Reading and writing skills don’t just grow in the classroom or during structured practice at the kitchen table- written language is all around us! Here are some fun-filled ideas to encourage your child’s love of literacy this summer:

Does mealtime at your house look like more food on the floor - or on you! - than in your child's belly? Meltdowns if their food is a different shape or food is touching? Does your child have sensory superpowers that can detect a single speck of seasoning? Daily negotiations to take one little bite? Refusal to eat anything green? Or my personal favorite - will your child lick a rock but not touch anything you cook?

If you said yes to any or all of these then pull up a seat because you are in the right place!

Kids in physical therapy? It's not just about getting stronger, it's about unlocking their world, helping them move, balance, and just be kids. We want them to feel like they can tackle anything! 

And honestly, when you throw water into the mix? It's a game-changer…

For someone with APD, it might take extra time or effort to figure out speech, especially in noisy places or when there are lots of sounds happening at once. It’s not about being less smart or not paying attention – it’s just that the brain processes sounds differently, and this can make listening and understanding tricky at times…

…And let’s face it- while words are very helpful, sometimes they just don’t work the best when we feel intense emotions. When children feel uncomfortable/intense emotions and words appear to be more difficult for them in this time- try these creative ways to help children express their emotions- and bonus, these creative activities can also aid in self-regulation! 

Snow has fallen, the holidays are upon us, and the new year will be here before we know it. As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and refocus. Taking a moment to celebrate accomplishments, learn from challenges, and reconnect with what truly matters can set the stage for a fresh and fulfilling start to the new year…

In order to teach our kids about inclusivity, we first have to ask ourselves a few questions:

Do we really know what inclusion is?

What does inclusion mean to us? What role does it play in ours and our kids' lives? 

At Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy, we know that communication is such an important component of connecting with others. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) can provide an incredible way for some individuals to share their voices with the world. But many of us might wonder how to best communicate with someone who primarily uses AAC to communicate.

Here are some simple tips for fostering meaningful conversations, embracing AAC as a powerful tool for connection, and showing respect for everyone’s unique way of communicating:

Music is such a gift - it can pump us up, match the tone of a movie score, and is just so fun and beautiful. But did you know that music can do so much more than get you singing, moving, and grooving? Music has an amazing power to help kids build strong language skills! My heart’s passion is to help kids find their voice - and, it’s true - those catchy melodies and sing-alongs can help them literally do just that!