When children come to OT, they know there are no grades to worry about. They can relax and have a chance to practice motor skills that are challenging, learn strategies for focus and gain independence through purposeful work and games. When entering my room, my students immediately ask to use Play-doh, a fidget or a squishy toy to help them focus. As well, some students stay focused by using bands on the base of their chairs to provide movement/input while seated. During OT, the students work on their fine motor skills, handwriting and grasping skills. As a contract OT at my school for the last 17 years, I happily provide all my own supplies and games.
This year, due to the virus, I will need to create a bag of individual supplies for each student, which I will bring each session, so they can actively engage and make gains towards their goals.
My OT students look forward to our sessions and often do not realize that the fun games and activities are actually helping them gain hand strength, proper grasp and improved motor control. I am hoping to provide the necessities for my students (pencils, markers, etc.), as well as, fine motor and sensory activities that are both good for them and fun. Most of my current games involve turn taking with game pieces/cards, which are not possible with social distancing and safety protocols. Bingo is a game which works on fine motor control, perceptual skills, following directions and allows for each child to have their own supplies. Hidden pictures and Mad Libs also offer individual activities, which are safe, yet still fun and interactive to talk about with each other. These supplies would be very appreciated by me, but especially by the children I will work with this year.
About my class
When children come to OT, they know there are no grades to worry about. They can relax and have a chance to practice motor skills that are challenging, learn strategies for focus and gain independence through purposeful work and games. When entering my room, my students immediately ask to use Play-doh, a fidget or a squishy toy to help them focus. As well, some students stay focused by using bands on the base of their chairs to provide movement/input while seated. During OT, the students work on their fine motor skills, handwriting and grasping skills. As a contract OT at my school for the last 17 years, I happily provide all my own supplies and games.
This year, due to the virus, I will need to create a bag of individual supplies for each student, which I will bring each session, so they can actively engage and make gains towards their goals.
My OT students look forward to our sessions and often do not realize that the fun games and activities are actually helping them gain hand strength, proper grasp and improved motor control. I am hoping to provide the necessities for my students (pencils, markers, etc.), as well as, fine motor and sensory activities that are both good for them and fun. Most of my current games involve turn taking with game pieces/cards, which are not possible with social distancing and safety protocols. Bingo is a game which works on fine motor control, perceptual skills, following directions and allows for each child to have their own supplies. Hidden pictures and Mad Libs also offer individual activities, which are safe, yet still fun and interactive to talk about with each other. These supplies would be very appreciated by me, but especially by the children I will work with this year.
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