Tonya Zimring, MS, OTR/L, ECE
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
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Supporting your baby's growth from 0-14 years in Marin County
in a clinic, home, or school from a sensory integration perspective.
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Life Hacks for Kids
Executive Functioning Social Booster Groups
This program provides a social boost to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. It takes place weekly in a sensory gym where full-body play and movement are part of the learning. It weaves in the executive functioning skills that are necessary for social skills. In a small group with individualized attention, we play interactive games and cook. The kids get to put what they are learning into action in real-time!
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Why address executive functioning skills with social skills? Executive functioning skills act as the "conductor" in our brains and help us coordinate the ability to initiate, pay attention, plan, shift focus, organize and self-regulate. When these are functioning well in a social situation our kids are able to decide what to pay attention to, organize that information, adapt and change their behavior based on what is happening, and stay emotionally regulated throughout.
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This group is designed to strengthen these underlying executive functioning skills while simultaneously teaching kids the rules of engagement when it comes to social awareness.
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​All kids can benefit from:
- explicitly learning the hidden/unspoken rules
- being given the tools to develop their own executive functioning skills
- learning about their own nervous system in a way that helps them know how to calm themselves down
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This program will not only address these crucial areas for your child, it also comes with a strong parent education component. Parents will be provided with handouts and materials so you can carry over what your child is learning at home.
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Kids Will Learn to:
Social Skills
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Read a room
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Take other people’s perspective
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Join play
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Recognize when you say/do unexpected things & how that impacts your peers
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Stay with the group plan even when it’s not their plan/ be flexible in play
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Make a choice when conflict arises & being able to name those choices
Executive Functioning Skills
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Visualize and plan using the Get Ready Do Done method championed by Sarah Ward
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Improve their ability to guestimate time and how long something will take through visual tools
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Increase independence with getting themselves ready & showing up with what they need
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Strategies to start and do homework independently
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Where: Children's Therapy Services
412 Red Hill Ave San Anselmo Suite 3
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Dates: Fridays Sept 6th- Dec 13th
3:30pm- 1st and 2nd graders
4:30pm- 3rd and 4th graders​​
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Small group (max 5 kids) taught by Tonya Zimring, MS, OTR/L, ECE, and an assistant​​
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Will insurance cover it? Maybe. You will be provided a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
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Is my child the right fit? The kids who attend are often bright and somehow just missing some of the skills to make life easier. The lessons are designed for children with grade-level cognitive abilities and may not meet the needs of children requiring specialized behavioral or cognitive support. If your child has higher needs, reach out so we can talk about covering similar content in more supported 1:1 sessions. If you aren't sure, we can schedule a time to talk.​
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Call for more information: (415) 944-7118
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Email tonya@thrivebabytherapy.com to enroll
Amy McConnell,
teacher, Fairfax, CA
“Tonya's work with my first grade students was transformative. She is brilliant with children, combining warmth, keen observation, and exceptional communication skills. Her thoughtful, adaptive approach fosters authentic behavioral shifts, benefiting both individual students and the entire classroom community."
Jai Flicker,
parent, Mill Valley, CA
"My daughter had an amazing time while participating in the Life Hacks for Kids program. Each day, she emerged happy, energized, and excited to return. She loved learning new skills and concepts, especially since they were presented in such a fun, empowering manner. Tonya's group was exceptional, not only for my daughter but for us as parents as well. The parent education aspect, particularly the insights on Hidden Rules, offered valuable tools and perspectives that enhanced our overall experience."
Cat Austin,
parent, San Anselmo, CA
"My child came back from every group thrilled and he appears much more positive about things, especially his relationship with his brother. Now he and I have some common language and I'm able to give him hints to remind him of the things he learned in group."