All posts by Guest Blogger

Therapro Games Bundle: Letter Treasure Hunt, Novenops, and Trunks

Boosting Skills with Games!

In the world of education and therapy, finding engaging and effective tools to boost skills can be a game-changer. Fortunately, Therapro has developed a trio of unique games designed to not only boost skills but to also make learning an exciting adventure. In this blog we are exploring how the games Trunks, Letter Treasure Hunt, and Novenops are helpful tools for boosting skill development.

Trunks: The Game of Motor Memory

“Remember, perform, and succeed!”

	
Trunks®: A Game: boosting Motor-Memory skills

Trunks is the brainchild of an occupational therapist, carefully crafted to promote memory, motor sequencing, and cognitive skills. The concept is simple yet brilliant: players draw a card, study the given action, and then perform it from memory. But here’s the twist – on their next turn, they draw an additional card and must execute both actions in the correct order without peeking.

The real magic lies in the creation of a “trunk,” a series of four cards that, when combined, forms an elephant’s trunk. Through this engaging game, players not only sharpen their memory and sequencing abilities but also enhance their attention to detail and focus. Trunks is an excellent therapeutic tool for those seeking to strengthen cognitive and motor skills in a fun and interactive way.

Watch the short video below for a review of Trunks by physical therapist, Laurie Gombash!

Letter Treasure Hunt: A Multisensory Learning Adventure

“Learning to write, one treasure at a time.”

Letter Treasure Hunt game: boosting handwriting skills

Letter Treasure Hunt is a game that seamlessly blends handwriting skills, gross motor challenges, and language development. It’s an exciting adventure where children explore the world of letters while engaging in activities that improve their handwriting and motor coordination.

In this game, kids embark on a quest to discover hidden treasures, all while completing ‘captain’s orders’, fun gross motor tasks that challenge balance, coordination and strength. This dynamic blend of gross motor challenges not only keeps children active but also enhances their physical development. Moreover, the game fosters language skills by encouraging communication among players.

Letter Treasure Hunt is the perfect example of how education can be both fun and effective, making it an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and therapists looking to boost various skills in an engaging manner.

Watch the short video below for a review of Letter Treasure Hunt by physical therapist, Laurie Gombash!

Novenops: Mastering Grammar through Play

“Grammar made fun, one card at a time.”

NOVENOP is an acronym created from the words NOun, VErb, NOun, and Phrase and is a board game for children of ages 6 and up

Novenops is a game that focuses on enhancing the player’s understanding of the basic elements of grammar. With 60 carefully designed cards, this game creates a captivating learning experience that continuously reinforces sentence structure concepts. As players progress, their word familiarity improves, subsequently boosting their reading and writing skills.

The beauty of Novenops lies in its ability to turn grammar lessons into an enjoyable activity. By gamifying language learning, it removes the traditional barriers associated with grammar education and replaces them with excitement and engagement. It’s an ideal tool for educators and parents who want to transform grammar from a chore into a rewarding adventure.

Watch the short video below for a review of Novenops by physical therapist, Laurie Gombash!

Therapro’s games— Trunks, Letter Treasure Hunt, and Novenops —are shining examples of how education and therapy can be both effective and enjoyable. These games are not only designed to boost skills but also make the learning process a memorable and fun experience. Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or parent, consider incorporating these games into your toolkit to unlock the full potential of skill development. With Therapro, learning is an adventure waiting to be discovered!

Sensory-Friendly Stocking Stuffers: Unwrap the Joy of Play!

Get ready to infuse sensory magic into your children’s holiday with sensory-friendly stocking stuffers! We’ve searched the Therapro shelves for products that can help your sensory seeking children; here’s a peek at some of our favorite stocking stuffer ideas to engage and delight your sensational kiddos.

Visual Vibes 🌈 

Revolving Tops: Watch Them Go
4 colorful plastic revolving tops

The vibrant colors and long spinning motion of these tops make them an excellent visual stimulator. As the tops twirl and spin, they create a mesmerizing display of colors, capturing the attention of children with sensory challenges. These tops not only engage the visual sense but also provide a delightful auditory experience as they whir and spin.

Theraputty Sparkle Exercise Putty: Visually Stimulating
Hand holding red sparkle putty

Sparkle putty adds a touch of visual magic to the sensory experience. The glittering effect inside the putty creates a visually appealing texture, making it both a visual and tactile delight. The vibrant red or yellow colors enhance the overall sensory engagement, providing a unique and festive stocking stuffer.

Wind Up Toys: Assorted Characters with Chomping, Waddling, Hopping, and Spinning Actions
wind up smiley face toy

Wind-up toys offer a playful and visually engaging experience. With a variety of characters that chomp, waddle, hop, spin, and more, these toys provide both visual and auditory stimulation. Watching the whimsical movements of these wind-up toys can be particularly captivating for children who seek sensory experiences.

DNA Ball : Filled with Mini Spheres in Neon Colors
Colorful DNA Ball

The DNA ball is a visually stimulating toy filled with mini spheres in bright neon colors. The twisting and turning motion of the ball, combined with the vibrant colors, create a visually dynamic experience. This sensory-friendly stocking stuffer not only engages the visual senses but also encourages exploration and manipulation.

Tactile Treasures 🤗

Tangles: Twistable and Textured
Tangle Jr. Totally Textured Metallic

Tangles are twistable and textured fidget toys that offers a tactile outlet for restless hands. With its interconnected pieces, children can twist, turn, and fidget to their heart’s content. The tactile feedback from the textured surface (textured, fuzzy, or textured metallic) can be calming and engaging.

Senseez: Handheld Sensory Soothables
Senseez® Handheld Sensory Soothables

Senseez® Handheld Sensory Soothables are handheld sensory tools that offer both tactile and proprioceptive input. The added benefit of washable covers makes them practical for regular use. Choose Cow, Turtle, or Jellyfish.

Koosh Ball: Shaggy, Shakable, Squeezable Fun
colorful assortment of Koosh Balls

The Koosh Ball is a classic tactile toy that provides a unique sensory experience. Its shaggy texture invites children to shake, squeeze, and even throw the ball. The varied tactile input from the soft, rubbery strands can be both entertaining and soothing.

Boinks Fidget: Marble-Filled Mesh Tube for Quiet Fidgeting

The Boinks Fidget is a discreet and quiet tactile tool that fits into the palm of the hand. The mesh plastic tube holds a marble inside, allowing for subtle manipulation. The gentle movement of the marble within the tube offers tactile stimulation without creating noise, making it an ideal fidget for various environments.

Auditory Adventures 🔊

Mini RainBoMaker: Calming Sounds of Falling Rain

The RainBoMaker produces the gentle, soothing sound of falling rain when inverted. This auditory experience can be particularly calming. It provides a predictable and rhythmic sound made by tiny, colorful beads. The special prism in the walls of the RainBoMaker create a rainbow of colors for added visual stimulation.

Noise Putty: Squish and Create Funny Noises

Noise Putty adds an element of surprise and amusement to auditory play. Children can squish the putty with their hands to create funny and entertaining noises. This tactile and auditory combination makes noise putty a versatile and engaging stocking stuffer.

Rapper Snappers : Attention-Grabbing Sounds

Rapper Snappers are accordion-like plastic tubes that stretch out and push back together to produce surprising sounds. Children can create noises by talking or making sounds into the opening of the tube. The tactile feedback of stretching and compressing the tube adds an interactive element to auditory play.

Whistles and Blow Toys: Fun Auditory Exploration

Whistles and blow toys add an element of interactive auditory exploration to playtime. Level 1 whistles require minimal pressure increase over regular breathing, making them accessible and enjoyable for children with sensory challenges. Here are some recommendations:

  • Echo Microphone: A microphone that provides an echo effect, enhancing the auditory experience of spoken words or sounds.
  • Round Kazoo: This whistle requires less rounding of the lips over the mouthpiece as the mouthpiece is flatter than with most other whistles.

Olfactory Wonders 👃

Scented Dazzlin’ Dough: Fruity Scented Modeling Material

Scented Dazzlin’ Dough combines the tactile pleasure of modeling material with snazzy colors and fruity scents. Made with natural food-grade ingredients, this dough engages both the olfactory and tactile senses. Children can enjoy the sensory experience of molding and shaping while being enveloped in delightful scents.

Happy Senso Sensory Gel: Refreshing Scents in a Fun Sensory Gel

The Happy Senso Sensory Gel comes in a convenient 6.9 oz. spray can, offering a variety of delicious scents, including mint, tropical, sweetness, and neutral. This sensory gel provides a unique olfactory experience through the sense of smell. A quick spray can introduce refreshing scents into the hands, contributing to a positive sensory atmosphere.

Chew Stixx Pencil Toppers: Multi Sensory Exploration
Chew Stixx Pencil Topper in various colors

Chew Stixx Pencil Toppers come in a 2-pack with one smooth and one knobby topper. Gentle scents/flavors to choose from include: grape, mint, spearmint, and orange. Chewies with scents offer a multisensory experience by combining olfactory and gustatory senses. The pleasing scents add an extra dimension to oral exploration, providing a calming and enjoyable experience for sensational children.

Oral Bliss 😋

Chewable Jewelry : Stylish, Wearable, and Orally Satisfying Necklaces and Bracelets

Chewable jewelry makes for the perfect sensory-friendly stocking stuffer. When it comes to chews there are many options to choose from, here our some of our favorites:

various SpaceJet Chew with Break Away Clasp Necklace
  • Chewelry: Stylish necklaces and bracelets that serve as a safe alternative to chewing on clothing.
  • Space Jet Chew: A wearable chew with a space-themed design, providing a safe outlet for oral stimulation.
  • Brick Stick Textured Chew Necklace: Featuring textured surfaces, this chew necklace is designed to help calm, soothe, and self-regulate.
  • Chew Tags: Safe and wearable, these dog tag-shaped chews offer a discreet solution for children who need to chew.
  • Parachewer Bracelets: Parachewer Bracelets are cool and discrete chewable bracelets made of non-toxic nylon paracord and colorful tubing. They are durable and designed to withstand the toughest of chewers, offering a stylish and orally satisfying accessory.

Pro tip: need help deciding which chew is best, check out Therapro’s Choose Your Chew Handy Guide!

Vestibular Ventures 🕺

Move Your Body Thumball: An Interactive Movement Guide

The Move Your Body Thumball is a soft, squeezable 4″ size ball that fits perfectly into a stocking. Catch the ball and look at where the thumb is positioned to find directions for a physical activity to perform. This interactive and tactile tool encourages movement and provides a fun way to engage in physical activities.

Move Your Body Fun Deck : 60 Movement Activities

The Move Your Body Fun Deck is a collection of 60 movement activities on colorfully illustrated cards, with game ideas included. Stored in a cute tin container, these cards offer a variety of movement options to keep things interesting. These cards encourage physical activity and engagement.

Yoga Dice: Simple Movement Game for Focus and Flexibility

Yoga Dice is a simple movement game that helps increase focus and flexibility while teaching 36 yoga poses. Roll the dice to determine the pose and engage in a calming and physically beneficial activity. 

Proprioceptive Pleasures 🤲

Soft Wrist Weights : Gentle Proprioceptive Stimulation

Soft Wrist Weights encircle the wrists and provide gentle weight. They come in a pack of two and weigh 1/4 of a pound. Made of cozy blue fleece stretch fabric, these weights stimulate the proprioceptive system. The snug fit over the wrists offers a comfortable and subtle way to incorporate proprioceptive input.

B-Buddy Hand-Held Chew : Versatile Chewy for Jaw Stimulation

B-Buddy Chews provide proprioceptive input to the jaw and muscles of the mouth. This versatile chewy offers several ways to apply stimulation and is available in a smooth or bumpy texture for light to moderate chewers. The various textures allow for personalization based on individual preferences and needs.

And there you have it! A sensory wonderland awaits your sensational little ones. Mix, match, and watch the joy unfold as they unwrap these sensory-friendly stocking stuffers. Happy Holidays and a season full of sensory joy to you and your family from Therapro! 🎄🌈✨

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOTR, Retired

ezpz Mini Feeding Set

Facilitation of Feeding Skill Development

Feeding specialists must select appropriate tools when facilitating feeding skill development. There are a myriad of materials available that make it challenging for therapists to select the tools that match the needs of their pediatric clients. Therapro is always in quest of useful, practical, and therapeutic oral-motor and feeding tools that will promote feeding skill development. Innovative designs are widely available to therapists and families for utensils, cups, and oral tools that are conceived to help advance oral development and feeding skills. We’ve reviewed extensively what is available to therapists and families, and are able to offer these new items from ezpz with our stamp of approval. All materials used are safe and a breeze to clean.

ezpz Oral Development Tools used for Facilitating early Feeding Skill Development

Oral Development: Oral Development Tools are designed to provide oral sensorimotor input for babies and youngsters who are beginning to explore their mouths. The 3 tools (loop, smile, and stick) are easy to grasp and provide smooth and textured surfaces. They can be used without food to explore oral movement for pre-speech activities, provide oral sensation, and can also be dipped in liquids and graded food textures to facilitate oral motor skills of the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. The Oral Development Tools are a great tool for facilitating early feeding skill development.

The ezpz Developmental Utensil Set

Utensils: The Developmental Utensil Set consists of utensils for infants age 4 months+ called Tiny Spoons; Mini Utensils (fork and spoon) for infants age 12 months; and Happy Utensils (fork, spoon, and knife) for children 2 years+. The entire set consists of 7 utensils that can be used as the child’s feeding skills develop.  The Happy Utensils are available as a separate set that encourage safe and successful self feeding. These utensils are a great tool for facilitating the development of scooping, piercing, spreading and cutting needed for successful self feeding.

Developmental Cup Set

Cups: The Developmental Cup Set is a developmental training system for teaching cup and straw drinking skills. It introduces open cup drinking for infants 4 months+ using a Tiny Cup (2 oz). The Mini Cup and Straw Training System is the next level with a 4 oz cup, screw on lid and flexible, durable straw for infants 9 months+. For the older toddler (2 years+), the Happy Cup and Straw System consists of an 8 oz cup with screw on lid and flexible, durable straw. The system promotes oral skills including lip closure, lip rounding, tongue cupping and elevation. All 3 of the cups are available individually as well as in the set.

These ezpz tools are a great resource for facilitating feeding skill development. You will be able to examine and try out these new products and many more when you visit Therapro’s exhibit at the ASHA Conference in Boston on November 16-18. We’ll see you then!

Guest Blogger: Filomena Connor, MSOTR, Retired