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
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!
CISS has many varieties of Chewies to support children who find chewing calming to their bodies or decreases anxiety. The sensory need of “chewing” helps regulate those with difficulty processing sensory input, and therefore needs an appropriate replacement form of chewing. It is important to provide safe alternatives that still meet the child’s need to chew.
“Chewing on clothing and other items is a common sensory need of children with autism or sensory integration disorder. Some children have mild chewing needs and others can really be serious biters, practically bending metal with their teeth. Though the heavy jaw work of chewing may help to relieve stress and calm, it can also be intrusive, and damaging at times.”
Funandfunction.com
Summer time is a great way to combine outdoor activities and building motor skills. Here are a few activity ideas that will give old activities a new spin while practicing both fine and gross motor skills.
Based on the questions the CISS team has received from families, our behaviour team has answered some of these in these short webinars.
Bored Children
Children Testing Limits
Anxiety in 3 year olds
Anxiety in 6 year olds
Anxiety in 10 year olds
