Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year Activities
Even if you’re not the most spirited person to celebrate; these activities are just another way to get creative with your little one! We have a couple holidays this week- Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. Two very different celebrations but we figured we’d give you some ideas to have fun this week.
For Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Celery Heart Stamps: Use the ends of the celery stick as a stamp to dip into red or pink paint for a heart felt painting.
Ribbon Valentine: Something about Valentine’s always makes me flash back to Billy Madison getting one from Principal Anderson. Since kids are less likely to be able to pass it along to classmates, make ones at home for family members! You can use pieces of already used ribbon from Christmas to paste onto a heart, for a striped design.
Valentine Name Puzzle: This is a double task; they can make the valentine with their name displayed across it. Then if you draw jagged lines across or even in squares, they can put it back together like a puzzle!
Paper Heart Mobile: Use different colored construction paper to cut outlines of hearts, then attach them upright onto a string hanging from the ceiling.
Valentine Collages: if you have colored tissue paper, and a paper plate- make a collage! Add your own design by cutting the tissue paper into pieces that you can glue onto the paper plate. Then cut out a hearth to display on the window sill.
For the Lunar New Year Celebrations
Red Envelopes: This might be for the older kids, or adult assistance. https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/chinese-red-envelope.html
Paper Fans: You’ll need 3 5X8 inch pieces of paper, two craft sticks and an tiny hairband. Here are some instructions with pictures: https://www.littlepassports.com/craft-diy/chinese-new-year-craft/
Paper Lanterns: This is another activity that will require some adult assistance if for the younger kids. Here is a great how-to site https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/paper-lantern.html.
Printable Chinese Zodiac Animals: Here’s a Free Printable! https://funcraftskids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/12-Chinese-Zodiac-Coloring-Pages.pdf
For more fun ideas, you can always email us at smplytherapy@gmail.com!
15 Ideas for Thanksgiving Fun!
In the spirit of thanksgiving quickly approaching, we wanted to list some great activities that will keep those little ones busy. Many of us are having a smaller get-together this year due to the pandemic, so why not add something to bring the family together in a fun way. We wanted to keep the activities budget friendly, and something that everyone can participate in. There may be some younger ones that need adaptations, but most activities will be good for a range of ages. I’ll also provide some links to help with printable versions for some activities.
Thanksgiving Themed Activities:
Thanksgiving Family Feud: This is is ideal for families for older kids and adults, I might add this to my family’s thanksgiving plans! https://www.playpartyplan.com/family-feud-game-questions-and-answers/
Feed the Turkey: You can make this using some recycled bottles, tongs from the kitchen, and pom poms (from the craft store) or even cotton balls from the bathroom. Add some colored paper wings to the bottle and a face to make a turkey, and place the cotton balls/pom poms on the table or floor. Encourage your kiddo with challenging her/him to do it as fast as they can, or making a race between siblings; use the tongs to get all the food into the turkey!
Thanksgiving Charades: Act out some thanksgiving themed words. https://www.thegamegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Thanksgiving.pdf
Mini Pumpkin (or any holiday themed item) Scavenger Hunt: Whether it’s outside or around the house, this will be a fun game for any age.
Yam Race: It sounds ridiculous, but you might find it harder than you expected. Use a spoon to get a sweet potato or yam across the floor in a race.
Word Scramble: https://www.bigactivities.com/word_scrambles/thanksgiving/easy/thanksgiving1.php
Guess How Many: Put a bunch of candy corn in to a jar or clear container and see who comes up with the most accurate number!
Thanksgiving Kids Table Game: All you need is M&M’s, print out this template for $3.95, and some dice! https://www.etsy.com/listing/623356536/thanksgiving-kids-table-game-roll-a?utm_custom1=housebeautiful.com&awc=6220_1606167898_1a0f2d4d33bfafe58c05e87c138df6a0&source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_term=3657&utm_content=78888
Thanksgiving I Spy: https://www.papertraildesign.com/free-printable-i-spy-thanksgiving-activity/
Taboo Thanksgiving Edition: This is one of my favorite games, it may be more favorable for older kids 11-13 and up advised. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:thanksgiving%20taboo
Baster Relay: use the turkey baster and a feather, see who can get the feather to the finish line the fastest!
This next one is more abstract for older kids; go around the room saying, “For Thanksgiving I had…” and list an item. The next person has to remember what the person/people before them said in order, and add another item for it to continue. It’s a memory game for all things food/ thanksgiving related.
Thanksgiving Bingo! https://www.happinessishomemade.net/free-printable-thanksgiving-bingo-cards/
Memory: Print out some Thanksgiving items in doubles, and attach them to some cardboard cutouts or cards to match!
Pumpkin Patch Stomp: blow up some orange balloons on the yard and have everyone try and pop them!
From my family to yours, I wish you a VERY happy Thanksgiving!
Expressive Art in OT
"Expressive Art is a process by which various art modalities are used as a catalyst for creative expression to enhance personal growth, awareness and healing."
We’re not talking about fine art; and using a piece to necessarily express yourself. Expressive art focuses on the process, and uses the technique for improvement. This includes;
Visual arts
This includes painting, drawing, sculpting, pottery, photography, printmaking, crafts and scrapbooking. There’s supportive evidence that says these types of art increases sensory input. Fingers and hands have tons of nerve endings which transmit to the cerebral cortex, enriching the sensory experience to help children with motor development. It also helps with self of self, self esteem and perception of control over a situation. Helps with perceptual skills, global cognitive function, and helps reduce cognitive decline in older adults with Dementia.
Drama & Storytelling
Projective play with dolls or puppet helps kids with creating a comfortable atmosphere to express feelings of the play subject (kind of like “asking for a friend,” but for kids). There’s also purposeful improvisation; where the child acts out a situation that may be relatable. This will help them with expressing themselves, because the character portrayed is typically themselves. Scripting may be used to help with speech related issues like Aphasia, where a client reads from a script of a favorite movie/show or song. Research shows that drama and storytelling results in improvements in self-worth, overcoming self-imposed limitations, and in self-advocacy. Props are less antagonistic and threatening, and can aid in communication. Multi-sensory storytelling can be used to improve retention and recall for individuals with intellectual disability.
Dance and Movement
Improves strength, balance, and proprioception with kinesthetic activity
Reduces depressive symptoms
Slows cognitive decline
Activates motor neurological brain regions to improve muscle memory
Reduces fall risk
Stimulates communicative capacities through shared experiences in dance
Music and Singing
Increase neuroplasticity
Enhance alertness, leading to improved attention and memory
Decrease depressive symptoms and improve motivation
Activate multiple parts of the brain, fostering dendritic sprouting and synaptic plasticity
The way Occupational Therapists can blend this into practice is to use some of the visual arts for table top activities, role play different situations (short story), role playing, using a mirror to show dance movements, expressive writing. Contact us for creative occupational therapy sessions!
References
Dunphy, K., Baker, F. A., Dumaresq, E., Carroll-Haskins, K., Eickholt, J., Ercole, M., Kaimal, G., Meyer, K., Sajnani, N., Shamir, O., & Wosch, T. 2019. Creative Arts Interventions to Address Depression in Older Adults: A Systemic Review of Outcomes, Processes, and Mechanisms. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02655 2. Malyn, B. O., Thomas, Z., & Ramsey-Wade, C.E. (2020) Reading and writing for well-being: A qualitative exploration of the therapeutic experience of older adult participants in a bibliotherapy and creative writing group. Counseling and Psychotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12304 3. Masika, G., Yu, D.S.F., & Li, P. W. C. (2020) Visual art therapy as a treatment option for cognitive decline among older adults. A systemic review and meta-analysis. JAN, https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14362 4. Matos, A., Rocha, T., Cabral, L., & Bessa, M. (2015). Multi-sensory storytelling to support learning for people with intellectual disability: an exploratory didactic study. Procedia Computer Science, 67. 12-18. doi: 10.1016/j.procs. 2015.09.244 5. Morris, J., Toma, M., Kelly, C., Joice, S., Kroll, T., Mead, G., & Williams, B. (2015). Social context, art making processes and creative output: a qualitative study exploring how psychosocial benefits of art participation during stroke rehabilitation occur. Disability and Rehabilitation, 38(7), 661-672. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2015.1055383 6. Nguyen, M.A, Truong, T.K.O, & Le, T.H.D. (2016). Art therapy in combination with Occupational therapy in supporting children with special needs. The Vietnamese Journal of Education, 50-52. ISSN: 2354 0753 7. Osman, S. E., Tischler, V., & Schneider, J. ‘Singing for the Brain’: A qualitative study exploring the health and well-being benefits of singing for people with dementia and their carers. Dementia, 15(6), 1326-1339. DOI: 10.1177/1471301214556291
Roswiyani, R, Kwakkenbos, L, Spijker, J., & Witteman, C. L. M. 2017. The Effectiveness of Combining Visual Art Activities and Physical Exercise for Older Adults on Well-Being or Quality of Life and Mood: A Scoping Review. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 38(12), 1784-1804. 9. Schlaug, G. 2016. Chapter 81 – Melodic Intonation Therapy. Neurobiology of Language, 1015-1023. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-407794-2.00081-X 10. Skidmore ER, Butters M, Whyte E, Grattan E, Shen J, Terhorst L. Guided Training Relative to Direct Skill Training for Individuals With Cognitive Impairments After Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;98(4): 673-680. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.10.004 11. Vik, B., Skeie, G., & Specht, K. (2019). Neuroplastic Effects in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury After MusicSupported Therapy. Frontiers In Human Neuroscience, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00177 12. Whale, Rosann. "ARTs Story." https://www.arts-story.com/expressive-arts/ 13. Yuen, H. K., Mueller, K., Mayor, E., & Azuero, A. 2011. Impact of Participation in a Theatre Programme on Quality of Life among Older Adults with Chronic Conditions: A Pilot Study. Occupational Therapy International, 18(4), 201-208. https://doi.org/10.1002/oti.327
Digital Diets and the Impact of Screen Time on Development
Let’s start with some statistics
In 2011, 38% of children, age eight and under used tablets and smartphones. In 2013, it went up to 72%. COVID-19 2020 could not have helped. In 2018, one-in-four children under the age of 6 had a smartphone. Use of mobile devices and children has risen from five minutes a day in 2011, to 48 minutes a day in 2017. Recent studies are revealing that kids and babies, under the age of two, are spending more than double the time in front of screens than they did in the 1990's. However, it’s not until around the age of 18 months that a baby's brain has developed to the point where the symbols on a screen begin to represent their equivalent in the real world. So what are they focusing on? Children under the age of two are wired to learn and remember things through experiences and by doing, but what researchers found is that children watching screens imitate 50% less actions than those children who engage in live three-dimensional interactions. Hindering their learning.
Let me give you an example of this hindrance - Baby Einstein videos have seven scene changes in just 20 seconds of video. So there's about one scene change every three seconds. What's actually keeping them engaged? The color changes and continuous changes in the screen! As a result; a real farm isn't keeping them engaged, and for every 30 minutes of screen time, there is a 49% increased risk of expressive speech delay. This statistic comes from a 2017 Canadian study by Dr. Catherine Birken, the first study that reports a link between handheld devices and expressive language delays. And now there are over 200 peer reviewed studies that point to screen time correlating to increased ADHD, addiction to screens, increased aggression, depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. The National Institute of Health is currently doing a $300 billion study using functional MRIs to examine the changes in brain structure among children who use smartphones and other screen devices. The first batch of results shows that kids who spend more than two hours a day on screens scored lower on language and thinking tests, kids who spend seven hours per day on electronic 5 devices show premature thinning of the cortex (underdevelopment).
Recommendation
From an OT’s perspective, I would recommend less than 2 hours a day 5 to 18 year olds, no more than one hour a day for children aged 2 to 5, and none for children younger than 18 months. Per day.
Research is showing us that children aged 3 to 5, whose parents read through electronic books, they had lower reading comprehension, compared to physical books because of all of the interactive features from electronic books that distract them from a focus on the actual story. Distractions, and being able to touch a feature of the visual representation is making it a different activity that doesn't involve as much learning required for reading comprehension, and word meaning. 80% of learning apps are targeted specifically towards young children, many claim to help children learn to read, but most don't.
Let’s take a look at some of the people that invented the tech
Most of the tech executives don’t allow children near certain devices. One specific school in the Bay Area where 75% of the parents are tech executives, do not allow any tech in the school. No iPads, no promethium boards, no whiteboards, no Chromebooks. Also, Silicon Valley nannies actually have to sign no technology agreements, meaning they won't be on a device and they won’t allow the children on a device while they're in their care.
It makes you take a step back to think about how these applications are made. Tech devices were made to keep people invested and entertained, not for learning. It’s recommended to use technology as a tool, not a toy.
There is much more details to go into so if you are curious and want to know more. Please feel free to reach out to me and book a free 30 minute consultation!
Factors for Fostering Competence in our Family
There may have been a time when we thought IQ, and level of intelligence was fixed at birth. But through research, we have learned that while there are inheritance factors, our experiences influence child cognitive development as well. This means parenting and guidance also influences how well our child does in school. So what specifically will stimulate our child’s brain to learn? And what characteristics of an early home environment increases measured intelligence?
The good news is… it’s easier than you think. For many parents, home schooling your child at the end of the school year brought on a new challenge, along with a pressure to become super parents turned teachers. But as you read some of the factors for increased child intelligence, it might seem manageable.
**In most of the research I’ll report on, it will reflect an assessment called the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME), and neurological studies. Trained observers interviewed caregivers with a yes or no checklist relating to intellectual stimulation and support observed in a child’s home. HOME scores have found to be significantly correlated with measures of cognitive development in children.
Parental responsiveness is a big factor; the way we pay attention, caress, and kiss children play a part in their development. In a longitudinal study (data is collected on the same person/people over time), positive correlations were found between parental responsiveness to their 6 month old and the children’s IQ, achievement test scores, and teacher-rated classroom behavior through 13.
The number of books, play items that encourage development of concepts, and parent involvement in children’s play was assessed. An analysis of 29,264 children with the HOME assessments, learning stimulation (as listed above) were positively associated with kindergarten achievement scores, language competence, motor and social development.
*Note:
The HOME items might be less culturally relevant in non-Western than in Western families.
Also, we cannot be sure that the reason for correlational findings is based on parental responsiveness or an enriched home environment as responsible for increased child intelligence. We are able to find that these factors are associated with high intelligence. Intelligent, well-educated parents may be more likely to provide a positive/stimulating home environment, and because they also pass their genes, there may be a genetic influence as well.
Research is able to identify 7 specific factors of the early home environment to enable cognitive and psychosocial development, in order to help prepare for school.
Encouragement of Environmental Exploration
Mentoring on basic cognitive and social skills
Celebrating your child’s developmental advances
Guidance in practicing skills, and building on them
Protection from inappropriate disapproval, teasing or punishment
Communicating well, and responsively
A balance between guidance, and limitations of behavior
These conditions are generally linked to many areas of brain functioning and cognitive development. Some of you may read this and feel like you already have these factors in your household. What it boils down to is - being present in guiding and playing with your child is one of the most important things you can do for them. Even with all the stress and expectations you may have for yourself or your spouse, remember to prioritize communication, guidance through things they might not understand, and play! Whatever play skills are important to your child will encourage skill development, and support when needed.
To learn more, please feel free to email me at smplytherapy@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
The Importance of Play
Board games… It’s an essential for any Occupational Therapy Clinic, and might be found in your house. Board games are essential for learning without a syllabus. As we approach the unknown with how our upcoming school year will be, we can encourage good habits that keep our children engaged and learning in a manageable way. As I watch all the children of my family clutching to their iPads, board games may sound a little old fashioned, but you may be surprised to see how much fun they have with it! It’ll probably bring back some childhood memories for you as well!
Recently, I’ve been spending more time indoors with family due to the quarantine, and it’s hard to get creative at times. That’s what I love about board games, there’s enough color and entertainment that keeps kids occupied and off the tablets. I’ll go through three classic board games and tell you how to adapt for certain ages and to adapt for age gaps between kids. Most games have the age appropriate label, which is a good indicator, you can adapt for younger ages at times with different techniques.
Scrabble
The age listed for this game is 8+, but children start learning to spell around 6 years old. This game is especially helpful to support that learning especially if an adult is present they can give cues or assist for the child to participate. Kids as young as 3-4 can help a parent put the words on the board for them by directing the child to put cued letters on the appropriate spaces. That could help the young ones with following one step tasks and fine motor skills. For the older kids, it would work on spelling, literacy and critical thinking to get the most points. Also, for younger kids (6+), you can cue them to do simple math to figure out the word scores. The great thing about scrabble is that you can play with 2-4 players, so even if it’s an only child household, they can participate with a parent.
Monopoly
The age listed for this is 8+ as well, but it can be adapted many ways for younger kiddos. This past weekend I was playing with my 5 year old nephew, the family included him in the game by letting him sort the money, and hand the money to the banker for players. It may be a small part, but it’s participation nonetheless! So for the babies of the family, they can help with sorting money by color, throwing dice, and helping with placement of the figurine on the appropriate box (with pointing and coaching from an adult/older child). This game does involve a good deal of reading and critical thinking for those that are older, and as most of us know- it can go on, and on. It also comes with learning some of the frustrations of pretty real-life stresses. Paying rent, having to pay taxes every (year) round, and critical thinking for how you’ll get ahead. If you’re playing with an older child above 8, I recommend making them the banker so that it challenges them a little more with math skills.
Connect Four
This is a classic that I’ve used in practice with ALL ages. I’m talking about 2 year olds to 100 year olds. It’s easy to set up, there are different ways of using it, and it’s strategic for older people, but simple enough for kids as well. For the young ones, at about 12-15 months kids can pick up the discs and use explorative play. By about 2 years old, kids can start picking up the discs and place them into slots as a game. At about 18 months, they can do it by color. As for kids that are younger than about 7, they will be able to imitate or copy an adults strategy for playing Connect Four, but according to Piaget (a developmental psychologist) - those skills to understand rules, apply them, and using logic does not develop until about 7. These skills are important once they get to that age, to encourage games like this. But before then, they will need coaching and explanations for different game tasks.
Quick Understanding of Play Development:
Exploratory Play (0-2 years old) - Exactly how it sounds, they explore the properties and effects of actions an objects and people, usually mostly with parents/caregivers
Symbolic Play (2-4 years old) - Experiences where the child formulates, tests, classifies and tweaks ideas, feelings, and actions. Associated with language development, not exactly playing with children just yet, becoming more cooperative over time.
Creative Play (4-7 years old) - This is when children start to cooperate in peer groups, they explore actions on multiple objects. They start to refine skills in play experiences with sensory, motor, cognitive, and social play.
Games (7-12 years old) - This is when games with rules really come into play. Social interaction, competition are big in this stage, as well as making friends as a validation of play items and performance.
Fun Activities for Kids This Summer (During a Pandemic)
We can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel! School’s coming to an end and parent’s are planning for the summer ahead. But how safe is it for children to enjoy the parks opening back up, and how will parents adjust their usual summer plans to make sure their family is safe? There are options for virtual camps and classes that have been a way for small businesses and community programs to stay running. However, this leads us to asking, how can I keep my child safe?
Here’s what we know:
COVID-19 can live up to 72 hours on a plastic and stainless steel surface (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)
The amount of virus living on that surface that would result in contracting the virus is limited.
What we suggest:
Social distancing as a precaution, limiting games or play activities that require close physical contact.
Face Masks for children that are above the age of 2 (refer to blog below on helping children with face mask use)
To help children clean dirt on hands, rinse hands with water, then proceed to use the hand sanitizer
Watch for any signs of COVID-19 symptoms. This can look different from person to person. While most infected people have not gotten very sick, watch out for flu-like symptoms (Source: CDC).
Make preventative actions a habit. Wash hands! Parents are the role models of the house and children typically model parent behavior, so it’s suggested for parents to wash hands, and to make it a family activity.
Stay active! Doing activities will help boost physical and mental health (Source: CDC). Go for walks, bike, or visit a park for outdoor exposure. Indoor activities may include stretching, dancing, or even some gross motor activity games.
Here are some of my favorite Activities:
Board games in prone position (laying on their stomach)
Twister for Proprioceptive input to help regulate your child
Animal Walk races (bear crawls, crab walks, and bunny hops)
Jenga to work on Fine Motor Skills and Motor Planning
Break the Ice for a Fine Motor Activity
Arts & Crafts this allows your child to get creative
Baking/Cooking activities- Depending on your child’s age, you can use this activity to help with reading and following directions
You can even make puzzles more dynamic with a treasure hunt to find the pieces.
Try a new sport now that parks are opening back up- frisbee and soccer are some of my favorites with kids
Build a fort with all those delivery boxes from quarantine
Take a look at Free virtual events for parents and kids, click here to register for our free event next week!
Yoga for kids videos online
Virtual game night via House Party to get friends and family together
Gardening is a fun way for kids to learn how their food is grown and gives great sensory input for regulation
Stay socially connected. Loneliness has a huge effect on immunity and mental health, so keeping those little ones connected with social distancing guidelines are important (Cole, S.W., Hawkley, L.C., Arevalo, J.M. et al., 2007). Use video chats to create virtual playtime, phone calls, cards, letters; any way to make your child feel connected. Check your local school districts for tips and guidelines, community facebook groups, and local libraries. Social media has also been a huge help in the effort for communities to come together, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, to see what's happening in your area.
Be aware of signs of extreme stress or change in child behavior. This goes for all of us, but especially the little ones of the house may not have developed the introspection, or awareness of how they are feeling. Signs include, excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleep habits, or difficulty with attention/concentration.
If you have seen an extreme change in your child’s behavior, talk to your doctor. If you have any questions, or think your child may benefit from our Occupational Therapy Services, please follow this link for a Free Consultation with Smply Therapy.
Here are some resources from the CDC to help you and your family
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/for-parents.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts-h.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html
https://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/gb-2007-8-9-r189
To register for our free Virtual Wellness Event:
https://success-street.webinarninja.com/live-webinars/354632/register