About Me: I am happy to be back in the Long Hill Township Schools for my fifth year as the district's registered occupational therapist. Prior to working in Long Hill I worked for four years in public and private schools and a private practice setting in Northern New Jersey. I spend my time in both Gillette School and Millington School working closely with the students, as well as the teachers, in order to facilitate the maximum level of gains. I use various approaches when working with the children; including sensory integration, motor skill acquisition and strengthening. I have found that a combination of all approaches maximizes gains. During the occupational therapy sessions, I use games and activities that are internally motivating for the children and address as many areas as possible through play! Occupational therapy sessions are delivered individually, in small groups, in class and through consultation depending on the needs of the individual student.

Since starting in Long Hill, I have taken all courses necessary to become Level I certified in "Handwriting without Tears ".  I take several continuing education courses a year to further my knowledge and skills. Courses I have taken include, but are not limited to; sensory integration; self-regulation, vision and vestibular processing, therapeutic handling and sound based therapies. I have returned to school to receive a Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy, with a pediatric concentration.

To reach me: You can contact me by calling 908-647-2313 ext. 1001 or via email at jcoletta(@)longhill.org. Please be mindful that I do travel between schools. Therefore, it may take 24 hours to recieve a voicemail message and return a phone call.

Daily Homework: Students are given individualized home programs or activities to practice at home, based on the needs of the individual child and their goals. It is recommended that all students take time to be active each day! It is also beneficial for students to engage in various fine motor tasks at their current skill level.

Related Web Pages:

Handwriting without Tears

Handwriting without Tears is the program I most often utiize when teaching handwriting.  The approach I use depends on the individual child. For some children I will follow the HWT curriculum, for others I will utilize HWT strategies in conjuction with strategies from other programs or models. 

www.hwtears.com

Sensory Processing Disorder

The following websites provide descriptions of sensory processing disorder, including sypmtoms.  Sensory activities are also included on these sites, however every child is different and sensory programs should be individulaized for your child, based on their needs. Please contact me if you have specific questions about the most effective sensory techiniques that are taylored to your child. 

www.sensory-processing-disorder.com

www.sensorysmarts.com

http://www.sinetwork.org/

Visual Motor Integration and Visual Perception

Visual motor integration is the ability to coordinate motor and vision, while visual perception is the ability of the eyes to accurately interpret what is seen. Visual perception and visual motor integration are necessary foundational skills to complete functional tasks in the school environment. When deficits with visual motor integration and visual perception exist difficulty in the following areas may include, but are not limited to; coloring, cutting, drawing, writing, copying from the board, reading, math skills, and ball skills. The following websites provide information and various activity sites to address deficits with visual motor control and visual perception. Just ten minute increments of work in these areas will be beneficial for helping maintain or further gain visual motor control or visual perception.

http://www.therapystreetforkids.com/Skills2.html    (This is a very comprehensive website with activites not just for visual motor control and visual perception!)

http://www.eyecanlearn.com

http://make-the-grade-ot.com/Practice%20Sheets.html

http://www.shirleys-preschool-activities.com/visual-perception.html

http://www.skillbuildersonline.com/SBA/Catalogue.asp?Current=Free+Stuff 

Free Typing Games

Keyboarding skills are essential in this world of computers and technology. Typing is also an effective means of written expression for children who struggle with handwriting. Typing with correct finger placement allows for increase speed and accuracy, allowing your child to complete class assignments in a more timely manner.  Engaging in typing several times per week for about 15 minute increments will help your child build upon and improve their keyboarding skills. 

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing

www.freetypinggame.net