Thriving in School

Although we often use songs to enhance learning tasks, we don't always think of music as a valuable tool for changing the alertness leve...

SNOW! Who isn't excited when the first flakes fall? Let's harness that excitement into a learning activity. Visit SnowCrystals.c...

As an OT, I cannot keep my eyes off of how the world grasps writing utensils. Anyone is suspect to my observations...the local cashier, the...

Index cards are useful, but limited. Create your own flashcards on your computer with this free program. The possibilities are endless...p...

Microsoft Word enables you to have text in Word documents read aloud. When using the computers in the library and computer room, simply make...

I am sure our students are all a little tired from last nights events. Some may be dragging, and others may still be reeling from the excit...

Halloween is a very exciting day for most students. They may be tightly wound with the anticipation of the evening's events. This is n...

Having a classroom of students at different levels of alertness can be a particular challenge to teachers. Some students are underaroused: ...

National Sensory Awareness Week is October 25 - 31, 2006 We are all sensory beings. We rely on a variety of sensory input to help us attend...

Look around for vertical surfaces at home and in your classrooms. A common one in the classroom is a large filing cabinet...ideal for stude...

Tabletop easels are one of the greatest tools to increase upper arm strength and stability, hand and wrist positioning, and fine motor contr...

WELCOME BACK! The start of school is an exciting time, but it can also cause anxiety for some youngsters. Follow these simple tips to make t...

Transition from School Year to Summer Occupational therapists promote a work/play balance. Our lives become stressful or disrupted if this ...

Snacks for Organization and Alertness! MCAS testing is this week. Why not send in snacks that would help your children function at their be...

Is your child getting enough sleep? Although there's no magical number of hours required by all kids in a certain age group, generally ...

Laughing provides the brain with more oxygen, fuel for learning. It also releases endorphins in the blood. These are the body's natura...

Protect your brain. Wear a helmet when you are biking, skateboarding and skiing. Cyclists who wear helmets are 85 per cent less at risk of...

Brains work best when you eat a well balanced meal. Without proper nutrients, you may experience lightheadedness, forgetfulness and become ...

The muscles of the hand are divided into power muscles and precision muscles. The precision muscles (needed for writing) work better when t...

National Brain Awareness Week is March 13 - 19. Celebrate by passing on daily tips to students to enhance and excercise their brains.

Did you ever stop and think of all the different skills that are used to cut out a circle? First you have to figure out how to hold the scis...

Today is National Handwriting Day , in celebration of John Hancock's birthday. Take part by writing a note to someone in your own perso...

A good way to start the new year is with a smile. Smiling is highly contagious and can quickly circulate within the school. It is one way t...

The usefulness of utensils! Getting together for a family meal is important in many ways. Not only has it been shown to be a factor in lowe...

Weights! Weights are a great way to build hand and arm strength, but did you realize they also have a calming, organizing effect? Drink you...

Last month the Boston Globe printed an article on two "do-it-yourself" magazines, Make and Ready Made . These magazines are for...

Would you like to improve your child's pencil skills in just minutes a day? Before starting homework, try a few Pencil Olympics (see Sch...

Pencil Olympics! No need for fancy items to practice hand skills needed for writing. Use the common everyday pencil! Pencil Olympics are few...

Little Pencils for Little Hands Have you ever tried to write with one of those BIG souvenir pencils? It's pretty unwieldy, isn't it?...

Children are spending more and more time on the computer. This can cause repetitive stress injuries. It is recommended that you do a quick...