Different Ways to Process Language (gestalt and analytical)
Did you know that children can process language more than one way? Some children process language as gestalt language processors and some as analytical language processors. Gestalt language processors learn language in chunks or phrases rather than individual words. For example, a child who is a gestalt language processor may start saying short phrases […]
Unlocking Communication Potential: Your Guide to Speech Pathology Assessments
Completion of assessments is a big part of the role of a speech pathologist. Please see below as we explore the range of informal and formal assessment which we complete at Happy Dots to help decide if your child may benefit from a speech pathology assessment. Why Assess? Assessment is an important aspect of the […]
What is Aided Language Stimulation?
Aided language stimulation (also known as language modelling) is a common therapy technique used by speech pathologists to teach language to children who require any form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC includes any form of communication additional to verbal speech such as key words signs, single visuals, communication books and electronic communication devices. […]
Supporting Young Children’s Language Skills Through Book Reading
Shared book reading, also known as interactive or dialogic reading, is when children and adults actively engage with a book together. This interactive approach can improve children’s interaction skills, understanding of language, sentence development and develop a love of reading. There are several strategies which can be undertaken to enhance the shared book reading experience. […]
Why does my child chew on everything?
Is your child chewing on something all the time? I mean not only food but non-edible objects? While putting things in the mouth is normal for babies and toddlers, sometimes, children past that age are still chewing. We are going to discuss some of the reasons why children may be known to chew on everything. […]
From Preschool to Big School- How can we help?
Children achieve many milestones within their first 5 years. During this time, they are walking, running, talking, developing social and communication skills but there are some children that may have issues with these, especially in the classroom. This is where an occupational therapist or an OT can help. Occupational Therapists can help children with a […]
Benefits of Sensory Play for Children
Children absolutely delight in exploring their world through their senses. Sensory play – play that stimulates any of a child’s senses – builds cognitive skills and influences how your child learns about their world. At Happy Dots, all of our sessions are sensory & play based, and most of all fun! Exploring our everyday […]
Do we have 5, 7 or 8 sensory systems?
What is the Sensory System? The sensory system is a part of the nervous system that is responsible for processing information through the senses. The sensory system is composed of the brain, spinal cord, and neurons. It is the neurological wiring by which we recognise and process sensory information from outside and inside the body. […]
5 Ways to Improve Fine Motor Skills Using Every Day Items
Ok, school is just around the corner and sometime this can mean that parents begin to wonder if their child is “school ready”. As Occupational Therapists we are all about being creative with the most simple of household items. What are Fine Motor Skills? Fine motor skills are the ability to make movements using the […]
What You Need to Know about Gross Motor Skills
Have you noticed that your child is struggling with activities that involves large movements, like throwing a ball? If so, you may have heard that your child has trouble with gross motor skills. Gross motor skills are skills that allow children to do things that involves the use of the large muscles in the torso, […]
