Phone: 800-376-3440
Available for the iPad and iOS on the App Store for $4.99 the “Wet Dry Try” app follows the curriculum of Handwriting Without Tears allowing children to “virtually” practice their letter and number formation by first “wetting” the letter with a virtual sponge, then drying the letter with a virtual towel, then forming the letter for themselves with virtual chalk.
Calming Bottles DIY
Calming bottles (also called sensory bottles, clam down jars, etc.) are reused plastic water bottles which contain water, glitter, and some glue. The glue in the water/glitter combination causes the liquid to move slowly when shaken. Calming bottles are great for children who seek visual input as well as tactile and proprioceptive input as a child can shake, squeeze, twist and turn them to make the glitter float around. In addition to providing a child with lots of calming visual input to help themselves calm. Calming bottles are inexpensive, and easy to make. Parents have noted lots of positive responses of the calming bottle as well as many diverse ways to use them. Here is an easy and inexpensive way to make them with
Instructions from – http://www.preschoolinspirations.com/2014/11/13/6-ways-to-make-a-calm-down-jar/
You will need:
A clean empty Plastic water bottle with cap
Hot Water
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Glitter
Elmer’s Glue
Proportions: Since all bottles are different sizes, I’m breaking this down into proportions instead of specifics. This calming bottle is made with about 20% glue, 80% water, and as much glitter as desired.
Make it: Pour Elmer’s glue and hot water into the mixing bowl along with some food coloring and glitter. Now mix with the whisk. When everything is blended, mix vigorously then pour right away into the water bottle. The last stir helps get the glitter to transfer to the water bottle instead of settling in the mixing bowl. I just add a bit more hot water to the mixing bowl if there is some that is stuck. Then I clean the residual glitter out with a paper towel before rinsing and cleaning it out.
Give your bottle a trial by putting the lid on and shaking to make sure your calming bottle is working its magic. After your bottle is just the way you like it, let it cool without the lid. Once it has cooled, I put the lid back on and secure it with hot glue or super glue to prevent it from being opened.
Now that the Calming Bottle is finished you can use it has a sensory bottle, clam down jar, or fun craft activity!
Mike~Occupational Therapy Team
Resources for Children with Feeding Difficulties
It can be overwhelming to have a child with feeding difficulties. They may have started from birth or developed over time. No matter when you began to deal with feeding challenges, the most important thing you can do is have support from other people who understand what your family is experiencing. Feeding can be a complex journey, including visiting many different doctors, going to feeding therapy, learning new ways to prepare meals, modifying diets…the list could go on. Fortunately, there are organizations out there which can help bring all the resources together. Some of these include:
- FeedingMatters.org : Based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Feeding Matters provides many resources for families and feeding professionals, such as a provider directory, resource directory, community outreach programs, and seminars. They post great articles on Facebook as well.
- MealtimeConnections.com : Based in Tucson, Arizona. Provides therapy services as well as many helpful articles for parents and professionals.
- RaisingSpecialKids.org : Based in Arizona. Whether you have concerns for your child’s feeding, speech and language, sensory development, physical development, or behavior, I often refer families to Raising Special Kids. They provide resources to services and connections to other families who may be going through the same challenges. Their mission is to “improve the lives of children with the full range of disabilities, from birth to age 26, by providing support, training, information and individual assistance so families can become effective advocates for their children”.
~Kristina- Speech/ Feeding Team 
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK: WWW.KIDS-PAGES.COM
Looking for some take-home activities for your child? Kids’ pages offers a variety learning materials. You will find coloring pages, flashcards, nursery rhymes, games, stories, puzzles and more! This website is a great tool to help build and support your child’s learning. CLICK HERE FOR WWW.KIDS-PAGE.COM
Happy learning! ~Chelsea-Speech Therapy Team
Developmental Preschool?!
What is a Developmental Preschool?
A developmental preschool is an inclusive school program for children that have a diagnosed disability.
Who attends?
Any child that has been screened and evaluated through their district's preschool and diagnosed with a disability is eligible for services. Developmental preschools are free if your child qualifies and if room is available. Check your local school district for more information and how to sign your child up for a screening.
Where are they?
Developmental Preschools are provided in most districts. Here are two links to a couple of districts and their developmental preschools.
Dysart Elementary School District:
https://www.dysart.org/Sites/Default.aspx?pgID=126
Litchfield Elementary School District:
http://www.lesd.k12.az.us/departments.cfm?subpage=1280137
When do you start?
Between 2 years 9 months and 3 years of age
Why should my child attend?
Developmental preschools give children an opportunity to learn skills that are beneficial to early development. If
you feel your child may not be typically developing, check out this link below.
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002456.htm
* Always discuss with your child’s pediatrician or therapist about any questions or concerns you might have about your child.
~Chelsea- Speech Therapy Team
13601 N. Litchfield Rd Suite 124 Surprise,
800-376-3440
