Welcome to Sprout & Grow, your monthly source of insights and inspiration from Skillful Sprouts. Each edition delivers expert tips, engaging activities, and the latest resources to support your child’s development and well-being. Join us as we explore new ways to foster growth, celebrate milestones, and empower your child's journey.

Drums Alive is returning to Easton!

What: Join us for this movement and rhythm based fitness class for children. Kids will get their energy out during this easy and fun exercise class while making music and memories.
See the link below for an example of this program!
https://www.drums-alive.com/new-drumtastic-program-for-educators
Who: Ages 3-5 years old
When: 4 week session starting Saturday, October 12th until November 2nd at 11:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Frothingham Hall, 15 Barrows Street, Easton, MA 02356
Fee: $35

Sign Up Here Now!  

Back-to-School Success: Sensory Strategies for Home and School

As children transition back to school, sensory regulation is key for helping them adjust to new routines and environments. Whether your child is at home or in the classroom, incorporating sensory-friendly strategies can support their focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

At School: Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment

1. Calming Corners: Teachers can set up a quiet space with soft seating, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget tools. This provides a retreat for students feeling overwhelmed by classroom stimuli.

    

2. Visual Schedules: Predictability helps reduce anxiety. A visual schedule with images of daily activities can support transitions and help children anticipate what's next.

    

3. Movement Breaks: Incorporating short, intentional movement breaks like wall pushes, chair stretches, or jumping jacks allows children to release energy and refocus.

    

4. Sensory Bins: Having a designated sensory bin in the classroom filled with tactile items such as sand, rice, or fabric swatches can help students self-regulate through touch.

    

At Home: Sensory Strategies for After-School Wind-Down

1. Weighted Blankets or Lap Pads: These can help children decompress after a stimulating school day. The pressure offers proprioceptive input, promoting a sense of calm.

    

2. Deep Breathing Exercises: Try guided breathing techniques, such as "blowing bubbles" or "smelling the flowers," to help children regulate their breathing and reduce stress.

    

3. Outdoor Play: Activities like swinging, climbing, or even nature walks provide much-needed sensory input and movement after being seated for long periods.

    

4. Quiet Time: Setting aside 15-20 minutes of quiet time with books, puzzles, or drawing can help kids transition from a busy school environment to the calm of home.

Spotlight on Pre-Writing Development

As children settle into their school routines, it's the perfect time to focus on pre-writing skills, which are essential for handwriting success. Strengthening these skills builds the foundation for fine motor coordination and pencil control.

Key Areas for Pre-Writing Development:

1. Core Strength and Posture: Strong core muscles support proper posture, which is vital for steady hand movement when writing. Incorporating activities like wheelbarrow walking or animal crawls can build core strength.

    

2. Fine Motor Coordination: Encourage activities that develop hand strength and finger dexterity. Examples include playing with playdough, using tongs to pick up objects, or your child practicing with scissors (check out our farm-themed scissor skills resource!).

    

3. Hand-Eye Coordination: Pre-writing lines (straight, curved, zigzag) help with early letter formation. Practicing drawing different lines prepares children to form shapes, letters, and numbers.

    

4. Grip Development: Using tools like thick crayons, markers, or pom-pom tweezers helps children develop the proper grip needed for writing. 

Check out our pre-writing resources here:

Pre-Writing Strokes Development and Cards

Pre-Writing and Drawing Activity Packet