Linking rings really are the unsung heroes of on-the-go parenting, serving double duty as a useful parenting tool and as a open-ended toy for early intervention.
Category: Early Intervention Activities
Some children just love to throw stuff, and it’s a powerful developmental drive. We don’t want to hurt people or break stuff, but constantly fighting a toddler with that impulse often leads to frustration for both the adult and the child.
Our immediate, instinct is to say, “Stop throwing stuff!” But what if we paused and changed that instruction. “Throw this, not that.”
A DIY Light Table for Sensory Seekers I know what it feels like to be out of ideas. When our foster son entered our lives, he was a vibrant, intense sensory seeker. He needed high-octane input, often chewing on non-food items, bumping, crashing, and constantly moving. He struggled to settle and focus on quiet activities. […]
Language starts long before the first word is spoken; it begins with awareness, body movement, and imitation. The mirror is so powerful because it provides immediate visual feedback—a principle supported by speech-language research.
This activity is more than just fun; it’s a powerful tool for promoting joint attention, fostering creativity, and building fine motor strength. It’s a simple concept that can be modified to meet the unique needs of each child.
Allowing children to use safe knives is more than just a fun activity. It’s an opportunity for them to develop skills and explore their senses. By encouraging their involvement in food preparation, we’re creating enriching sensory experiences that will benefit them for years to come.
Let’s celebrate Owl Awareness Day by telling a story of my favorite owl toy, “Tipsy” from Discovery Toys.
Remember that you, the parent, are your child’s best toy to encourage talking. Playing with you is the best way to increase interactions that lead to talking. When choosing toys, be sure to stick to the basics, include some “people toys” and help your child use her imagination.
In Early Intervention, our job is to find that delicate balance between letting the child explore independently and gently guiding them to the next skill. We can root this “gentle dance” in two foundational learning theories
Every home has its own stuff. Learning how to use what you have to teach babies in their natural environment can be a creative puzzle.
All Things Early Intervention 