Washing them, petting them, styling them, dressing them, caring for them, and sharing them. All of it is therapeutic for all ages so use animals when you can. They are a tool underused and never out of style! From Bearded Dragons to Sugar Gliders. Therapists' used...
Balls are one of the most popular therapy tools and the possibilities to build skills with them are endless. Speech therapists may use them with games and velcro balls thrown at questions on a wall, occupational therapists may use them for hand strength and sensory...
Tong activities are endless. Whether it is plucking plants or items floating on water, eye hand coordination and strength are sure to improve. More Tong Activity Ideas: =Salad tossing =Pulling pipe cleaner from a colander =Pick out items floating on water =Picking out items to eat from trail mix spread...
Cards are easy to use and take very little storage space. Therapists like them because there are so many different tasks they can do to work on skills such as memory and fine motor manipulation and thought organization. Here is a printable that has some options...
Oh what fun to use bread bag twists. They are free, intriguing, and build useful skills. Have a bunch of bag twists and see how many can be fastened to bags or even have clients place an object into each bag. If you like this activity, you...
This is easy to prepare and has opportunities to be used as a gift that builds, visual-motor, visual-perceptual, line awareness, parts to whole concept, fine motor coordination, and communication skills all in one activity. SUPPLIES: colored paper, glue, and a marker. DIRECTIONS: Draw a heart and words,...
Punch ball is wonderful for strengthening the upper body, working on coordination, balance, and grasp. All client ages enjoy this and punch ball can be a great addition to an obstacle course or home program. All you need is a beach ball and a rubber band! Share...
This activity uplifts the spirits and helps develop visual-motor skills, UE strengthening (especially if done at standing level with paper on a wall), and allows for creativity with varied lines. SUPPLIES: 1 file folder, scissors, paper, and markers/pencils. DIRECTIONS: Have client cut out desired shapes on the...
Rainbow handprints are always in style. With this activity, clients get to trace their hand (or foot),draw parallel lines across the page, and then color. It may sound simple, but it really does help with visual-perception, body awareness, visual motor, and cognition skills. OPTIONS: You can...
Heart Postcards not only have therapeutic value, but help buffer the troubles clients have and help them to focus on people that they like or want to do something special for. Therapy from one heart to another. SUPPLIES: Glue stick, colored paper, scissors. DIRECTIONS: Fold paper into...