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.
Download the Summer 2009 registration form (PDF).
Let’s Get Writing
Age level: 6-12
Six Wednesdays, July 15 - Aug. 19
1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
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.
Handwriting Without Tears
For child and caregiver
Age level: 4-6
Six Thursdays, July 30 - Sept. 3
8:30 to 9:45 a.m.
Cost: $120
This group will take the tears and battles out of learning handwriting. We will teach caregivers a fun, low stress way to teach capital letters using blocks, play doh, chalk, and magnet boards. We will introduce and teach each letter in an easy learning sequence, building on each letter formation from week to week. Handouts will be provided for at home use.
Fine Motor Crafty Caterpillars
Age level: 4-7
Six Tuesdays, June 30 - Aug. 4
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $120
This group focuses on the development of fine motor skills necessary for school. Children should be able to follow simple directions, attend a small group setting without 1:1 assistance, and have had exposure to fine motor manipulative items. Classes will emphasize the following social skills: meeting and greeting friends, sharing, taking turns, participating in group activities and circle time. Classes will emphasize the following fine motor skills: strength, bilateral coordination, body awareness, visual motor skills, perceptual skills and coordination. This class uniquely addresses both social and fine motor skills first with circle time and then through gross motor activities, preparing our bodies to get ready for sharing, taking turns and fine motor activities such as precutting and prewriting activities.
Strengthening with Pilates
Age level: 5-12 or 5
Six Thursdays, July 9 - Aug. 13
3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Cost:$120
Come and join us for a fun class focused on core muscle strengthening using Pilates and traditional exercise. This class is geared for the older child and adolescents who desires to participate in a small class setting focused on improving strength, posture and self image. 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.
Let's get Biking!
Age level: 6 years and up
Four Wednesdays, May 6 - May 27
5 to 6 p.m.
Cost: $60
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.
Talking Tykes
Age level: 3-5
Six Mondays, June 29 - Aug. 3
8:45 to 10:15 a.m.
Cost: $120
This group will focus on language skill development. Children participating in this group should communicate verbally using a minimum of two to three word phrases, follow simple directions, and attend in small group settings without 1:1 assistance. Sessions will include:
- answering questions that start with “what” or “where”, or where the answer is “yes” or “no”
- understanding and using descriptive words, such as “long” and “short” or spatial concepts, such as “behind” and “next to”
- understanding and describing object uses
- understanding and using pronouns, such as “I”, “me”, “he”, and “she”
- using verb endings, such as “ing” and “ed”
- identifying colors
Social Language Builders
Age level: 5-7
Six Thursdays, July 30 - Sept. 3
10:45 a.m. to noon
Cost: $120
This group 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 without 1:1 assistance and use a minimum of simple four to five word sentences. Sessions will include:
- Answering “why” questions
- use of adjectives to describe pictures and objects
- story sequencing
- turn taking
- greetings
- cooperative play
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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