Janka Poggenpoel Arbeidsterapeute

16/07/2025

Why Does Pediatric OT Take Time?

We know it can feel slow at times — those weekly sessions, small improvements, and the long wait for “big” changes. But pediatric occupational therapy is more like a marathon than a sprint. 🏃‍♂️💨

Here’s why progress can take time:

- Every child is unique — Therapy is tailored to your child’s pace, strengths, and needs. No two journeys look the same.

- We’re building deep foundations — OT focuses on core skills like regulation, motor coordination, sensory processing, and independence. These aren’t quick fixes — they’re building blocks for life!

- Relationship comes first — Trust and connection between the child and therapist are essential. A strong bond = better results.

- Small steps lead to big wins — Sometimes the progress isn’t immediately visible, but over time, those little milestones add up to huge victories!

So if it’s taking longer than expected, don’t lose heart. Progress is happening — and we’re cheering your child on every step of the way. 💪💕

16/07/2025

31/05/2025

05/04/2025

10/10/2024

Hey ouers! Het julle geweet dat primitiewe reflekse 'n belangrike rol speel in jul kind se ontwikkeling? Hierdie reflekse is outomatiese bewegings wat teenwoordig is by babas en gewoonlik integreer soos die kind ouer word. Tog, as hierdie reflekse aanhou voortduur, kan dit die ontwikkeling en funksionering van jou kind beïnvloed.

Hier is 'n paar voorbeelde van hoe primitiewe reflekse wat aanhou voortduur, jou kind se ontwikkeling kan beïnvloed:

1. As die Moro-refleks (ook bekend as die 'startle reflex') aanhou voortduur, kan dit lei tot oormatige sensitiwiteit vir harde geluide of skielike bewegings.

2. Die Asymmetriese toniese nekrefleks (ATNR) wat nie geïntegreer word nie, kan moeilikheid veroorsaak met beide oog-hand koördinasie en balans.

3. Die Babinski-refleks wat aanhou voortduur, kan lei tot probleme met looppatrone en balans.

Tekens dat primitiewe reflekse nog teenwoordig is in jou kind kan insluit: swak balans, moeilikheid met koördinasie en fynmotoriese vaardighede.

As jy enige van hierdie tekens opmerk in jou kind, is dit belangrik om 'n arbeidsterapeut te raadpleeg vir verdere assessering en intervensie.

11/07/2024

What is the hidden sense; Proprioception?

Proprioception is our sense of body awareness and movement. It helps us navigate the world around us and coordinate our actions. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I often incorporate proprioceptive activities into therapy sessions to help children regulate their sensory input and improve their overall functioning.

Some fun sensory regulation activities that include proprioception are:
1. Wall push-ups: Have your child push against a wall with their hands to provide deep pressure input.
2. Wheelbarrow walks: Support your child's legs as they walk on their hands, engaging their core muscles and providing deep proprioceptive input.
3. Heavy work tasks: Engage in activities that involve lifting, carrying, or pushing heavy objects to provide deep pressure input to joints and muscles.

By incorporating these proprioceptive activities into your child's daily routine, we can help them improve their self-regulation skills and enhance their overall sensory processing abilities. Let's work together to support your child's sensory needs and promote their development!

22/05/2024

PLAY.PLAY.PLAY.PLAY

How to connect with your child can be a overwhelming thought but is actually so basic. In this article there are some ideas for you to help connect with your child.

Engaging fully with your child in play offers a wonderful opportunity to build your child’s self-esteem. Imagine how your child must feel, knowing that the most important person in their world likes them enough to take the time to play with them. Additionally, research shows when you allow the pla...

15/04/2024

Why is movement breaks important for children?

Here are some key benefits of incorporating movement breaks into your classroom and when doing homework:

1. Enhanced focus and attention: Movement breaks can help children regulate their sensory input, which can improve their ability to focus and pay attention during therapy tasks.

2. Improved behavior and self-regulation: Movement breaks can help children release excess energy and regulate their sensory systems, leading to improved behavior and self-regulation skills.

3. Increased engagement and participation: Movement breaks can break up therapy tasks and provide opportunities for children to engage in physical activities, which can increase their motivation and participation in therapy.

4. Sensory regulation: Movement breaks can provide sensory input that helps children regulate their sensory systems, leading to improved overall sensory processing.

5. Energy release: Movement breaks allow children to release pent-up energy and tension, which can help them feel more relaxed and focused during therapy activities.

6. Motor skill development: Movement breaks can involve activities that target specific motor skills, such as balance, coordination, and strength, which can help improve a child’s overall motor development.

7. Stress reduction: Movement breaks can help children reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a more positive feedback.

18/02/2024

Why will a child make random sounds during classtime?" 🤔

🔊 Vocalizations and their significance:
It's not uncommon for children to make random sounds, such as humming, whistling, or even making animal noises, during classtime. While it may seem distracting or disruptive, these vocalizations can serve various purposes and provide valuable insights into a child's sensory and emotional needs. Let's explore a few possible reasons behind these behaviors:

🎧 Self-regulation and sensory input:
Children may vocalize to self-regulate their sensory systems. Making sounds can help them manage overwhelming sensory input or provide a calming effect. It's their way of coping with the environment and maintaining focus.

🎧Expressing emotions:
Children, especially those who struggle with verbal communication, may use vocalizations as a means to express their emotions. These sounds can convey excitement, frustration, boredom, or even a need for attention. It's essential to observe the context and accompanying body language to understand the underlying message.

🎧Attention-seeking:
Some children may resort to making random sounds to seek attention from peers or adults.

🎧Sensory-seeking behaviors:
Certain children have a higher sensory threshold and require additional sensory input to stay alert and focused. Making sounds can provide the necessary stimulation to keep their brains engaged. It's important to explore alternative ways to meet their sensory needs without disrupting the classroom environment.

👩‍👦Strategies for support:
If you notice a child making random sounds during classtime, here are a few strategies that may help:

🔔Create a sensory-friendly environment:
Consider providing sensory tools like fidget toys, stress balls, or chewable items to help children regulate their sensory systems without resorting to vocalizations.

🔔Teach alternative coping strategies:
Encourage the child to use alternative methods for self-regulation, such as deep breathing exercises, squeezing a stress ball, or taking short movement breaks.

🔔Provide opportunities for communication:
Support the child's communication skills by offering alternative ways to express their emotions or needs. This can include visual aids, sign language, or using a communication app if necessary.

🔔Collaborate with professionals

Remember, every child is unique, and their vocalizations may have different meanings. By understanding the reasons behind these behaviors, we can better support our children's needs.

08/02/2024

VVA wil kinders met die lied inspireer om te lees. Dit is so belangrik om sommer van kleins af vir jou kind te lees. Net 20% kinders lees met begrip. Dit is ‘n voorreg om te kan deel wees van kinder lees intervensie.

Die Vriende van Afrikaans vier dertig jaar van stories vertel, en watter beter manier as deur musiek. ATKV-Crescendo finaliste Lucia Poggenpoel en Jason Baar...

07/11/2023

A R B E I D S T E R A P I E
Groei tot jou volle potensiaal!

Wat 'n groot voorreg om deel te wees van Laerskool Thabazimbi se Graad 1 opedag.

Mag elke Graad 1 maatjie volgende jaar floreer!

L E E R • S P E E L • G R O E I