Cleopatra Knight-Wilkins, OTD, MED, OTR/L presented a joyful April Saturday Seminar at Therapro headquarters entitled: Rhythm of the Words: Integrating Multicultural Songs & Games with Occupational Therapy to Promote Literacy. Attendees were up on their feet, moving, clapping and singing for most of the two hour seminar. Dr. Knight-Wilkins led the attendees in activities that engaged their sensory systems. She discussed how the songs and games can be used as part of the therapeutic process as well as how they can be used to target educational goals.

Cleopatra’s rich and extensive experience as an occupational therapist, educator, and performing artist has fueled her passion for integrating musical elements with occupational therapy modalities by using multicultural songs, games, and movement patterns to address the occupation of literacy. Currently, she is in the process of publishing her research-based, multi-media curriculum resource guide entitled Rhythm of the Words: Integrating Multicultural Songs & Games with Occupational Therapy to Improve Literacy. She presented a poster session at the AOTA Annual Conference in New Orleans earlier this month on this topic.

AOTA advocates for the role of occupational therapists in supporting literacy. Research indicates that movement and music improve literacy development. Cleopatra cited a number of interesting studies that demonstrate that isolated handclapping songs result in improved motor and cognitive skills. One particular study that examined training classroom handclapping songs versus participation in music appreciation classes found that training handclapping songs was more efficient in developing literacy skills in 2nd and 3rd grade children than was participation in music appreciation classes.

Attendees formed small and large groups to participate in ‘warm up’ activities, games that involve imitation and chanting, and musical play with graded complexity of movements. Favorites included “Head ‘N Shoulders Baby” played with a partner clapping in various patterns, and “Button You Must Wander,” where a button is passed secretly around a circle while “It” sits in the center of the circle and must guess who has the button. In addition to games and chants, Cleopatra recommended musical CDs such as Make a Sound and Move Around, Simplified Rhythm Stick Activities, and Songames for Sensory Processing. Using Gertie Balls to bounce, catch, and throw to a rhythm, chant, or song can address visual motor, fine motor, and timing skills.

Dr. Knight-Wilkins was an engaging presenter who demonstrated that music, rhythm and movement offer a unique, evidence-based approach to improving language literacy in children of all ages and abilities.

Take a look at some comments from attendees:

“Enjoyed the ‘occupation’ of children reminder! Could implement activities for a whole group and at individual desks.” – Adriana M,, Occupational Therapist

“Something different but very relevant to school-based practice, especially when many schools now have lost funding for music programs.” – Jennifer C., Occupational Therapist

“Cleo was lovely & entertaining. Very knowledgeable. Different perspective on the regular teaching method.” – Anonymous, Occupational Therapist

“Movement to songs was wonderful – I can see how my students would enjoy it. Reminds me that I want to put music/rhythm in my sessions more often.” – Janet L., Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Cleopatra!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
April 13, 2019

On March 16th, therapists and teachers formed teams to learn new games and how to adapt them for those with whom they work from preschool age and up. Allyson Locke, MS, OTR/L presented the seminar Games, Games, Games: Unique Adaptations of Games for All Ages and All Abilities. She discussed how the games can be used as part of the therapeutic process as well as how they can be used to target educational goals.

Allyson’s expertise with adapting games comes from her extensive and diverse background in both sensory integration and school-based practice. She currently works in a Massachusetts school for children and young adults who have significant medical, mental health, and cognitive needs.

Allyson chose 5 Therapro games to discuss in her presentation, followed by hands-on game time. The games included NOVENOPS, Letter Treasure Hunt, A Fist Full of Coins, Obstacles, and Left Center Right Dice Game (LCR). Attendees rotated every 15 minutes from one game to another. They reconvened as a group to discuss possible modifications of the games in order to meet a student’s needs. Letter Treasure Hunt, created by author and occupational therapist, Jenny Clark, has many adaptations for playing built into the game. It also includes suggestions for variations of playing the game within the game directions. The game includes a Captain’s Log for writing acquired treasures, for which a variety of pencil grips can be trialed. Allyson discussed a variety of multisensory activities for writing letters, i.e. Wikki Stix, Squiggle Writer, scented markers. Children can play in teams or individually to target cooperative and social skills. There are endless variations to try! During the game, players draw a Captain’s Orders card that features a motor activity they must perform.

Allyson provided a peek at a number of other games that will be discussed in Therapro’s first-ever webinar: Games, Games, Games: Unique Adaptations of Games for All Ages and All Abilities, Part 2. Be sure to keep an eye out for an announcement for this webinar in the Therapro’s e-newsletter (Theragram), and on the Therapro website.

All of the games presented were unique, motivating, and adaptable in many different ways, depending on the players’ needs. As therapists and educators, we are trained to develop strategies that ensure that children learn and succeed in achieving goals. Making learning fun is what motivates students of all ages!

Attendees enjoyed this interactive seminar! Here’s what they had to say:

“I liked exploring various games for different skill/age levels.” – Laurie K., Occupational Therapist

“It was fun to move around and try things.” – Rolene K., Teacher

“I enjoyed exploring the games while brainstorming & discussing how to adapt/grade each game to meet the needs of various students/clients.” – Shannon A., Occupational Therapist

“Surprised me that it would apply to my preschool class. Very good. Lots of fun.” – Anonymous, Teacher

“Great intro to available OT focused games!” – Inibral D., Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Allyson!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
March 16, 2019

Assistive Technology in Schools was presented by Kristi Voelkerding, BS, COTA/L, ATP, ROH on a brisk February morning at Therapro headquarters with 45 attentive, engaged, interactive, vocal attendees.

Kristi has forged a distinguished career path as an AT specialist who is in demand as a speaker. She has worked for Easter Seals primarily as a consultant mainly in school-based settings since 2000. Her breath of knowledge regarding assistive technology is extensive and current. In a field where technology changes constantly, she is a wonderful resource for therapists, teachers, and families. AOTA conferred upon Kristi a Roster of Honor award in 2007 to recognize her leadership in AOTA and her innovative practices in assistive technology.

Kristi’s seminar spurred audience interaction regarding apps recommended and apps used successfully with various age groups. She discussed using technology as a “bridge” that should be introduced early in school so that students can access learning in ways that are unique to them and their needs. She initiated her talk with discussion about the broad variety of keyboards available that can match a student’s needs. She advocated that the student must find what method of keyboarding is fastest for him/her, be it one finger, one hand, two hands, or even the nose or foot. She suggested creating word lists on the computer to practice learning the geographical area on the keyboard. Kristi cautioned that layering copying (motor task) with thinking about the content of the task (cognitive task) is difficult. She recommended that a speech recognition program be used if the student has difficulty holding the thought while trying to type it. Creating a first draft on the keyboard was recommended rather than writing, and then copying it onto the computer.

Kristi noted that more schools are moving toward using the chromebook because it is more cost effective than an iPad, especially if it’s damaged and needs to be replaced. In addition, work on the chromebook is not lost if the device is damaged. A negative of using the chromebook is that a user cannot be “locked in” to a particular site. User needs must be considered when deciding which device would be best.

Apps are available for all age groups. iTrace is an iPad app for teaching handwriting, spelling, and letter identification. It may be a great place to start with a preschool student. Kristi advocated for using a stylus vs. using a finger for handwriting work, and in this app the student uses a stylus. For students who are moving from high school to college, there is “transition technology” available that promotes the shift from using adult support to depending on technology instead. For older students, she discussed using the Livescribe, a smart pen that facilitates note taking by recording everything you hear, write, and draw. The smartpen records audio and links it to what the student writes. Another note taking app for use with an iPad is Nebo MyScript, which lets you write, draw, quickly edit and structure notes, and convert them into digital text, using a stylus.

Kristi provided a number of resources for PCWindows Programs, Chromebooks/Chrome apps/add-ons/extensions, and Websites/Web-based apps. The resources have grown exponentially in the past few years and continue to swell. We are grateful to Kristi for sharing her expertise and experience navigating this area of practice.

Take a look at some attendees’ positive responses to Kristi’s seminar:

“Kristi was informative & knowledgeable regarding the materials presented. Lots of material I can use on Monday at school.” – Alyson P., Occupational Therapist

“Very informative and interactive. Well presented.” – Jillian N., Occupational Therapist

“Lots of useful info.” – Marisol P., Teacher/Parent

“Very knowledgeable speaker. Very receptive to gearing her talk to audience needs. Lots of info presented.” – Anonymous, Occupational Therapist

“Learned abut some new, exciting, & cutting edge technology.” – Sharon T., Occupational Therapist

Thank you, Kristi!

Filomena Connor, MS, OTR/L
February 23, 2018