Lego masters.
Metal shop masters.
Domino masters. 
The Big Flower Fight.
Masterchef.

I have a confession to make. I'm addicted to reality television "making" shows. 

Don't get me wrong, I love creating things myself but there is something about seeing others respond to crazy challenges that makes me smile. 

Over the years, I've also seen children respond to "challenges" set for them.  They may not use as much engineering as the shows I've mentioned, however it has the same drive behind it.  Do something within restrictions given; challenge your problem solving and creativity! 

Years ago, I released a really simple printable for a Lego Challenge which was well received.  At the time, I also created a wikki stix challenge which I never released... until now. I've since updated it so it looks a little more modern.  

In this printable you will find over 100 challenges!

Use them to build fine motor skillls (get those fingers working to twist, bend and shape).  Encourage children to 
make their own image; however those children who experience motor planning difficulties or visual spatial difficulties may need you to model an example.  

Use the challenges to build visual spatial awareness.  Copying a model is also a valuable skill.  Have they placed pieces in the same position as you?  Have they used the same length? Do they understand position in space (over, under, next to, behind, on top)? 

Use the challenges as a handwriting prompt! OTs are always looking for ways to incorporate writing into sessions.  Create a scene or sequence using the wikki stix. 

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Find wikki stix at any store which supplies "therapy resources".  You may also purchase this from Amazon. 

Don't have wikki stix... you can still use these challenges with playdough, pipe cleaners or yarn.  The wikki stix have the benefit of holding their shape and you can also stick them on vertical surfaces (especially if they are new and very tacky). 

So grab this WIKKI STIX CHALLENGE FREE printable from the YKOT shop.  You may also like the Lego Challenge too! 

Don't forget to let me know if you use my free printables. Tag @Yourkidsot on social media! 

Happy making! 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
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I am brave!
​I am unique!
I am kind!
I am loved!
I matter!

Positive affirmations are not just "lovely sayings" or "rheteric".

The research tells us that positive or self affirmations can help to reduce stress and to improve well being. They can help a person to reflect on self worth and reduce the affect of negative emotions, reduce reactivity to potential threats and improve relationship outcomes. MRI evidence suggest that certain neural pathways are increased when people practice self-affirmation tasks. 

I can do hard things!
I can learn from my mistakes!
I can make mistakes (and that's ok)!

Research tells us that low self esteem in our children is linked to their behaviour and "when children feel like they can not, they will not and when they feel like they can, they will". This article also suggests eight steps to implement positive affirmations:
1) make affirmations positive,
2) keep them in the present,
3) start by making small shifts,
4) follow through with the affirmation,
5) say something that you believe,
6) place them in visible places,
7) repeat affirmations often, and
​8) check in with yourself

Positive affirmations can provide children with the words they can use to make shifts from negative thoughts to more positive ones. 

I use positive affirmations during my occupational therapy sessions to build self esteem.  I have created this set of 28 designs to use with individual children, however you could also use them in a group or class.  The designs are available in A4 size as well as four to a page.  The four to a page version fits well with printing on sticker paper (such as this one) which a child can then peel off to stick onto cardstock or a book. 

I have created these positive affirmations as colouring pages which can bring some mindfulness and calming to the activity.  In the photo example above, I have traced the design onto an acrylic blank board (purchased from Kmart Aust). Sharpies were used to transfer the design. This activity is great for older chidren who can customise their design and it makes a lovely display on a bedside table. They can then use this to repeat their positive affirmation each day when waking up or going to bed. 
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I would love to see how you use these positive affirmation pages.  Posters in a classroom? Printed in a book for a child?  Transferred onto acrylic boards? Send me a photo via email (cindy@yourkidsot) or tag me on social media (@yourkidsot on IG, FB or Pinterest)!

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/yourkidsot
YKOT shop:  https://www.yourkidsot.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Your-Kids-Ot
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUz_5nYEOCkj32DiOCQo4Q/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourkidsot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourkidsot/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/yourkidsot/
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