Learning through Play
All children develop at different rates. At times, some children need extra help. Our specialized pediatric staff is available to assess and meet the needs of children from birth to adolescence who have medical conditions or syndromes that may interfere with normal development. Our programs use therapeutic activities to enhance skills for children.
Classes are carefully planned for each child to learn to take direction and to interact with peers in a group setting. Below are the classes offered through Kenny Kids. More classes will be added soon for the spring and summer of 2010.
Download the class registration form.
Strengthening with Pilates
Age level: 9 and up
Six Thursdays, July 8 - Aug. 12
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Cost:$120
Come and join us for a fun class focused on core muscle strengthening using Pilates and traditional exercise. Pilates is an exercise repertoire that improves core strength and stability, coordination and balance. Each session will build on previous session. Students will be able to guide themselves through home exercises upon completion of class. This class is geared for the older child and adolescents who desire to participate in a small class setting focused on improving strength, posture and self image. Participants must be independent with basic mobility, attention, and direction-following. Instructor is a physical therapist who is certified by Stott Pilates in Level 1 Mat.
Let's get Biking!
Age level: 6 years and up
Four Wednesdays, May 12 - June 2
5 to 6 p.m.
Cost: $60
View brochure
This small group opportunity focuses on learning how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. Children ages 6 and up who are able to ride a bike with training wheels, but need some extra help or haven’t had success riding without them should attend this class. The group will be lead by a physical therapist. Class format will include working on dynamic balance activities indoors, then heading outside for drills and practice on bikes. Parents or caregivers are required to attend the class to assist their child and to have first hand practice with activities to continue at home. Children should bring their own bike and helmet.
Let’s Get Writing
Ages: 6-12 years
Cost: $120
This class is for children experiencing handwriting difficulties. It emphasizes sensorimotor activities to prepare children for writing and builds self-esteem while improving interest and the skills needed for handwriting. The program includes letter formation, pencil grasp techniques, use of variety of adaptive writing utensils and seating devices, sensorimotor activities, pre and post-handwriting samples, oral motor activities, and peer interaction. Classes lead by an occupational therapist.
Cursive worksheets and homework can be provided upon request.
Social Language Builders
Ages: 5 to 7 years
Wednesdays, July 7 – Aug. 11
Time: 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: $120
This class will focus on language skill development and early social skills. Children participating in this group should be able to follow simple directions, participate in a medium sized group and use a minimum of simple four to five word sentences. Group content to include:
- Answering “why” questions
- Use of adjectives to describe pictures and objects
- Story sequencing
- Turn taking
- Greetings
- Cooperative Play
Super Sounds
Ages: 4 to 6 years
Fridays, July 9 – Aug. 13
Time: 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.
Cost: $120
Join our speech language pathologists for a fun group class emphasizing speech sound development for pre-school and early school age children! Articulation is the ability to produce the individual sounds of speech clearly, while phonology is the patterning of sounds together. The group will include imitation of sounds, exploring two to three syllable words, and producing initial and final consonant sounds. We will explore stories, games, crafts, and other activities while working toward the development of your child’s clarity of speech. Home recommendations will be given.
This group is a great opportunity to supplement current individual speech language treatment your child might be receiving or to allow your child to benefit from speech and language recommendations in the event that insurance does not cover speech language therapy services.
Adventures in Food
Ages: 3 years and up
Tuesdays, June 14 – July 20
Tuesdays, July 27 – Aug. 31
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Cost: $120 per session
This small group focuses on learning and exploring new foods using the SOS approach to eating. The group will be co-lead by occupational and speech therapists. Group will include sensory preparation activities, establishing mealtime routines and rules, preparing and learning about a variety of foods and parent education. Parents are encouraged to observe group through observation window to gain ideas for home. Children must have completed a feeding evaluation or be currently enrolled in therapy services at Kenny Kids prior to attending group.
Location
All classes are located at the Kenny Kids clinic in Coon Rapids (see map)
Registration
Download the registration form (PDF).
Attendance
- A parent or guardian must be present the first day of each class for orientation.
- Only the enrolled child is allowed in the classroom. Each class will have a time designated for parent observation and/or instruction in home program activities.
- To receive the most benefit children should attend each class. Each class builds on skills learned in previous classes.
- There are no make-up classes. However, any missed class information or materials will be provided.
Instructors
Classes are taught by Mercy Hospital staff. They are licensed occupational, physical and speech/language therapists experienced in pediatric rehabilitation. Most classes have two therapists.
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists assist children in the development of fine motor, cognitive and social skills through activities of daily living, including:
- fine motor strengthening and coordination skills
- use of sensory strategies, including touch, movement, auditory, visual, tastes, proprioception and smell
- skill attainment or compensatory strategies for daily living skills, including feeding, dressing and hygiene
- positioning and equipment needs
- visual motor skills, such as coordinated eye movements and eye-hand coordination
Physical Therapy
Our physical therapists assist children in their gross motor development through:
- muscle strengthening and re-education
- fitness
- wellness
- endurance training
- general conditioning and in their skill development through age-appropriate activities including scooters, pre-bike riding, obstacle courses, ball play, balance and bilateral coordination.
Speech/Language Pathologists
Our therapists assist children with articulation, speech/language delays, auditory processing disorders and fluency.
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