BACK TO SCHOOL NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2009

BUILDING BLOCKS THERAPY

Welcome back to school.  We hope everyone had a relaxing, fun summer with lots of trips to the pool and park and family vacations!  As we get ready for cooler weather (maybe!) and the start of school, we want to take this opportunity to provide some Fall activities for the family that emphasize speech and language:

Activities:

1. Go take a walk – as the season starts to change, it’s a great time to get outdoors and talk about all the changes we see if the Fall.  Collect different colored leaves and acorns.  When at home sort them out into categories: big/small; different colors; shapes.  A leaf hunt is a great way to discuss different language concepts.  Make it into a game by seeing who can find the biggest or smallest or more colorful leaf!
2. Sensory play – make applesauce and clean out your pumpkin.  Both activities provide lots of sensory experience with mushy, goopy textures.  If your child has oral motor goals, drinking the applesauce with a straw is a fun way to improve lip and cheek strength (make sure it’s cooled!).
3. Build a scarecrow – grab some old clothes and head for the backyard.  Have your child problem solve how to build the scarecrow and the best way to keep the leaves in the clothes. 

Local Kid-Friendly Events:

1. International Children’s Festival at Wolf Trap – 9/19-9/20 http://internationalchildrensfestival.com/
2. National Book Festival – The Mall 9/26 10:00 AM-5:30 PM http://www.loc.gov/bookfest
3. Taste of Falls Church – 9/12 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM http://www.fallschurchva.gov/Content/Government/Departments/
   CommunityServices/RecsParks/FallFestTOFC.aspx?cnlid=2590

Wishing everyone a healthy return to school!
The Building Blocks Therapy Staff

What's New!

Fall Group Registration for
2 - 3 1/2 Year Olds
Fall Group Registration for
4 -5 Year Olds

Our Staff

Photos from Summer Camp 2008

Tools for Parents
Speech & Language Milestones by Age