Category Archives: Sensory

Spring Purchasing Trends in Education

Daily Living, Education, Occupational Therapy, Resources for Professionals, Sensory, , , , , ,

Spring Purchasing Trends in Education are in full bloom as educators and therapists look to refresh learning spaces and support student success. This season brings a surge in demand for tools that foster development, promote sensory regulation, and encourage hands-on learning. Explore the top trends shaping spring purchases—along with Therapro’s expert product recommendations to meet each need.

Spring Purchasing Trend #1: Sensory and Emotional Regulation

Products that aid sensory processing and emotional regulation are essential for creating inclusive and focused classrooms. These tools help students manage sensory overload and improve concentration.

Child wearing the ProPower Compression vest for sensory regulation

Therapro Recommendations:

Spring Purchasing Trend #2: Inclusive and Adaptive Learning Tools

With a continued focus on inclusivity, schools are purchasing adaptive tools that cater to students with special needs.

Therapro Recommendations:

  • Adapted Scissors: A wide range of adapted scissor options are available to support students’ diverse needs- from tabletop scissors that support one-handed use to spring-loaded scissors for hands with decreased grip strength.
  • Visual Timers: Visual timers and schedules are an essential support for young learners and especially for learners still developing executive function skills.
Push down scissors assistive technology solution

Spring Purchasing Trend #3: Classroom Organization and Flexibility

Flexible classroom setups are increasingly important, and educators are investing in furniture and tools that can be easily adjusted to suit different learning styles.

Kore Kids Wobble Chair for dynamic movement while seated

Therapro Recommendations:

  • Kore Design Wobble Chair: Provides flexible seating that supports focus and comfort.
  • Collapsible Slant Boards: Easy to store and perfect for various learning activities. Helps with writing posture and provides stability for students with handwriting challenges.

Spring Purchasing Trend #4: STEM and STEAM Learning Materials

With the increasing focus on STEM and STEAM education, schools are investing in hands-on products that promote problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. These tools help foster engagement and deeper understanding of core concepts.

Therapro Recommendations:

  • Design & Drill Marble Maze: This interactive kit lets students design their own mazes, combining engineering, problem-solving, and fine motor skills to create a fun and challenging learning experience.
  • Flexitables: These innovative educational tools are designed to make learning math a hands-on and engaging experience.
Flexitable: Addition and Subtraction

Spring Purchasing Trend #5: Self-Care and Daily Living Skills

As health and hygiene continue to be top priorities, there is a growing emphasis on teaching students essential self-care skills. Products that support hygiene routines and promote independence are in high demand this spring.

Self-Care with Flair!

Therapro Recommendations:

  • Self-Care with Flair!: This fun and engaging curriculum helps children develop essential self-care skills, such as grooming, dressing, and personal hygiene, in an interactive and empowering way.
  • Webber® Activities of Daily Living Tips and Teaching Companion: A comprehensive resource for educators and therapists that supports effective teaching of essential self-care skills while accommodating diverse learning styles.

Spring purchasing trends in education highlight a focus on inclusivity, flexibility, and hands-on learning. From sensory regulation tools to STEM resources, these products help create dynamic and engaging learning environments. With Therapro’s range of specialized products, educators and therapist can find the right tools to meet the unique needs of their students and ensure a successful school year ahead.

The OT’s Role in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Daily Living, Gross Motor, Life Skills, Occupational Therapy, Sensory, , , , , , , ,

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle by supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From physical activity and sensory regulation to healthy eating habits and stress management, OTs empower individuals to build routines that enhance their overall health.

This Occupational Therapy Month, let’s explore key strategies OTs use to promote healthy lifestyles and share resources to support therapists in their work.

1. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Physical Activity & Movement 🚶‍♂️💪

Regular movement is essential for strength, coordination, balance, and overall well-being. Occupational therapists encourage fun, engaging activities that promote motor skills and physical fitness in both children and adults.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Movement & Mobility:

🔹 Wobble Chairs & Stability Discs – Great for improving core strength and active sitting in classrooms and therapy sessions.
🔹 Balance Boards & Stepping Stones – Help with coordination, balance, and motor planning while keeping movement engaging.
🔹 Therapy Balls – Ideal for vestibular input and postural control exercises.
🔹Resistance Bands – Fun ways to develop upper body strength, endurance, and proprioceptive input.

🔹 Browse more movement tools here: Therapro’s Move-To-Learn Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Incorporate movement breaks throughout the day to help children and adults maintain focus, regulate energy levels, and reduce stress.

Two Yellow Balance Pods used by OT’s in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Balance Pods
Kore Kids Wobble Chair used by OT’s in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Kore Kids Wobble Chair
Gymnic Disc 'O' Sit: Blue used by OTs to promote a healthy lifestyle
Gymnic Disc ‘O’ Sit

2. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Sensory Regulation & Mindfulness 🧘‍♀️

Managing sensory input and practicing mindfulness are essential for reducing stress and supporting mental well-being. OTs use sensory-friendly activities to help individuals stay calm, focused, and self-regulated throughout the day.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Sensory Support:

🔹 Fidget Tools – Support focus and self-regulation with tools like Therapro’s Fidget Kit and Koosh Ball Fidgets.
🔹 Weighted Products – Deep pressure input from Weighted Blankets, Compression Vests, and Shoulder Wraps can provide a calming effect.
🔹 Chews & Oral Motor Tools – Items like Chewable Jewelry and Bite-N-Chew Tips help with oral sensory needs and self-soothing.
🔹 Sensory Seating – Products like the Disc ‘O’ Sit Cushion promote active sitting while offering subtle movement input.
🔹 Therapeutic Brushes & Tactile Sensory Items – The Wilbarger Therapressure Brush supports sensory defensiveness, while Cuddle Balls provide rich tactile input.

🔹 Explore more sensory tools here: Therapro’s Sensory Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Create a sensory toolkit for home, school, or therapy sessions, including fidgets, weighted tools, and calming visuals to support self-regulation throughout the day.

Chewelry Necklace/Bracelet a tool OT's use in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Chewelry
Koosh ball
Koosh Balls
weighted Puppy Shoulder Wrap a tool OT's use in Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Weighted Puppy Shoulder Wrap

3. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Healthy Eating Habits & Self-Care 🍎🥗

Nutrition and self-care routines are essential parts of a balanced lifestyle. OTs help individuals with feeding challenges, adaptive utensils, and personal care skills to promote independence in daily routines.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Mealtime & Self-Care:

🔹 Adaptive Utensils & Cups – Products like the TheraBear Drinking Cup and Maroon Spoons support individuals with oral motor and self-feeding challenges.
🔹 Plate Guards & Non-Slip Placemats – Tools such as the Inner Lip Plate and Dycem Mats help prevent spills and encourage independent eating.
🔹 Visual Schedules & Timers – Supports like the Time Timer can help establish structured mealtime and self-care routines.
🔹 Dressing & Grooming Aids – Items like Button Hooks, Shoehorns, and Zipper Pulls assist with developing dressing independence.
🔹 Oral Motor Tools – Whistles, straws, and chew tools aid in strengthening oral muscles for feeding and speech development.

🔹 Explore more daily living tools here: Therapro’s Daily Living Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Encourage families to set up predictable daily routines using visual schedules, timers, and adaptive tools to promote independence and reduce stress.

Time Timer
Time Timer
TheraBear Drinking Cup
TheraBear Drinking Cup
Saxoflute
Saxoflute

4. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles with Social Participation & Mental Health 🤝💬

A healthy lifestyle includes building meaningful relationships, developing social-emotional skills, and managing emotions effectively. OTs support clients in fostering social communication, emotional regulation, and self-awareness to promote overall well-being.

Therapro’s Top Picks for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

🔹Social Awareness & Conversation Tools – Games like Let’s Talk Cubes and Webber® Photo Cards – What Are They Thinking? encourage turn-taking, perspective-taking, and conversation-building.
🔹 Coping & Self-Regulation Tools – The Big Feelings Pineapple and My Spark Cards Tool Box teach essential strategies for stress management and emotional resilience.

🔹 Explore more SEL resources here: Therapro’s Social-Emotional Learning Collection

💡 Therapist Tip: Use visual supports, role-playing, and structured social games to reinforce emotional regulation, problem-solving, and positive interactions in therapy sessions.

Join the Conversation! 🗣

💡 What are your favorite OT strategies for promoting healthy lifestyles? Tag @Therapro in your social media posts!

Let’s work together to empower individuals to move, learn, and live well every day!

Dynamic Seating: Boosting Focus, Movement, and Posture in Learning Environments

Alternative & Active Seating, Sensory, , ,

In today’s dynamic classrooms and therapy settings, keeping students engaged and focused can be a challenge—especially for those who struggle with sitting still. But what if seating could encourage movement while enhancing concentration? That’s the power of dynamic seating for learning. Alternative seating solutions like the Kore Wobble Chair, Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet by Bouncyband, and The AlertSeat allow children to stay active while working at standard desks or tables, promoting better posture, focus, and core strength. For floor-based learning, options such as floor cushions, scoop rockers, and Howda Designz Chairs provide comfortable, flexible seating that supports sensory needs and active learning. At Therapro, we believe that active seating isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven strategy for enhancing learning, movement, and overall well-being.

What is Dynamic Seating?

Dynamic seating refers to chairs or seating solutions that allow for some degree of movement. Unlike traditional chairs, these seats encourage slight movements that help improve focus and engage muscles in the body, especially in the core and trunk. This kind of seating is ideal for students or individuals who struggle with staying seated for long periods but still need to focus on tasks like reading, writing, or listening.

Some examples of dynamic seating for learning include:

Kore Kids Wobble Chair for dynamic movement while seated

Kore Wobble Chairs: These chairs feature a rounded base that allows children to rock, tilt, or swivel while seated. They are perfect for classrooms and therapy settings where movement is essential for focus and engagement.

black chair with Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet attached for a dynamic seating option

Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet by Bouncyband: These simple, rubber feet can be attached to most standard chairs, transforming them into dynamic, wobble seating. They are an excellent solution for classrooms or home offices.

Adult Size Howda Hug Design Chari for a dynamic sitting option at floor level.

The Howda Designz Chairs: Designed for floor-based learning, Howda Hug Design Chairs offer flexible, supportive seating that promotes core engagement, posture, and sensory input. Their lightweight, adjustable design allows for gentle rocking, helping improve focus and self-regulation in classrooms, therapy sessions, and home learning spaces.

How Does Dynamic Seating Help?

Improved Focus and Engagement:

For many children, especially those with ADHD, sitting still for long periods can be a struggle. Dynamic seating offers an outlet for excess energy, helping them stay focused on tasks without feeling restless. By allowing movement, these chairs help children channel their energy into productive ways, which leads to improved engagement in learning.

Better Posture and Core Strength:

Sitting on wobble seating, therapy balls, or using floor cushions helps engage the core muscles, which can lead to better posture over time. For kids who have trouble sitting upright in traditional chairs, this added stability from active seating encourages proper alignment and muscle engagement, promoting overall physical health.

Sensory Integration and Regulation:

For children with sensory processing challenges, dynamic seating can help self-regulate. Movement allows for sensory input, which can calm or energize a child, depending on their needs. It offers them a way to manage sensory overload while remaining engaged with their environment.

Ideal Use Cases for Dynamic Seating:

In Classrooms:

Dynamic seating can benefit students with attention challenges, sensory needs, or those who require additional support to remain focused during lessons or independent work. Products like the Kore Wobble Chair and Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet can be used in classrooms to promote active engagement.

In Therapy Sessions:

Therapists use dynamic seating to help children improve their motor skills, posture, and sensory integration. It’s an effective tool for occupational therapy and other therapies that target movement and coordination. The AlertSeat is a great option for therapists looking to provide a subtle yet effective seating solution.

At Home:

Parents can incorporate dynamic seating in their home learning environments. This allows kids to stay engaged during homework or study time while benefiting from the added movement.

Dynamic seating is a game-changer for those looking to improve focus, posture, and movement during learning activities. Whether in the classroom, therapy setting, or at home, active seating solutions provide the perfect balance of support and movement to enhance learning and physical well-being.

Explore our full range of Sitting and Moving seating solutions at Therapro and discover the perfect chair to support your active learners. Shop now!