We had so much fun this summer!  Several camps were provided at our clinic in Cordova in June and July.  Our speech-language pathologist, Rachel Reese, led a Pre-Literacy Camp during the month of June focusing on phonemic awareness activities.  Our speech-language pathologist, Kalynn Smalley, led two social language groups utilizing the Social Thinking curriculum and a feeding group focusing on different food textures.  Jennifer Henderson, our occupational therapist, led three handwriting groups focusing on increasing fine motor coordination, hand strength, prewriting and writing skills.  Carly Harrison, our therapy assistant, helped with all the groups. 

We also collaborated with the Down Syndrome Association (DSAM) for the Summer Steps program. Speech-language pathologist, Liz McMahon led a team of 7 volunteers and 8 children enrolled in this inclusive program.  Summer Steps was held at Germantown United Methodist Preschool (GUMP) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 - 12.  This was our 5th year for the Summer Steps program and it was amazing!  Several developmental and social skills were targeted during each session.  We worked on handwriting, reading, language, motor skills and social interactions. With our student to volunteer ratios, we were almost 1:1 each session.  The kids and volunteers had a blast! 
 

Big thanks to DSAM, GUMP and all the volunteers for the Summer Steps program.  Thank you to the Brightsong team and the children enrolled in the camps for their hard work this summer. We hope to see you again next year!

A new school year is upon us and that means new school supplies, new clothes and back to packing lunches and snacks.  Whether your child buys their lunch at school, or you pack a lunch for them, there are ways to help ensure that they eat a balanced lunch.
 

If your child buys lunch at school, review the menu with them ahead of time and help them understand which foods would be good choices and why.  Encourage them to drink milk and water and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.
 

If you pack a lunch for your child, spend some time brainstorming ideas with them. You might discover they have some great ideas and learn more about what types of food and snacks your child would like to eat.  Nutrition experts recommend that every child be exposed to a variety of tastes and textures. Each meal and snack should include at least 1 protein, 1 starch, 1 fruit or vegetable and a drink.  If you have a "picky" eater, be sure to include foods you know they will eat.  Some ideas for lunches might include:

• Deli meat and cheese on bread, rolled in a tortilla or stuffed in a pita
• Cheese and crackers
• Trail mix, popcorn, baked chips or pretzels
• Fruit (fresh or in natural juices), Fruit Leather
• Yogurt, Jell-O or Pudding
• Vegetables (celery, carrots, jicama, broccoli, snap peas, etc with veggie or Ranch dip)
• Yogurt smoothies, water, milk or 100% juice box

When packing a lunch, make sure hot foods are kept hot and cold foods are cold.  Hot foods (soup, chili, etc) can be sent in a thermos.  Just remember, your child may not be able to heat up their food.   Always place a freezer pack in their lunch box when you pack meat, yogurt, cheese and mayo.

There are many different options when you pack your child's lunch.  Please visit our blog or Pinterest page for more lunch and snack ideas.