Three ways to practice reaching behind and under for self care!

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Watch "3 ways to practice reaching behind and under" on You-tube ---> ​https://youtu.be/OMaytMNSBpA

​Working on self care skills in a school setting can be difficult for occupational therapists. We are always looking to address the underlying skills in a fun engaging way. Here are three ways to practice the motor patterns to reach "behind and under" whilst seated at a desk! These skills of reaching behind and under are useful for dressing and toiletting. You can encourage shoulder range of motion, trunk rotation, crossing the midline, hand skills and kinesthetic learning.

SPOT IT! 

PULL IT!

WIPE IT!

I think everyone has seen the viral video of the teacher who has used balloons stuck to the rear of a chair to practice wiping (google it if you haven't seen it).  This video inspired me with these activities. I know therapists have also used novelty "bottoms" from party shops to simulate "bottom wiping" with Nutella, peanut butter or shaving cream. Have you tried it? 

Of course practising self care skills such as tucking in one's shirt or wiping one's bottom is best done in situ... at home in the context of actually dressing and toiletting.  As therapists we are not always able to do this and sometimes we need to be subtle with our students as to the goals we are working on.  Some children are embarrassed to work on self care skills and it is often not appropriate for therapists to be providing any sort of physical assistance. 

​Let me know if you try any of these ideas! I would love to hear how you work on "self care goals" in a school setting (without going to the bathroom) ! 

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• 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 member 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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