Using Mealtime as a Self-Regulation Tool
by Danielle Carter, MS OTR/L Self-regulation helps us do important things in our day like manage big emotions, stay calm and organized to play, and successfully transition between activities. We can use carefully chosen sensory activities to help kids...
The Importance of Meaningful Experiences
by Danielle Carter, MS OTR/L Young children are sensory beings. They learn through sensory experiences of touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, and movement. While this seems to be a straightforward and easy concept for those playing, raising, and working with young...
How Movement Impacts Learning
The Balance of Play by Danielle Carter, MS OTR/L When children play, part of their exploration is pushing limits. We all know those busy toddlers or active kids who seem to be lured by challenges and risks as they interact and explore their world. As parents,...
Ready to Step Away From the Screens? Some Ideas for Winter Family Fun.
by Danielle Carter, MS OTR/L The weather is getting colder in Minnesota once again, and our social distancing restrictions continue. Many Kidspeak parents have expressed wanting suggestions to encourage their children away from screens. We have had many months of...
Fun and Effective Speech and Language Therapy with Kids in Covid-19 Times: Segment 4 Final
by Marlene Schoenberg, Ed.M. CCC-SLP In Segment 1, we discussed preparing for teletherapy sessions. In Segment 2 , I shared how to be more effective during each session. Then, in Segment 3, I elaborated on technical problem solving. If you missed any of these...
Helpful Hints for Solving Technology Problems in Speech and Occupational Therapy Video Therapy: Segment 3
by Marlene Schoenberg, Ed.M. CCC-SLP and Amy Chouinard M.A. CCC-SLP, COM Sometimes the on-line therapy session is going well. You had picked the right activity to motivate the child, you are getting good responses and then… all of a sudden, the picture freezes...
Fun and Effective Speech and Language Therapy with Kids in Covid-19 Times: Segment 2
by Marlene Schoenberg, Ed.M. CCC-SLP Segment 2-During the Interactive Video Session Our first segment last week discussed preparation and planning for teletherapy with children including input from the parents. Today we will talk about what happens during the...
Fun and Effective Speech and Language Teletherapy in Covid-19 Times: Segment 1
by Marlene Schoenberg, Ed. M, CCC-SLP c. Ethnic Communication Arts and Kidspeak (used with permission) The first interactive TV show in the 1950’s was a program called “Winkey Dink”. When I was 4 years old, a delightful recruiter interviewed me at day camp. I...
Sun Set, Sun Rise
by Amy Chouinard M.A. CCC-SLP, COM® Disappointment. We have all felt disappointment at some time in our lives. It is a part of being human. Dealing with disappointment is an important life skill. Right now, more than ever, we are dealing with this intense...
The Importance of Tummy Time
by Danielle Carter, OTR/L Many parents are excited for their babies to meet their milestones quickly, sometimes even encouraging early standing in the hopes of having an early walker. While this can be tempting and easy to do, being patient and allowing babies...
My family has used Kidspeak for two years now. Amy and her whole team have been incredible! We’ve worked with several speech therapists and each therapist has been great. Amy was also very helpful and patient working with us and our insurance company to get therapy approved. I can’t say enough good things about Amy, her staff, and how she has helped my daughter.