OT is fun!
OT is work! OT can be frustrating! OT is learning! OT is rewarding! Kids who participate in occupational therapy sessions may have a range of feelings. They may feel all of the above in one session! Kids come to OT because they need help. They want or need to learn something (because sometimes mum, dad or a teacher want them to learn something)! Learning can be tough especially when mistakes are involved. I wanted to encourage the kids who see me for OT with some "learning rules"! I shared these on social media last week and had a great response!
These rules are so much more than "OT rules"! They are a learning contract between myself and the kids that I see. We will do these things together.
We will do our best. We will be ready to learn. We will be respectful to each other. We will work hard. We will try new things. We will follow directions (or give them in a way that takes into account their learning style). We will ask questions (including asking for help). We will have FUN! We will believe in ourselves. We will make mistakes (because that's how we learn)! These "learning" rules are suitable for the classroom, home, therapy clinic .... for learning in life! We are all life long learners and these posters may motivate you as the teacher, therapist or parent! I have now made these posters available in the Your Kids OT shop. OT rules remains a FREE printable. You can also obtain the classroom and generic learning versions in the shop. What is your favourite "rule" for learning?? How do you motivate your kids to learn?
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Generally I do not attempt to be "cool". There is too much pressure. I do try to make therapy sessions fun and engaging. I try to help my own kids to learn creatively...but "cool"...a tough title to earn....until now! This homemade rewards project will have you as the coolest mum/OT/teacher/dad/grandparent in town. The elements of "winning", of "surprise", of "fun", of "uniqueness" {is that word?}, of "motivating" ... all rolled into one. The best thing is that it is really easy to prepare.
What do you need to do? 1. Mix 1 part dishwashing liquid with 2 parts paints {my measurements were very approximate} in a plastic cup. 2. Paint the paint mixture onto the contact paper {on the clear side not the paper back}. Wait for it to dry. Paint another layer and allow to dry. {Note: You can use a hairdryer if you are impatient. I also found that the paint in the cup didn't dry out - must have been because of the detergent.} 3. Print the Scratch and Win printable (print here) and cut out the tokens. 4. Cut out a small piece of painted contact paper {enough to cover up "reward" on Scratch and Win paper}. 5. Peel off the paper back from the contact paper. 6. Stick the painted contact paper onto the "Scratch and Win printable". Repeat on all paper tokens. You are ready to play! How to use? Well this is really up to you. The printable includes blanks so that you can edit your "prizes" according to your child. I tried to find "non-food" item rewards for my own kids. I also included a few "Special Scratch and Win" tokens. These included activities that we planned for the school holidays. It is also helpful if you choose prizes that your child will not receive at other times or elsewhere. (Eg. If you give your child a piggy back ride everyday then this won't be very rewarding as a prize that is revealed). I suggest that you have a system for gaining your "Scratch and Win" tokens. This will vary according to your child and what you are trying to motivate them to achieve. For Miss 7, she gains a stamp on the calendar for every time she practices the piano. When she achieves 20 stamps she gets a "Scratch and Win". You may want a quicker time frame for your child. Mr 3 is working on eating his dinner unassisted. He gets his "Scratch and Win" after doing this 5 times. We have also agreed that the prizes can be accumulated and don't have to be claimed instantly {useful when planning weekend or holiday prizes}. I plan to incorporate this into therapy sessions. I think this token based system will be really motivating. The "rewards" I choose for therapy are usually a part of the program that I would have already planned to do, however it may involve some choice by my student. For example, choice between "Writer's Hat" or "Imagistory" ipad apps, choice between scooter board or therapy ball activity, choice of multi-coloured pencil or vibrating pen for writing. It may also include a different posture, for example: on your tummy {on the floor}, sitting on a therapy ball at the table, etc. As an added bonus, the actual act of rubbing off the gold paint with a coin is a fantastic fine motor activity. It encourages a pinch grip of the coin and an open webspace (the circle created by the thumb and index finger). See how Miss 7 self corrected in the two photos above to a more open webspace which she found easier to hold the coin and rub out the paint.
So are your ready to be "cool". Despite this long explanation, it is very easy to achieve and one small strip of painted contact paper covers heaps of prizes. Have you thought of another way to use this scratch paint? Share your ideas in the comments below! |
AuthorHi, I'm Cindy and I am an Occupational Therapist. I enjoy working creatively with children to see them reach their potential. Read more about me here. SEARCH THIS SITE
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Disclaimer: The information on this site is general in nature and should be used for educational and entertainment purposes. 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. This blog does not replace formal therapeutic professional advice given by a health professional or medical practitioner. Reviews and endorsements of products will only be made based on my expertise and personal opinion; and deemed worthy of such endorsement. The opinions shared in sponsored content will always be my own and not that of the advertising company or brand. Content, advertising space or posts will be clearly identified if paid, affiliated or sponsored. Affiliate links may be found throughout this website in advertising. This means that if you follow through with a purchase from these links, Your Kids OT will receive a percentage of the sale. Your Kids OT undertakes to meet the requirements of the "Social Media Policy" as published by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Further information about this policy can be found here.
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AuthorHi, I'm Cindy and I am an Occupational Therapist. I enjoy working creatively with children to see them reach their potential. Read more about me here. |
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