We're two pediatric occupational therapists with a love of play-based learning, caregiver education + support, and anything that incorporates art and creativity!
Visuals have shown to be a proven support when it comes to learning - and that includes when little ones are mastering regulation skills! This download features two designs (7 total versions) to help children visualize and identify with what zone(s) they might be in. This resource includes the following:- Zones Feelings Strip, Blank (Blue Background)- Zones Feelings Strip, Blank (Green Background)- Zones Feelings Strip, With Coping Skills (Blue Background)- Zones Feelings Strip, With Coping Sk
Interoception (our awareness of internal body sensations), can be a tricky topic to cover. This sensory system plays an important role in emotional regulation, as it allows little ones to detect and respond to the internal sensations experienced during different feelings. This includes our heart pounding when we're scared, our body feeling hot when we're angry, and more! This packet was created to provide information on this sensory system, a variety of exercises to practice interoceptive awaren
Toileting is a routine where sequencing is absolutely necessary - or a mess is quick to happen! This resource was created to provide both no-prep schedules and more individualized options for children still learning their toileting routine. Included in this resource, you'll find:32 hand-drawn images with 3 skin tones to choose from, including (but not limited to): close door, lift toilet lid, lift toilet seat, pull down/up underpants, pull down/up pants, sit on toilet, set timer, pee in toilet (
Having an easy to follow, visual exercise to calm your body can be a helpful tool. We've compiled this resource of simple but effective cards that little ones can trace their finger along as they focus on regulating their breathing. Put them on a ring for easy choosing, or select one from the deck to implement! Included in this packet:16 Color Finger-Tracing Paths (2 per page, making them the perfect size for little hands)Calming Card Deck Cover + Instruction PageRecommended Assembly Instruction
Introducing our Zones of Regulation inspired bingo game – a fun, interactive way to help students learn about their emotions in a playful way! Whether you're a teacher looking to introduce regulation concepts into your classroom, a therapist seeking engaging activities to teach the Zones, or a parent wanting to support your child's emotional development at home, this bingo game checks the box. Included, you'll find 18 calling cards (emotions include happy, sad, sick, angry, bored, silly, scare
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
Working with children, we’re well aware that little ones can exercise some BIG volume. It takes practice to learn what volume levels are appropriate for different settings! Designed to teach little learners this very concept, this activity packet includes the following: Voice-O-Meter Desk Plates for easy referenceVoice Level Sorting Worksheet (both color & B/W versions), to practice categorizing 15 different situations into corresponding voice levels!Jumbo Voice-O-Meter Craft (full page, both
Empower your therapy sessions, classroom activities, or family discussions with this engaging Zones Slider Check-In Tool digital download! Perfect for therapists, educators, and parents alike, this interactive tool fosters emotional awareness and communication in children. DIY Activity: This digital download includes all the necessary instructions and printable pages for creating your own Zones Slider Check-In Tool. Designed with simplicity in mind, children can easily follow along, cutting out
Visuals have shown to be a proven support when it comes to learning - and that includes when little ones are mastering regulation skills! This packet features hand-drawn illustrations to help children visualize the exercises that can help facilitate a sense of calm. Customize these boards to each child, or provide a series of choices for your little ones to choose from. This resource includes the following:- 5 Calming Board Color Options (Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Orange)- 27 Calming Activities
This comprehensive download includes five informative printouts designed to guide parents, educators, and therapists through the various stages of child development. Each printout covers key stages in the development of the following areas: Learning Development - Pyramid of Learning (1 page)Scissor Skill Development (1 page)Pre-writing Skills (2 pages)and Pencil Grasp Development! (1 page)Perfect for sharing during workshops, meetings or caregiver education, these resources will help facilitate
Quit feeling like you have to play the guessing game when it comes to finding what regulation tools work for your little one! This resource was made for easy application in the school, clinic or home setting to identify challenging routines and effective strategies for support. Included in this download, you'll find: - Zones Inspired Tool Tracker- Emotions Tool Tracker (for those not yet familiar with or not using the Zones curriculum) - Zones Inspired Routine Tracker- Zones Inspired Routine Tra
Dressing is an activity that requires a whole lot of skill. Depending on what article of clothing we’re working with, it challenges our: Bilateral coordinationBody awarenessFine motor skillsRange of motionBalance...and more! While developmental milestone lists serve as a helpful tool, it is important to note that development doesn’t look the exact same for every child. This download gives an overview of the skills that parents and caregivers can anticipate through 6 years of age. Please note, as
Having an easy to follow, visual exercise to calm your body can be a helpful tool. We've compiled this resource of simple but effective cards that little ones can trace their finger along as they focus on regulating their breathing. Put them on a ring for easy choosing, or select one from the deck to implement! Included in this packet:16 Zones Color-Themed Finger-Tracing Paths (2 per page, making them the perfect size for little hands)Calming Card Deck Cover + Instruction PageRecommended Assembl
This all-ages animal walks activity packet makes gross motor play easy at school, in the clinic or at home. Included in this packet:Animal Walks activity dice (print + cut version)Animal Walks activity dice (color-your-own! version)Animal Walks activity card deck (6 exercises)Animal Walks exercise description sheetFrom beginning to end, this activity can address: - Scissor skills - Direction-following - Turn-taking - Bilateral skills - Gross motor coordination - Motor planning + body awareness
Let's talk about brain breaks! Brain breaks are short activities that allow the child a mental break during the learning process. 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! This fun and easy printable allows your students to roll and get moving! Included are th
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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