Do children in your class struggle with holding writing tools comfortably? Cutting with scissors accurately? Completing self-care tasks such as dressing and using eating utensils?This practical guide, written by a pediatric occupational therapist, equips you with the tools to empower children's fine motor development! Inside, you'll discover:Age-specific milestones: Gain insight into typical fine motor skill progression for children from toddlers to preschoolers to early elementary students.Ready-to-use activities: Integrate engaging, developmentally appropriate exercises into your lessons to address key skills such as grasping, writing, and visual perception.Differentiation strategies: Tailor activities to meet individual needs.Classroom adaptations: Learn how to modify seating, tools, and tasks to create an inclusive learning environment that supports all abilities.Collaboration tips: Partner with families and therapists to provide seamless support for children's development.Perfect for early childhood educators and special-education teachers, Fine Motor Foundations includes valuable resources for toy recommendations, skill-based activity lists, and downloadable materials to empower children, build their confidence, and develop their skills.

Preschool is a time of wonder when curiosity, development, and learning intersect. While the new sights, routines, and experiences can make preschool exhilarating, what about children who struggle? Perhaps they exhibit odd behaviors: chewing on clothing, covering their ears, avoiding certain textures, refusing to sit with peers, screaming when frustrated, hitting, kicking, or biting. Wired Differently will help you to decode what may seem like everyday challenging behaviors. It's possible that these children are struggling with sensory processing disorder (SPD).Differentiate between everyday challenging behaviors, and those that could signify something much moreUnderstand what sensory processing disorder (SPD) is and how it can interfere with a child's learningLearn how to include sensory processing strategies as part of a typical classroom routine, and why they're important for all childrenEffectively communicate with families about SPD behaviors and helpful learning techniques