Our team recently spent a full professional development day exploring two important but very different areas of practice: orofacial myology and pretend play. The morning focused on orofacial myology—an area that looks at the muscles of the face and mouth and how they work together for speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. We learned about the ways these muscles develop, how they can sometimes need extra support, and what practical strategies can help strengthen them. The group was genuinely attentive and curious, asking thoughtful questions and eagerly practising new techniques. The interest in understanding how these skills affect everyday function created a really positive learning energy.
In the afternoon, we shifted gears into the world of pretend play, exploring its role in communication, social development, emotional expression, and creativity. Through hands‑on activities, we looked at how children use imagination to make sense of their world—and how therapists and support teams can join in to encourage storytelling, problem‑solving, and confidence. The team jumped into the activities with enthusiasm, laughing, sharing ideas, and engaging fully in the playful atmosphere.
Even though the two topics were different, the day had a consistent vibe: everyone was engaged, open‑minded, and excited to learn. We left feeling inspired, with fresh ideas to bring back to our work with children and families. It was a reminder that professional learning can be rich, practical, and even fun—especially when the team leans in together.
