Twelve Simple Occupational Therapy Exercises for Children
Incorporating simple and effective occupational therapy exercises into morning routines can significantly benefit children by enhancing their motor skills, sensory processing, and independence. Here's a list of tips for integrating these exercises seamlessly into the daily start:
1. Dressing Practice
Encourage dressing independence with clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Use garments with Velcro, elastic bands, and large buttons. Make it a fun challenge to improve fine motor skills and decision-making.
2. Brushing Teeth
Use a visual timer to ensure they brush for two minutes, enhancing their time management skills. Consider using an electric toothbrush to make it easier for children with motor difficulties, and turn this into a game to improve their grip and control.
3. Hair Combing
Provide a child-friendly comb or brush to enhance fine motor grip. You can also encourage them to comb a doll's hair as practice, improving bilateral coordination and motor planning.
4. Making the Bed
Simplify this task into step-by-step instructions. Starting with tasks like straightening the pillow can help improve gross motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.
5. Breakfast Tasks
Involve your child in preparing breakfast to practice fine motor skills and decision-making. Pouring cereal, spreading butter or jam, and cutting soft fruits with a child-safe knife are great exercises.
6. Packing a School Bag
Turn packing the school bag into a supervised task, encouraging organization and planning skills. Use checklists to make it easier and more engaging.
7. Putting on Shoes and Socks
To practice independence, initially wear shoes with Velcro straps or slip-ons. Sock frames can help put on socks, enhancing fine and gross motor skills.
8. Sensory Integration Activities
Start the day with activities that meet your child's sensory needs. This could be jumping on a trampoline, using a sensory bin, or doing stretches, which can help them regulate their body for the day ahead.
9. Hand Strengthening Exercises
Play with therapy dough or putty for a few minutes to strengthen hand muscles. This can be a fun activity that prepares their hands for writing and other school activities.
10. Balance and Coordination Activities
To improve coordination and body awareness, incorporate simple balance exercises, such as standing on one foot while brushing your teeth or walking along a line of tape on the floor.
11. Deep Breathing Exercises
Start the day with a short session of deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and focus. This can be particularly beneficial for children who experience anxiety or sensory overload.
12. Visual Motor Integration Practice
Encourage activities like bead threading or simple puzzles while waiting for breakfast, enhancing hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
Implementing these tips into the morning routine can aid in developing essential skills and a sense of independence and achievement in children, setting a positive tone for the rest of their day.
Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone, a career pediatric occupational therapist in Huntersville, North Carolina, authored this post.
