When kids start to participate in associative and cooperative play (stages 5–6), they may be ready to start playing some simple games. At this point, children are beginning to engage more with others, share ideas, and participate in back-and-forth interactions. Simple games can support this by giving them a structure for turn-taking, shared attention, and […]
When it comes to preschool books, I look for stories that invite children into the reading, not just ones they listen to. I especially love books with repetition—stories where the same phrases show up again and again. This predictability helps children anticipate what comes next and “read” along with me, even before they can read […]
If you’re looking for simple, meaningful ways to support play, I’ve gathered all of my favorite toy ideas in one place. Instead of searching through multiple posts, you can now click on the category that fits what you’re looking for and find my go-to recommendations for that type of play. Whether you’re thinking about sensory […]
When a child pretends to cook a meal, care for a baby, or become a doctor or firefighter, they’re stepping into roles they’ve seen and experienced. This kind of play helps them process real-life situations, build understanding, and try things out in a safe and flexible way. It’s where ideas, emotions, and experiences come together. […]
The tactile system is one of the first ways children learn about the world. Through touch, they begin to explore, discover, and make sense of what’s around them. From squishing and squeezing to brushing, rubbing, and digging—tactile input plays a powerful role in development. Tactile input is how we take in information through out skin […]
Our vestibular system and proprioceptive system are two of our 8 senses. It’s something I didn’t learn about until I started working with children and working with an occupational therapist. However, it’s something I start to teach parents about during our first session because it’s so important to understand in child development. The vestibular system […]
Why are fine motor skills so important? A lot of times we think about working on fine motor skills so that we can write, but there is so much more to it. I think we (me included) take for granted the many things we do every day with our hands. Think of all the things […]
What is a developmental delay? I like the definition that Yale Medicine gives, which is: When a child’s progression through predictable developmental phases slows, stops, or reverses. Early Intervention is all about helping kids to progress through those developmental milestones. So, how do you do that? It’s not always about finding a new activity, buying […]
What are the stages of play? Understanding the stages of play is key to supporting a child’s development. Play is more than just fun—it’s how children learn communication skills, social interaction, problem-solving, motor development, and more. From unoccupied play to cooperative and imaginative play, each stage builds on the last, helping children gain the skills […]
Music is a powerful tool that helps many of us teach young kids all kinds of skills. You can teach colors, shapes, numbers, ABCs, social skills, language, motor skills, etc. all through music. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, therapist, or early childhood educator, incorporating simple songs, rhythms and movement can boost skills across multiple areas […]
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