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Mobility Cycle
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The Pioneer Mobility Cycle is the ideal mobility training and exercise cycle for children and young adults from 5 to 15 years old. It was specifically designed for children with Cerebral Palsy, but is suitable for many riders when balance and support are critical. More Info |
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Magneatos
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Jumbo sized magnetic construction pieces are easy to grasp. Threaded connector pieces come in 2 sizes (about 2" and 5") and smooth balls are 2" diameter.
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Fun Gripper Soccer Ball Set
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| These 6" and 8" mini soccer balls are ideal for indoor soccer, and can also be used for dodge ball or catching games. Butyl bladder with standard inflation valve.
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Edublocks
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Unique set of 50 interlocking soft blocks that are flexible and easy to stack. Durable, washable and non-toxic. Basic block is 4 ½" X 4 ½ " X 3 ½".
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OGGZ™
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Place your three OGGZ in their nesting crate and plug
in the charger. Then let your clients hold them and enjoy watching the OGGZ
changing colors. Never gets hot and has no wires.
More Info
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Welcome to the May edition of Pawprint, Southpaw's monthly e-newsletter designed to share information throughout the SI community. Our new catalog is out and you can view the new prodcts we've added on our website here. You can also request a copy of the new catalog here. Make sure to visit us online at www.southpawenterprises.com.
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| Therapy Room Picture Contest Results
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In April's newsletter, we asked for pictures of therapy rooms that people had set up in their homes. Victoria Malinak sent some wonderful photos of 'Lexa's Secret Playground' that she created in her garage, with some additional help from her daughter painting the mural. Thanks to Victoria and Lexa!
 Check back in next month's newsletter for another chance to win a Southpaw Gift Certificate. |
Therapist Forum
Simple Strategies to Avoid a 'Wipeout' this Summer
Deanna Macioce, MS, OTR/L |
As adults, we remember this time of year quite well. The daylight becomes longer and weather
begins to warm - the ending of another school year is near. For almost 3 months, days are filled with
swimming, bike riding, and staying up late. No more sitting in a classroom trying
to pay attention to math and reading lessons, writing out spelling words, or having
to follow the day long school routine.
For many children, this is what they look forward to all year long;
ready to expel energy and take a break from school. However, for children with sensory
difficulties, the end of the school year entails a change in routine and
structure; a disruption in the world as they know it. And being at home with a loose schedule and
not fulfilling the sensory needs may lead melt downs and challenges. So, what can parents, teachers, and
therapists do to help make the transition for these children smooth?
First, it is important for all parties involved to
prepare a child for the upcoming change.
Very often the use of a social story both at home and in school can
assist with accomplishing this. And
although it is important to provide some routine, varying it from the school
year routine allows children to work on adaptability and change. Summer is a great time to get children
involved in various activities. More and
more communities are offering enriching programs for children with various
needs. In addition, many therapy clinics
will offer sensory motor play groups or camps that are aimed at addressing
various sensory needs and challenges. Parents
need to look into day camps, zoo camps, or swimming programs, to name a few. These programs provide some structure, as
well as allows for social opportunities outside the home environment.
Parents can provide opportunities for movement and
exploration by setting up a scavenger hunt in the backyard, taking daily trips
to the playground or going to the beach to crash in the waves or build castles
in the sand. Taking trips to water and
amusement parks provide an increased amount of proprioceptive and vestibular
input. As parents it is important to have expectations of your child. For
example, encourage the continuation of an ongoing morning and night routine.
Also, based on the age of children, require them to carry out some of the daily
household chores. In the beginning weeks, the use of a written or picture
schedule will assist in giving notice to what will be happening throughout the
day..
It is important to not only provide gross motor/movement
activities, but to also include activities that address the fine motor skills used
while in the classroom. Too often
activities that include handwriting are not exercised throughout the summer,
leading to a decrease in endurance, strength, and ability to perform these
tasks come the Fall. Therefore, try to
include activities to increase hand and wrist strength, such as the use of
water squirters, planting flowers or using sidewalk chalk. Have children work on writing by making a
schedule for the day, writing the grocery list or even write a letter to
classmates.
Therapists need to spend time with parents, so they can understand how
daily routines will change and what challenges may arise. Sensory diets need to be modified to include
the activities that can be carried out within the home environment. In addition, summer is a good time for
therapist to work on the functional tasks of bike or scooter riding and
rollerblading. These activities address
components of all the sensory areas.
Summer is an exciting time of year, and for many children
the transition to increased activity and loose schedules is fairly easy, but
with the sensory challenged child, increased planning needs to be utilized to
make the transition easy and fun. So, don't get wiped out this summer, prepare
and utilize your child's team and various strategies to make the smooth
transition. |
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Did You Know?
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Do you have an idea for the next great thing in Sensory Integration? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Click here for more information. |
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