Zoe Hope Foundation

11/24/2025

https://www.theottoolbox.com/thanksgiving-activities-for-kids/

These Thanksgiving therapy activities are occupational therapy ideas, crafts, games, and OT ideas to build skills.

11/24/2025

The proprioceptive system receives input from the muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, stretch, movement and changes in position in space.

Our bodies are able to grade and coordinate movements based on the way muscles move, stretch, and contract.

Proprioception allows us to apply more or less pressure and force in a task. Instinctively, we know that lifting a feather requires very little pressure and effort, while moving a large backpack requires more work. We are able to coordinate our movements effectively to manage our day’s activities with the proprioceptive system. The brain also must coordinate input about gravity, movement, and balance involving the vestibular system.

Kids who are showing signs of proprioceptive dysfunction might do some of these things:

+Appear clumsy
+Fidget when asked to sit quietly.
+Show an increased activity level or arousal level.
+Seek intense proprioceptive input by “crashing and bashing” into anything.
+Slap their feet when walking.
+Flap hands.
+Use too much or too little force on pencils, scissors, objects, and people.
+“No fear” when jumping or walking down stairs.
+Or, are overly fearful of walking down steps/jumping.
+Look at their body parts (hands/feet) when completing simple tasks.
+Sit down too hard or miss chairs when sitting.
+Fall out of their seat.
+Fluctuates between over-reacting and under-reacting in response to stimulation.
+Constantly on the move.
+Slow to get moving and then fatigue easily.

Proprioception activities are a good way to calm and organize your child.

Read more: https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-sensory-activities/

11/24/2025

Sensory avoiders might have some (or more) of these preferences.
Here are some ways to support sensory avoiders:
Modify the Environment: Reduce sensory input by adjusting lighting, reducing noise, and providing quiet spaces.
Sensory Breaks: Incorporate regular sensory breaks throughout the day to help the child manage sensory overload. https://www.theottoolbox.com/sensory-coping-strategies-for-kids/
Use of Tools: Utilize sensory tools such as noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or chewable jewelry to help the child cope with sensory input. https://www.theottoolbox.com/weighted-vests-and-compression-garments/

11/24/2025

Scissor skills develops in a progression. The key is to adjust the level of difficulty by using different grades of paper and thicknesses of lines. Here is a full explanation: https://www.theottoolbox.com/scissor-skills-recycled-wrapping-paper/

11/24/2025

Happy Thanksgiving week!

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

This Thursday is World Kindness Day! In celebration, we’re taking this week to give back to you in gratitude for your support of the Fred Rogers Institute.

Follow along with us throughout the week as we share challenges, art, and fun activities that encourage kindness toward yourself and others.

11/11/2025

There are many calming tools you can use at home or at school...and even when out and about in the community! Here are some suggestions:
💙https://www.theottoolbox.com/calm-down-corner/
💙For school: https://www.theottoolbox.com/calm-down-strategies-for-school/
💙For anywhere: https://www.theottoolbox.com/relaxation-breathing-a-powerful-tool/

11/11/2025

Self care for therapy providers. Here you go: https://www.theottoolbox.com/self-care-strategies-for-therapists/

11/11/2025

The Way We Talk to Our Children Becomes Their Inner Voice

The words we speak to our children don’t just fill the air — they shape the voice they’ll carry inside for the rest of their lives. When we respond with patience, empathy, and encouragement, we’re helping them build an inner dialogue rooted in confidence, self-compassion, and security.

Think about how powerful that is. A gentle “It’s okay to make mistakes” becomes the reassurance they give themselves years later when life feels hard. “I believe in you” turns into self-trust. “You’re safe, I’m here” becomes their ability to self-soothe when they’re overwhelmed.

On the other hand, harsh or dismissive words can plant seeds of self-doubt, fear, or shame. That’s why it’s so important to pause before reacting — especially in moments of frustration. Our tone, our phrasing, and our presence teach children how to talk to themselves long after they’ve grown.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s awareness. Even when we make mistakes, we can model repair by saying, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Let’s try again.” That too becomes part of their inner voice — the part that knows growth and love are always possible.

Your words today become their self-talk tomorrow. Speak to your child the way you want them to speak to themselves.



.tleexplorers_ria

11/11/2025

CYP Occupational Therapy (NHS Lanarkshire) says, "Messy play isn’t just good for our sensory system, it’s also a good method of developing fine motor skills in a fun way."

11/11/2025