What Is It?

• Fun and safe environment for kids to develop essential social skills. We use a variety of activities, games, and strategies to enhance:

• Functional, cooperative, and independent play • Conversation skills

• Emotional and self-regulation skills

• Problem solving

• Sharing and turn taking

• Friendship skills

• Safety skills

• Fine and gross motor skills

And much more!

Who Is It For?

• Children of all developmental levels, with or without a formal diagnosis

• Kids with behavioural issues seeking a social outlet

• Children evaluated for appropriate program placement based on individual needs

Benefits:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem

• Improved communication and social interaction skills

• Enhanced emotional regulation and problem-solving abilities

• Stronger friendships and peer relationships

• Development of essential life skills for success

This fun and engaging program is designed to equip children with the tools and strategies they need to thrive in social situations.

Here's what your child will learn:

• Understanding Others: Decode body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to better grasp what others are thinking and feeling.

• Conversation Starters and Keepers: Master the art of starting and maintaining conversations, keeping them interesting and enjoyable for everyone involved.

• Managing Emotions: Develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety, anger, and other emotions, and learn to communicate them effectively.

• Conflict Resolution: Equip your teen with the skills to resolve disagreements constructively through compromise and negotiation.

• Social Chameleon: Help your child adapt their behaviour to different social settings, from casual hangouts to formal events.

• Decoding the Social Code: Uncover the unspoken rules of social interactions, like active listening, showing empathy, and avoiding gossip.

• Finding Their Tribe: Connect with other teens who share similar interests and build lasting friendships based on mutual understanding and support.

• Boosting Confidence: Empower your teen to develop a positive self-image and radiate confidence in all social situations.

Learning Through Fun:

The program incorporates engaging activities like, music and jam sessions, cooking and sharing meals, and more. These activities provide a fun and relaxed environment for teens to practice their newly acquired social skills.

Program Benefits:

• Improved communication and social interaction skills

• Increased confidence and self-esteem

• Reduced anxiety and better emotional regulation

• Ability to navigate different social situations with ease

• Development of lasting friendships

Empower Your Child's Handwriting Skills Through Occupational Therapy:

Discover a fun and effective way to help your child develop essential handwriting skills with the support of occupational therapy (OT)!

Why Occupational Therapy for Handwriting?

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in addressing the underlying skills that contribute to successful handwriting. They not only focus on letter formation but also consider the following:

• Fine motor skills: Strength, coordination, and dexterity in the hands and fingers for pencil control.

• Sensory processing: How a child processes information through their senses, affecting touch, movement, and coordination.

• Visual perception: Ability to track visually, distinguish shapes, and understand spatial relationships.

• Cognitive skills: Focus, planning, attention, and organization needed for writing tasks.

What to Expect in an OT-Based Handwriting Program: A typical program might include:

• Fun activities: Strengthening exercises for hands and fingers (e.g., ball squeezes, playdough play, sensory bins).

• Sensory play: Engaging different senses to enhance writing experiences (e.g., sandpaper trays, textured paper,watercolors).

• Creative games: Practicing letter formation, speed, and accuracy in a motivating way (e.g., tracing games,timed challenges, story writing).

• Personalized adjustments: Addressing individual needs and preferences to ensure success.

Key Benefits for Your Child:

• Improved fine motor control and pencil grasp.

• Enhanced sensory awareness and integration.

• Stronger visual perception and spatial awareness.

• Boosted cognitive skills and focus.

• Increased confidence and motivation for writing.

• Reduced frustration and anxiety around handwriting tasks

Empowering Teens: Mastering fitness, Wellness, and Confidence

Teenagers (13-19 years old) looking to navigate the challenges of adolescence and optimise their personal growth.

Program Goals:

• Mental and Physical Well-being: Foster emotional resilience, stress management, and healthy coping mechanisms through individual and group activities.

• Fitness: Enhance sports performance, prevent injuries, and develop a positive mindset.

• Occupational Exploration: Discover career paths, build practical skills, and gain confidence in future pursuits.

• Public Speaking Prowess: Conquer stage fright, refine communication skills, and learn to confidently express oneself.

Program Structure:

o Warm-up & Check-in: Interactive games, icebreakers, and sharing updates on personal goals and challenges.

o Themed Activities: Each session focuses on a specific theme, incorporating elements of:

▪ Wellness: Mindfulness exercises, journaling prompts, group discussions on topics like managing anxiety, boosting self- esteem, and building healthy relationships.

▪ Sports Performance: Speakers from various sports backgrounds, injury prevention workshops, sports psychology techniques, and team-building activities.

▪ Occupational Exploration: Career aptitude tests, mock interviews, skill-building workshops (e.g.,resume writing, public speaking for presentations), and field trips to workplaces.

▪ Public Speaking: Impromptu speaking challenges, debate exercises, scriptwriting and performance workshops, and opportunities to present on personal passions or projects.

o Skill-Building: Practical tools and techniques are introduced, focusing on:

▪ Communication skills: Active listening, assertive communication, and nonverbal communication techniques.

▪ Goal setting and time management: Strategies for setting SMART goals, prioritizing tasks, and managing time effectively.

▪ Stress management: Mindfulness and

relaxation techniques, journaling exercises, and healthy coping mechanisms.

o Closing Circle: Sharing reflections, celebrating successes, and setting personal goals for the week ahead.

Here's a peek into the exciting world of Kids Fit: Enhanced In-the-Moment Body Awareness:

Imagine listening to your body as if it were a wise friend whispering valuable messages. Our program uses playful activities like yoga poses, sensory-rich games, and calming breathing exercises to help children tune into their physical sensations, emotions, and needs. Think of it as building a superhero-like awareness of the inner world!

Body Clue Identification:

Ever felt butterflies in your stomach or a heavy heart? We'll teach children to decipher these internal signals, recognizing them as valuable clues about their feelings. Through activities like creating "body maps" and role-playing different emotions, they'll learn to interpret these cues and understand what their bodies are trying to tell them.

Interoception Support:

Interoception is the superpower of sensing your internal world. Just like a superhero can sense danger, children can learn to perceive their heartbeat, hunger pangs, and even anxiety before it escalates. We'll use calming movements, mindfulness exercises, and fun games to gently nurture this crucial skill, empowering them to navigate challenging situations with more ease.

Movement Preferences for Regulation:

Did you know that some movements can actually calm you down, while others can energize you? We'll explore different movement patterns like dancing, jumping, and stretching, helping each child discover the specific movements that bring them peace and balance. Think of it as finding their own personal "calming superpower"!

Theory of Regulation and Arousal Levels:

Ever felt like a volcano about to erupt? We'll introduce children to the concept of arousal levels, helping them understand how different situations and emotions can

affect their energy. Through storytelling and interactive

activities, they'll learn basic regulation tools to manage their emotions and stay in their "just right" zone.

Body Connection and Fluidity:

Imagine moving with the grace of a cheetah! Our program focuses on building a strong connection between the core, limbs, and spine, fostering better body coordination and fluidity in actions and reactions. Think of it as unlocking their inner dancer and unleashing their playful potential!

Support for Regulation and Movement:

The techniques taught in Kids Fit will be their secret weapons for maintaining balance and navigating through life's ups and downs. They'll gain valuable tools for self-regulation, allowing them to move through the world with confidence and ease.

Remember, Kids Fit is not just about exercises and activities; it's about creating a safe and supportive space for children to explore their bodies, emotions, and movements. We believe that by fostering self-awareness and empowering them with regulation tools, we can help them blossom into strong, confident individuals who move with joy and grace through life.

So, are you ready to join the Kids Fit adventure? Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, unlock your inner superhero, and move with the rhythm of your own awesome self!

Goals:

• Enhance emotional awareness and identification.

• Develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing strong emotions.

• Improve communication and expression of feelings.

• Build self-confidence and resilience.

• Foster positive peer relationships and support. Session Structure:

1. WelcomeandCheck-in:Eachchildsharestheirmoodandsomethingthey're looking forward to in the session. Use movement, mindfulness exercises, or fun props to engage everyone.

2. ThemeIntroduction:Introducetheweeklytheme(e.g.,anger,sadness, anxiety) through interactive activities, stories, or videos. Kids can share experiences related to the theme, encouraging empathy and understanding.

3. SkillsBuilding:Introduceevidence-basedcopingstrategiesforregulating emotions. Examples include:

o Calming techniques: Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, yoga poses.

o Cognitive reframing: Identifying and challenging negative thoughts associated with emotions.

o Communication skills: Using "I" statements, assertive communication, active listening.

o Creative expression: Art, music, journaling, role-playing to express emotions safely.

4. GroupActivity:Implementthelearnedskillsthroughinteractivegames,role- plays, or collaborative projects. Examples include:

o Emotion charades: Acting out different emotions for others to guess. o Calming corner creation: Designing a space with calming objects and

activities.

o Superhero training: Creating "emotion superheroes" with specific coping powers.

5. ReviewandWrap-up:Recapthekeylearnings,sharesuccesses,andset goals for practicing the skills outside the group. Use positive reinforcement and encourage self-compassion.

Program Goals:

• Improve sensory processing in all seven systems

(tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory).

• Enhance self-regulation and ability to cope with sensory overload.

• Increase body awareness, introception and proprioception.

• Develop gross and fine motor skills.

• Promote social interaction and communication skills.

Session Structure:

1. Welcome&Warm-up

o Fun greetings and group game to promote social interaction and energy release.

o Movement activity, like animal walks or obstacle course, to prepare the body for sensory input.

2. SensoryStations:

o Rotate children through different sensory stations each week, offering a variety of experiences:

▪ Tactile Station: Squishy putty play, sand play, textured fabrics, massage with textured balls.

▪ Vestibular Station: Rocking on wobble boards, swinging on swings, controlled spinning in chairs.

▪ Proprioceptive Station: Obstacle course with

climbing, squeezing, crawling elements, yoga poses or animal walks.

▪ Visual Station: Light filtering glasses, colourful scarves, building with coloured blocks, bubble play.

▪ Auditory Station: Listening games, rhythmic instruments, sound recordings of nature or calming music.

▪ Olfactory Station: Playful guessing

games with scented boxes, aromatherapy diffusers, scented play dough.

▪ Gustatory Station: Taste different textures and flavours (safe for allergies!), food challenge.

3. GroupActivity&Craft

o Collaborative task that incorporates sensory elements, like building a fort with blankets and pillows, creating sensory bottles, or painting with textured materials.

4. Cool-down&Reflection

o Calming activity like deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or listening to calming music.

o Group discussion about favourite activities, what felt challenging, and how to manage sensory input in daily life.

Word Wizards: Unlocking the Magic of Language and Literacy

Age Group: Adaptable for ages (modify activities based on developmental level) Goals:

• Improve expressive and receptive language skills.

• Develop phonological awareness (sound recognition and manipulation).

• Enhance vocabulary and sentence construction.

• Foster early literacy skills (pre-reading and writing).

• Promote peer interaction and communication.

• Increase confidence and motivation for learning.

Session Structure:

Welcome and Warm-up

• Engaging greetings and icebreakers to build rapport and excitement.

• Movement activities with songs and rhymes to focus attention and practice listening.

• Short review of previous session's learning to build consistency. Activity Time

• Themed weekly activities:

o Letterland Adventure - introduce basic letter sounds and recognition

through sensory play and movement games.

o Rhyme Time - focus on identifying rhyming words and creating simple rhymes through interactive stories and songs.

o Word Detectives - practice vocabulary building through scavenger hunts, games, and picture cards.

o Sentence Superheroes - learn basic sentence structure and parts of speech through collaborative storytelling and puppet shows.

o Story Spinner - practice retelling familiar stories and sequencing events with interactive prompts and props.

o Book Buddies - explore different types of books with guided reading activities and discussions.

o Writing Wizards - introduce pre-writing skills through fun activities like play-Doh letter formation and drawing simple pictures.

o Graduation Celebration - showcase learned skills through presentations, games, and positive reinforcement.

Sensory Movement Fun for Growing Minds and Bodies

Aim: Empower children with neurodevelopmental differences to reach their full potential through playful movement, improved brain-body connections, and reduced sensory reactivity..

Program Structure:

• Session format: A blend of structured activities and unstructured play time.

• Multi-disciplinary team: Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and exercise physiologists will collaborate to design and implement individual and group-based interventions.

Program Components:

• Warm-up: Fun and engaging activities to activate the sensory system and prepare the body for movement, like animal walks, parachute play, or obstacle course relays. Themes of soccer, rugby, aussie rules, netball, golf, cricket, dance, tennis, basketball, gym, yoga and pilates.

• Sensory Movement Challenges: Focused exercises designed to challenge sensory processing and motor planning, promote integration, and improve brain-body connections. Examples include balancing on wobble

boards, navigating beanbag mazes, or rhythmic ball games with different textures.

• Teamwork and Social Play. Activities designed to encourage

interaction, communication, and cooperation among children. Examples include cooperative team games, partner stretches, or building forts together.

• Cool-down and Self-Regulation: Calming activities to help children re-regulate their sensory systems and transition back to a calm state, like yoga

poses, mindful breathing exercises, or listening to calming music.

Pre- and post-program assessments to measure progress in areas such as gross motor skills, sensory processing, social communication, and self-regulation. Ongoing monitoring of individual goals and adjustments to the program as needed.