Kari McKown, MOT, and co-owner at Elite Therapy Center is pictured with Baylor OT doctoral student, Bailey Smith (OTS), where they partnered with Valor Preparatory Academy to provide a free parent education seminar.
Motor Labs & Sensory Processing
Motor labs and sensory processing strategies help make days run more smoothly and effectively. The goals of a motor lab can:
- Help children develop the skills necessary for learning readiness and mastery of the environment
- Improve child’s ability to maneuver and function in their environment leading them to better performances in tasks such as handwriting, sitting still, paying attention, speaking, and behavior.
- Stimulate the child’s sensory systems.
- Ability to better control themselves and accomplish tasks by making children aware of their environment and learning about the sensations of his own movement.
- Build a structure for the acquisition of academic skills.
Submit the Motor Lab form below to request a Motor Lab or click CONTACT US to connect directly with an Elite Therapy Center OT.
While doing big movements in various directions, your kiddo is working on crossing their midline which helps with handedness, and gets both sides of the brain working together!
JUMPING
Trampolines can support sensory processing and self-regulation by adapting them into “safe spaces.” Some children love to utilize these spaces when they are overwhelmed. It supports them to calm their bodies with the sensory input they need, in a space just for them.
VERTICAL WRITING/DRAWING:
When writing or working in a vertical plane, the muscles of the shoulder girdle and core are turned on. This can lead to increased muscle control as well as improve visual tracking and eye convergence skills.
- The wrist is placed in extension and encourages better control of the fingers.
- Working against gravity provides a great strengthening activity!
- Working on a vertical surface assists with directionality and spatial awareness.
