Sensation Station

The last Sensational Sunday before summer break will be next weekend, June 2. There are still spots available so check out our website and the sign up genius.

Sensation Station attends the annual walk for Autism and resource fair. Looking good Marissa and Lucas.

http://ctwalkforautism.com

May the 4th be with you

Sensation Station has a new CEO and she has big plans, stay tuned!

Pediatric occupational therapy is a specialized branch of healthcare designed to assist children in developing the essential skills needed for everyday activities, commonly referred to as "occupations" in this context. These occupations include, but are not limited to, feeding, dressing, writing, and playing. The goal of pediatric occupational therapy is to enable children to live as independently as possible, while also supporting their overall development and well-being. Therapists work closely with families, educators, and other professionals to create a comprehensive support system tailored to each child's unique needs. This may involve adapting the environment, modifying tasks, teaching new skills, and using therapeutic activities to enhance motor, cognitive, sensory processing, communication, and social skills. By focusing on the child's strengths and potential, pediatric occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping children overcome challenges, achieve milestones, and participate fully in school and social situations.

Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity and exercise helps enhance emotional and social well-being in children with disabilities.

Amy Wheadon, MSOT, OTD, OTR, NASM has been a pediatric OT for 23 years and is the founder ExerSHINE Kids POWER Bootcamp Program, a structured group program focused on using fast-paced, high-intensity exercises to improve overall performance in daily occupations.

Read more of Amy’s story: https://bit.ly/4434zPz

Check out my latest Blog: The Digital Dilemma: Navigating Screen Time for Toddlers
https://app.kajabi.com/admin/sites/2148178781/blog_posts
https://www.sensationstation.net/kidbitz-with-mr-randy

📚🌟 IEP season is upon us, and it's crucial to be prepared to advocate for our children's needs! Here are some tips to navigate the process effectively:

🔍 Review Existing IEPs: Take time to understand your child's current plan and note any areas for improvement.

📋 Gather Information: Collect relevant documents and communicate with school staff to ensure everyone is on the same page.

🎯 Set Goals: Identify specific objectives you want to achieve during the upcoming meetings to address your child's needs effectively.

🤝 Communicate with School Personnel: Build a collaborative relationship with teachers and therapists to work together for your child's success.

💬 Prepare Questions and Concerns: Come to meetings with a list of topics to discuss and ensure all relevant issues are addressed.

👂 Be an Active Participant: Advocate for your child's needs during meetings and ensure their voice is heard in decision-making.

📝 Document Decisions: Take notes to keep track of agreements and next steps to ensure follow-through.

🔄 Follow Up: Stay involved in your child's education and ensure that agreed-upon services and accommodations are implemented effectively.

💪 Seek Support if Needed: Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance if you encounter challenges or disagreements during the process. https://sensationalparentingresources.mykajabi.

Let's work together to ensure our children receive the support they need to thrive in school and beyond! 🌈📚

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season of renewal and nature's beauty than by crafting your very own bird feeder! Not only is this a fun activity for the whole family, but it also invites our feathered friends to enjoy your garden. Let's get started!

Materials Needed:
Bagel (preferably plain, not flavored)
Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
Birdseed
String or twine
Knife or spatula
Plate or shallow dish

Instructions:
Prepare the Bagel:
Start by cutting the bagel in half horizontally, creating two equal halves.
If the bagel is fresh, you may want to let it sit out for a day to dry slightly. This will make it easier to spread the peanut butter.

Spread Peanut Butter:
Take one half of the bagel and spread a generous layer of peanut butter on the cut side. You can use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, whichever you prefer.
Ensure that the entire surface of the bagel half is covered with peanut butter. The peanut butter will act as an adhesive for the birdseed.

Apply Birdseed:
Pour birdseed onto a plate or shallow dish.
Carefully place the peanut butter-coated side of the bagel half onto the plate of birdseed, pressing down gently to ensure the seeds adhere to the peanut butter.
Lift the bagel half from the plate, shaking off any excess birdseed. The peanut butter should now be coated with birdseed.

Repeat for Second Half (Optional):
If you'd like, you can repeat the process for the second half of the bagel to create a matching feeder.

Attach String:
Take a piece of string or twine and thread it through the hole in the bagel (if it has one). Alternatively, you can create a small hole in the top edge of the bagel using a skewer or knife.
Tie the ends of the string together securely to create a loop for hanging.

Hang the Feeder:
Find a suitable location to hang the bird feeder, such as a tree branch or hook.
Hang the feeder at a height that is safe and convenient for both you and the birds to access.

Enjoy Watching the Birds:

Traveling with kids can be an enriching and unforgettable experience for the whole family. While it may come with its challenges, the benefits far outweigh the obstacles. From fostering a sense of curiosity and adventure to creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds.

Check out my blog

https://sensationalparentingresources.mykajabi.com/blog/the-joyful-journey-exploring-the-benefits-of-traveling-with-kids?_gl=1%2A1e7ahk7%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE3MDUyNzEzNTIuQ2owS0NRaUFob210QmhEZ0FSSXNBQmNhWXltM01zWXZTdlpwbmlxeExjUE9aTWIzUmhfSF9nN1BaeGNHQ0kxSllsVlZ5dXlPV3p3WjBvUWFBcW05RUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_au%2AMTE4MDE5OTgyMi4xNzA1MDc1Mzc3

Easter crafts to work on fine motor skills.

To all the parents who are busy working, managing households and parenting their kids.
Take some time to smell the flowers today.

In essence, taking time to smell the flowers is about savoring the moments, finding joy in the present, and nurturing your well-being through connection with nature. It's a simple yet profound practice that can bring richness and depth to your life.

Let's Get Cooking
Engaging children in the kitchen is a fantastic way to promote a variety of skills, including fine and gross motor skills, sensory exploration, math concepts, and an appreciation for healthy eating.

Check out my blog for some cooking activities that you can do with children to make the kitchen a fun and educational space

https://www.sensationstation.net/kidbitz-with-mr-randy

Introducing a straw to your baby can be an exciting and beneficial step in their development, as it encourages different oral motor skills and aids in the transition to sippy cups and regular cups. Typically, you can start introducing a straw around 6 to 9 months of age, but every baby is unique, and it's essential to observe their readiness for this skill. Here are some guidelines on when and how to introduce a straw, along with activities to promote straw drinking:

When to Introduce a Straw:
Around 6-9 Months: Start offering a straw to your baby when they begin to show an interest in holding objects and bringing them to their mouths.
Signs of Readiness: Look for signs that your baby is ready for straw drinking, such as good head control, ability to sit with support, and showing interest in reaching for objects.

For 10 Activities to Promote Straw Drinking
Check out my blog
https://www.sensationstation.net/kidbitz-with-mr-randy

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day

Here are 10 Activities
1. Kindness Cards
2. Compliment Circle
3. Kindness Rocks
4. Secret Kindness Mission
5. Thank You Notes for Helpers
6. Bake and Share
7. Kindness Scavenger Hunt
8. Planting Seeds of Kindness
9. Decorate a jar and label it the "Gratitude Jar"
10. Kindness Bracelets

Happy Valentine's Day from our Team at Sensation Station