Showing posts with label families. Show all posts
Showing posts with label families. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

World Origami Days

October 24th through November 11th is "World Origami Days." 


World Origami days began on October 24th and will last until November 11th.
October 24th is the birthday of Lillian Oppenheimer (1898 - 1992), who founded the first origami group in America. November 11th is Origami Day in Japan where the paper crane has become a symbol of peace. 

Celebrate by creating your own origami creation! 





Friday, October 6, 2017

Identify the Signs of Communication Disorders

Do you know the common sings of communication disorders? 
Early intervention is always best! Which is why ASHA partnered with Read Aloud 15 MINUTES to create age specific flyers on common signs of communication disorders. 


Here are few common signs of a communication disorder:
  • Struggles to say sounds or words
  • Repetition of words or parts of words
  • Says words in wrong order
  • Struggles with using words and understanding others

Early detection signs are commonly categorized for age specific development. Please use these resources to target your child's specific age range to determine any delays in reaching milestones. 





Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Screen Time

As technology continues to grow, there is a common concern of language development in young children who spend ample amount of time on tablets. 



A study from the University of Toronto found that every 30 minutes of daily screen usage increases a child's risk of developing speech and language delays by 49% for ages 6 months to 2 years. They specifically found that there were difficulties with expressive language. However, the author cautions that their study does show a direct correlation between device use and language difficulties but there needs to be more research completed in order to signify the correlation. 

So how much screen time should you allow your child to have?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time at all for children younger than 18 months. Children learn language by exposure, and birth to 2 or 3 year range is a time of massive advances in language development. 

Of course, Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) is an exception as it is vital in the development of language for non-verbal users. 

Friday, September 15, 2017

10 Benefits of Building Blocks

Did you know the benefits of development when it comes to building with blocks or legos?



1. Problem Solving 
Problem solving is beneficial in block building as it requires the builder to think about how to make this block structure stand on it's on. Problem solving on how to place the pieces to benefit the structure. 

2. Imagination
Imagination comes into play when the builder decides what to build. Sometimes it is thought of beforehand and sometimes the structure just comes together as they problem solve. They get to follow their own plan or work together as a team to create the structure they envision. 

3. Self-Expression
When children get to express themselves through art no matter if they are drawing, dancing, or building they are expressing their thoughts and in turn themselves. 

4. Mathematics
Carefully calculating the number of blocks on each side or tall is vital in the building process. You must calculate out the blocks in order to create a sturdy structure. 

5. Continuity & Permanence
Building block engages spatial awareness and mobile abilities. It can be in the sense of parallel play or working together as a group. 

6. Creativity 
Along with self-expression, children get to be creative on what they build. They use their imaginations to come up with a concept and problem solve to make it come to life!

7. Science
This activity is an opportunity to test hypotheses and build scientific reasoning through play and imagination. 

8. Self-Esteem
Children discover that they have ideas and that they can bring their ideas to life by creating, transforming, demolishing, and re-creating something unique. 

9. Social and Emotional Growth
Blocks help children learn to take turns and share, develop friendships, become self-reliant, increases attention span, follow directions, and develop confidence in their abilities. 

10. Fine Motor Skills
Using your fingers to manipulate different size and textures of blocks helps in the development of fine motor skills. 



Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Special Olympics 2018

The 2018 USA Games Special Olympics will be held in Seattle! 



The Special Olympics goes from June 30th - July 6th with a special Independence Day celebration!

June 30, 2018 - Welcome Day at SeaTac Airport

July 1, 2018 - Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium

July 1st - July 5th - Games and Activities 
  • University of Washington - Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Flag Football, Powerlifting, Tennis, Volleyball
  • Angle Lake - Stand-up Paddle Board
  • Celebration Park - Softball
  • Kenmore Lanes - Bowling
  • Seattle Pacific University - Gymnastics
  • Seattle University - Basketball, Soccer
  • King County Aquatic Center - Swimming
  • Willows Run Golf Club - Golf

July 6th - Closing Ceremony at Lake Union Park



Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Monday, July 31, 2017

Ear Infections in Children

Ear Infections are common in infants and children. In some cases, it can affect hearing and sometimes language development. 



         Two out of three children get at least one middle ear-infection (optitis media) by the age of 3. 1 out of 3 of these children will experience at least 3 infections. 50% of children have at least one ear infection by their first birthday. Unfortunately, the earlier the child gets their first one, the more susceptible they are to recurrent episodes. 

         Recurrent and middle ear fluid infections may experience mild to moderate hearing loss, which can affect the speech/hearing learning process. When fluid builds up in the ear, it can cause temporary hearing loss. 

         Children ages 2 to 4 have shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes than adults that let bacteria and viruses find their way to the middle ear more easily. A common cold of flu can also lead to ear infections. 

Learn how to detect, treat, and prevent ear infections here!

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

9 Summer Learning Activities


Keep the learning going this summer with these fun activities! 



1. Visit a museum - Check out our previous blog here

2. Write in Journals

3. Language Games - Apples to Apples, etc.

4. Read, Read, Read

5. Gardening

6. Scavenger Hunts

7. Family Activity Day Planning - Have your kiddo plan a day out regarding all concepts (Time, Cost, Lunch, etc)

8. Visit the Zoo 

9. Colors Calendar - Click here for the free download




Monday, June 19, 2017

Museums to Visit This Summer!

Going to a museum is a great way to continue education throughout the summer! 

Museums offer a dynamic opportunity to experience new things and explore in a rich educational environment. They are a foundation for creativity, critical thinking, and connection to the world around us. Museums promote imagination and inspire identity building learning experiences for all. 

Here are museums to visit this summer without breaking the bank and even getting in for FREE

Seattle:

Seattle Art Museum Free for children 12 and under. First Thursday of each month, admission is free to the public!

Burke MuseumFree for children 5 and under. First Thursday of each month is free to the public

Henry Art GalleryChildren are free. First Thursday of every month is free to the public. Free admission every Sunday.

Bill and Melinda GatesFoundation -Visitor Center -  Admission is free during their business hours of 10am - 6pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Seattle Children's MuseumChildren under 1 are free. DSHS/Provider One card holders get $1 admission. Sensory Sensitive Saturdays are the first Saturday of every month from 8:30am – 10am, tickets are $3 admission and must be repurchased.

Misc:
Artists at Play PlaygroundFree to the public

Tacoma:

Tacoma Children's MuseumPay-as-you will admission program allows you to pay what you can afford to attend the musem. Tuesdays from 10am – 11:30 are specials needs play days!

Tacoma Art MuseumAdmission is free with Tacoma Children’s museum ticket (from same day.) Children under 5 are free. The third Thursday of every month is free from 5pm to 8pm. Bank of America card holders/employees are free the first weekend of every month.

LeMay - America's CarMuseum - On certain Fridays each month, Lemay offers a free drive in movie at the America's Car Museum Haub Family Field. Watch from your car, chair, or blanket. Friday, August 11th they will be playing Moana!


Bellevue:
Bellevue Arts MuseumFree admission on the first Friday of every month. Children under 6 are free.

KidsQuest Children's Museum - free admission on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Children under 1 are free.

Renton:
Museum of Flight - Children 4 years and under are free. On the first Thursday of every month admission is free to the public from 5pm - 9pm. 

Bremerton:
Bug & Reptile Museum - free to the public.

Bainbridge Island:

KiDiMu - Kids DiscoveryMuseumfree admission the first Thursday of every month. Children under 1 year old are free

Thursday, May 18, 2017

F.A.S.T

American Stroke Month


American Stroke Month started at the beginning of May. If you or someone you know is having a stroke, it is critical to get medical attention immediately! Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.


Recognizing the symptoms when someone is having a stroke is vital in order to get the most immediate medical attention. Here are the most common symptoms of someone experiencing a stroke:

    1. Face Drooping —> Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the lower than the other?

    2. Arm Weakness —> Ask the person to lift both arms. Is one arm drifting downward?

    3. Speech Difficulty —> Is their speech slurred? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence

    4. Time to call 9-1-1 —> Time is important! Tell them “I think this is a stroke”



Friday, September 30, 2016

Wings for Autism will be at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport on October 15th!



What is Wings for Autism you ask?  It is a program that creates a rehearsal situation of what the airport experience is like for individuals with autism and their families including entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, getting through security, and boarding a plane.  We are thrilled to proud supporters of this awesome program.  Paige, Megan, and I will be volunteering at the event.  If you will be there or if you just happen to have a flight that day be on the lookout for us and come say hi!  If you would like more information about Wings for Autism check out the link below.  We are looking forward to working with such an awesome program and hope to see some of our clients and their families at the airport.  

The Arc - Wings for Autism

-Cassee