#Kinderchat Archive
#Kinderchat, glue, glitter, gogurt, bringing daily joy to twitter. Find us Mondays, 9 pm EST and 8:30PM London time when we talk all things Early Years!
Monday June 20, 2016
Hello, hello! It’s time for ! Please tell us where you are from and what you are looking forward to doing this summer.
I’m Meg, tonight’s facilitator, preschool director from Chicago. I’m looking forward to all the movies in the park this summer!
Come out, come out wherever you are! It’s time for !
Amy here, in the Canada. Checking in between reading report cards. 192 read in 4 days...
That sounds absolutely exhausting.
Anyone out there ? We have a special guest, here to share their expertise with us!
it is definitely not my most favourite chore.
Hi I'm Dawn. I teach k-5 science in Indy. Looking forward to sleeping in
Hi Dawn. Welcome! Are you on summer break yet?
We're here and ready to do our best to answer all of your questions!
Faige retired kinder teacher in Los Angeles. Complaining about our heat wave, fires and the crazy decision in Congress on guns
Wonderful! Thank you so much for joining us! https://t.co/j44AbtWYZo
We're here and ready to do our best to answer all of your questions!
Hi Faige! So much crazy lately!
yes but I've been doing professional dev since school ended
Hey, I'm Cara from Nebraska! Looking forward to warm evenings around the campfire this summer
Hello I'm Jonna from Georgia and I'm so excited to be here!
Thanks! I'm new at this, looking to learn more about chats on Twitter!
For those of you just joining us, tonight’s chat will include who are here to chat OT and collaboration with us!
Kathleen here from Edmonton, back and forth while I finish up some chores.
. Has kindly joined to answer YOUR questions about the role of an Occupational Therapist. Anyone have any to start?
Hi Kathleen. How are you?
To start, , could you tell us what types of things an OT can support teachers with?
Wonderful! Glad you found us!
What do regular classroom Ts need to know about OT??
How do you identify Ss that need OT??
Good over here. Winding down to the end of school and all my jobs are done! 👍🏻
This is first ever twitter chat. While we wait, has anyone had experience collaborating with OT’s?
OTs assist in helping children be most successful in the classroom by suggesting accommodations for the student
Hi. How are you feeling about the end of kindergarten?
I LOVE all the OTs that I have worked with from help with sensory issues, sitting, and fine motor grip, they have great ideas!
Our district supplies an OT that shares about 4-5 schools. They go from each kindergarten class based upon need. 👌🏻
Now all you have to do is grow the little one and enjoy summer!
Worked with many OTs over the years. https://t.co/vosjS4ovAi
This is first ever twitter chat. While we wait, has anyone had experience collaborating with OT’s?
Working on a post about what I’ll be reading this summer! What are your reads this summer?
Good! Q for OT is how/when to flag vs notice am issue What are big enough?!
What sort of things did you and the OTs collaborate on?
Hello Took today off and felt a bit like I was playing hooky! It was lovely!
Here is a good one! https://t.co/PHowy6N88r
Good! Q for OT is how/when to flag vs notice am issue What are big enough?!
OTs help children be independent in daily occupations. For children in school, we help with attention, regulation...
...sensory processing, completing self-care skills such as eating, dressing and toileting.
I don't think I have an OT at my school. What kind of accommodations would help all my Ss?
Hi Courtney Wa I have 1/2 day of school left!!!
A student may need OT if his/her participation is restricted due to motor, visual, or sensory challenges.
Also fine motor issues are easy flags- what else should we be looking for?
Are we discussing OTs tonight?
I'm in and out tonight, as I have to cook and finish report cards. Liane Abby, BC Canada here.
OT observed K in class. Often made suggestions that we could accommodate in class from sitting 2moving 2distraction
We are! And we have OTs with us through here to talk with us!
Hello strangers! Grade 1 reports done and now I can hang with my peeps! :) Ann-Marie from Ontario, The Canada!
My OT has helped with pencil grip & HW posture.
I love OTs! Especially when they give me stellar ideas I can use, not just with those who “need” it, but with everyone!
This is great question. Teachers notice fine motor quickly, but what else should we look for? https://t.co/AFIT0OXLPF
Also fine motor issues are easy flags- what else should we be looking for?
Have had opportunity to work with a fantastic OT for 2 years with one of my special needs kinders. Her support helped all S's!
Yes! But how do we know that vs student being disruptive, etc? What are key signs?
Also, OTs are great resources for those fine motor things some of our kiddos struggle with
I don't think we have OTs anymore. They would be a huge benefit, especially with focus on sensory.
my OT has also helped with sensors. Any1. Know why Ss chew on paper & lencil pieces?
TRUE! That has been a unexpected benefit for Sts throughout the years I've taught https://t.co/cHb9sHDbe9
I love OTs! Especially when they give me stellar ideas I can use, not just with those who “need” it, but with everyone!
Our OTs help w/so much more than fine motor: self reg, planning, exec functioning, social skills...
Any difficulty that a child is having that impacts him from performing at his best is a good time to refer.
Hello! How're things? I'm trying to get the energy up to make dinner.
Thanks. This is my first chat
[2/2] We help to make life easier for kids and make them most successful in their daily lives!
Visual schedules, visual models for letters, movement breaks, and fidgets can be supportive for everyone.
Great question!! One I often wonder about.
Give “heavy work” breaks regularly and frequently throughout the day. Such as pushing the chairs in, washing the board.
Hi I'm joining late on the longest day of the year, in more ways than one! Sorry to be late!
HI!!!!! How was the T1 sugars after meeting her hero??? So COOL by the way!
Light at the end of the tunnel is shining a little more brightly :) Only 8 more days of school. And you?
issues w/personal space, rocking & falling off chairs. Overstimulated by environ or internal distraction https://t.co/ZuZYtHvVQB
Any difficulty that a child is having that impacts him from performing at his best is a good time to refer.
Do you have one on staff or are your OTs outsourced?
. Could you help us brainstorm ways to tell behavior from red flags in terms of regulation, etc?
Girlie's feet haven't touched ground. When he walked out & said, "I know you!" & gave her a big hug, she glowed
Handwriting difficulties, awkward pencil or marker grasp, fatigue when completing fine motor activities...
oh man! I thought I was the only one counting down! You've got this!
...difficulty dressing or tying shoes, difficulty using utensils during lunch.
I think I need an OT. Several behaviours there that could need looking at.No OT though :(
We have a partnership w/community agency for speech & OT. Funding is through govt.
Good question for all. Where do you find your OTs? From school or each kid has own through referral? https://t.co/U3yGuFEFDt
Do you have one on staff or are your OTs outsourced?
Our providers are GREAT - same ones for years,but I dream of having an OT on our staff!
Your students may be seeking oral input or have difficulty focusing Provide a water bottle with straw or crunchy snack
Ooh, jealous! No summer vacation for me!
Our school has an OT that comes on a regular basis. She has a caseload, and we also send in referrals.
Excellent Q. this is a big challenge w/ so much development in
That is the BEST!! Lucky girl! Hey do you know anything about the Omnipod?
We send referrals, all to same agency. Providers come to school.
What about differences between boys and girls? Common to have boys who struggle w fine motor
That’s nice for collaboration. In our preK, we have OTs from all over, depends on insurance/early intervention.
Our resource specialist worked w/kinders on Fine Motor & helped us see when other stuff was needed. School had list of referrals
Children with sensory processing difficulties often get labeled as the “class clown” or as “lazy” because their..
also..lots of attn issues. Sits on a wiggle seat, uses fidget at carpet, pen 2 write with, wrks @ recess b/c quiet
Our provider agency will also have OTs come do PD at very reasonable $$.
bodies are not supporting them in doing what they want to do. If you have any concerns, the best thing to do is...
refer the child for an OT evaluation and have the OT determine if the child would benefit from therapy.
We occasionally have families w/pre-existing services - we happily collab w/their providers, too.
This is the type of collaboration I would love to see among teachers and OTs/Sp. Paths. Team approach! https://t.co/6uaWIIyvbU
Our provider agency will also have OTs come do PD at very reasonable $$.
Red Flags for challenges with regulation include difficulty w/ transitions meltdowns or overreactions to small stuff
r there Qs 2 drive convo tonight? Just wondering
That has been the way we have worked w/Sts and parents usually
A child who truly is having sensory processing difficulties with exhibit the behaviors across all environments
I'm at a private school. How do private schools get OT services for Ss?
At what point is not a matter of "maturity" and more of a concern? I have two VERY wiggly people and we don't sit that much.
Hey Courtney, no. Tonight’s conversation is facilitated to ask YOUR questions to our guests, .
I'm finding a bit of difference when mine interacts with his parent. thoughts?
can u connect w/ the public school dist your private sch is in?
Thoughts, ? https://t.co/rzpI6LNdtw
At what point is not a matter of "maturity" and more of a concern? I have two VERY wiggly people and we don't sit that much.
We are very blessed. The funding model here is excellent. .
When you think Don't sweat the small stuff and see that the child can't. Heart wrenching red flag!
I think it has to do with when they are wiggly. All of the time? Only when sitting on the carpet? Or in chairs?
I’m at a private preK. Generally, I just refer families to providers that I trust (such as our guests tonight!)
Boys are generally 2 years behind girls developmentally. However, if a child is struggling, it is best to be...
[2/2] ...proactive and seek help so that he can work to being his best self.
What kind of pencil is best for K Ss? I have fat, skinny round, triangle, octagonal?
Observation, history from Ps. Overall approach 2physical environment. Some is maturity
For those of you without OTs on staff/contracted out, do YOU or your admin know where to refer families?
Early intervention is key. If you have concerns it is best to refer for an evaluation so that challenges can be...
...addressed in a timely manner and progress can be made before the child gets further behind.
I think this is normal-different environments elicit diff behaviors
I work with our Kindergarten resource teacher to see who, if any, may need a referral.
I appreciate this topic tonight, but it's sad.I read what OT could help with,but I don't think they are in my district anymore
What if Ps don't believe their children have an issue?
I agree. I kinda want his mom react to him the way we do at school for continuity
We request through our Board - sorry, I'm behind, had to go deal with Diabetes! Argh.
No. Not at all. We always ask parents to see paediatricians.
Do you have suggestions for broaching this conversation with parents? https://t.co/kKGADSUF6g
What if Ps don't believe their children have an issue?
NSPT frequently has therapists go into private schools to provide therapy to their students. [1/2]
I could be wrong, and I know BC is diff, but there should be SOMETHING, I think...
show them the evidence. That is what I had to do this yr. Ps thought my concerns = meds. Oh my!
[2/2] Typically, families at private schools must seek services outside of the school setting.
We are lucky to have that availability for our kinders as well
Peeping in on tonight ... Hi sending you love and energy from the beautiful moon & 🌴 💚🇯🇲
A good pencil for Kindergarten students would be short and triangle to help develop appropriate grasp.
Short “golf” pencils are great. Fat pencils can also be easier to hold onto.
where do I get short triangle pencils?
Hi sorry I'm late, it was Fun Field Day and I needed a nap when I got home!
Dawn, do you have Early Intervention in Indiana?
miss you too... Last week of school this week so finishing up paperwork...
It’s the parent’s choice. They do have to sign a form. If they don’t, then I as a teacher will do what I can but…
Sing along with me.. Baby got low, low, low. But a Go Go Squeeze and we are good.. for now. Busy day, may have more
I have a little of everything so they can choose. Some Ss need pencil grips to ensure proper grip
Buy long ones & cut them in half. (I sound snarky, but it's true & easy!)
We use broad based strategies and work with the students in the classroom without OT taking them individually.
Gr8 question & major concern I feel trust & strong relationship of care for Sts that Ps see vital
I will have to ask. I recall a few years ago, being told OT was no longer to be requested. I could be wrong.
Hi Melva! Hope you are well.
In AB, it is way more widely available BEFORE grade 1, so we make good use of it while we can!
I suggest keeping a log of observations for that particular child so that you can talk to the parents about [1/2]
Does your state have a program that provides therapy services for birth to 3 or 3-5?
[2/2] specific examples of where their child is having difficulty.
That's what our kinders started using last year
If you know someone with tools, you can get them cut. I've done that in the past.
Do we have any final questions for ?
can you give some examples of broad based strategies?
they're available on Amazon, that's where we like to go!
that's so sad. OT is my first referral for most kids, it's amazing how much they help, we see OT 3x/yr
I would suggest looking into it. Knowing your state’s childcare and referral programs is super helpful. :)
I don't put pencils out till WAY later in the year. We use crayons, chalk, paint, and sometimes chubby markers for mark making.
Don't forget Ikea or golf pencils!
Ah yes! The great debate…markers or crayons or pencils for fine motor?! https://t.co/cTP2g4rpmt
I don't put pencils out till WAY later in the year. We use crayons, chalk, paint, and sometimes chubby markers for mark making.
We use handwriting w/o tears in our dist.
Crayons are so great at the beg. of the year. Kids have to put effort into making those marks
Used that for a couple of my Grade 1 S's this year, for the first time.
many parents think that when "help with focus" is mentioned we mean meds, takes a lot of explaining
I never thought of it that way.
Also, many parents' benefit plans will cover some OT sessions. That can be a way to get kids services, too.
we do a lot of dough,Duplo, cutting to build up to p nicks.Don't know what's "right", but it works for me
My school as well. And the app But I find many Kinders still hold pencil awkwardly way and write from bottom up
Oh! the bottom up! biggest habit I have to try to break!! any tips on how?
That or they think it will be a quick fix. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t
Practicing crocodile grasp, using HWT for printing, visuals of pencil grasp, self-regulation techniques...
I have a question for all of you, as classroom teachers, do you feel confident talking to families about referrals and services?
Honestly, work your connections until you find an OT willing to have brain picked, then ASK about how to get $$ for services.
And I still have chalkboards on the wall. Provides friction and gravity while they draw standing up.
Pretty confident. I have a team of OT, counselor, psychologist, Principal to discuss.
I would need more information to answer, but often times kids can hold it together all day at school but not at home.
I have no problem doing referrals. Always tell parents these services are available and your taxes help pay for them
My script for convos w/parents re: referrals, coming right up...
I tried to convince our custodian to mount some to the wall for me. He wasn’t impressed lol!
After 25 yrs, I am more comfortable now. But still difficult for families just beginning their journey.
no- no idea where to start
Part 1: "We have noticed CHILD finds it difficult to X."
A variety is best. Markers and short crayons are easier to hold onto at first.
I would agree. My S has very diff behaviours w/Mom and often looks like he's regressed
Standing up to write? Tape paper to a wall?
Part 2: "X is often easily fixed, and an OT can provide specialized knowledge teachers don't have."
I want to paint my cupboards w/ chalboard paint....not gonna happen :(
'slant boards' - i use big binders and let kids lay on ground :)
No, because I don't want to steer them to the wrong service. I don't know what's out there. I should, but I don't.
Before we discuss concerns w/admin head & see the best way to go. The actual list of OTs & others comes from admin
I do let them lay on their tummies...works gr8
I don’t understand why they don’t see things our way!
Any thoughts on finding out what services are available to your students/families? https://t.co/cDAKGxCYRC
No, because I don't want to steer them to the wrong service. I don't know what's out there. I should, but I don't.
Part 3: "An OT can also help ME, the classroom teacher, support CHILD with this."
I like that! I also let kids find a work space that works for them.
We are going to get ready to wrap up shortly. I want to give a HUGE thank you to for joining our tonight!
Gr8 ideas many have been successful & some I see in 3rd grade still..,,
I do, but has taken a while, helps that I taught most of the parents too! Be gentle, w/direct, concrete examples
Part 4: "A referral starts w/an assessment, and the results will tell us what, if any, ongoing support may help."
Having relationships w/ providers helps make parents comfortable, too.
here’s to the 6 school days and 2 cleaning days left in the school year! !
I encourage you to make connections with OTs and other professionals. We can’t teach in isolation, we need our backups!
Gotta go, but thanks for the chat! Thanks for arranging our guest ! Starving here, gotta eat!
Being able to say "I have worked w/this OT and CHILD will love her" helps a lot.
I like it. It starts w/ gross motor skills, fun songs (that get in your head) building and common lang.
Amen! Takes a village! and wine...
What can you do to help build these connections? What support can your admin give you? https://t.co/MREIn7X6kQ
I encourage you to make connections with OTs and other professionals. We can’t teach in isolation, we need our backups!
I agree. Not sure where to start
If you could find an OT who would let you shadow as PD, that would be AMAZING!
As we wrap up, please feel free to share any good news and any blogs you wrote. Thank you all for coming tonight!
All special services are contracted by school div., have very cumbersome referral form to discourage referrals slow process
I may be wrong, but I THINK there is one last for the year next week. Yes, ?
Yes it's so reassuring as parents worry and question why. https://t.co/cxbTa5yNm8
Being able to say "I have worked w/this OT and CHILD will love her" helps a lot.
Thank you for having us! We hope that we were able to get to everyone's questions in time!
. Thank you so much for joining our chat tonight as we build collaboration among teachers and OTs!
thanks 4 an engaging I will be camping and tech free next week! Have a gr8 summer!
thanks 4 an engaging I will be camping and tech free next week! Have a gr8 summer!
ummmm..... nooo... Tonight is last official chat for this yr, but we could do cocktails next Monday!
Alright, there you have it folks! The tag is always hopping though! https://t.co/0bMN8bsBMu
ummmm..... nooo... Tonight is last official chat for this yr, but we could do cocktails next Monday!
Thanks everyone, I have missed you all. Still a K teacher at heart :) Happy Summer to you!
Goodnight, everyone. Thank you for coming! (Even those I had to BEG!)
Our pleasure. Thanks for your patience during our first chat. Have a great night everyone!
Happy summer, everyone! No official chats until August 29. ENJOY!
