Talks and Workshops

By using an analogy of a tree (including roots, trunk, branches, and fruits), we aim to illustrate what is happening with a baby and child's development and the impact that early sensory experiences, such as feeding, swinging and ,messy play, have on future academic and social skills. We start by looking at the 7 basic senses (touch, smell, taste, hearing, sight, movement and body position sense) at the root level and explore how these form the foundation for the next stage of trunk development. These "trunk" skills will, in turn, impact more complex skills at a fruit level. It is important that just like a tree, the "root" (or foundation) skills need to be watered and developed first so that the rest of the tree can grow healthy and strong. We look not only at the theory involved but also apply this theory to practical examples. We will, for instance, show how touch and movement input at a root level ultimately impact handwriting at a fruit level. Once the concept of "Root to Fruit" has been looked at, we will explore 4 academic tasks and how parents or teachers can positively impact these at each tree level. The concept of a "Just-Right-Challenge" will be introduced, which can positively impact development at any "tree level". The presentation will be interactive and participants will be encouraged to ask questions.

Sensory Integration theory is explored and then applied to practical examples. We look at the difference between sensory modulation and sensory discrimination and how it impacts learning, attention, and behavior as well as development. Practical handling principles are shared for parents and teachers to encourage their children to engage more meaningfully when learning.

A few sensory systems will be explored in more detail, by using the theoretical model of a tree (developed by the presenters and published in their book). We illustrate the impact that early sensory experiences have on future academic and social skills. Some common Sensory Integration difficulties which hamper learning, that parents and teachers will most likely already have come into contact with, will be looked at in more detail.

Parents and teachers will leave this talk with practical handling principles to help manage possible difficult behaviours and optimize the learning potential of their little ones.

Sometimes adults find it hard to remember how to play! Parents can look forward to learning more about what play really is and its impact on development. We unpack why playing with your child is so important and explore the different types and stages of play development. We give parents practical tips on how to ensure play is fun and happens without frustration for either the parent or the child. We look at a few common play activities or games and explore how to make them easier or more difficult to ensure the child experiences a sense of mastery and the "Just-Right challenge". This will lead to fun and learning. We look specifically at how playing can improve fine motor skills.

This talk looks at sensory temperaments of parents and children and the dynamic between them. Each sensory temperament is depicted as a sensory animal to help parents understand how their little one experiences their sensory world. It also covers boundaries and handling principles for each sensory temperament.

The what, how and why of making homework fun for grade R-3 parents. This talk looks at why homework is important and aims to demystify some of the myths and stigmas surrounding homework in families. Practical tips on how to plan and prepare both the environment and the child for success in homework is shared. We inspire parents to get creative and to make reading, phonics, numeracy, language and orals fun. Practical stations allow busy parents to walk away with some tools to start having homework fun the very next day!

This talk helps parents prepare their little ones for the first day at school and transitioning to a new school. Practical tips on how to prepare their little one for the first day of grade 00 is shared. Parents are encouraged to work on vital self-care tasks, such as toileting, nose blowing and other everyday chores, which will make this transition easier for their child.

This talk looks at preparing your little one for the transition to grade 1. It not only helps parents to know what to say and do before the big day, but also what to consider for the actual day itself. It also inspires parents to start homework in a fun and meaningful way!

This talk looks at the difference between normal toddler mischief and sensory overload. It answers the common question parents have as they wonder if their child is just strong-willed if they are struggling to cope with their sensory world. The talk gives helpful cues to look out for before a meltdown hits, be it sensory or otherwise! Parents feel empowered with practical tips on what to do in both instances!

This talk looks at when little ones are ready for playdates and gives parents helpful guidelines for how long they should be and how many friends there should be at these playdates etc. It explores having planned activities versus free play at playdates. Helpful tips on handling challenging behaviour are discussed and it empowers parents on how to teach sharing, empathy and respecting boundaries to little people.