Easy, actionable, and functional Occupational Therapy activities and interventions. OT resources and information to help kids thrive.
This resource covers playdough activities for fine motor skills, including specific activities to do with play dough to develop precision.
When kids struggle with weak fine motor skills, they can have difficulty in so many areas! This post includes ideas for using clothespins and busy bags to improve fine motor strength. Developing hand strength is an important skill for kids who struggle with manipulation of small items like buttons or zippers. A child who ... Read more Clothespin Busy Bags for Fine Motor Strength
WHOA WHOA WHOA, pump the brakes lady...How DARE you say something like that?...How close-minded can you possibly be? I'm sure these are thoughts going
https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/normal-attention-span-expectations-by-age
"Manual Dexterity" or precision in fine motor skills takes practice. Use this list of manual dexterity goals in OT treatment plans.
These toys to help with attention support the development of focus, working memory, and sustained attention through play.
Use a timer to work on writing speed while maintaining handwriting legibility so that writers can carryover their skills to functional tasks.
These fine motor play ideas are FUN pencil grasp activities that build fine motor skills, perfect for addressing pencil grip in occupational therapy.
I’ve had a few questions and comments recently about PANDAS. I wanted to put together a collection of resources for PANDAS and PANS so that families, teachers, therapists, grandparents, and caregivers can easily find everything they need to know about this disorder. The links below are sites that describe more about PANDAS and PANS, including ... Read more
There is just something about the minions that make you smile. I love to watch my kids when they are watching them. They have big grins and lots of giggles that are irresistible. This minion party would be perfect for a Minions movie night party, birthday party, or creative play date. I’ve got tips and ... Read more
Confused about fine motor milestones or development? Look no further. The OT Toolbox has compiled a list of fine motor skills.
The Clatter-Pillar: Good for bilateral hand skills and proprioceptive (hand/finger awareness) input. Available through http://rhythmband.com/The OT Toolbox: ...
[Source: The OT Toolbox] Many of you have used the brain break activities that we have here on the OT Toolbox help kids focus and pay attention in the classroom environment. Movement in the classroom is helpful for learning and helping kids with movement needs such as fidgeting or attention. The brain break activities listed below can […]
Welcome to the OT Toolbox Hi, I’m Colleen! From an OT making $3/hour to an online OT serving millions around the world… After working in the occupational therapy field for many years, I had started a family. By the time my third baby was born (I now have four kids!), I was looking for childcare ... Read more
[Source: The OT Toolbox] Today, I have an update on a very old blog post for a specific reason. This fake snow messy sensory play activity is a valuable tool in addressing tactile defensiveness, or tactile sensitivity. In general descriptions, this simply means an over-sensitivity to touch, or over-responsiveness to touch sensations. For kids with […]
Sometimes it’s difficult to keep young children engaged for OT teletherapy (or face-to-face) sessions. Young children have short attention spans and they NEED to learn through play. Having a variety of “go-to” sensory motor songs that get them moving can be a lifesaver. Read on to add these 20 movement songs to your OT teletherapy toolbox.
Handwriting practice doesn’t need to be boring! This handwriting activity uses colored pencils with bright and vivid colors to make a colorful activity that seems more like a game than working on handwriting skills like letter formation and pencil pressure. If you’ve been following The OT Toolbox for long, then you know that creative handwriting ... Read more
