Blogs

A popular holiday tradition is cooking and baking.  Involve your children in this special tradition by using visual recipes that include a picture for each step, which is helpful for non-readers or those that need the visual cues to help with sequencing and staying on task.  This website has a slideshow in addition to a picture for each step of the chosen recipe so that you and your child can talk about the activity prior to actually making the recipe.  http://visualrecipes.com/recipes/ . However, if you find you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen or you are not a fan of being in the kitchen, have your child try this app that has many therapeutic benefits!!

Cookie Doodle app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cookie-doodle/id342128086?mt=8

* Fine Motor Skills: Making the dough includes activities that help develop fine motor skills: tapping, pinching, tilting, twisting, shaking, and stirring.

* Sequencing: Each recipe has a variety of sequential steps required to make a cookie.  Each recipe is slightly different, with some more complex than others.

* Reading and pre-reading: The ingredients text and images are on the same screen. As ingredients are added, they are checked off to assist with the word-picture association.

* Artistic Creativity: Explore color, shape, and design.