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I love using toys in therapy—almost as much as I love playing with them. What may look like “just playing” is actually children learning, communicating, and making sense of their environment. When you select toys that support language and play, children develop language, practice social skills, and connect meaningfully with others. As a speech-language pathologist, I shop for toys with intention. Yes, they should be fun—but they should also support learning. The toys I choose help children maintain attention, practice turn-taking, learn new vocabulary, follow directions, and engage in shared play. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for toys: 1. Choose Developmentally Appropriate Toys Select toys that match the child’s developmental level, not just their chronological age. Toys that are too advanced can be frustrating, while toys that are too simple may limit engagement and learning opportunities. 2. Limit Noisy and Light-Up Toys to Support Language As adults, we often assume that high-tech toys are best for learning. In reality, talking or noisy toys can limit opportunities for interaction and encourage solitary play. Children may become hyper-focused on the lights and sounds rather than using their own language or engaging with others. Simple toys often create richer opportunities for communication. 3. Don’t Forget the Classics Classic toys never go out of style—and for good reason. Shape sorters, pop-up toys, toy cars and trucks, stacking rings, and blocks are excellent for toddlers and preschoolers. These toys encourage imagination, problem-solving, and interaction with a play partner. Other great options include baby dolls, Mr. Potato Head, puzzles, action figures, and cash registers. 4. Encourage Pretend Play Child-sized tool benches, play kitchens, grocery sets, dress-up clothes, and tea sets are always a hit. These toys allow children to use their own language, role-play real-life experiences, take turns, solve problems, and build social communication skills. 5. Say Yes to Board and Card Games Board games are fun and packed with learning opportunities. They teach turn-taking, following rules, problem-solving, and language skills. While “old-school” games may seem boring to some, they shouldn’t be overlooked for their developmental value. As you shop for new toys, think about what a toy can do and  what skills it can help teach. There’s nothing wrong with sneaking a little learning into the fun—especially when play is the best teacher of all.

Many caregivers wonder whether their child’s speech or language differences are something they’ll “grow out of” or a sign that professional support may help. While every child develops at their own pace, there are times when seeking guidance from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can make a meaningful difference. Signs to Watch For You may want to consider a speech and language evaluation if your child: Uses fewer words than expected for their age Has difficulty understanding directions or following routines Their speech is hard for familiar caregivers or teachers to understand Becomes frustrated when trying to communicate Does not combine words by around age two Has lost words or communication skills they previously used For older children, concerns may include difficulty with storytelling, following classroom directions, or social communication with peers. Trust Your Instincts Caregivers know their children best. If something doesn’t feel right—even if others say “just wait and see”—it’s okay to ask questions. An evaluation does not automatically mean therapy is needed, but it can provide clarity, reassurance, or early support if necessary. Early Support Matters Research consistently shows that early intervention leads to stronger communication outcomes. Speech and language therapy isn’t about labeling a child—it’s about giving them tools to express themselves and connect with others. The Bottom Line If you have concerns, seeking professional input is a proactive step, not an overreaction. A licensed SLP can help determine whether your child is developing as expected or could benefit from extra support. Contact us for a free consultation.

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I’m often asked, “What can I do at home to help my child’s language skills?” My answer is almost always the same: use what you’re already doing. You don’t need special flashcards, apps, or extra hours in the day. Two of the richest opportunities for language development happen daily—mealtime and bath time. These routines are predictable, interactive, and full of natural chances to talk, listen, and connect. Use these simple, realistic ways to support your child’s language during these everyday moments. Why Routines Matter for Language Development Children learn language best through repetition, connection, and meaning . Routines like meals and baths offer: Predictable sequences (“first we wash, then we rinse”) Shared attention (you and your child focused on the same activity) Built-in vocabulary and actions Natural turn-taking When children know what to expect, they’re more likely to participate, attempt words, and engage in communication—whether that’s through sounds, gestures, signs, or sentences. Language-Building at Mealtime Mealtime is great for communication—and it doesn’t have to be quiet or perfect. 1. Narrate What’s Happening Talk about what you’re doing as you do it: “Here's a spoon.” “Where's the cup? Here it is.” “Drink milk.” This helps children connect words to actions and objects. 2. Offer Choices Instead of yes/no questions, try: “Do you want apple or banana ?” **Choices encourage communication at all levels—pointing, signing, vocalizing, or speaking. 3. Expand What Your Child Says If your child says: “Cracker” → “Yes, a crunchy cracker!” “More” → “More pasta, please!” **You’re modeling slightly longer language without pressure. 4. Talk About the Senses. Food naturally invites descriptive language: “This is crunchy.” “That’s sweet.” “The soup is hot—blow!” ** These words build vocabulary and support comprehension. Language-Building at Bath Time 🛁 Bath time is playful, hands-on, and often one-on-one—perfect for communication. 1. Use Repetitive, Predictable Language Bath routines repeat daily, which helps language stick: “Wash, rinse, dry.” “On… off.” “In the tub, out of the tub.” Repetition builds understanding and confidence. 2. Label Body Parts and Actions Use simple words and phrases: “Wash hands.” “Splash feet.” “Soap on your tummy.” You’re supporting both vocabulary and body awareness. 3. Follow Your Child’s Lead If your child is pouring water, floating toys, or splashing: Talk about what they’re interested in Avoid redirecting unless needed for safety Children learn best when language matches their focus. 4. Sing and Play with Sounds Songs and sound effects make language fun: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” “Splash!” “Uh-oh!” “Pop!” These playful sounds support early communication skills. If your child uses gestures, signs, sounds, or a communication device— that counts ! All forms of communication are valid and meaningful. And if you ever have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, reaching out to a licensed speech-language pathologist can provide clarity and support. Final Thought The best language opportunities aren’t found in worksheets—they’re found in everyday moments together. By slowing down and talking through routines, you’re giving your child powerful tools to communicate with confidence. If you’d like more caregiver-friendly tips or support, contact Having Our Say —we’re here to help every step of the way. ✨

The holidays will look different for our family this year and probably for many others who have experienced the loss of a loved one recently. I'm still not sure what this season will look like, but food will certainly be involved. Food has an incredible ability to bring people together. This holiday season, countless families across the globe will gather around tables to share meals, honor traditions, and create lifelong memories. The act of sharing food with others offers far more than simple nourishment—it builds bonds, promotes open communication, and fosters a deep sense of community. Regardless of beliefs, backgrounds, or traditions, the shared experience of breaking bread transcends differences, reminding us of the universal connections we all hold. Celebrating Community Through Story time For young readers, books can beautifully capture the joy of coming together over food, as well as the kindness and generosity it can represent. If you’re looking to explore this theme further, consider these picture books that spotlight the importance of community and family gatherings: 1. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora – This story follows a grandmother, Omu, who prepares a delicious stew that she selflessly shares with her neighbors. It’s a wonderful introduction to themes of sharing and community, with beautiful, collage-style illustrations. 2. Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell – A charming story that follows a family as they shop, cook, and prepare a meal for ten people, emphasizing the togetherness that food preparation can bring. This book also introduces basic counting and teamwork concepts for younger readers. 3. Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed – A story that centers around Bilal, a young boy who shares his favorite meal, daal, with friends for the first time. This book introduces cultural diversity and the joy of sharing one’s heritage, as Bilal’s friends discover the deliciousness of trying something new. These stories are perfect for sparking discussions about family, friendship, generosity, and the many ways food can bring people closer together. A Classroom Activity: Crafting a Meal for Community To extend the theme of food and togetherness into a classroom activity, here’s an interactive project that can help students develop math, language, and problem-solving skills. This "meal-planning" exercise encourages students to work together to plan a menu, using critical thinking to decide how many guests they will invite, select ingredients, and stay within a set budget. 1. **Work within a Budget:** Students are given a fixed budget for their shopping. This task introduces a much needed life skill while practicing basic math and financial literacy. They’ll need to consider prices as they "shop" for ingredients. 2. **Choose the menu:** In small groups, students discuss what to include in their meal, thinking about nutrition, preferences, and cost. 3. **Plan for Guests:** How many people are invited? Learn about scaling up and making adjustments as you go. At the end of the project, students can share their "meal plans" and discuss how they collaborated to make decisions, reinforcing teamwork and communication skills.This hands-on activity will not only engage students academically but also cultivate empathy and teamwork as they design a meal to be enjoyed by others. Food, after all, is one of our most powerful tools for connection. Students will discover how nourishing one another goes beyond the physical—it helps create a space where everyone feels welcome at the table. By blending literature, collaboration, and problem-solving, this resource brings the themes of community and food to life, creating lasting lessons in kindness, inclusion, and joy.

As we approach election day, it’s essential to instill in our children an understanding of the democratic process and the significance of their future participation. One way to achieve this is through picture books that tackle themes of voting and civic engagement. Not only do these books entertain, but they also serve as valuable tools for nurturing informed and responsible citizens. **Civic Awareness** Picture books are an engaging way to introduce kids to the democratic process. They can learn about the importance of voting and how their participation shapes their communities, preparing them to engage as responsible citizens as they grow older. **Critical Thinking** Discussing the narratives and issues presented in these books encourages children to think critically. They can explore various candidates’ perspectives, the implications of policies, and how these elements affect their lives. This early practice in evaluating information will serve them well as they become voters. **Empowerment** Even though young children can’t vote yet, picture books can help them realize that their voices matter. Stories about civic participation empower kids to believe that their opinions and choices are important, fostering a sense of agency. Conversations that stem from these stories can emphasize the importance of making informed decisions and understanding the impact of those decisions on society. **Encouragement of Dialogue** Engaging with picture books on political themes can normalize discussions about differing opinions and respectful debate. This practice lays the groundwork for children to navigate complex conversations about governance and community involvement as they grow. **Inspiration for Future Participation** By learning about the electoral process through captivating narratives, children are more likely to develop a lasting interest in politics. This early engagement can inspire them to become informed voters in the future, fostering a lifelong commitment to civic participation. To get started, check out my curated list of picture books that can spark these vital conversations with your kids: [Civic Engagement & Social Justice Books] (https://www.havingoursay.org/civic-engagment-social-justice-books) . Let’s empower the next generation to use their voices and be the change we want to see!

I didn’t love my name as a kid. I was a girl in a class full of Jennifers, Lisas and Traceys. No one in my class had a name like mine- and no one had skin like mine. I remember wanting to go by my middle name, but that was not an option. I also remember finding a stocking at my grandparents' house one Christmas. The stocking read “Chanté” and I instantly preferred that spelling. I think I felt at least that spelling would make my name special and fancy. Then, my mom told me the story of how I was named. She told me my name has a French origin and about the song that inspired her selection. It was sung by Dinah Shore and when she heard it, my mom did some more research and decided Shontaye would be my name. 🎶Chantez, Chantez sing a little Paris song. Let’s all sing when any little thing goes wrong.” My mother would sing the tune and frequently reminded me that my name means to sing and be happy. And with that I slowly ( very slowly) started to embrace Shontaye- spelling and all. I first read “The Name Jar” as an adult and it instantly reminded me of my love/ hate relationship with my name. The picture book tells a story of a Korean girl who is new to America and worries how her unusual name will be received at her new school. After being teased on the school bus, she decides not to reveal her Korean name in fear of facing more ridicule from her new American classmates. I won’t spoil the ending, but it is a heartwarming reminder of how diversity in children's literature is needed. Not only does this children's book normalize a family's immigration to a new country, but it also normalizes differences in languages, foods, customs, and traditions. To all of the kids (big and little) with "unusual"names, please correct them every time. Make them speak and spell your name correctly. Your name is your first gift from your family and carries cultural, ethnic, linguistic and familial significance.  And if you are an adult working with kids, please say your students names correctly.  If you are unsure how to speak their names, just ask! Chronic mispronunciation can lead to feeling not accepted  and undervalued and can be experienced as a racial microaggression. Name microaggressions can present as names being mispronounced, misspelled, misunderstood, misgendered, shortened or mocked. Honoring student names creates an equitable  classroom where students feel safe, seen, and valued.  If you are not sure where to begin, start by sharing picture books that focus on the importance of names. This helps children to honor their names and embrace names they may not be familiar with.   At its core, The Name Jar is a lesson in humanity and a reminder of how instead of trying to fit in, the best choice is always to just be you. The lessons in diversity and inclusion are an added bonus!

Summer is officially here, or as we like to refer to it, it's The Season of Yes! This year, we are doing less time at camp and spending more time doing family activities. Once the weather turns warm we love making homemade frozen treats- and eating them! Not only is this a fun activity that I do at home, but I love cooking in my therapy sessions. Did you know pairing a cooking activity with a book is an engaging way to practice life skills while enhancing language development too? In my summer-themed picture book, The Season of Yes! the main character Luce loves spending time with her mom. The story ends with the loving pair enjoying ice cream at home. *If you haven't read the book yet, it is a joyful story full of summer vocabulary (ice- cream, summer, season)⁣ describing words (adjectives), basic concepts, rhymes and so much more! So now that you have the perfect book, let's get to the sweetest part- making the ice cream! No ice cream maker? No problem! You can easily make Ice Cream in a Bag in less than 15 minutes from start to finish! This one is guaranteed to be delicious and is a kid-friendly summer activity. As a speech therapist, I recommend reviewing the recipe and gathering/ shopping for all of the ingredients together. Make your shopping list and head to the pantry or the store together. This is another covert way to expose kids to new vocabulary and improve their ability to follow directions. You can also begin to talk about how to measure ingredients and the importance of following every step of the recipe in sequence to avoid any mishaps! (Critical thinking skills activated!) Here's what you will need: ▢ 2 gallon-size freezer bags ▢ 2 cups heavy cream half and half, or whole milk (you can use plant-based milk too!) ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ▢ 6-8 cups ice ▢ ⅓ cup rock salt ▢ toppings (sprinkles, Oreos, nuts, fruit, whipped cream, etc) Instructions: Add the heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk along with the sugar and vanilla extract in one of the ziploc bags. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag well. Squish everything around to mix it up and dissolve the sugar. Add the ice to the other gallon-size ziploc bag, along with the rock salt. Place the bag with the ice cream into the bag with the ice and seal the outer bag, pressing out as much extra air as you can. Shake the bag for 5 to 10 minutes, squishing the cream mixture to freeze it and make ice cream. When the ice cream is ready, carefully open both the outside and inside bags. Scoop it into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy! That's it! With just one activity, we engaged fine motor skills, reading, language, literacy skills, problem solving, sensory skills- but most importantly, we had fun and created a new summer activity and memory! Enjoy!

By Shontaye Glover Jones Last year, I struggled with this question, “Is there still a need for ‘The Equity Series’?  When I launched the conference in 2021, there was a clear need and apparent desire to learn more about diversity and inclusion; however, since that time,  the desire to adopt inclusion efforts and level the playing field has declined drastically. In a field as vital and diverse as speech-language and hearing sciences, it's crucial to ensure that every voice is heard, understood, and supported. Yet, the reality is that our profession still grapples with significant disparities in representation and awareness. The problem Did you know that a staggering 92% of professionals in our field identify as white? *This statistic alone underscores the pressing need for greater diversity and representation. While our collective intentions as practitioners may be rooted in empathy and compassion, it's imperative to acknowledge that our perspectives are inherently shaped by our lived experiences. Without acknowledging and hearing from diverse voices, we risk overlooking the unique needs and challenges faced by clients and students from marginalized communities. The disparities extend beyond demographics and into the very fabric of our practice. From assessment tools to intervention strategies, there exists a glaring gap in our understanding of how cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors intersect with communication disorders. Without a nuanced understanding of these complexities, we run the risk of perpetuating inequalities and inadvertently excluding those who need our support the most. A Solution Enter the Equity Series. Designed as a platform for dialogue, education, and action, this series serves as a catalyst for change within our profession and communities. By elevating voices from underrepresented communities and shining a spotlight on issues of equity and justice, we strive to foster a more inclusive and culturally responsive approach to speech-language and hearing sciences and education. But why is the Equity Series still needed? The answer lies in our collective responsibility to advocate for those whose voices have been marginalized or silenced. It's about recognizing that the work of dismantling systemic barriers is ongoing and requires a commitment from each and every one of us. I recognize that The Equity Series remains an essential cornerstone in our journey towards creating equitable spaces. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student just embarking on your journey, there's always more to learn, unlearn, and relearn. A Call to Action As we see an increase in book bans and gutting of DEI policies, the need for heightened awareness and education surrounding the needs of clients and students from marginalized communities has never been more pressing. In a world where inequities persist, it's incumbent upon us to be allies, advocates, and agents of change. Through the Equity Series, we aim to empower individuals to confront bias, challenge injustice, and champion inclusivity in all aspects of our practice. Last year we asked you to REthink what equity means to you.  This year, we want you to GET INVOLVED.  Join me at the upcoming Equity Series and together, let's embark on a journey towards a more equitable future, where every voice is HEARD, and every individual is SEEN and valued.  Register at bethebrightest.com

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the reality is summer 2021 is winding down and kids (and staff) will return to school very soon. *Some of you may have already returned depending on where you live. As I sit here typing, I am looking at my daughter's school uniform order that just arrived and later we will buy the rest of their supplies. At some point, I will prepare for my own return to school, but I am delaying that for as long as possible lol. As we prepare to return to in-person school and our "new normal," I wanted to share a few tips for parents. This school year will come with unique challenges, but we still want to ensure that we are setting our children and students up for a successful year. One of the best ways to do that is to advocate for your child and be an active (and vocal) part of the team. Often times, parents do not realize that they are part of the school team, especially when their child receives special services like speech and language therapy. I want you to know that the TEAM includes YOU, as well as case managers, therapists, and specialists. We are all experts in our respective fields, but parents are the experts on their children. We, the school staff and therapists, need your input as we decide the best plan for your child. When you advocate for your child and remain involved in the team process, you can make sure your child is receiving the services they need and strengthen the relationship between home and school. Here are a few tips for what you can do as a parent: Ask for an assessment or reassessment. If you have concerns and your child is not currently receiving speech and language (or OT/PT) services, you can request an evaluation. You can also request a re-evaluation if your child has not received one in a few years and you want to see how they are progressing. Learn who your child's therapists are. Every September, I send home a letter to the families of the children on my caseload. I introduce myself as their child's speech language pathologist for the year and share my contact information. If you don't receive communication from your child's therapist, make a point to reach out to your child's teachers and therapists. Let them know early on that you want to stay connected and involved. And if your child receives private services, be sure to connect your school providers with your private practitioners. This may require signing a release, but your child benefits when all providers are able to collaborate. Ask questions. As a parent, you have the right to know what is going on at all times. There is no such thing as a silly question. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification, especially before signing documents. Create a program for home. Children who practice skills at home make progress faster and are able to carry over learned information to multiple settings. Ask your teachers and therapists what you can work on/ do at home to help reinforce skills taught in school. You are your child's best advocate and you when you speak up for them, you teach them how to one day become their own advocate. I know it is not always easy to speak up, but the squeaky wheel gets the grease. It may sound corny, but it is true! I hope these tips help you get off to a successful school year! All the best,

*this post contains affiliate links Summer is on the horizon and that means many things! Personally, summer is my season because I celebrate my birthday and I cherish the warmer temperatures. It also means that the school year is coming to an end- and as a parent and a school-based speech language pathologist, I am overjoyed! I am proud of the work that students, educators, and therapists did during this incredibly challenging year. This all remote/ hybrid/ in-person/ school year stretched us all in ways we never imagined, but we overcame every hurdle and we made it! There were certainly some positive aspects to the year. Remote learning and teletherapy afforded parents and school staff the opportunity to interact and collaborate in ways like never before. Google Meet and Zoom made it easier for parents to attend meetings and play a vital role on the team. I also found myself with a front row view into my daughters' classrooms and got to see them at their best (and worst) in their learning environments. Zoom also made it possible for me to speak on virtual stages across the United States sharing the importance of representation in children's literature and teaching others how to create and utilize diverse libraries in therapy. When I look back over the year, I can see progress. It seemed insurmountable at times, but we navigated this difficult year and we have all progressed! Whether small changes or huge gains, I am always able to see growth in my students by the time June arrives. June is also the time when I usually send home activities for students to continue practicing skills throughout the summer months. This year I'm dialing it back a bit. Parents, enjoy the break (YOU EARNED IT!) but please don't take a break from improving speech and language skills. The wonderful thing about communication is that it happens everywhere! That means you do not have to be in a classroom, therapy room, or even in the house to encourage language. Here are some FUN activities that you can do to help encourage language growth over the summer. These suggested activities will help your child understand new words and concepts, follow directions and become more confident in their ability to communicate thoughts and ideas. You will also be helping them develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, which are necessary to be a successful learner. Play games. Classic board games like Candy Land and Trouble teach lots of skills such like reading, math, problem solving, and social skills. They also help improve a child’s ability to follow directions, understand questions, take turns and build vocabulary. Break out the Uno cards and gave some fun! Go outside! Visit a local street fair, festivals, the park or the beach. Describe what you see and how the water and sand feel. Discuss the similarities and differences between people, foods, cultures, etc. Watch sports and have your child keep score. Talk about the states/ countries the teams represent and find information about the area. Create lists. Before packing for a trip make a list of what you'll need. Going grocery shopping? Have your child prepare a list using weekly circulars and flyers. Talk about the items pictured and allow them to search for what you need. When you get to the store, use the list to find the items. Cook with your child. We aren't talking gourmet meals here but children love to create in the kitchen. Following a recipe requires many math and language skills. Try this easy recipe for dirt pudding or make your own play dough READ!! Read books together, ask questions and discuss outcomes. Point to pictures and name things on the pages. Talk about what you would do if you were the characters. How does the story relate to things in your own lives? Pair books with related toys to make the experience more engaging. Check out this barbershop toy I found to pair with Liam's First Cut. Whatever you do- remember to TALK about it! The more we communicate with each other and interact within the environment, the better our language and ability to communicate becomes. Have an amazing summer!

Recently I came across a blog post by Phuong Lien Palafox on bilinguistics.com that caught my attention. The article entitled, "What Do Parents Want In a Speech Language Pathologist?" details conversations with families she has supported throughout her career and analyzed what parents prioritize when choosing someone to work with their family. When I initially read the title of the post, I began to formulate a mental list of things that I think parents want. First item on my list was someone with years of experience, followed by a clinician that uses evidence-based therapy practices. As I read further, I was quickly (and pleasantly) surprised by the findings. The results of her informal study showed that most parents are looking for someone who cares! Of all her respondees, only one person mentioned evidenced-based practice. Most families are looking for a clinician they can connect with, that is flexible, and that will lead with the family's concerns in mind. The results reminded me of my own experience with a family that had contacted me. I asked the mother how she found me and she replied, "I was looking for YOU. I wanted an SLP that would be flexible in scheduling, that provided home-based services, and that could identify with my (Black) child." This post resonated with me again this week. As we enter Better Hearing & Speech Month with a focus on building connections, I am thinking of the many speech language pathologists I have met over this last year that are assessing their practices and actively seeking ways to learn and to provide client-centered, culturally responsive intervention. I believe that most SLPs come into the field because of their desire to make a difference in the lives of their clients. Although graduate training may not place great emphasis on humility, these are the characteristics that we need and that parents care about most. Phuong's blog post was a reminder to continue to lead with compassion, focus on building and maintaining trust, along with using research-driven and evidence-based practice when working with clients. It is also a reminder to families and caregivers that your voice matters! Verbalize your needs and select a provider that will work with your child and guide your family for optimal outcomes. You can read Phuong's blog post in its entirety here If you desire a continuing education experience that offers practical ways to enhance your skills and help build connections, check out The EQUITY Series May 21-22, 2021 presented by Having Our Say and SLP Toolkit.

April is Autism Awareness Month and today is World Autism Awareness Day! There is still so much we all need to learn about autism; however, I prefer to focus on autism acceptance and celebrating differences. Increasing acceptance and normalizing differences was the driving force behind creating my children's book, Liam's First Cut. It was important to give visibility to autistic children while also showing the joy and anxiety that many neurotypicals and neurodiverse individuals experience when approaching something new. I'll be sharing my space with other professionals and parents all month to celebrate neurodiversity. Be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram so you don't miss a thing! April is also Occupational therapy month and I am thrilled to have pediatric OT Melissa DelaTorre back to shed some light on sensory play and sensory processing and integration. As a school based occupational therapist as well as a mom of two toddlers, “sensory” is a word I hear and use quite often.. I hear it in the school environment in regards to a child's behavior in the classroom. I see it on all the parenting blogs with various sensory activities. It is exciting that it has received so much attention and recognition, but worrisome when it is being used in the wrong capacity. It is important to understand the difference between sensory processing and integration versus sensory play. What is sensory processing and integration? Sensory processing is the perception and reaction to various stimuli within our environment. When looking at sensory processing, occupational therapists look at various systems including visual, auditory, tactile, proprioception, and vestibular. Just in reading this definition, you can see that sensory processing and integration is more than just a rice bin (which I love and admittedly make a different one for my own little ones monthly). We all know about our 5 senses but we may not know about two very important sensory systems known as proprioception and vestibular. Proprioception is our ability to perceive and understand our body position and body movements. Vestibular processing is our ability to process our body position in space and involves balance and eye movements.. A concern in sensory processing occurs when a child is either over-reactive or under-reactive to stimuli in any of the above areas. Some signs of difficulty with sensory processing are easier to recognize than others. Here are some easy to identify signs: Child becomes overly upset with loud noises Child is a very picky eater with limited food palate (especially limited textures) Child is overly upset with messy play activities or when they become dirty Child becomes overly upset with car rides. Child becomes overly upset with swings and slides. Child is fearful of climbing stairs or playground equipment. Child becomes overly upset with different clothing textures/tags/etc. Subtle signs include: Difficulty falling or staying asleep Often bumping into objects/people Leaning on objects/people Difficulty remaining still Bringing objects close to eyes Toe walking It is also important to note that everyone has different sensory thresholds and different means of processing sensory information. It is only of concern when it is significantly affecting a child's success and independence in their school and home lives. When there are concerns, it is important to have a full occupational therapy sensory evaluation as every single child is different and there is no one step, quick fix that will help each child. What is sensory play? Now sensory play on the other hand is just that - PLAY! Sensory play is pure magic. It can include any of the sensory systems however the most broadcasted type of sensory play is what we call tactile, messy play. Think: sand, rice bin, water beads, play doh, slime, shaving cream, etc. If you have a toddler or school aged child do yourself a favor and see beyond the potential mess and try it out! Sensory play engages children to a whole different level and often has calming effects (read: 30 minutes of uninterrupted independent play...also known as a nice break for mom!) It works so well I would even call it a parenting hack. If your child is hesitant with these activities at first- this is normal. In the beginning, my son would not touch some of my sensory bin masterpieces and I was beside myself. But after continuous exposure and teaching him “messy is fun” (a statement I have learned to regret in my household) he loves them! If you as a parent are hesitant, understand that there will be a small mess which can be easily contained and cleaned up. I always find the time spent playing outweighs the time spent cleaning up afterwards. Beyond sensory play being a fun, engaging activity, it has endless developmental benefits as well. There is research that shows the benefits of sensory play extending to cognitive growth, language development, fine and gross motor skills, social interaction, and problem solving skills. **Sensory Play Tips Start with a dry, hard base (rice/sand/dry pasta/dry beans/etc.) before moving onto wet or sticky items (shaving cream, cold pasta/spaghetti/slime,etc.) as they are easier to tolerate. Use a dollar store table cloth underneath to contain the mess. Do activities outside or in the bathtub when possible! Encourage fine motor development with use of various tools- kitchen spoons, tongs, tweezers, etc. Big plastic containers are ideal for creating sensory bins. Utilize props from the dollar store to make your sensory bins festive and fun. Use food coloring to add interest ALWAYS know your child’s age level and safety in regards to placing items in mouth. So remember, if a true sensory processing concern is suspected (as described above) contact your pediatrician or an occupational therapist for a comprehensive sensory processing evaluation. And if you have toddlers and school aged children, try out some sensory play activities in your home! As my son constantly reminds me, “messy is fun!” Thanks so much Melissa! I hope you found these tips as informative as I did! I can't wait to have some messy play with my little one. Want to learn more? Email Melissa and follow her on Instagram. While you are there, check out Happy Toddler Playtime and Mother Could for more fun and engaging activities.