
Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 28: A Journey Through Infant Development: The Fourth Month
On the Horizon is an award winning weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.

Observing and Aiding Development
A Note from Nicole: Appropriate Learning Environments
Idea of the Week: Cardboard Tube Marble Maze
Feature Article: A Journey Through Infant Development: The Fourth Month
The Horizons Team Recommends: Do Something Daily Calendar; Horizons Academy
Upcoming Events: CORE Approach Parent Chat; Sibshop; CORE Approach Parent Teleseminar
 
Hi Everyone!
I hope you’re having a great start to your week! We’re still working on settling into the school year routine at our house, but so far things have gotten off to a good start. I hope you can all say the same!
Have you been following Michelle’s documentation of her infant son’s development?? She’s done three segments so far, and today’s is the fourth. Her son is now five months old and we all love watching his growth and development. Lots of changes from last month – read the article and you’ll see what I mean! Those of you who are CORE Approach families working in stage 1—these are great examples of the kinds of objectives you’re addressing.
If any of you haven’t had a great start to the school year, or are struggling with finding an appropriate learning environment for your child, please check out the information below on our Horizons Academy program. We have a space available in that program, and would love to talk with you about your child’s unique learning needs.
Looking to the horizon,


Cardboard Tube Marble Maze!
Start saving your empty cardboard paper towel, wrapping paper, and toilet paper tubes for this project! Once you’ve gathered at least 5 or 6 tubes, you can use heavy-duty tape to connect the tubes into a line. Longer tubes make good paths and smaller tubes can be used to make curves in the run. You can prop one end on a table or chair (or just hold it in the air) so that the marbles flow through the maze easily. When you’ve got it all set up, start placing marbles in the elevated end and watch them come out the other side. If you cut some holes / shapes in the tops of the tubes you can watch the marbles as they roll through. Decorate the maze with paint, stickers, or markers if you want to make it look fancy. Keep adding to the maze over time as you collect more tubes – see how high you have to hold the end so the marbles make it all the way through!


A Journey Through Infant Development: The Fourth Month
By: Michelle VanderHeide
It’s already been four months since our little man joined our family, and I can’t remember life without him. He has been such a joy to have in our family. When I was pregnant and thought about what it would be like, I couldn’t imagine a baby being added to our already busy lives. I look back now and wonder how it was that I found as much joy in life as I do now with another wonderful child. It kind of makes me wonder what other beautiful characteristics could be added to our family with yet another. What am I missing? I won’t go there, though; three children are plenty! Here continue my reflections for my baby boy:

Do Something Daily Calendar
Do you dread hearing your child complain, “I’m bored”? Struggle to think of something fun you can do together? Have trouble squeezing one-on-one time with her into your day?
That’s why we created the Do Something Daily Calendar. The Calendar offers a daily dose of inspiration and ideas for spending time together—whether you have 60 seconds or 60 minutes.
$19.95 (Per Calendar) Calendars are assembled by clients in our EmployAbilities program. $1.00 from every calendar will be donated to FARR.
Click on the image below to visit our store!


Horizons Academy
Many parents express concerns about educational options available to their children with impairments. It seems there are few ideal educational settings, and even fewer that take a developmental approach to working on the core deficits of student difficulties.
Our instructional program, available for children ages 3 and older, is individualized to meet the unique and specific needs of each student. Parents and the instructional team work together to determine priority goal areas, which often include communication, problem solving / flexible thinking, socialization, sensory-motor development, academic skills, and self-care skills.
A certified Special Education teacher / RDI® Program Certified Consultant oversees the program. This program runs from September through June and is limited to a small number of students each year.
Schedule a Free Consultation:
To learn more about our Instructional Program, call us for more information at (616) 698-0306.

Please join us!
- CORE Approach Parent Chat – Fall Ideas
Horizons Families Only
Tuesday September 9, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday September 13, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- CORE Approach Parent Teleseminar – Special Education Rights
Horizons Families Only
Tuesday September 23, 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday November 1, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- CORE Approach Parent Day
Remediation-Friendly Treatments for Feeding Problems and Sensory Processing Disorders
Friday November 7, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST
- Beginning CORE Approach 4-day Parent Seminar – Chicago, IL area
November 10-13
Registration and Location Information To Be Announced…
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday January 17 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday March 14 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday May 9 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday July 18 2009, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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