When we think about the people we most admire, typically they are kind and honest, have respect for others and things, are independent, but take appropriate risks, are confident but not overly so, and certainly not entitled. They are hard-working yet find balance with their personal life, they are creative, critical thinkers, and problem [...]
Weeks into the new school year and things feel different. Have you noticed? We have thought long and hard about asking this question in this format, but feel like it has to be asked. Is everyone seeing what we are seeing? Are all teachers feeling the pinch we are feeling? Is it possible that [...]
SEL is a buzzword these days. Social. Emotional. Learning. âSEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and [...]
Wiggle, Giggle and Jam! The Magical Trifecta of Movement, Music and Thinking! My daughter danced from the age of three. She loved dancing. In school, she wasnât nearly as enthusiastic about math. She especially hated high school algebra. Once while studying for a test, she complained, âIf I were allowed to DANCE out these algebraic [...]
By Ali Temple, Occupational Therapist and Owner of First Priority Occupational Therapy, LLC Itâs summerâ schedules are different, thereâs a lack of routine, and itâs HOT out. Our kiddos are looking for fun and interactive activities that not only keep them interested, but meet their sensory needs. Sensory needs, or receiving and responding to information from our senses, guides [...]
It is almost mid-July and back-to-school sales are going to start soon. That means fresh boxes of crayons, shiny lunch boxes and new backpacks. Each of these serves a very specific purpose for the school day, but each also serves a vital role in very unexpected ways. Letâs look at the backpack, for example. Obviously, [...]
Communication is part of a hierarchy of learning. Newborns communicate by crying when they are wet, hungry, or tired. This communication eventually evolves into words and sentences as they grow. Communication helps children learn to share thoughts, ideas and opinions. And without adequate communication skills, school is frustrating and hard. One communication skill that is [...]
Forest Gump says he and Jenny go together like peas and carrots. To be honest, I don't like peas, but I have always loved the concept of two vegetables being perfect for each other and making each other better. Though jumping and logic go together like peas and carrots, jumping is actually foundational to [...]
Imagine you are on a crowded sidewalk in New York City. It seems everyone is going one way and you are fighting against them to go the opposite direction. As an adult, you are likely fighting that tide of people because you have an appointment, a meeting, or a specific destination in the opposite [...]
It is 8:30 at night. You have had a long day followed by a desperate run to the grocery store. Walking into the house, you have your keys in one hand, the groceries in the other, work bag thrown over your shoulder. Without dropping anything, you manage to unlock the door and flip on [...]
