Author: weespe5

Have you ever read a book, but stopped because the book didn’t capture your attention?  As an adult, we can choose what we want to read. Unfortunately for a child, the choice is not always his or hers to make.  For a child with language difficulties, reading can become a difficult task because of deficits in vocabulary, reading comprehension, etc.  Finding engaging materials relevant to the individual child becomes important.  As a parent, informing your child’s therapist of his or her favorite reading materials will help the therapist develop activities that better capture your child’s attention.  This can be related to classroom material, a book chosen by your child, a book the family is reading at home, a favorite magazine,

Open your eyes and you will be surprised to stumble across adjectives in unusual places.   You can find adjectives in the kitchen (i.e. mushy oatmeal), on the playground (i.e. bumpy slide), in a classroom (i.e. sharp pencil), or in the car (i.e. loud music).  An adjective is a word used to describe a noun.   Adjectives describe our five senses, such as sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.  Using and discussing adjectives can easily be added to everyday routines.  During mealtimes, have each person describe his or her food using an adjective (i.e.  I am eating sticky pancakes.).  Ask questions to increase awareness of adjectives (i.e. What does it taste like?  What does it look like?).  You can then ask your

Spring is a time of year to declutter our homes and enjoy the upcoming longer days and warmer weather.  We can venture outside again without our oversized winter coats, mittens, hats, and chunky boots making adventures near and around our home much more enjoyable.   As you clean out your closet you may stumble upon books that are collecting dust, pass these neglected books on to a good friend or donate to a used bookstore.  Help your child participate in a book exchange this spring with a friend.  Give a book away and receive a new book.  Share the joy of reading with your child.   Make the moment memorable…by picking a special place in your home…reading in a fort made by

The holiday crowds have dispersed and so once again, several Chicago museums are offering free admission days.  Typically you will need to show proof of IL residency with your driver’s license or other ID.  Check out the list below to visit a new or favorite museum! Adler Planetarium February 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 March 5, 6 The Art Institute (kids 13 and under are always free) Every weekday from January 7th through February 13th. The Brookfield Zoo Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays through February 28th.  Admission to the Hamill Family Play Zoo is free through February 28th. Chicago History Museum (always free for kids 12 and younger) February 4-28 March 4

As we slowly slide into wintertime and colder weather, it’s easy to let our little ones slide onto the couch to watch a little too much television. As my own boys are not much into sitting down for arts and crafts, I’ve compiled a list of active winter activities that I hope you can benefit from as well! Things to do on a cold and wintery day: 1. Ice skating…there are several places to skate in the winter, both inside and outside. Most indoor rinks have skate rentals while only a few outdoor areas do. Indoors: check out The Skatium in Skokie. Outdoors: Check out Flick Park (3600 Glenview Rd. in Glenview) or Warren Park (6601 N. Western, Chicago, skate

This transdisciplinary workshop addresses two therapeutic techniques often utilized with the young child: PROMPT, a multisensory approach to speech challenges and ABA, applied behavioral analysis, understanding and managing challenging behaviors. Jackie Santiccioli, a renowned PROMPT specialist, will provide information on the PROMPT technique, a multisensory approach to treating the child with challenges in the development of speech using functional interactions. Clinicians working with the prelinguistic and early linguistic child will have a greater understanding of the sensory and motor systems and the impact that the PROMPT technique provides. Sarah Hively, a Behavior Analyst, will provide information on how to identify, understand and treat challenging behaviors. The training will break down challenging behaviors into four different functions of behavior. Upon completion

Looking for ways to celebrate the autumn season and create memorable learning experiences with your kids?  Look no further than my favorite FALL arts & crafts below.   As an added bonus, a few will help decorate your house! Pine Cone Bird Feeder: Take a walk to find a few large pine cones.  Tie a string around the tops and leave enough string on the other side to hang from something outside (try to find a place where squirrels won’t be able to reach it!)  Smear all sides with creamy peanut butter and sprinkle with birdseed.  Hang up where you can watch the birds come and enjoy! Orange Peel Bird Feeder: Peel an orange in a circular motion, making sure the

Do you have an entire bushel of apples from the apple farm sitting on your kitchen floor, waiting to be eaten?  Here are some ideas for what to do with them that can involve your children and enhance their learning: DÉCOR: Put apples in a bowl as an edible centerpiece.  Take a walk outside to collect acorns and pine cones to add to the bounty. ART: Cut an apple open through the middle and reveal the “star” inside; then make a masterpiece!  Dip the flat side of the apple in washable paint and press it onto paper to make “apple prints.”  Be creative and draw on the paper after the paint dries. Observe different apples and try to sketch them.

Growing up, my mother and her sisters always placed a certain importance on the practice of “Coffee And…”   which for them meant having coffee, relaxation, bonding time, and of course great dessert.   My mother would become so excited at finding a new place the offered gourmet coffee and bakery items.  I couldn’t wait to be of age to fully enjoy the outings.   Interestingly enough, in searching for exciting things for parents and kids to do in the city, I came across a new trend in sites that offer a twist on our family idea.  There are so many places now that offer great coffee/dessert (for the adults) and . . . .   exercise, learning, and play experiences for children.   They