Sensory Matters OT

20/08/2026

If a child needs help developing postural strength, you may often find them doing the following:

👉laying on their desk
👉placing their head on the desk while writing
👉uncoordinated
👉falls frequently or appears clumsy
👉fidgets or struggles to focus

Children who need help improving their postural strength can do a number of activities that can support this area of learning. Below are a few ideas:

13/08/2026

There are many ways to work on crossing midline through play.

Here are just a few ideas:

09/08/2026

Here’s to strong women, kind women, inspiring women, and women who lift each other up. 💕✨

Happy Women’s Day! 🌸

06/08/2026

'Heavy Work' is a really important type of sensory input. It helps us meet our proprioceptive needs which in turn helps us organise our self movement, force and body position.

Here are a few examples:

30/07/2026

A sensory circuit can help alert, organise and calm a child. It's a different version of a sensory diet. Think of it as a predictable, structured "plan" to help kids find their balance. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a traditional, complex sensory diet, a sensory circuit simplifies everything into a quick, 10-20 minute routine using a simple activity menu.

Parents often think they need expensive equipment to create sensory activities but simple, everyday activities do the job.

The secret is all in the order. By intentionally moving through specific types of sensory input you help a child's nervous system step-by-step:

1. Alert the brain and body to wake up and tune in.
2. Organise focus, coordination and body awareness.
3. Calm and centre the system so they are regulated and ready for the day.

The goal is to achieve the "just right" level of alertness so they can focus, learn and handle transitions smoothly.

23/07/2026

When we work on a child's balance, it strengthens the lower levels of the brain to support a child's foundational motor skills. Balance is especially important for building a child's ability to attend and focus in the classroom.

Kids with poor balance struggle with:

❎Body awareness
❎Crossing the midline
❎Core strength
❎Coordination activities

Children who need help with balance often experience ADHD-like symptoms in the classroom and have a hard time following instructions and completing tasks.

If you start to see gaps in learning or with a child's ability to focus in the classroom add some of these balance activities to your routine.

22/07/2026

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The Polyvagal Theory offers a powerful lens for understanding how children experience safety, connection, emotional regulation and learning.

By understanding the nervous system, we can better support children who experience trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and other neurodevelopmental challenges.

Join us at the Resilient Hearts, Empowered Minds: Trauma, Anxiety & PDA in Children Conference for this insightful presentation.

We are honoured to welcome Jacqui Jorge from Sensory Matters.

Jacqui is an experienced Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, families and professionals. She is Sensory Integration trained, holds a Diploma in Cranio Sacral Therapy, and is a TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) Provider. She brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her work with children experiencing autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma and sensory processing differences..

📅 29 August 2026
📍 Doxa Deo Kameeldrift, Pretoria
🕑 08:45 – 14:45

Book now at www.wigglyeducationonline.co.za⁠ or contact Christelle for group bookings and EFT payments.

Contact information:
Christelle Koekemoer
📞 063 610 0882
📧 [email protected]

21/07/2026

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A simple request may seem small… but for a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), words like "You have to," "Do it now," or "You must finish" can trigger an intense stress response—not because they are being defiant, but because their nervous system perceives it differently.

Join us at the Resilient Hearts, Empowered Minds: Trauma, Anxiety & PDA in Children Conference for a deeper understanding of PDA.

We are honoured to welcome Andrea Grant Lightley from Parenting on the Spectrum.

Andrea brings not only her extensive knowledge and professional expertise as a qualified educator, neurodiversity coach, and PDA specialist, but also the invaluable insight of her own lived experience. Her presentation will offer practical strategies that will truly make a difference for children, families, and professionals.

📅 29 August 2026
📍 Doxa Deo Kameeldrift, Pretoria
🕑 8:45 - 14:45

Book now at www.wigglyeducationonline.co.za or contact Christelle for group bookings and EFT Payments.

Contact information:
Christelle Koekemoer
063 610 0882
[email protected]

16/07/2026

Brain breaks are a great writing warm-up for getting the hands ready for handwriting tasks. They are also a powerful and effective way to address self-regulation needs, help with attention and impact learning in the classroom.

Here are some fun ideas to do with Play Dough 💪

09/07/2026

Toileting isn't just a skill. It's a combination of body awareness, communication, sensory processing and readiness.

Challenges may include:
⭐️difficulty recognising body signals
⭐️sensory sensitivities to the bathroom environment
⭐️changes in routines
⭐️communication difficulties
⭐️anxiety or fear around toileting

What can help?
💜consistent routines
💜visual supports
💜patience and encouragement
💜celebrating small successes
💜understanding the child's individual needs

Remember, every child develops at their own pace 💜