Wildlings Oak Grove Special Needs Learning Centre

11/11/2025

12 FUN THINGS KDIS CAN PAINT WITH THAT AREN'T PAINTBRUSHES



1. Fingers and Hands
Toddlers love finger painting, and it’s a perfect way to explore textures and colors while getting a little messy.
2. Sponges
Cut sponges into fun shapes or use them whole. Toddlers can dab, stamp, and smear paint to create fun patterns.
3. Toothbrushes
Old toothbrushes make great painting tools! Kids can experiment with flicking the bristles for a splatter-paint effect.
4. Cotton Balls
Dip them in paint and use tongs, fingers, or clothespins to dab and drag them across the paper. It’s like painting with fluffy clouds!
5. Feathers
Soft and wispy, feathers create unique, light strokes on paper. Your toddler will enjoy the delicate feel as they paint.
6. Toy Cars
Roll paint-covered toy car wheels across paper and watch as colorful tracks come to life.
7. Cookie Cutters
Dip cookie cutters in paint and stamp them onto paper. It’s like creating artwork and decorating cookies at the same time!
8. Forks
Plastic forks can create funky lines and textures. Toddlers will find it fascinating to drag the prongs through the paint.
9. Bubble Wrap
Wrap a piece of bubble wrap around their hands or a rolling pin. Add some paint and press or roll for fun, textured shapes.
10. Leaves
Go for a nature walk, collect leaves, and use them as stamps or brushes. It’s a perfect way to combine art and outdoor adventure.
11. Cotton Swabs
Tiny artists will enjoy painting smaller details or dots using cotton swabs. They’re easy for little hands to hold, too!
12. String or Yarn
Dip string or yarn into paint and drag it across the paper for bold, flowing strokes. Experiment with different lengths for added fun.

11/11/2025

🧩 Did you know that “bilateral coordination” means using both sides of the body together smoothly? It’s super important for things like tying shoes, cutting with scissors, eating, and so much more!

✨ What our top picks for Toys & activities that encourage both arms to work together help build motor planning, strength, & coordination? Drop a 👏🏼 below. ✨

10/11/2025

03/11/2025

✨ Bubble & Ball Play Magic! ✨

Blowing bubbles, catching them, or tossing little balls into buckets isn’t just fun — it’s powerful learning in action! 🌈
These playful moments help:
🧠 Both sides of the brain work together
💬 Strengthen mouth muscles for speech
👀 Build visual tracking skills for reading
🎯 Improve focus, coordination & control

So when you see bubbles floating or balls rolling — know that neurological development and learning is happening💕

03/11/2025

Can you believe this could be causing attention and focus problems…

You may not realize it, but bad or stooped posture could be causing a child to fidget, squirm or even have ADHD-like symptoms in the classroom.

How could it possibly be related?

When a child has poor core strength, they can’t hold up the torso of their body, which creates slumping and bad posture. And, if the child has one or more retained

Primitive Reflexes impacting posture and core stability, you will see the child struggling even more.

Core strength and core stability is what helps kids sit upright automatically without having to think about it. This frees the brain for learning, rather than having to focus so hard on getting their body in a position where they can focus.

Kids with poor posture and core stability may lack the following:
😣Attention and focus
😣Motivation to complete tasks
😣Coordination and fine motor skills for handwriting
😣Balance to hold themselves upright in their desk

To learn more about how core stability is impacting each one of these areas and the retained Primitive Reflexes causing trouble with posture, check out the link below or grab it in our profile.

🔗https://ilslearningcorner.com/immature-postural-control-could-be-a-sign-of-reflex-retention/?utm_source=Google%20Ads&utm_medium=Test2&utm_campaign=Test3

29/10/2025

💔 Some days are heavy.

Today my heart aches.
To love and care for a child with such deep needs and then watch the system fail them once again, is something that never gets easier.
It’s heartbreaking to see a little one taken from a safe, nurturing space and returned to a situation where their needs were never truly met.

What makes it even harder is knowing this happens far too often, especially with our little ones in foster care, caught in a system that doesn’t always protect them the way it should.

No chance to say goodbye. No way to know if they’re okay. Just a quiet ache and hope that somehow, they will be loved and cared for the way they deserve.

Some children leave footprints that never fade

29/10/2025

🌈 Why Sensory Play Matters at Wildlings Oak Grove

✨ Benefits of Sensory Play & Hands-On Learning:

Builds focus and calm — squeezing or squishing helps regulate emotions and release tension.

Encourages fine-motor skills and hand strength for writing and daily tasks.

Supports sensory integration — helping children process touch, pressure, sound, and movement in safe ways.

Boosts concentration and prepares the brain for learning.

Promotes social interaction and turn-taking through shared sensory activities.

Sparks creativity and curiosity through exploration.

Develops practical math and logic skills using concrete materials (counting beads, blocks, pouring water, etc.).

Encourages language growth as children describe textures, actions, and sensations.

Enhances body awareness and coordination during bubble catching and water play.

Provides a sense of joy and calm — learning through play feels natural and rewarding!

29/10/2025

All you need is play dough to build hand strength and dexterity! Here are some of our favorite exercises using play dough: https://www.theottoolbox.com/fine-motor-activities-with-play-dough/

25/10/2025

Learning at our own pace
1 on 1 support
Rynfield
Benoni
076 732 6851