Developmental Milestones

Guided (or “directed”) drawing is a quick, teacher-led routine where students build a picture one simple step at a time. As they follow each prompt, they practice the big essentials—shape, size, where things go on the page, and the order of strokes—without the pressure of “being good at art.” For OTs, it’s a Tier-1 powerhouse. In […]

Why Coloring, Tracing, Dot-to-Dot, and Mazes Are Secret Weapons for Handwriting Success   By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L  Introduction: Visual Motor Skills and the Path to Writing Handwriting is more than putting pencil to paper. It’s a complex integration of visual-motor coordination, fine motor control, attention, and spatial awareness. Before a child writes their first […]

Supporting Children’s Development with Updated Milestones By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Occupational therapy (OT) has always played a pivotal role in helping children reach their developmental milestones. Whether teaching a child how to hold a spoon, encouraging them to engage in social play, or enabling them to complete daily routines successfully, OTs focus on fostering […]

Understanding HealthyChildren.org by AAP:  An Occupational Therapy Perspective for Parents By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L As a parent, navigating the complexities of your child’s development can be both rewarding and challenging. Access to reliable, evidence-based information is crucial in making informed decisions about your child’s health and well-being. HealthyChildren.org, the official parenting website of the American Academy […]

What Is the Developmental  Milestone Tracker? The Developmental Milestone Tracker is a free, interactive mobile application developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of their “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program. The app is designed to help parents and caregivers monitor their child’s developmental progress from 2 months to 5 […]

by Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L  As parents, watching your child grow and achieve new skills is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Understanding developmental milestones can help you support your child’s growth and identify areas where they may need a little extra help. This guide, from an Occupational Therapist’s perspective, will introduce you to the […]