Tygerberg Hills Occupational Therapy

29/01/2026

29/01/2026

29/01/2026

“Absorbed play, let’s children forget all sense of time and space. It is almost sacred”
Quote by Maggie Dent

29/01/2026

Play is where learning begins—and keeps growing.

Through play, kids experiment, adapt, and discover how they learn best, laying the foundation for curiosity that lasts a lifetime.

29/01/2026

Full body flexion, which is the entire body tucked into a ball including the head, is one of the 2 most important body positions that impact sensory integration and overall sensorimotor development. The other being prone extension which I posted about last week.

Full body flexion requires the brain and body to activate all of the flexor muscles of the body at once...this in itself is incredibly beneficial for sensory integrative development. The brain and body must coordinate "putting it all together" each time.

Full body flexion begins in the womb and is at its finest during the last month before birth...when the fetus is squished into full flexion. This body position is providing the brain important neurodevelopmental information and laying a foundation for sensory integrative development. The squish factor is also providing deep pressure touch and proprioception, which supports body awareness and self-regulation (called neurobehavioral organization at this stage).

Here are a few key points to take away from this...
1. Premature babies do not get this critical input, so providing it outside of the womb is crucial and essential. This begins with proper positioning in the NICU and then once the baby is home and medically stable, swaddling and the use of a soft sling/wrap are the best way to support and encourage full body flexion.
2. Encouraging full body flexion is important throughout infant and child development for ALL of our brains and bodies.
3. Full body flexion is organizing, regulating, and calming for the nervous system.
4. Encouraging play and activities involving full flexion promote proper sensory integrative development and quality of movement.

Here are some ways to incorporate full flexion into the day and to work on different components of full flexion...
1. Squish box or squeezing into tiny spaces
2. Somersaults/forward rolls
3. Roly-Poly game (tuck into a ball and roll and rock on the floor)
4. Sit-ups
5. Laying backwards over an exercise ball and pulling up to sitting position
6. Hippity hop ball or Rody
7. Jumping from a BOSU ball tucked in a ball and landing on a large beanbag or other very soft surface
8. Cannon ball jumps into water
9. Climbing up a slide
10. Using swings that encourage full flexion such a a compression/ cuddle swing or other more active play swings such as a disc or bolster swing

Sincerely Sensory,
Angie Voss

29/01/2026

The heartwarming image of a child reading to a dog and cows in Finland offers a glimpse into an innovative approach to improving focus and emotional well-being. “In Finland, children read to calm animals like dogs and cows to improve focus, through programs run by the Kennel Club” demonstrates the therapeutic power of animal companionship. This program, designed to improve children’s concentration and emotional stability, combines education and compassion, showing how animals can be key to the development of young minds.

Reading to animals has been shown to have a calming effect on children, providing them with a non-judgmental audience. The animals, in turn, benefit from the interaction, creating a mutual exchange of comfort and connection. For children, the act of reading aloud to animals builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and enhances their communication skills. The unconditional presence of the animals provides a safe space where children can learn without the pressures of social or academic expectations.

This program also highlights the importance of animal-assisted therapy in various educational settings. Animals like dogs and cows can play an integral role in the emotional and social development of children, helping them to regulate their emotions and increase their focus. It’s a beautiful example of how nature and nurture come together to support a child’s growth. Through these interactions, children learn empathy, responsibility, and the joy of companionship, all while developing important skills.

The success of such programs can inspire others to incorporate animal-assisted therapy into educational systems worldwide. Whether it’s through reading, spending time with animals, or participating in therapy programs, the bond between children and animals can offer profound benefits. By fostering this relationship, we are nurturing the emotional and psychological well-being of future generations, preparing them to face the world with kindness, empathy, and resilience.

Ultimately, this image and the accompanying program demonstrate the power of animals in our lives. They are not only companions but also teachers, healers, and emotional support. When we recognize their value and role in child development, we can create more inclusive and compassionate educational environments. 🐶📚

29/01/2026

29/01/2026

To build pencil grip you need…

4 foundational elements that support a child’s pencil grip skills for handwriting development.

Handwriting skills take a lot of work and often don’t come naturally. Like anything else, handwriting is a skill that is developed as it is practiced and perfected over time.

However, when children haven’t developed certain foundational skills, handwriting skills often fall behind or become frustrating for the student.

And, it’s not only fine motor skills that must be improved. There are other areas you may not even think about when it comes to handwriting that supports:

✏️Letter directionality
✏️Letter Formation
✏️Letter Reversals
✏️Pencil pressure

…and much more!

To find out what all 4 foundational elements support a child’s pencil grip and handwriting development, comment below 👇and we’ll send you the link or grab the link in our profile.

04/01/2026