Tag: play
Compass – Adult Playtime
So often, we adults become so wrapped up in the stress of our daily lives that we have forgotten how to play and are only able to let loose in a way that leaves us with a hangover! Do you remember how you used to play as a child? This month our compass is designed [...]
Education – Playing with Phonemes
Learning to read can begin with play. “What kind of play?” you may be wondering. Phoneme play! Teaching reading is as simple as understanding that there are two distinct parts to literacy − the auditory and the visual. Each part must be developed to allow for automaticity. Louisa Moats’ research suggests that reading has been [...]
Parenting – It’s…Play Time!
When I envisioned my maternity leave, I thought that I would be able to balance caregiving and playtime with my daughter with projects of my own on the side. I pictured myself doing “grown up” stuff, like reading or even working, while my baby played in her playpen. Ha ha ha! Really?! I can barely [...]
Psychology – Through the Eyes of My Inner Child
The sunlight streaming through the window tickles her little face as she lies sleeping in bed. The warmth cajoles her out of her slumber and her eyes flutter open. A sense of excitement embraces her and lifts her out of bed. She hears mama in the kitchen but she’s not ready to open that door [...]
Compass – Sensory Play Activities
Most of us take our senses for granted. Our eyes, ears, mouths, nose and skin provide much needed information about what is going on around us and we use this information constantly throughout the day to navigate our lives; however, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, input from the senses can be a source of [...]
Arts – Pirate Hat, Cowboy Hat, Birthday Hat, Oh My!
In my fifteen years of working with young children with special needs and their families I have worn a variety of hats. I’ve donned teacher, behaviorist, socialization coach, language builder, social worker, counselor, art instructor and toileting trainer. The hat I love most of all, is most definitely playmate and friend. The role of playmate [...]
Psychology – To Play or Not to Play…
Since I began working with children, I have realized how important playing is to a child’s social and emotional development. This is the age of communication and we have become so accustomed to talking, discussing and analyzing. The children I work with have taught me that sometimes talking is overrated. It’s better to just “be.” [...]
