Rachel Rickwood, our creative Occupational Therapist plays with slime for therapeutic purposes with Paige at SensesWA Busselton.
Occupational Therapy (OT) helps kids develop essential skills for daily life such as fine motor control, sensory processing, and emotional regulation, but getting kids to engage in therapy can sometimes be a challenge. Creative approaches, like playing with slime or makeup activities can turn OT into an enjoyable experience.
Rachel Rickwood, a creative Occupational Therapist with SensesWA Busselton shares her top tips to motivate kids based on her fun sessions with Paige. Read on to explore her fun yet therapeutic tips!
Playing With Putty or Slime to Develop Fine Motor Skills
Slime or Putty is a great way to improve hand strength and coordination. By squeezing, stretching, and kneading, kids can develop useful skills for everyday tasks like writing or tying their shoelaces.
- Slime or Putty Sculpting: Encourage kids to shape the slime. This helps strengthen hand muscles and fine motor control.
- Colour Mixing: Let kids mix different coloured slimes to create new colours. This activity allows them to be creative while improving hand-eye coordination.
- Stretch Challenges: Challenge kids to stretch the slime to a specific length. This helps build muscle strength in the hands and wrists, which is important for writing and other tasks.
Fun Makeup Ideas for Sensory and Motor Skills
Makeup is a fun and hands-on way to develop fine motor skills and coordination. Applying makeup allows kids to practice controlled movements while working with a different textures, enhancing both their tactile and motor skills.
- Makeup Application Games: Turn applying makeup into a game. For example, challenge your child to apply blush or eyeshadow using only one hand, which promotes motor coordination and focus.
- Explore Textures: Introduce different makeup products such as powders or liquids, and let the child experiment by applying them.
How Parents Can Encourage Their Kids
- Make it Fun: Include OT activities in daily routines in a playful enjoyable way to keep kids motivated.
- Celebrate Progress: Recognise your child’s efforts, even small improvements, to boost their confidence and keep them interested.
- Involve the Family: Include other family members in the activities to make it a more engaging experience.
- Offer Choices: Allow your child to choose colours, textures, or activities. This promotes independence and gives them a sense of control.
- Be Patient: Encourage progress with patience and positive support. Remind kids that mistakes are part of learning.
- Foster Creativity: Let your child express themselves through creative tasks, making the therapy meaningful but enjoyable.
Paige’s Mum Nat, Paige and Occupational Therapist Rachel having fun while mixing slime at SensesWA Busselton during therapy.
Rachel’s Final Thoughts
By preparing hands-on activities like slime or putty play and makeup into OT sessions, therapy can be enjoyable for kids. These creative activities help children develop skills such as hand strength, coordination, and sensory processing while keeping them interested in learning and improving.
About Occupational Therapy at SensesWA
At SensesWA, our team of skilled occupational therapists uses a combination of therapy techniques, activity adaptations, and assistive technology to help children and adults reach their full potential. We believe that participating in meaningful activities is key to promoting optimal health and wellbeing.
We’re welcoming new clients at SensesWA (South West & Perth Metro North), so if you or someone you know might benefit from a fun but therapeutic Occupational Therapy (OT) session with our friendly and experienced therapists, contact us on 1300 111 881 or email customerservice@senses.org.au
Learn more about our Occupational Therapy and how we can support your child’s development.
