Squigz, Putty and Masking Tape activity ideas!

OT BINGO is a new challenge that I'm introducing in 2025 to the Your Kids OT community. Each month I share a board of 9 prompts and recap any activities that I have done in the previous month. 

So much energy in February with children and teachers returning back to school in Australia.  There is lots of excitement with new classes.  A flutter of anxiety with some new children, new parents and new teachers too! It doesn't take too long to settle into routines and schedules.  I always love to start with fresh activity ideas and this year is no different. 

In February I focused on squigz, putty and masking tape from my OT Bingo prompts!

Squigz
Squigz (aka "suckers") are fun suction construction pieces that can be stuck to itself or smooth surfaces such as whiteboards, tiles, glass, trays, etc.  They are well-loved by occupational therapists!  Fun fine motor qualities especially with the mini squigz (which are my preference).  A little hand strength is required when removing the squigz from their suctioned surface.  Water helps with suction! The sound is also very satisfying!

This month, we have been using Squigz with yarn as well as using ideas from the archives!

Watch Squigz with yarn using the link below. 

• Squigz with yarn

Also check out the popular Squigz ideas from the archives!

• Squigz for pre-writing lines and letter formation
• Squigz and balance cushion 
• Squigz sensory tray
• Squigz chalk drawing
• Squigz draw and roll
• Squigz abc dot to dot
• Squigz inhand pop challenge
• Squigz vertical surface balance

Putty
Theraputty is a well used tool in my OT bag. Classic!  My putty has been used for so many years that I have forgotten where I purchased it from originally.  The benefit of putty vs playdough is that the in-built resistance means that we can work on hand strength skills just by playing with it. Playdough can be great for little hands but I love using putty for older children. 

The warning is that putty loves to stick to things that it shouldn't - like watches, hair and clothing.  Be mindful of that! My catchphrase with putty is that "putty sticks to putty" so we can use the putty to help clean up fingers and surfaces like glass, tabletops and plastic too (just avoid those other things I mentioned before). 

I have a well loved video of various ways to use putty (which you can watch here), however this month we have focused on stretching the putty to make "putty people". ​

Masking tape!

Have you seen the tik tok or IG reels where people stand inside a masking tape square? They close their eyes while marching on the spot and see if they move off the spot over time. Invariably they move off and it is very funny to watch.  This would be a fun body awareness activity to do with your kids!

The masking tape square inspired me to create more OT activities. I have uploaded into the one video HERE. 
The activities include:
* pom pom fine motor with large tweezers
* pom pom blow
* ball push and finger roll
* craft stick lines and patterns
* hand clap patterns
* jumping patterns
* golf tee line up
* golf tee flicks
* magnetic counters sweep
* magnetic counter match up
* Letter formation sensory snakes

We also made a floor version of snakes and ladders using masking tape and pop tubes. 

I hope that inspires you to with some activities! Do you carry squigz, putty and masking tape with you?

Why not have a go with the bingo board for March and stay tuned to see what I come up with!
* Silicon straw
* Insert Puzzle
* Mini Tongs
* Crawl
* Easter Egg
* Wikki Stix
* Vertical Surface
* Wheels on the Bus
* Roll Paper

You can use these prompts to do one activity, a row, a column, a diagonal or even the whole board.  There is no need to include two or more prompts in a single activity but you can if  you want to!

I have so many ideas using these prompts that I can't wait to try them out. Share your activity ideas by tagging @yourkidsot on Instagram or Facebook.  You can also email [email protected]. 

March is going to be an exciting month! It's my birthday, the Play Conference: Full Spectrum of Play! (online) and I'm also heading to the US to make my way to the AOTA national conference!  I can't wait to share what I learn. 

Meanwhile,  click the links below to find out more about the Play Conference.... spoiler alert that it is not just for toddlers but for anyone interested in play!

Until next time,

Are you interested in learning through play?  Join the 2025 Play Conference! 

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. ​​​
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