Child occupational therapy involves a variety of activities that promote motor skills, sensory processing, and emotional development. These activities in child occupational therapy help children improve their ability to perform daily tasks and increase their independence. Occupational therapists create engaging and purposeful activities to target specific developmental needs.
Playdough activities:
Playdough is an excellent tool for developing fine motor skills. Children can roll, squish, and mould playdough, which helps strengthen the hand and finger muscles essential for tasks like writing, tying shoes, and using utensils. Additionally, shaping playdough encourages creativity and hand-eye coordination, making it both a fun and effective therapy tool.
Sensory bins:
Sensory bins are containers filled with various materials such as rice, beans, water beads, or sand. These bins provide tactile input and help children explore different textures, improving sensory processing. Children use their hands to sift, scoop, or pour, which improves fine motor skills while providing a calming effect for children who struggle with sensory sensitivities.
Obstacle courses:
Obstacle courses are vigorous and active activities that help children improve their coordination, balance, and strength. By steering through various physical challenges like crawling under tables, jumping over cushions, or walking along a line, children engage in gross motor development. These courses can be adjusted based on the child’s abilities and can even be made at home for practice.
Writing and drawing activities:
Occupational therapists often incorporate writing and drawing activities to improve fine motor skills and hand strength. Drawing shapes, letters, or simple pictures helps children develop the small hand muscles required for holding pencils and writing. It also encourages cognitive skills like focus, memory, and sequencing.
Swinging and spinning:
For children with sensory processing difficulties, activities that involve movement, like swinging or spinning, can be beneficial. These activities provide vestibular input, which helps regulate the child’s balance and spatial awareness. Swinging, for example, can be calming for children and improve coordination, while spinning activities promote balance and muscle control.
Dressing skills practice:
Learning to dress independently is a key aspect of child development. Therapists incorporate dressing skills into therapy sessions by using buttons, zippers, and Velcro to help children develop the necessary motor skills for self-care. This activity also builds confidence as children gain the ability to dress themselves, contributing to their overall independence.
