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Occupational Therapy Activities for Kids

Occupational therapy for kids is focused primarily on overcoming deficiencies of upper-body motor skills which may have been brought about by orthopedic, neurological or congenital conditions. Occupational therapy activities are prescribed to help improve hand-eye coordination, visual perception and fine motor skills. The goal is to help the child overcome limitations that affect him at home, school and in the community.

  1. Vertical Surface Activities

    • Provide your kids with vertical surface activities as these help develop wrist extension and promote shoulder stability. Both of these are necessary in order to control fine movements used when writing. Position the paper or board so it is slightly above eye level to the child. You can use white boards or chalkboards and let the kids draw and practice writing letters. If you are not able to hang a board, you can tape sheets of paper to the wall or use an easel. You also can use flannel boards or magnetic letters and a metal cabinet.

    Vestibular Stimulating Activities

    • Use movement to stimulate your child's inner ear and help him gain perception of the movement as related to the position of his head. These movements include rolling, spinning, bouncing and whirling. Use a scooter board or swing to spin your child making sure you're not too aggressive. Your child should enjoy the activity and not feel any discomfort. Push him on a merry-go-round or have him whirl around the room like a top. You can use an indoor trampoline to practice bounding or use a small inner tube. The child can bounce while standing up or sitting down. If he is unable to initiate the movement himself, you can sit him on the trampoline add the bouncing movement with your foot. Your child also can benefit from a milder form of this therapy by using a rocking chair.

    Body Awareness Activities

    • Help your child define his body in space by providing heavy weights for him to carry. These activities involve methods designed to bring awareness to the body through increased weigh or pressure. Fill your child's pockets with heavy items or have him wear a weighted vest while he runs or crawls over an obstacle course. Have him push on the walls or against heavy furniture. Wrap him tightly in a beach towel like a mummy. Let your child do chores that require lifting and pushing like using a vacuum cleaner, sweeping, pulling a wagon and moving furniture.

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