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5 Easy Language-Building Moments During the Holidays

The holidays are full of natural moments to support your child’s language skills, no flashcards required. From cozy routines to everyday traditions, simple interactions can turn into powerful learning opportunities when kids are engaged, relaxed, and having fun. Here are 5 easy, parent-friendly ways to encourage language development during the holiday season (without changing your

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Gift Wrapping: A Holiday Activity That Builds OT Skills

The holidays are full of fun traditions, and gift wrapping is more than just a festive task, it’s a chance for your child to practice important skills while being creative and engaged. Fine Motor Skills Handling tape, using scissors, folding paper, and tying ribbons all work tiny hand and finger muscles. These fine motor skills

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Baking Activities That Build Skills

Baking together this holiday season isn’t just about making sweet treats, it’s a fun way to help your child grow and learn. Fine Motor Stirring, scooping, rolling, and pressing dough all help build hand and finger strength. These skills make everyday tasks like writing, buttoning, and using utensils easier. Exploring Textures Kneading dough gives kids

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Story Time with a Purpose: 5 Books That Boost Literacy Through Narrative-Based Language Intervention

As a speech-language pathologist, one of my favorite tools for supporting literacy development in children is narrative-based language intervention. This approach focuses on using stories—both oral and written—to help children develop essential language skills like vocabulary, sequencing, story comprehension, and narrative structure. It’s a highly effective way to support not only speech but also reading

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6 Ways Obstacle Courses Boost Confidence in Early Walkers

There’s something magical about watching your child find their balance, take a wobbly first step, and beam with pride. But for some, those early steps don’t come as quickly as expected — and that can leave you wondering if there’s cause for concern. If your little one isn’t walking yet, or if walking feels unsteady,

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Rainy Day Kids’ Activities: Simple PT Exercises for Home Play

When the weather keeps kids indoors, it’s the perfect time to boost gross motor skills with fun, easy activities you can do right in your living room! These PT-approved favorites help build strength, coordination, and body awareness—while keeping the giggles going. Animal Walks – Crawl like a bear, scoot like a crab, or hop like

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How Your Baby Builds Words Into Sentences (And How You Can Help!)

Babies usually start saying their first words around 9–12 months of age. It’s such an exciting milestone—and once it happens, things really start to take off! By the time your little one is about 18 months old, you might hear around 50 words in their vocabulary. This is a great sign that they’re getting ready

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3 Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Regulation

Pay attention to your own regulation. An adult that is feeling dysregulated will not be an effective co-regulator* for their child. Check in with yourself, model using a preferred regulatory strategy (take a deep breath, count to 10), and then transition to co-regulating. *Co-regulation means helping your child manage their emotions by staying calm and

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Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Kids Books Featuring AAC

Everyone loves a story where they can say, “Hey, that’s me!” For children who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), seeing themselves reflected in a story is more than fun—it’s empowering. When kids meet characters who communicate with devices like theirs, they don’t just read a story—they belong in it. Representation matters, and the books

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Eugene Clinic:
84 Centennial Loop
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 255-2681
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday – Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

Corvallis Clinic:
201 NW 3rd St.
Corvallis, OR  97330
Phone: (541) 255-2681
Fax: (541) 255-3537

Clinic Hours:
8:00 to 6:00 Monday - Thursday
8:00 to 5:00 Friday

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