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Speech and Language Skills in the Season of Fall: Fun, Simple Language Activities

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Fun Fall Activities to Promote Speech and Language Skills at Home

As the leaves change color and cooler weather arrives, we eagerly anticipate the transition to fall. With the changing of the seasons, there are new opportunities to target speech and language skills using fall-themed activities. 

 

Boost Speech and Language Skills with a Fall Nature Walk!

Choose your outdoor location, whether it be a backyard, park, or nature trail. Before you go outside, brainstorm a list of items that you hope to see or collect once you find them! Some ideas include: a rock, a yellow leaf, a red leaf, a twig, acorn, bird, pinecone, etc. As you walk, describe what you see, feel, and hear to provide your kids with models of descriptive words. As you discover items on your list, describe the location where you found it! For example, “I found a small, yellow leaf on the rock” or “there’s a pinecone under the tree!” This activity is an exciting and motivating way to encourage descriptive language and multi-word utterances. Once you’ve collected all your items, you can put them all in a bin/bowl to make a fall-themed sensory bin.  Your kids can enjoy their discoveries again and have more opportunities to engage with fall-themed vocabulary.

 

Use Fall-Themed Books to Enrich Speech and Language Skills

Your local, public library is likely stocked with many seasonal books to enjoy this time of year! Fall-themed books are great for exposing kids to relevant vocabulary. Reading to and with your child is a great way to provide meaningful language exposure, which cultivates strong language skills. Reading promotes comprehension of language and gives children great examples of vocabulary and grammar! If your child is working on specific speech sounds, chances are there are words in the book containing their sounds that can be practiced while you read! Some favorite fall-themed books are listed below.

 

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Park 

When the Leaf Blew In by Steve Metzger

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger

 

Play Games that Promote Speech and Language Skills

Grab a game and play together! Playing a game is a great way to encourage social language skills such as turn-taking, perspective-taking, and interpreting nonverbal communication. They also provide practice following directions. There are many great toys and games that incorporate fall-themed vocabulary. Check out the links below for some ideas!

 

Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Board Game

Alphabet Acorns

Spike the Hedgehog

Acorn Soup

 

Speech and language skills can be targeted in any context and with any materials! We hope these ideas encourage you and your family to enjoy the beauty of this fall season.

 

How Carolina Therapy Connection Supports Speech and Language Skill Development?

Do you have concerns or questions regarding your child’s communication skills or play skills? A Speech-Language Pathologist can help support your child’s speech, languagehttps://www.understood.org/, and play skills, and provide parent education that empowers you to support their communication development!

 

By: Laura McCall, M.S., CCC-SLP

 

A Step in The Right Direction: PT-Approved Footwear For Your Kiddos!

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Choosing the right footwear for children can be a daunting task for parents, especially when considering the importance of comfort, support, and proper development. As kids grow, their feet undergo significant changes, and the right shoes can help promote healthy foot development, prevent injuries, and enhance overall mobility. Here’s a guide to help you find PT-approved footwear for your little ones.

Why Footwear Matters – Qualities of Good Kids Shoes That PT-Approved

Children’s feet are still developing, making it crucial to provide them with shoes that offer proper support while also allowing room to grow. Poor footwear can lead to a variety of issues, including flat feet, overpronation, and discomfort. Physical therapists often emphasize the following features in kids’ shoes:

  1. Arch Support: Proper mid-foot arch support is essential to promote natural foot development and prevent conditions like flat feet. Look for a shoe that flexes at the toe vs. mid shoe when you bend it.
  2. Flexibility: Shoes should allow for natural movement. A shoe that has a flexible toe/forefoot region enables kids to engage in physical activities without restriction.
  3. Adequate Cushioning: Ample cushioning helps absorb shock during activities, reducing the risk of injuries.
  4. Room for Growth: Kids grow quickly, so it’s important to choose shoes that allow for a little extra room without being too loose. A shoe with a wide toe box allows for extra growth and room for their toes to splay, which helps to provide a wider base of support and improve balance!
  5. Breathability: Shoes made from breathable materials help keep feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of blisters and fungal infections.
  6. Adjustable closure: Shoes with adjustable closures can be adjusted for a sung but comfortable fit. This helps provide the ideal support during movement without worrying about their foot sliding around in the shoe. Look for a shoe with velcro or laces/straps that can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
  7. Sturdy/solid heel cup: Shoes that have a sturdy heel cup provide solid support and stability for your little one’s ankles. In addition, they help to promote proper leg alignment while walking, running, and during general play activities! Look for a shoe that when you push on the back of the shoe it doesn’t collapse in. 

Brands that offer PT-approved footwear options:

1. New Balance

New Balance offers a variety of children’s shoes that are known for their excellent arch support and cushioning. Models like the Kids Rave Run v2 are lightweight, have moderate arch support for higher impact activities, and have a wide toe box that give the feet plenty of space!

2. Saucony

Saucony’s Kid’s Cohesion line features good arch support and a breathable upper. They’re designed for running and play, offering stability without sacrificing flexibility.

3. Asics

Asics shoes are known for their GEL cushioning system, which provides excellent shock absorption. The Gel-Contend series is a great choice for everyday wear and sports.

4. Stride Rite

Specializing in children’s footwear, Stride Rite offers shoes that prioritize foot health. Their shoes often feature rounded toes and flexible soles to promote natural foot movement.

5. Pediped

Whether you’re looking for sandals, sneakers, or boots, Pediped provides a variety of shoes that promote healthy foot development. Their Originals, Grip ‘n’ Go, and Flex designs have been officially recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as being beneficial for children’s growing feet!

6. Cat and Jack and Walmart also have various cost effective options that provide adequate fit and stability. Use the tips above to find shoes that fit these criteria!

More tips for Choosing the Right Shoe

  1. Measure Feet Regularly: Kids’ feet can grow rapidly, so measure them every few months to ensure a proper fit.
  2. Try Shoes on in the Afternoon: Feet can swell throughout the day, so fitting shoes later in the day can ensure a better fit.
  3. Check the Fit: Compressive footwear may cause weakness, deformity, and mobility loss, so you want to ensure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between the end of the shoe and the longest toe. The heel should fit snugly without slipping.
  4. Look for Quality Materials: Choose shoes made from durable and breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, to ensure longevity and comfort.
  5. Involve Your Child: Allowing kids to choose their shoes can make the experience fun, but guide them toward options that meet their physical needs.

***Special Tip for Little Ones: These recommendations are mostly for experienced walkers. If you have a baby who is just starting to learn to stand and walk, barefoot is best so they can gain strength and balance. If a new/early walker needs shoes for daycare or outdoor use, look for a flexible option with a wide toe box that fits securely on the foot (adjustable closure) without sliding off.***

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help? 

Investing in the right shoes for your children is crucial for their foot health and overall well-being. With the recommendations from physical therapists and a focus on supportive, flexible, and well-fitting options, you can help your little ones stay active and comfortable. Remember, the right shoe today can lead to healthier feet tomorrow!

 

Written By: Anna Seguin, PT, DPT

Nurturing Mental Wellness in Children: The Vital Role of Pediatric Therapy

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In today’s fast-paced world, children face many challenges that can impact their mental well-being. From academic pressures to social dynamics, the stressors they encounter can take a toll on their emotional health. As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to recognize the signs of mental distress in children and provide them with the necessary support to thrive.

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we understand the importance of nurturing childhood mental wellness from an early age. Our comprehensive counseling services are designed to address various issues, empowering children to develop coping mechanisms and build resilience for life’s challenges.

Understanding Childhood Mental Wellness

Childhood is a crucial period for mental development. It’s a time when children form their perceptions of the world and learn how to navigate their emotions. However, factors such as family dynamics, peer relationships, academic pressures, and societal expectations can influence their mental health.

As children grow and develop, they may encounter difficulties that affect their emotional well-being. These challenges can manifest in various ways, including:

  1. Behavioral Changes
  2. Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, withdrawal, or aggression, may indicate underlying emotional struggles.
  3. Academic Decline
  4. Difficulty concentrating, declining academic performance, or reluctance to attend school could be signs of anxiety or other mental health issues.
  5. Physical Symptoms
  6. Headaches, stomachaches, and other physical complaints without underlying medical causes may be linked to stress or emotional distress.

Recognizing these signs early on is crucial for addressing children’s mental health needs and preventing further complications.

The Role of Pediatric Therapy in Promoting Mental Wellness

Pediatric therapy plays a vital role in supporting children’s mental wellness. Our team of skilled therapy providers specializes in working with children and adolescents, providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to express their thoughts and feelings.

Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each child’s unique needs, we help them:

  1. Develop Coping Skills
  2. Children learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
  3. Build Resilience
  4. Children develop resilience to bounce back from setbacks and adversities by fostering a sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy.
  5. Improve Communication
  6. Effective communication is key to expressing emotions and resolving conflicts. Our therapists help children improve their communication skills, both verbally and non-verbally.
  7. Strengthen Relationships

Healthy relationships are fundamental to children’s well-being. We work with families to improve communication and strengthen familial bonds.

Promoting Childhood Mental Wellness for a Brighter Future

At Carolina Therapy Connection, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive emotionally and socially. Promoting mental wellness from an early age lays the foundation for healthier, happier futures.

If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being or want to learn more about our counseling services, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced pediatric therapists.

Together, we can empower children to overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths, and live fulfilling lives. Let’s work together to nurture their mental wellness and unlock their full potential.