Have a little pea that loves all things movement? From running and jumping in the backyard to climbing and swinging at the park. Do they absolutely hate and refuse to sit at the table and refine their fine motor skills?
Well believe us, you aren’t alone!
This is a really common reason for an OT referral and something we see and treat every day.
Here are our top activities to try to spark your little peas interest:
– Play dough. Make snakes and snails. See who can make the most creative shapes or creature. Remember to get them to roll, pinch, cut, squish and press!
– Scaterpiller Scramble/ Giggle Wiggle game. You can purchase this at Mr Toys/ Toys’R’Us/ etc. It is fun and interactive. Use the music to encourage your child and turn it on when they get a ball on the caterpillar’s hands OR change it up and use your pincher (‘crabby claws’) to put the balls on instead of the tongs! Have a race or work together.
– Beading/threading. Get them to make their own jewellery or a gift for someone special.
Rebecca Lockyer
Occupational Therapist, Little TheraPeas