OT buddies! Social Skills resource suitable for virtual Telehealth OT.
OT buddies is a resource that was designed to be used online by occupational therapists working with children on their social skills. The resource is provided in a Powerpoint presentation format, PDF version and a printable games pack PDF. These resoures may be used online via a "Screen share". This resource may also be purchased at the YKOT Teachers Pay Teachers Store ($US).
About me...about you.
OT buddies begins by encouraging children to introduce themselves, socially wonder about others by asking questions and sharing their own answers. There are questions to prompt children as well as a game of "would you choose?" to get to know each other. Children are also encouraged to learn about active listening and to ask further questions. These skills may be divided up into different therapy sessions.
Games
There are fifteen games included with information about preparation and rules to play. These games include Snakes and Ladders, Truth or Lie, Battleship, I spy, Tic Tac Toe, Follow the Leader, Roll a Snake, Musical Statues, Guess the Sound, Emotions Bingo, Move it!, Guess Who?, Lego Challenge, Scavenger Hunt and Show and Tell.
Some games are non-competitive and also require no-preparation. Some games require minimal preparation by both the facilitator and the children. Printable game pages are provided for eight of the games. These games have been chosen to have simple rules and may appeal to a range of children.
Further social skills can be explored with questions asking children to consider:
- how they know others are having fun,
- how can we work out how someone else is feeling,
- are we expected to follow rules,
- what are some hidden rules when playing games,
- what could we do if are feeling upset and
- what could we say at the end of the game.
These skills may complement other social thinking and regulation programs.
Good-bye!
The OT buddies resource finishes with "choose a way to say goodbye" including a wave, a fist pump, a smile, a high five or thumbs up.
Enjoy playing and using this program for the development of social skills!
