Occupational therapist creates packet for special needs students

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - An occupational therapist created a packet full of sensory learning activities to help local special needs elementary students.

The packet contains items such as kinetic sand, pencil grips, bells, slime, and other educational tasks.

Dr. Monika Shumbo-Poissant, who the parents and students refer to as "Dr. Moon," came up with the idea when school transitioned to online learning.

She wanted the students to be able to practice their occupational therapy with hands-on materials that work on sensory, fine motor, and life skill goals.

Claudia Figueroa, a mother of a Gadsden Elementary School special needs student says the packet came with instructions for parents on how to use each item and how to assist the children.

"This package really helps because I can give her one task, for example, the slime right now, and I know it's going to last for 30 to 40 minutes, so I have time to do something. And I'm ready with the package, all ready with something else with the instructions on how to do it, how to handle it," Figueroa said. "She loves it because it's the same thing they do at school, now she's doing it at home."

Each packet is personalized for each students needs. Dr. Moon also works with them weekly through an online video conference call.

Gabriela and Marcelo Valenzuela are parents of special needs children from Desert View Elementary School. He says the kids love the activities because it's a fun way of learning.

"We've seen many kinetic sand sculptures. I never thought kinetic sand would actually both stay together and just maintain an actual form," Marcelo said.