Category Archives: Families

Social Stories for Going back to Childcare or School

As parents and educators, you might be wondering “How can I support and prepare my child or the children in my program to go back to childcare or school in a COVID-19 climate?”. A social story could be used to teach and familiarize children with new routines and expectations which could reduce anxiety and help keep everyone safe and healthy while at childcare or school. Continue reading →

SUMMER CHATTING: This summer, start talking and get children ready to succeed!

First words 2020

By Roxane Bélanger, M.O.A., SLP-C, Reg. CALSPO
Speech Language Pathologist, First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County

We know this: language is the greatest predictor of a child’s success later at school and in life. Children with strong language skills do better with reading. At First Words, one of our key message for parents and educators this summer is to: “Talk to your child. All day. Every day” in order to help children’s language soar. With little set-up, these language activities can help you grow children’s speech and language skills – and get them ready for daycare, school or any post-pandemic routine!

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Heavy Work

Heavy work helps to calm or alert the body by stimulating the proprioceptive system. Implementing Heavy Work can decrease challenging behaviours and help the child take initiative by learning what works well for them.  Heavy Work is any activity that pushes and pulls the body and places pressure on joints and muscles giving the child input and awareness of where their body begins and ends.

View Tip Sheet

Ways to Respond When Your Child Says: “I’m Bored!”

As we all walk (or sit) through the fight against COVID-19 we are hearing our children say, “I’m bored” more than ever. While the online world offers a myriad of options and parents have never-ending to-do lists, keeping our children involved and engaged is a priority as we adapt to this new normal. To help you through this, we have compiled 7 ways to respond when your child says, “I’m bored!”
View our Response Chart and Fridge Sheet
     

Family Wellness Tool Box

Cover pageCoping with Covid-19 Pandemic

We are collected links and resources on the following topics:

  • Counselling Resources
  • Self-Care – Tips for Coping
  • Talking to Your Children
  • Working at Home with Children
  • Social Stories and Visual Schedule Ideas to Support Children
  • Mindfulness Activities

Activity Ideas

 

Picnic

Outdoor activities:

  • Pack up your lunch and have a picnic outside!
  • Explore nature items i.e. sticks, rocks, leaves, etc. Collect the items, paint them, use them for sensory exploration or make open-ended craft creations.
  • Sensory Walk.jpgFeel with your feet! Use differently textured items to create your own sensory walking path. Use fallen logs, wet grass, smooth stones, piles of sand, crushed ice, etc. This activity can also be done inside using various household items. Continue reading →