The Why and How of Vertical Surfaces: From Proximal Stability to Distal Mobility

Have you ever suggested that a child draw on a window, write on a whiteboard or paint on an easel?

There is something deceptively simple about working on a vertical surface. It can look like “just another way to draw,” but changing the position of the work surface changes the way the whole upper limb has to work.

For children developing fine motor skills, this can provide an opportunity to work on proximal stability, upper-limb strength, wrist stability and distal hand control — all important foundations for activities such as drawing, handwriting, cutting, dressing and manipulating small objects.

If you're thinking about school readiness, vertical surface activities are also part of the bigger picture. In my recent article, [School Readiness Skills with Free Printable], I include drawing and painting on a vertical surface as one of the activities that can help children develop the physical foundations needed for school participation. School readiness isn't just about sitting at a desk and holding a pencil but about developing the physical, cognitive, fine motor and self-help skills that support participation across the school day.

Why does proximal stability matter? Think about the upper limb as a chain.
Trunk → shoulder → elbow → wrist → hand → fingers
The parts closer to the body are described as proximal, while the hand and fingers are distal. This is where the familiar OT principle was developed. Proximal stability provides a foundation for distal mobility.

During handwriting, for example, the shoulder and arm need to provide enough stability so that the wrist and fingers can make the smaller, more precise movements required to control the pencil.
We want to give children opportunities to experience and practise stability and controlled movement throughout the upper limb. This is where vertical surfaces can be useful.

What changes when we work vertically?
When a child works at a vertical surface, gravity and the position of the arm change the demands of the task. Instead of resting the forearm on a table, the child has to support the arm against gravity.

Depending on the activity and the child's position, this can encourage:

• shoulder and upper-arm activation
• scapular stability
• wrist extension
• bilateral coordination
• crossing the midline
• controlled arm movements
• hand and finger strength
• visual-motor coordination
• greater stability for the hand and fingers to move

Vertical work can therefore provide a nice progression from large proximal movements towards smaller distal movements.

One of the commonly discussed benefits of vertical work is the tendency for the wrist to move into extension when the hand is raised to work on the surface. A stable, extended wrist can provide a useful foundation for finger movement and manipulation. Vertical and inclined writing surfaces have been described in occupational therapy literature as ways of supporting wrist extension and stability during functional tool use including pre-writing and handwriting activities.

Vertical Surface Ideas
1. Window  activities - A window provides an interesting visual experience because the child can see through the surface. 
Try:

• use washable window markers to draw
• paint with water
• use reuseable stickers or decals on the windows
• "clean a window" with a spray bottle, cloth or sponge 
• make a suncatcher with cellophane in different colours
• use sucker toys on the window

You can also fix paper onto a window surface temporarily with masking tape or blue tack. 

2. Use a whiteboard or chalkboard
Whiteboards and chalkboards are fantastic because they allow children to make large movements without worrying about paper.  Whiteboards provide an opportunity for lighter pressure and chalkboards encourage more pressure. This is a great contrast for children to try both experiences.  Here is a fun idea using a whiteboard with a ball and Squigz.

3. Paint at an easel
Try:

• large paintbrushes
• rollers
• sponges
• cotton buds/Q Tips
• water painting
• chalk paint
• painting with both hands

4. Use magnets
A magnetic whiteboard or fridge are wonderful vertical surfaces to use a variety of magnetic toys.
Try:

• magnetic letters
• small magnetic shapes
• building pictures
• matching games
• moving magnets through a maze

5. Tabletop vertical surface opportunities
Try:

• A "put in/posting" box  - cardboard box with holes placed in a vertical plane (Check out how we feed monsters here with sensory snakes and here with playdough and cutlery)
• Book stand / cookbook holder — place paper, a whiteboard or laminated activity on it.
• Tablet stand — a sturdy tablet holder can hold a small whiteboard or acrylic sheet.
• Acrylic photo frame — slide a piece of paper inside and let the child draw on the surface with whiteboard markers.
• Slanted file organiser — some sturdy desktop organisers can hold paper or a small board almost vertically.
• Small tabletop easel — the obvious one, but inexpensive and easy to use.
• LEGO/Duplo baseplate mounted or placed vertically — great for building rather than drawing.
• Pegboard — place it upright on a table and use pegs, rubber bands, hooks or small objects.
• Slope board/Slant board - draw or paint.​

What are your favourite vertical surface activities? 
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​To celebrate the launch of Gripipedia, we’re giving away a copy of our book plus a rolling bag full of occupational therapy supplies! Total worth over $400 Aus Dollars. 
To enter: Find the details on the YKOT Facebook Post. 

Winner announced on September 18th, 2026. Gripipedia is coming! Register for the free webinar and launch with bit.ly/Gripipedialaunch

Open to Australian residents only. American OTPs, head over to Instagram where Miss Jaime will be offering you the same giveaway!

Enter the giveway HERE!

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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