Developmentools

Dive into the world of emotions with our comprehensive 'Zones of Regulation Social Story Bundle.' Explore feelings, build self-awareness, and develop emotional regulation skills through engaging narratives and interactive activities. Perfect for educators, therapists, and parents seeking to support social-emotional learning journeys This purchase contains (5) separate products: - "Learning About The Zones" Social Story - "Green Zone" Social Story - "Red Zone" Social Story - "Yellow Zone" Social

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

Let's assume that a child has 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. A therapist treating that child may see them twice a week, leaving that caregiver with 33 opportunities each week to continuing addressing feeding! Looking at these numbers, it's easy to see that equipping the caregiver with the tools and strategies to encourage their child's progress is paramount. This resource packet focuses on the approach of food chaining, a proven, positive approach to increasing the variety of a child's diet and

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

This first release from our Sensory Simplified series is our most comprehensive resource yet!Created with the intention to inform educators and parents on the sensory processing system, this resource can also be utilized by therapists. When we understand the how and why behind sensory input and processing difficulties, we are better able to support the child's ability and readiness to learn. With easy-to-digest explanations, this resource includes detailed (but not overwhelming) information on

While many forms of sensory input can be overstimulating (like movement or touch), proprioception encourages neural organization. Proprioceptive input is calming and has an organizing effect on the nervous system. Think of how we as adults feel more focused, relaxed and centered after a massage. It can be provided through a variety of channels, including from another person or item, through gross motor activities, fine motor resistive activities and oral motor input! As pediatric OT's, it's of

Therapeutic Brushing is a practice sometimes recommended by occupational therapists for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to: To decrease tactile defensiveness (oversensitivity to touch or other textures)As an emotional regulation tool in times of frustration As a way to connect with your childTo use before bed as a way to provide calming inputWhile much of the research is anecdotal as to how effective this tool is for specific reasons, it can be considered one of the many sensor

When it comes to behavioral outbursts and navigating those big feelings that our little ones will experience, we are faced with many questions: What is causing this? Is it sensory? Is it behavioral? Am I managing this the right way? Do they feel supported through this? What more can I do?This resource packet was originally created to help support the staff and families that we work with - and now it's available to you, too!When it comes to the development of coping skills, it is important to kn

As occupational therapy practitioners, sensory processing is one of our very favorite things to address, as it sets the foundation for so many other skills! For those outside of the field, engaging little ones in sensory integrative activities may seem a little peculiar at first. We created this resource to provide information to other practitioners, as well as caregivers and educators, regarding sensory processing and how before we can anticipate a child to be able to attend and absorb new in

Mealtime makes for an incredibly rich sensory experience between the smells, sounds, tastes and textures. Couple that with the fact that our mouth is one of the most densely populated areas of our body when it comes to tactile receptors - it's easy to see how it can become a lot for little ones to process! We created this resource to present research-backed principles in a quick "cheat sheet" format. Helpful for caregivers, parents and therapists, this download provides 7 tips for taking the str

OTs are an integral part of the therapy team, focusing on increasing the participation of those we work with in their desired and required activities needed for living a fulfilling and independent life. Occupational therapy covers a wide range of skills - and that’s why we love it so much! This quick, one-page resource was created to be an easy explanation for caregivers, teachers and parents. Please note, as with all of our resources, this download does not substitute skilled medical interventi

Bilateral integration involves not only the hands, but the entire body! It plays an important role in so many of our daily activities. This resource packet includes 8 (full color and low-ink) handouts that cover the following topics:Defining bilateral integration and its importanceSigns of difficulty with bilateral integrationExplanations and examples of the differing types of bilateral integration, including asymmetrical, symmetrical, reciprocal and midline crossingThis resource packet can serv

Using bright and fun illustrations, this 4 page handout includes a variety of educational information with just the right amount of detail. Made to be a digestible handout for caregivers, parents, teachers + therapists, this download details the basics of oral motor and oral sensory input, along with activities + tools to address each. Inside, you'll find: Definitions + explanations of oral motor + oral sensory inputFactors to consider to choose an effective toolCurrent list of static + dynamic

Learning through PLAY is extremely effective. Sometimes the best way to practice an un-motivating or challenging task, like dressing, is to find a way to make it fun. Use this as a guide for your clients to use at home, or for you to practice along side with them! Included: 8 fun & easy activities that promote skills needed for dressingoriginal images, descriptions, and explanations-- Your download and use of this product implies understanding of the Terms of Use, which can be found within thi

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

The benefits of OT are most effective with carryover at home, however many OTs do not have the opportunity to see their client’s parents (lookin’ at you, School OTs!). Need a quick & efficient way to communicate with parents on what has been worked on, progress that’s been made, and what can be practiced at home? Send a parent communication note home that’s not only easy to read & organize, visually appealing & professional too! This resource includes two templates per page and a color

Sleep is an essential activity of daily living (ADL) - if disrupted, can negatively impact many other areas of daily life. While many factors can contribute to sleep disruption, this download discusses sensory-processing issues related to sleep! Included in this digital download:General sensory considerations related to sleepTips for identifying potential sleep challengesSensory adaptations & considerations to improve sleepPre-bedtime activity ideasSleep log (with example!)-- Your download and

Created by two pediatric occupational therapists, this free handout simplifies the body's sensory processing systems. On it, you'll find a list of the "Great 8" sensory systems and a brief description of each! Download a copy to keep on hand to provide to therapists, teachers or caregivers. If you happen to use this free product, would you be so kind as to take a quick moment and leave us a review? (Bonus: you'll also earn yourself some TPT credit!)Your download and use of this product implies u

This printable checklist helps caregivers, educators, and clinicians identify a child’s sensory preferences across visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, oral, and olfactory domains. Use it to guide intervention planning, support self-regulation, and promote individualized strategies at home, in therapy, or in the classroom. Designed for easy observation and collaboration. Included in this resource:Sections for all 8 sensory systems (+ oral sensory): Vestibular, Proprioception,

Back to school is an exciting (but hectic!) time. For little ones that need extra support remaining regulated throughout the day, the use of proprioceptive input (or heavy work) can come in handy. Proprioceptive input is calming and has an organizing effect on the nervous system. Think of how we as adults feel more focused, relaxed and centered after a massage. It can be provided through a variety of channels, including from another person or item, through gross motor activities, fine motor res