activities as rewards.

�✅ Make time for connection – Spend quality one-on-one time doing activities your child loves. Use these moments to model communication and play skills by following their lead.

�✅ Motivate with fun! – Use the things your child enjoys to encourage participation in less preferred activities, like showering, homework, or chores.

Small steps and consistent support go a long way in helping your child build confidence and independence at home. 💛

11/27/2025

What’s one thing your child has learned or achieved this year that you’re thankful for?

Tell us in the comments or send us a DM! 💕

11/25/2025

The Things We’re Grateful for as Pediatric Therapists at HHTS 💕

(Part 2)

McCall, ST: I’m grateful to work alongside such an amazing group of therapists who make every day brighter. I also love getting to come to work each day with the purpose of helping kiddos build communication through connection and joy! ⭐️��

Emily, OT: Feeling incredibly grateful to be an OT at HHTS! Every day I get to work with amazing kiddos who inspire me and alongside the most servant-hearted therapists who pour their hearts into every session. ⭐️

Kammi, ST: I am grateful that I get to work with and be apart of the lives and journeys of the families at HHTS! ⭐️

Taylor, ST: I'm grateful to be in a position to advocate for those who can't speak for themselves. Seeing increased confidence in my clients and their families as they grow their communication skills is the best feeling! ⭐️

11/25/2025

11/24/2025

The Things We’re Grateful for as Pediatric Therapists at HHTS 💕

(Part 1)

Wendy, OT: I am grateful to be able to come to "work" every day and doing something that I LOVE!! There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding when your kiddo does something they have been struggling with and the pure joy on their face when we react, just makes my heart explode. ❤️

Alex, OT: I am grateful that I get to have a job where we can work on building confidence, regulation, skills, and social interaction with kiddos through PLAY! 💛��Ashley, ST: I am grateful for every single coworker and kid who is in this clinic. I learn, have fun, and grow with them daily. It is truly amazing to watch the HHTS team rise to help each and every family. I'm honored to work here. 💚

Kristen, ST: I am grateful for the passion that everyone shares to help not just the kids, but also help each of use become better therapists. We learn so much from other professions, but also we get so much insight from parents and the children we treat that I feel like a stronger therapist as more families come. 💗 Our village is a special one!

11/21/2025

Let me see you move! The Worcester clinic is loving this moment turkey created by our Wendy! The child picks a “feather” and each envelopes holds a movement ! What do you think are movements that benefit our kids ? Write your guesses in the comments below

11/20/2025

Time for Hearts & Hands Holiday Gift Guide! 🎁

These recommendations come from occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and BCBAs.

�Please remember, no gift will ever replace the power of playing with our children and giving them space to explore and learn. ✨

Do you have a favorite toy you’d like to share?

Drop it in the comments below! 👇🏽

We will be dropping links in stories throughout the week.