We're two pediatric occupational therapists with a love of play-based learning, caregiver education + support, and anything that incorporates art and creativity!
Sensory paths are all the rage in therapeutic and educational spaces - and with good reason! Children’s brains are wired to explore and learn through movement and play. While custom made sensory paths can be astronomical in price, we created this printable resource that allows you choose from dozens of images to create an obstacle course your little one(s) will benefit from. Whether it’s teaching left from right, working on balance and coordination, focusing on sequencing and timing, bilateral
Within this bundle, we've combined our current visual schedule options to assist with transitions in the clinic, classroom or community! Best of all? Many of these resources can be laminated for continued use! -- Your download and use of this product implies understanding of the Terms of Use, which can be found on the second page of this document. Want to see more? Check out some of our other resource packets on the topics below! Visuals + Schedules:Bedtime Routine Visual Schedule (6 Versions,
A sensory diet focuses on what a child's sensory system needs in order to achieve a regulated and "ready to learn" state. So what exactly is a sensory diet, what does it need to include, and how can you tell if it's actually working to provide what the child needs? This resource we created answers all of the above and more! This resource packet covers the following topics:What is a sensory diet and what does it include? Important considerations Creating a sensory diet that works A printable lis
When it comes to teaching feelings identification and regulation techniques, we found it hard to find a resource that was digestible for little ones while still being a thorough explanation of the Zones approach. That's how this resource came about! This social story provides approachable language + hand-drawn illustrations to help teach about emotions and self regulation using zones inspired content. Story telling has been used an effective way to teach for centuries (Green, 2004). Stories pea
Children with learning disabilities have a significantly higher level of primitive retained reflexes compared to other children (Hickey & Feldhacker, 2021). When we think of reflexes, we may envision being tapped on the knee at the doctor's office, or yanking our hand away from a hot stove. These reflexes allow our bodies and brains to complete motor movements without having to consciously think about it. Primitive reflexes are named for the part of the brain in which they originate - the prim
Looking for a variety of visuals that can be used in the classroom to offer students choices for sensory breaks? You've found it! This packet includes OVER 80+ hand-drawn, realistic illustrations that can provide support during transitions, assist in managing expectations and anxiety, and specify choices in the classroom and school settings! Over 20+ choices are no-prep, channeling proprioceptive (deep pressure) input to provide neural organization and a sense of calm to refocus within the cl
Visits to the doctor can be a common source of anxiety for little ones. They may not always know what to expect at their appointment, what's being addressed that day, what comes next or who they'll be seeing! We've created this interactive social story resource to provide a way for children to take ownership over their visits to the doctor, and to give them a sense of security and calm by knowing what they can do if they find themselves in an anxious moment! Included in this resource you'll be a
Perfect for spring break, this social story will help ease the anxiety of not knowing what to expect when traveling on a plane. We've created this resource to give a step-by-step overview of what to expect from getting to the airport, waiting at your gate, boarding, flying, and landing. It can provide children with a sense of security and calm by knowing what they can do if they find themselves in an anxious moment! Included in this resource you'll be able to customize the child's experience wi
When little ones are navigating big feelings, it can be challenging for them to identify their emotional state, along with their needs or wants. Use this no-prep sorting activities bundle to help your child identify and visualize their feeling(s) in certain situations. Just print this resource and have your little one cut + paste or color as they decipher how they might feel in these situations! >> This download includes the following:(1) full-color zones sorting mat(47) pre-written scena
We know that our little ones can experience some BIG feelings. This resource was created to help make exploring our emotions fun! This resource includes printable activities for the following topics: Emotion Matching Cards, 2 pages Emotion Prompt Cards/Feelings Deck, 2 pages Buddy or Bully? Worksheet, 1 page Where I Feel My Feelings Worksheets, 3 pages A Peek Inside My Mind Worksheet, 1 page How Are They Feeling? Worksheet, 1 page Feelings Check-In Worksheet, 1 page Emotions Bingo, 6 bingo play
Let's talk about brain breaks!Brain breaks are short activities that allow the child a mental break during the learning process. Research shows that some of the benefits of brain breaks include: Boosting blood flow and oxygen to the brainAssisting with information processing and retentionEncouraging sense of community in the classroom environmentand allowing opportunity for emotional and mental release and decreasing anxiety!These fun and easy printables allow your students to roll and get movin
Potty training can feel like a daunting task - but it doesn't have to be! This potty training packet was created to help simplify the considerations, methods, approaches and supports that we have learned throughout the years of being a pediatric OT to encourage a smooth transition from diapers. Appropriate for caregivers who want to educate themselves prior to starting the process, or for therapists who are looking for a solid resource to recommend, this packet covers it all. Inside, you'll fin
Sensory rooms are becoming more widely used within both schools and individual homes. When you think “sensory room” it may seem like you can just throw some sand bins, colored lights, a trampoline and maybe a swing in the room and call it a day. But there’s actually a bit more to consider when planning & implementing a sensory room—that is if you wan’t it to serve it’s intended purpose. Use this guide to help you when planning your sensory room with less stress & indecision. Of course, ever
Looking for quick, no-prep printables that can address letter reversals in your sessions? Check out this bundle on our current resources we have available. Letter reversals currently addressed: b + d, m + w, n + u, p + u
Even as adults, expressing how we feel can be difficult at times. Dealing with those feelings can be even more difficult - especially for children. This activity packet allows for your student to customize their very own coping skills wheel, full of the exercises and techniques that work for them. Want to see more? Check out some of our other resource packets on the topics below! This packet includes: One 8-section template+ Corresponding cover pageOne 6-section template+ Corresponding cover pa
Visits to the dentist can be a common source of anxiety for little ones. They may not always know what to expect at their appointment, what their calming options are, and what comes next. We've created this interactive social story resource to provide a way for children to take ownership over their visits to the dentist, and to give them a sense of security and calm by knowing what they can do if they find themselves in an anxious moment! Included in this resource you'll be able to customize the
Little brains are doing busy doing big things. That means that getting started with their day, or winding down for the evening can sometimes be far from calm (for both the child and caregiver!) This resource packet features both morning and evening routine templates, along with 36 included PECS inspired visuals! Use these to provide your little one with extra support through a concrete routine. Best of all, this schedule style has two of our favorite features: it encourages the child's inter
Sometimes plan old lined paper just doesn‘t cut it for practicing handwriting. Use this adaptive paper to make teaching handwriting practice a breeze! Included in this download: 18 PagesVertical, horizontal, and draw & write orientations1 inch & 2 inch versions Standard LinesVisual cue’d lines with beach theme & garden theme-- Your download and use of this product implies understanding of the Terms of Use, which can be found on the second page of this document. Want to see more? Check out some
Any other OTs feel overwhelmed after an evaluation? Use this notes template to help organize your thoughts before, during or after evaluating a child. This pack contains eight (8) pages which include areas for notes on: Basic information & parent interviewSchool information & teacher interview Standardized assessment performanceSensory processingFine motor skillsGross motor & praxis skillsEmotional regulationExecutive functioningFeedingGoal ideasOther notesBest of all? It's compatible with the
Let’s face it - therapists have their work cut out for them when it comes to keeping track of their schedules. These simple, print-at-home daily planners are perfect for a visually appealing way to stay on top of your plans! This download includes digital files: - Therapy log - Student Data Sheet - Therapy Note Template Want more? Check out our other products in this line here: Therapist Daily PlannerTherapist Weekly PlannerTherapist Monthly Planner Check out some of our other resource packets
We're two pediatric occupational therapists with a love of play-based learning, caregiver education + support, and anything that incorporates art and creativity!
My own education history
Alison + Maddie both earned their Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Belmont University in 2017.
Additional biographical information
Both Alison and Maddie currently practice in TN + KY providing occupational therapy services.
For more information on us, check out on Instagram at @developmentools or on our website at www.developmentools.net.
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