Special Needs

Apr 29 2013

Learn to Sail Programs for Kids in and Around Boston - Charles River, Boston Harbor and Beyond

Things to do with kids: Learn to Sail Programs for Kids in and Around Boston - Charles River, Boston Harbor and Beyond

Taking full advantage of Boston’s location - the Charles River to the west and Boston Harbor to the east - community boating programs provide numerous opportunities for kids and families to learn to sail in Boston. Look a little further to the north and south, and options multiply. From annual memberships to five-day passes to one-day rentals, the following sailing centers offer packages that will fit your budget and schedule. Note that many of the lesson and camp programs fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead.

- Updated April 2013

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Mar 1 2010

20 Classic Educational OT Toys To Help Children Prepare for School

Things to do with kids: 20 Classic Educational OT Toys To Help Children Prepare for School

[UPDATED: July 18, 2012]

Last week there was an article in the NY Times, “Watch How You Hold That Crayon,” about OT and handwriting. In the article Anthony DiCarlo, a Principal stated, “In the last five years, I’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of kids who don’t have the strength in their hands to wield scissors or do arts and crafts projects, which in turn prepares them for writing."

He goes on to say that while many kids head back to school with accomplishments like music, yoga and sports classes, they may not have logged enough time in open-ended play. “I’m all for academic rigor,” he said, “but these days I tell parents that letting their child mold clay, play in the sand or build with Play-Doh builds important school-readiness skills, too.”

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Oct 1 2007

Sensory Savvy Snacks Help Kids Do Better in School

Things to do with kids: Sensory Savvy Snacks Help Kids Do Better in School

[UPDATED: July 18, 2012]

What kids eat is very important and having the right snack can actually improve a child's ability to learn. Our school occupational therapy consultant, Casey Halper, put together a list of sensory smart snacks just in time for back to school. That means that they are snacks that help kids stay alert and focused in school without making them hyper and restless. These are great snack ideas for children in school, but would be equally great snack choices for toddlers too. Some of the themes for healthy sensory snacks are:

  • Crunchy and chewy foods help make kids more alert by engaging their senses.
  • Sipping or sucking can help organize and calm children.
  • And of course fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and calcium rich foods make them healthy overall.

Try These Sensory Smart Snacks:

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