Colleen Beck OTR/L

Colleen Beck, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist and the owner and author of The OT Toolbox website. She manages all of The OT Toolbox social media accounts and runs the popular newsletter. Read about Colleen's experience and career as an occupational therapist, including how The OT Toolbox began on our About The OT Toolbox page: https://www.theottoolbox.com/about-us/ Colleen created The OT Toolbox in 2011 and since then has written thousands of blog posts designed to support therapy providers, educators, parents, counselors, admin, and caregivers in promoting the healthy development of kids. Check out Colleen's blog posts below:

Feeding Developmental Milestones

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feeding developmental milestones

Below, you will find resources on feeding developmental milestones and information on development of bilateral coordination that are needed for the feeding skills to use both hands together in a coordinated manner. These bilateral coordination milestones are needed for independent feeding skills, so let’s break this down.

Development of bilateral coordination skills is necessary for improved self-feeding in toddlers and improves through the childhood years. Independence with feeding skills is an important part of child development!

Feeding developmental milestones in kids

Bilateral Coordination Development

When we talk about bilateral coordination development, we can also mean bilateral integration. Typically, bilateral coordination skills refer to the physical sensory motor use of both sides of the body in a coordinated and fluid manner.

However, bilateral coordination requires the overarching bilateral integration of the brain hemispheres and takes into consideration the ability to manage all of the functions listed above.

In fact, there are three components of bilateral coordination and these play a role in feeding developmental milestones:

  • Symmetrical movements- picking up a bottle with both hands to drink
  • Reciprocal movements- Using one hand to pick up food and another to pick up food the next time; we see this with babies and toddlers especially
  • Dominant hand/supporting hand movements- Using a knife to stabilize the food and the knife to stab the food. Or, holding a bowl with the supporting hand and the dominant hand to scoop the food from a bowl

Independence with feeding progresses from symmetrical movements to reciprocal movements, to dominant/supporting hand movements.

One way to really take a look at the developmental progress of bilateral coordination skills is through the functional task of feeding using cutlery, or utensils like spoons, forks, and knives and drinking tools: cups, bottles, etc.

When children learn to feed themselves and become more independent with self-feeding tool use with finger foods, utensils, or cups, development of bilateral coordination is one aspect that is necessary.

When we think about self-feeding, problems can arise based on a variety of areas. Upper extremity coordination is one of those aspects that are evaluated and addressed when self-feeding difficulties are present.

When thinking about development of self-feeding, consider the following issues related to bilateral coordination difficulty and try using some of the bilateral coordination activities based on development of bilateral coordination to improve feeding skills.

Related: For several ideas to support bilateral coordination skills while indoors, try our list of Winter Bilateral Coordination Activities that kids will love!

Discover typical development of bilateral coordination in feeding skills in kids, which are needed for improved independence in self-feeding.

Bilateral Coordination Milestones

Bilateral coordination development begins prior to birth, while in the womb with the physical movements felt by the mother. From there and immediately after birth, bilateral coordination milestones are achieved.

Amazon affiliate links are included in this post.

feeding developmental milestones

Development of bilateral coordination in self-feeding depends greatly on the child’s developmental level. Below, we’ll go through feeding milestones by age.

Development of feeding skills is just one skill that is a great way to to assess and analyze the development of bilateral coordination. Also, development of fine motor skills and visual motor skills have an impact on coordination of the hands in self-feeding.

In one blog post, we covered the skills needed for independence with functional tools, including holding a spoon, scooping with spoons, using forks, and other tools like toothbrushes, hair brushes, etc. That is a good place to start with understanding all of the other areas of development that go into tasks like feeding.

Throughout these ages, oral motor development plays a significant role in the manipulation of foods. Consider how these aspects of oral motor skills impact the developmental progression of feeding skills:

  • Rooting
  • Sucking
  • Swallowing
  • Gag reflex
  • Tongue movement
  • Jaw thrust
  • Jaw movements (moving jaw side to side to move food and movement of foods)
  • Lip closure during swallow phase of eating and drinking
  • Biting into foods
  • Tolerating different solid food and liquid consistencies

Development of bilateral coordination occurs at every stage of childhood and can be observed through feeding abilities.

Newborn Feeding Skills

At the newborn stage, primitive reflexes dominate movements. In particular the rooting reflex supports feeding at this age.

Babies aged 0-3 months will root, suckle, and swallow in feeding activities. This stage progresses as vision and motor control develop.

Related to this stage is our resource on the strategies occupational therapists can address when newborns are not sleeping through the night, as sleep impacts routine and feeding schedules.

Feeding milestones 4-6 months

In this stage, development of coordination between the eyes and motor skills are just developing. The child explores with their eyes, hands, and mouth and will start to reach for objects purposely around four months. Accuracy of hand use is limited.

Babies can be observed using both hands in play as they pick up objects in their line of sight. However, they typically will pick up items with the hand that is closest to the object or toy. 

During this phase, the baby is spoon fed and when presented with a spoon, makes a suckling movement with lips and mouth. The baby will show a gag reflex at this age. With foods on a spoon, the baby will thrust their tongue out at the presence of foods and push the spoon away at times.

Look for munching of the jaw, or movements in the jaw indicating a chewing pattern, even though the young child can not chew at this stage.

Feeding Skills at 6-9 Months

At this stage, the child is typically sitting up with or without support. The child’s hands are often times used in grasp with a clenched or a fist-like grasp.

The child will begin to separate the thumb from the rest of the fingers to use a gross grasp on objects. Babies at this stage will typically place everything in their mouth, using both hands together in symmetry.

The child will hold a bottle or cup with assistance, placing both hands on the cup/bottle, but are not able to hold the cup or bottle on their own.

The gag reflex is still present but it is less sensitive to foods and utensils.

The baby has a voluntary bite on soft foods, chew cookies, and baby teething foods. They will begin to hold those items independently using both hands together at their mouth.

You will see a raking motion from the fingers, but this movement is typically not successful in picking up small foods like baby puff snacks. the baby can , however begin to pick up small food pieces using the thumb and the side of the pointer finger to grasp items (not a pincer grasp)

Feeding Skills at 9-12 Months

The child is able to sit upright without support and develops proximal stability, allowing for increased development of distal extremities.

In this stage, babies are developing pincer grasp and thumb and finger opposition skills. This stage brings the ability to hold one object in each hand such as two blocks.

The baby will be able to bring both hands together at the same time. Children will be able to begin finger feeding skills around 9 months as they bring dry cereal foods to their mouth with a scraping motion.

Finger isolation on both hands begins as they poke foods and explore textures with their hands. Children will use both hands to smear food and bring soft foods such as wet foods like a cereal mix or applesauce to their mouth. The child will be able to hold a cup with both hands and bring it to their mouth.

This stage is when we begin to see functional performance related to arch development. As refined motor skills continue, this base will continue to include utensil use.

The child will start to hold a fork and spoon with a gross grasp, or a palmer grasp but without a dominant arm. At this stage, grasp of the spoon occurs with a palmer grasp. The child will not hold the bowl or plate with their non-assisting hand.

You may see the baby begin to take longer sips from a straw while managing the liquid in their mouth to show a true drink. Similarly, with cup use, there is more drinking patterns as a result of the increased jaw control. However, at this age, these drinking skills are with an adult present to hold and remove the cup or straw. The bilateral coordination skills are not present in order to engage the hands either symmetrical coordination or as a dominant hand/supporting hand along with the drinking aspect.

You will start to see more controlled use of the thumb and pointer finger in a true pincer grasp to pick up foods. This occurs between the tip of the thumb and the pointer fingers. The baby at this age can finger feed themselves.

Feeding Skills at 12-15 Months

In this stage, the child begins to dip their spoon into foods. They will have more accuracy with dipping as opposed to scooping foods.

The spoon is held with a digital grasp and the child will likely switch hands while holding the spoon. The child will lift and drink from a cup with one hand.

As toddlers progress in development, they will begin to establish a dominant hand and crossing midline. This ability to utilize a dominant hand and a non-dominant hand in activities indicates a maturation of the brain and lateralization in functional tasks, which is very important for motor planning, directionality, and visual motor skills. 

A scooper bowl with suction base (affiliate link) can be  help with scooping development and bilateral coordination at this stage.

The child at this age can hold a spoon with a gross grasp or palmer grasp with an inverted wrist. They will dip the spoon in food. The spoon will make it back to the mouth, but typically, the spoon is only touched to the lips. They will not likely remove all of the food from the spoon using their lips at this point. The motion of the spoon is entirely with the shoulder and elbow. The wrist is in one position so that the spoon is dipped into the food upside down. You’ll see increased shoulder abduction in order to get the spoon into the food. The spoon may be upside down in their mouth too.

Read more in a related blog post about how to hold a spoon.

Feeding Skills at 15-18 Months

The child is able to support the bowl with one hand while scooping with a spoon. Children can hold a small cup and pick out pieces of dry cereal or snacks.

Fine motor skills are developing quickly.

Drinking from a cup can move from a sippy cup to a spouted cup. Other young toddlers can drink from a straw. Holding the cup moves from a two handed grasp to a single grasp. You’ll see grasp on the handle of a sippy cup or spouted cup begins to move from a gross grasp to a pincer grasp. This grasp pattern development occurs in this later stage of toddler range because of the weight of the cup/drink.

By the end of this age range, the 18 month child can hold an open cup on their own to pick up, drink, and set the cup back down with just some spilling of the liquid.

Feeding Skills at 18-24 Months

As a child gets closer to two years of age, the variety of foods increases and this allows for greater exposure to textures of foods (mushy, crunchy, etc.) and types of foods (liquids, solid foods, mixed consistency foods).

The child will typically be able to drink from a cup with accuracy and with one hand but with more accuracy and precision. As the child moves toward two years, you can see a desire to drink from an open cup, but the accuracy of motor control and attention skills are not there for this type of cup.

There will be more coordination of the spouted cup or sippy cup and accuracy, with less spillage.

At this stage, the child will use a dominant hand in self-feeding and will begin to supinate the forearm when scooping with a spoon, resulting in greater accuracy. This looks like a typical spoon motion with the wrist, however there will still be a palmer or gross grasp on the spoon.

By two years, the toddler can use the spoon to scoop and feed themselves chunkier or thicker foods such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, etc.

Development of bilateral coordination for feeding skills is essential for accuracy and improving independence in self-feeding in kids.

Feeding Skills at 24-36 Months

During this stage, the child’s dominant hand is more established and the child can support with the non-dominant hand with greater accuracy.

There will be greater control of forearm supination so that the palm is facing upward when scooping. Typically, the child is able to self-feed without assistance.

Around 2.5 years, the child can drink from an open cup with one hand. A small, “pixie” cup or slightly larger small cup is great for this. They can also hold the spoon with a “palm up” position on the spoon. This allows for greater accuracy and ability to self feed thinner soups or cereals with milk.

By the end of this stage, around 3 years, the child can use a fork to pierce soft foods and they can brink the fork to their mouth and remove the food using their teeth and lips.

Feeding Skills at 3-4 Years

The child will begin to use a fork with improving accuracy. They can use a straw and hold the cup with one or both hands. They can also hold a cup while drinking from a straw on their own, and without assistance.

The child can use a pitcher to pour water into a cup, demonstrating bilateral coordination with advancement to the dominant hand/assisting hand stage.

The child will use both hands together with improving coordination in self-feeding. At this age, it’s a great time to get kids involved in helping to cook recipes. This experience in the kitchen along with an adult supports development of fine motor, sensory motor, and visual motor skills. Check out these cooking with kids recipes to support these areas.

Feeding Skills at 4-5 Years

Children will be able to use a knife to spread butter or peanut butter with the dominant hand while holding the plate or bread with their non-dominant hand.

Beginning use of child-friendly knives is appropriate. They will press with the knife rather than chopping or slicing.

In this stage, you’ll see a coordinated use of hands, in most cases. At this age, it’s important to expose the preschool child to lots of fine motor play and sensory motor play experiences to support development and exposure to motor activities. These promote development needed for fine motor skills and success in later years in the classroom.

Feeding Skills at 5-6 Years

Children will use a fork and spoon accurately. They will be able to scoop, poke, and stab with a fork using appropriate positioning and without use of the non-dominant hand to support the plate.

The child will begin to use a knife to cut foods.

Feeding Skills 6+ Years

The child will be able to cut meat with a knife with increasing accuracy and ability. As they develop, the child will increase coordination with knife and fork use in a coordinated manner.

Spilling of cups and foods decreases with age and development.

Attention in feeding tasks develops as children progress through the various stages, too. This makes a big difference in accuracy as well.

The video below shows how grasp patterns impact holding a spoon and fork in feeding tasks. This is important because we can promote more independence with self-feeding by implementing simple activities and specific cues to promote a functional grasp on the fork or spoon. If you can’t view this video, check out our video on YouTube: Using a Spoon-3 Activities to Target Grasp Patterns.

Trouble with Feeding Development

It’s important to remember that all children are different and the developmental milestones for feeding tasks listed above are not set in stone. There is always fluidity with development and feeding skills are no different.

If there are skills that seem to be delayed, be sure to reach out to the child’s pediatrician and a pediatric occupational therapist for individualized feeding evaluation and assessment as well as a specific treatment plan based on the individual’s needs.

Some things to consider that may be impacting feeding development include oral motor problems, determining if the feeding development issues are a result of sensory vs. oral motor considerations, or there is a need for specific adaptive feeding equipment.

Development of bilateral coordination skills in feeding occurs throughout childhood.

Fall Ten Frames

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Fall ten frames

These Fall ten frames are a fun math leaf activity. All you need is a few leaves from the yard and a hole punch to work on math skills, and the sensory benefits of heavy work through the hands. It’s a fun way to teach math through play with sensory math! Add this hole punch activity to your therapy line up this Fall!

Fall Ten Frames

This time of year, we are on leaf overload.  Just playing in the yard, we have piles and piles of leaves in of all the Fall colors.  I love getting outside with my kids and playing in the piles of leaves each year.  It is such a sensory and just plain old fun way to experience the season of Fall. 
 
We used some of those colorful leaves in a fun Math Ten Frame activity that combined fine motor strengthening for a powerful fine motor punch.  
 
Make fall ten frames with real leaves
 

This post contains affiliate links.

How to make Fall Ten Frames

Gather your materials:

  • Leaves
  • Black marker
  • Hole punch
  • Die or dice

That’s it! Next, get started on creating the leaf ten frames.

First step: Go out and gather those leaves! Nature hunts rock, and the crunchy, cool weather of Fall makes memories.  
 
Gather pretty leaves along your way and bring them on home.  
 
Note: You will want leaves that are not crunchy. Those dried up leaves are perfect for a different sensory activity- working on auditory processing skills with leaves! 
 
For this activity, you’ll want to gather colorful, freshly fallen leaves or leaves still on the tree will work best for this activity.
 
Next: Grab a Black Marker (affiliate link) and draw a ten frame on the leaf.  You’ll need a Hole Punch (affiliate link) for the math, and a die.  
 
Draw ten frames and punch holes in leaves with a hole punch

 

Using Ten Frames with Older Kids

This fall math activity can be used with older kids, too on a variety of math skills.
 
Roll the die and have your kiddo count the dots.  They can then use the Hole Punch (affiliate link) to mark off the correct number of dots on the ten frame.  
 
By rolling the die, kids can practice their ability to subsidize. 
 
Subsitizing refers to the math skill of knowing the number of dots on the dice by just glancing is a skill of subsidizing in math. and will help kids as they get older with math. Subsitizing helps a child advance to more advanced addition and subtraction, and allows for number sense in math.
 
Older kids can benefit from this activity, too.  I still use ten frames with my second grader.  They are a powerful way to introduce groups and multiplication concepts.  
 
Usually, I have my second grader roll the die twice or tree times and add the total before filling in the ten frame.  Ten frames also are a way to hone base ten concepts.  
 
How can you get a number to a base ten by “borrowing” from another number.  A math strategy like this is a good way to work on regrouping in addition.
 
You can grade this activity for older kids by using two dice.  Have them add the dots of both dice and punch holes from two leaves.  
 
Practice adding both numbers together. Ask them how to combine the numbers from both dice to form a full ten frame.  
 
Ask them to figure out how many holes are left over from the total.
 

Punch Holes in Leaves

Using a Hole Punch (affiliate link) provides huge proprioceptive input to little hands, which is such a good way to “wake up” hands before a writing activity. This input through the hands offers heavy work input that can “wake up” the hands. The great thing about proprioception tasks like this one is that heavy work can also be used to “calm down” the nervous system.
 
Similarly, we used scissors to cut real leaves along lines and develop fine motor skills, scissor skills, and eye-hand coordination, which also offered sensory motor feedback through the hands. 
 
Combine math, handwriting, and literacy by counting out numbers on the leaves, writing numbers on paper, and creating sentences based on the numbers.  You can also tally number of the different colored leaves and write down the results on paper.
 
You might have seen a recent post about gross grasp and why kids need to work on this area for development.  
 
A hole punch is a fabulous way to work on gross grasp and other fine motor strengthening, like thumb stability and motion needed for scissor use.  
 
Plus when you have all of the holes punched out from the leaves, you can use pincer grasp to pick up and sort the leaf circles. This is a great precision grasp and release activity to develop dexterity in fine motor skills.
 
Draw ten frames on leaves for fall math

Use this activity all Fall long for math, proprioception, and fine motor strengthening!  And enjoy those crunchy Fall colors before they are gone!
 

Looking for more hands-on, playful math activities?  These are some of our favorites: 

Commutative Property of Addition  How to Add with Regrouping  Use play dough in math  Bottle caps in first grade math
 

More fine motor fun…

Working on fine motor skills, visual perception, visual motor skills, sensory tolerance, handwriting, or scissor skills? Our Fine Motor Kits cover all of these areas and more.

Check out the seasonal Fine Motor Kits that kids love:

Letters Fine Motor Kit
Kit de motricidad fina de verano
Summer Fine Motor Kit
Outer Space Fine Motor Kit
Space Fine Motor Kit
Spring fine motor kit
Valentines Day fine motor kit
winter fine motor kit
Winter Fine Motor Kit

Or, grab one of our themed Fine Motor Kits to target skills with fun themes:

Want access to all of these kits…and more being added each month? Join The OT Toolbox Member’s Club!

Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

Matching Uppercase and LowerCase Letters

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uppercase and lowercase letter matching

This interactive and hands on game to teach matching uppercase and lowercase letters is a fun gross motor game for preschool and kindergarten. Use this interactive letter activity along as an alphabet matching with objects and a sensory-motor learning activity!

Matching uppercase letters to lowercase letters is a literacy task that supports reading skills, but also challenges visual discrimination skills, form constancy, and visual scanning, all of which are visual processing skills needed for handwriting and reading comprehension. What’s fun about this activity is that it builds these skills in a fun way!

Be sure to grab our color by letter worksheet to work on letter matching, visual discrimination skills.

Uppercase and lowercase letter match activity

Matching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

Learning letters and matching upper and lower case letters is a Kindergarten skill that can be tricky for some kids.  We made this easy prep letter identification activity using items you probably already have in the house.  If you’ve seen our blog posts over the last few days, you’ve noticed we’re on a learning theme using free (or mostly free) items you probably already have.  

We’re sharing 31 days of learning at home with free materials this month along with 25 other bloggers in the 31 days of homeschooling tips series.  

Today’s easy letter learning activity can use any letters you have around the house or magnetic letters and coffee filters.

Matching upper and lower case letters and alphabet letter identification can be difficult for kindergarteners. Use this letter matching game to prepare for kindergarten skills and gross motor play along with visual scanning. Uses magnetic letters and coffee filters for easy prep and set-up. Great letter matching ideas and activities here!


While this activity is almost free if you’ve got the items at home already, we’re sharing the affiliate links for the items in this post.

Matching upper and lower case letters and alphabet letter identification can be difficult for kindergarteners. Use this letter matching game to prepare for kindergarten skills and gross motor play along with visual scanning. Uses magnetic letters and coffee filters for easy prep and set-up. Great letter matching ideas and activities here!

How to play this interactive letter matching activity

You’ll need just a few items for this letter matching activity:

  • Magnetic letters
  • marker
  • coffee filters (but paper towels or recycled paper would work as well.

To set up the activity, there are just a few steps:

(Amazon affiliate links included below.)

  1. Grab the magnetic letters from the fridge and 26 coffee filters.
  2. Use a permanent marker to write one lower case letter of the alphabet on each coffee filter.
  3. With your child, match the magnetic letters to the lowercase letters on the coffee filters.
  4. Ask the child to help you crumble each letter inside the coffee filter that has its matching lowercase letter.
  5. Continue the play!
Matching upper and lower case letters and alphabet letter identification can be difficult for kindergarteners. Use this letter matching game to prepare for kindergarten skills and gross motor play along with visual scanning. Uses magnetic letters and coffee filters for easy prep and set-up. Great letter matching ideas and activities here!

More ways to match uppercase and lowercase letters

By matching the magnetic uppercase letter to the lowercase letter on the coffee filter, kids get a chance to incorporate whole body movements and gross motor activity while looking for matching letters.

With your child, first match up each lower case coffee filter letter to the upper case magnetic letter.  

You can spread the filters out to encourage visual scanning and involve movement in the activity, OR you can stack the coffee filters in a pile and one by one match up the letters.  This technique requires the child to visually scan for the upper case magnet letters.  

Try both ways for more upper/lower case letter practice!

We then wrapped the coffee filters around the magnets in a little bundle.  There are so many games you can play with these upper and lower case letters:

  • Match the same letter– match uppercase letters to uppercase letters and lowercase letters to lowercase letters.
  • Alphabet matching with objects– Match an object that starts with the letter of the alphabet. Use small objects inside the coffee filter and match it to lowercase letters written in the coffee filter with uppercase magnet letters.
  • Match the picture with the letter– Print off pictures of words that start with each letter of the alphabet. Then match the picture with letters of the alphabet using lowercase letters written on the filter and uppercase letters in magnetic letter form.
  • Play a letter memory game– Hide letters around the room and challenge kids to find the letters in order to match the uppercase letter to the lowercase letters.
  • Letter sound matching– Make a letter sound and challenge kids to find the letter that makes that sound.
  • Letter Hide and Seek- Hide the bundled up letters around the room while your child hides his eyes.  Send him off to find the letters and ask him to open the bundle and identify the letter.
  • Letter Toss Activity- Toss the coffee filter bundles into a bucket or bin.  Any letters that make it into the bin are winners!
  • Name the letters- Unwrap the bundles and name the letters.  Spread the coffee filters out around the room.  Toss magnetic letters onto the matching lower case letter.  
  • Letter toss game- Toss a bean bag onto the coffee filters.  The child can identify the lower case letter, then go to the pile of magnetic letters and find the matching upper case letter.  
Matching upper and lower case letters and alphabet letter identification can be difficult for kindergarteners. Use this letter matching game to prepare for kindergarten skills and gross motor play along with visual scanning. Uses magnetic letters and coffee filters for easy prep and set-up. Great letter matching ideas and activities here!

Can you think of any more ways to work on upper and lower case letter matching with coffee filters and magnetic letters? 

Matching Big and Small Letters

The nice thing about this activity is that you can teach the concepts of big and small letters. When we say “big letters” and “small letters”, we are showing the concept of letters that touch the top and bottom lines, or the upper case letters.

And teaching children the difference between those big letters and the small letters which touch just the middle point are part of the visual discrimination process that is needed for handwriting on the lines, or line awareness skills.

You will enjoy more alphabet posts from our archives:
 
 
 

Looking for more interactive letter activities to match uppercase and lowercase letters? The Letters! Fine Motor Kit is for you!

Letters Fine Motor Kit
Letter Kit for fine motor, visual motor, and sensory motor play.

This 100 page printable packet includes everything you need for hands-on letter learning and multisensory handwriting!

This digital and printable packet includes these multisensory handwriting and letter formation materials:

  • A-Z Multisensory Writing Pages
  • Alphabet Fine Motor Clip Cards
  • Cut and place Fine Motor Mazes
  • A-Z Cotton Swab Cards
  • A-Z Pattern Block Cards
  • Fine Motor Letter Geo-Cards
  • A-Z Color and Cut Letter Memory Cards
  • Color By Size Sheets
  • A-Z Building Block Cards
  • A-Z Play Dough Letter Formation Cards
  • Graded Lines Box Writing Sheets
  • Alphabet Roll and Write Sheets
  • Pencil Control Letter Scan
  • Color and Cut Puzzles

All About Me Free Printable PDF

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all about me free printable pdf

Today, I have an exciting free printable for back-to-school: An all about me free printable PDF! An all about me activity is a great way to get to know students at the beginning of a new school year, and this free all about me printable is a writing and drawing activity designed specifically to focus on handwriting skills while allowing kids to tell all about themselves. Just print it off and get to know your new students this school year!

For age-appropriate activities, check out our All About Me preschool activities, too.

all about me free printable pdf

All about me worksheet

I wanted to create an all about me printable worksheet that is slightly different than the others you may find available online. This worksheet focuses on list writing, use of spaces on a page, and drawing skills.

Here’s why: I wanted this resource to tell us more about the child’s specific interests and facts like birthdates…I wanted this about me worksheet to help the therapist or teacher gain knowledge about the child’s handwriting and spatial awareness skills.

This all about me worksheet tells us several things about the student:

  • Favorite things
  • Draw myself
  • When I grow up
  • All about my family
  • My favorite quote

While completing the all about me activity, kids can tell a bit about themselves as an icebreaker to a new school year. The best thing about this all about me activity sheet is that it covers a variety of topics and includes drawing and writing sentences. You can really screen a student’s writing skills, pencil control skills, and visual motor skills with this activity sheet.

To make this all about me activity even more interactive, ask kids to bring in a few items from home that tell about themselves. Ideas can include favorite things, sports or hobbies, family members, pets, etc. As long as all of the items can fit inside a brown paper bag, kids can bring that in their backpack and share a bit about themselves as an activity ideas for the beginning of the school year.

all about me free printable: Favorite Things List

Students can list out their favorite things on the lined paper. The worksheet includes a list so they can write out their favorite foods, sports, animals, colors, etc. Kids have the choice to write a list of the things that are most important to them, making the sheet personalized and not a cookie cutter worksheet.

When the student writes out a list of words on the about me sheet, we can see how they use lines, spatial awareness, margins, letter size, and formation in a list.

All About Me Drawing

Students can draw a picture of themselves in the given area and we can look at their eye-hand coordination, spatial relations, body awareness, and pencil control.

All ABout Me Growing Up

Students can write out what they want to be when they grow up on the writing lines. Not only can we take a look at their handwriting in this space, but we can then see their interest and focus learning and therapy activities on that functional task.

This is a great space for writing sentences and paragraphs. Kids can work on these skills but it’s also a good opportunity to quickly assess how students use spatial awareness, margins, and line use when writing sentences that they create, or the creative writing aspect where students compose the sentences rather than copy them from a model.

All About Me (and My Family)

All about the student includes the family unit, too! Students can write or draw about their family in the open space, and we can take a look at detail orientation of the child. Also, we can then ask the child about sending home notes and home exercise programs to parents when they complete this section of the About Me worksheet.

My Favorite Quote

Finally, there is a space on the All About Me Worksheet for a favorite quote. Students can either write a quote that they like or can make up a personal saying that they enjoy. This space can tell us a lot about the child’s mindset, motivation, and mindfulness awareness.

Free All About Me worksheets for students aged kindergarten through middle school. Use this for back to school handwriting tasks and getting to know new students at the start of a school year.

All About Me Worksheet for Middle School

This All About Me worksheet is great for both younger ages (kindergarten through third grade) because one sheet includes a double rule writing lines. The second page is a duplicate worksheet, but contains single rule writing lines, making it great for older students (fourth grade through middle school).

There aren’t many about me handouts for older students, so it was important to me to create a writing activity for students using a smaller writing area.

Free All About Me Worksheet

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    Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

    Self Regulation Strategies

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    Self-regulation is a crucial skill that influences a child’s ability to manage emotions, behavior, and attention. As occupational therapy practitioners, professionals working with kids with emotional and behavioral needs, teachers, and parents, understanding effective strategies to support children in developing self-regulation skills is essential.

    This blog post explores evidence-based approaches for therapists working with children on their caseloads, offers insights for teachers in the classroom, and provides practical tips for parents to implement at home.

    image of a face breathing in and arrow pointing to the brain and the body

    What is a self regulation Strategy?

    Self-regulation strategies refer to techniques and behaviors individuals use to manage their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in order to achieve specific goals or respond adaptively to different situations. These strategies empower individuals to stay focused, control impulses, and navigate challenges effectively.

    Developing self-regulation is often challenging for many children and even adults. Throughout the day, individuals face various situations demanding a keen awareness of themselves and others, coupled with the ability to exercise self-control.

    Self-regulation involves managing, sustaining, and adjusting one’s arousal levels, emotions, and behaviors. It hinges on impulse control, working memory, and the general capacity to keep oneself in check. The process of experiencing emotions, understanding desires, and making decisions based on these concepts necessitates motivation, willpower, and higher-level thinking.

    Ideally, children should attain an optimal level of self-awareness and mindfulness, enabling them to recognize their inner feelings and emotions. This awareness is crucial for effective self-regulation. Children must learn strategies and techniques tailored to their needs, aiding them in transitioning from a less optimal state to a readiness for action.

    Understanding how sensory processing impacts behaviors and emotions is key when it comes to sensory dysregulation and meltdowns or regulation needs.

    Read about interoception here. This is important because of the role of the limbic system, the vestibular system, proprioceptive system, and overall sensory processing systems in functional tasks.

    To support this process, additional mindfulness activities are beneficial, serving as valuable additions to a child’s “Regulation Toolbox.”

    Understanding Self-Regulation

    Before delving into strategies, it’s important to grasp the concept of self-regulation. According to Zelazo and Carlson (2012), self-regulation involves the ability to manage and modulate emotions, behaviors, and attention in response to environmental demands. This skill is fundamental for a child’s success in various life domains.

    Be sure to read about emotional regulation and behavioral regulation.

    Another key point to understand is the connection between executive functioning skills and emotional regulation.

    Self Regulation strategies for Therapy

    School-based occupational therapy professionals (OTs) play a crucial role in supporting students’ self-regulation and overall participation in their education.

    Their involvement extends beyond direct intervention with students to collaborating with teachers and other professionals, such as school social workers or guidance counselors. Here’s how school-based OTs contribute to the team:

    1. Assessment and Intervention for Individual Students:
      School-based OT assess students’ sensory and motor skills, identifying any challenges that may impact self-regulation and participation. Based on assessments, OTs/OTAs develop individualized intervention plans to address specific needs. Interventions may include sensory strategies, fine motor, gross motor coordination activities, and adaptive tools to support self-regulation in the classroom (Case-Smith et al., 2015). This can also look like using self awareness games and activities to support self-reflection skills when needed.
    2. Collaboration with Teachers:
      School-based occupational therapy professionals collaborate closely with teachers to integrate strategies that enhance self-regulation within the classroom environment. This collaboration may involve providing teachers with information about a student’s sensory needs, suggesting modifications to the classroom setup, and offering guidance on incorporating sensory breaks or activities that promote attention and focus (Morrison et al., 2020).
    3. Professional Development and Training:
      OT professionals contribute to the professional development of teachers and other school staff by offering training sessions on topics related to sensory processing, motor skills development, and self-regulation. This empowers educators with the knowledge and skills to implement supportive strategies for all students, not just those receiving direct OT services (Murray et al., 2016). Using programs such as Zones of Regulation, The Alert Program, (Amazon affiliate links) Test Drive, and The Sensory Connection.
    4. Consultation with School Staff:
      Collaboration between school-based occupational therapy professionals and paraprofessionals, educators, specials teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, etc. is essential to address the holistic needs of students. OT professionals can provide valuable insights into how sensory and motor difficulties may contribute to these challenges. Joint planning and consultation help create comprehensive support plans for students (Parham et al., 2011).
    5. Incorporating Sensory Strategies in the Classroom:
      OTs assist teachers and other professionals in integrating sensory strategies seamlessly into the classroom routine. This may involve providing sensory tools, creating sensory-friendly spaces such as a self regulation station or a calm down corner, or suggesting activities that promote self-regulation. By embedding these strategies into the daily routine, students can benefit consistently (Mulligan, 2018).
    6. Advocacy for Inclusive Environments:
      School-based OTs/OTAs advocate for inclusive practices that support the participation of all students. This includes working with teachers and administrators to create environments that are accessible and accommodating to diverse sensory and motor needs. Through advocacy, occupational therapy contributes to fostering an inclusive and supportive school culture (Polatajko et al., 2012).
    7. Data Collection and Progress Monitoring:
      OT professionals collaborate with teachers to collect data on the effectiveness of interventions and make data-driven decisions. Regular progress monitoring ensures that strategies are tailored to meet the evolving needs of students, and adjustments can be made as necessary (Case-Smith et al., 2015).
    8. Using a variety of calm down toys based on interest and motivation.

    Other ideas include:

    • Winnie the Pooh characters are another way to work on identifying arousal level.  Tigger bounces around and is not always the best friend to have around.  Eeyore on the other hand often stays home, not wanting to get out at all.  While Pooh gets into some sticky situations, he is generally well regulated.  When kids can identify with familiar characters, they are able to better define their own feelings. 
    • One of my teacher friends describes the “monster inside”.  We all have a little monster inside, but we usually keep it tucked away. When we let our monster out, we need to find a way to pull him back in before he hurts someone. Sesame Street has a great video to demonstrate belly breathing.

    School-based OTs are integral members of the education team, contributing their expertise to create environments that facilitate self-regulation and maximize students’ participation in their education. Their collaboration with teachers and other professionals ensures a holistic and inclusive approach to supporting the diverse needs of students.

    Self Regulation Strategies for Teachers

    Self-regulation strategies are crucial in the classroom setting for several reasons, as they significantly impact a child’s academic and social development. Here are key reasons why implementing self-regulation strategies in the classroom is essential:

    1. Enhanced Learning Readiness:
      Self-regulation is closely linked to attention and focus. Children who can regulate their emotions and behaviors are better able to engage in learning activities. According to Blair and Diamond (2008), self-regulation supports cognitive functions, including working memory and flexible thinking, which are essential for academic success.
    2. Improved Classroom Behavior:
      Effective self-regulation strategies contribute to positive classroom behavior. When students can manage their emotions and impulses, disruptions are minimized, creating a more conducive learning environment for all. This aligns with the findings of Raver et al. (2011), who highlight the connection between self-regulation and behavioral outcomes in the classroom.
    3. Social Skills Development:
      Self-regulation is integral to the development of social skills. Children who can regulate their emotions are better equipped to navigate social interactions, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with peers. Gaining control over impulsive behaviors fosters positive relationships with teachers and classmates (Murray & Rosanbalm, 2017).
    4. Reduction of Stress and Anxiety:
      The classroom can be a source of stress for many students. Teaching self-regulation strategies helps children cope with stressors and anxiety, creating a more emotionally supportive learning environment. The work of Durlak et al. (2011) emphasizes the positive impact of social-emotional learning programs, which often include self-regulation components, on reducing stress in students.
    5. Long-Term Academic Success:
      Self-regulation skills cultivated in the classroom have long-term implications for academic success. Research by Moffitt et al. (2011) suggests that early self-regulation is a strong predictor of academic achievement and positive life outcomes in adulthood.
    6. Individualized Learning Support:
      Different students may require varying levels of support in developing self-regulation skills. Implementing strategies tailored to individual needs allows teachers to provide targeted support, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment (McClelland et al., 2010).
    7. Preparation for Life Skills:
      Beyond academic achievement, self-regulation is a life skill with broad applications. Teaching self-regulation in the classroom equips students with the tools they need to succeed not only academically but also in various aspects of life, including future employment and personal relationships (Jones et al., 2015).

    There are many ways to support these needs in the classroom setting.

    1. Classroom Environmental Modifications: Teachers can create a supportive environment by implementing sensory-friendly classroom modifications. This aligns with the findings of Dunn et al. (2016), emphasizing the impact of the environment on a child’s self-regulation.
    2. Visual Supports and Schedules: Utilizing visual supports and schedules helps children understand expectations and routines, promoting self-regulation (Smith et al., 2015). This can be particularly beneficial for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
    3. Incorporating Movement Breaks: Research by Mahar et al. (2006) suggests that brief movement breaks during the school day can enhance attention and self-regulation. Teachers can integrate short physical activities to support students’ regulatory needs. Read about movement activities in the classroom for ideas.
    4. Sensory-Based Interventions: Occupational therapists can incorporate sensory-based interventions to help children regulate their emotions. Research by Case-Smith et al. (2015) highlights the effectiveness of sensory integration techniques in improving self-regulation in children. This can include fidget tools, brain breaks, etc.
    5. Mindfulness and Yoga: Introducing mindfulness and yoga practices in therapy sessions can positively impact self-regulation. The study by Felver et al. (2015) emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness interventions in reducing emotional reactivity and enhancing attention. This can also include deep breathing exercises, sensory paths, etc.
    6. Social Skills Training: Building social skills is crucial for self-regulation. Therapists can employ social skills training programs, as suggested by Gresham and Elliott (2008), to enhance a child’s ability to navigate social situations successfully.

    Self-regulation strategies are essential in the classroom setting to create an optimal learning environment, foster positive behavior and social skills, reduce stress, and lay the foundation for long-term academic success and life skills development.

    Self Regulation Strategies for Parents:

    Self-regulation is essential at home for various reasons, as it significantly influences a child’s overall well-being and development. Here are key reasons why self-regulation is crucial in a home setting:

    1. Emotional Well-Being: Self-regulation helps children manage their emotions effectively. At home, where a child experiences a range of emotions, from excitement to frustration, the ability to regulate these emotions contributes to a more positive and emotionally stable environment (Denham et al., 2012). This results in overall family wellness.
    2. Positive Social Interactions: Developing self-regulation skills enables children to navigate social interactions at home. It involves understanding and respecting others’ perspectives, turn taking, and resolving conflicts peacefully. These social skills foster positive relationships within the family and contribute to a harmonious home environment (Graziano et al., 2007).
    3. Academic Success: Self-regulation is not only crucial for emotional and social aspects but also for academic success. Children who can regulate their attention and focus are better equipped to engage in learning activities and complete homework tasks. This, in turn, supports their academic achievement (Blair & Diamond, 2008). Here are tips for fidgeting during homework.
    4. Independence and Responsibility: Self-regulation fosters independence and a sense of responsibility. Children who can manage their time, complete tasks independently, and make appropriate decisions are better prepared for the increasing responsibilities they face as they grow (Zelazo & Carlson, 2012).
    5. Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Self-regulation extends to health-related behaviors, such as eating habits and sleep routines. Children who can regulate their impulses are more likely to make healthy choices, contributing to their overall well-being (Riggs et al., 2010).
    6. Parent-Child Relationships: Self-regulation positively impacts parent-child relationships. When children can express their needs and emotions in a regulated manner, it fosters open communication and understanding between parents and children. This, in turn, strengthens the parent-child bond (Denham et al., 2012).
    7. Preparation for Life Skills: The self-regulation skills learned at home have broader implications for a child’s future. The ability to regulate emotions, manage stress, and make thoughtful decisions prepares children for success in various life domains, including relationships, education, and future employment (Moffitt et al., 2011).
    8. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Home environments can sometimes be sources of stress for children. Self-regulation skills help children cope with stressors and anxiety, creating a more emotionally supportive and calming atmosphere at home (Durlak et al., 2011).

    Some strategies to support self regulation at home may include:

    1. Establishing Consistent Routines: Consistent routines at home contribute to a child’s sense of predictability, aiding in self-regulation (Fiese et al., 2002). Parents can create daily schedules that include predictable activities.
    2. Promoting Emotional Literacy: Parents play a crucial role in helping children identify and express emotions. The work of Denham et al. (2012) emphasizes the importance of promoting emotional literacy for better self-regulation outcomes. For more information, read about emotional intelligence. An activity like our lion and lamb emotions activity can help.
    3. Collaboration between Parents and Therapy Providers: Effective communication between parents and therapists is vital. Collaborative efforts, as recommended by Bundy et al. (2016), ensure a holistic approach to supporting a child’s self-regulation across different settings.

    Enhancing self-regulation in children requires a collaborative effort from therapists, teachers, and parents. By implementing evidence-based strategies tailored to each setting, we can empower children to develop essential skills for emotional and behavioral self-regulation

    The resources in the Sensory Lifestyle Handbook really go into detail on this concept, in using movement and sensory tools as regulation strategies and coping strategies help kids function, within their daily functional tasks. For example, it is possible to incorporate regulating activities within the classroom, home tasks like self-care or chores, and the community. Check out the Sensory Lifestyle Handbook for more information on this concept.

    Research on Self Regulation

    • Blair, C., & Diamond, A. (2008). Biological processes in prevention and intervention: The promotion of self-regulation as a means of preventing school failure. Development and Psychopathology, 20(3), 899-911.
    • Case-Smith, J., Weaver, L. L., & Fristad, M. A. (2015). A systematic review of sensory processing interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism, 19(2), 133-148.
    • Denham, S. A., Bassett, H. H., & Wyatt, T. (2010). The socialization of emotional competence. In Handbook of socialization (pp. 614-637). Guilford Press.
    • Dunn, W., Little, L., & Dean, E. (2016). Sensory processing in autism: A review of neurophysiologic findings. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 28(3), 272-282.
    • Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.
    • Fiese, B. H., Tomcho, T. J., Douglas, M., Josephs, K., Poltrock, S., & Baker, T. (2002). A review of 50 years of research on naturally occurring family routines and rituals: Cause for celebration?. Journal of Family Psychology, 16(4), 381.
    • Felver, J. C., Celis-de Hoyos, C. E., Tezanos, K., & Singh, N. N. (2015). A systematic review of mindfulness interventions for youth in school settings. Mindfulness, 6(6), 1241-1256.
    • Gresham, F. M., & Elliott, S. N. (2008). Social skills improvement system. In Handbook of psychoeducational assessment (pp. 647-678). Guilford Press.
    • Graziano, P. A., Reavis, R. D., Keane, S. P., & Calkins, S. D. (2007). The role of emotion regulation in children’s early academic success. Journal of School Psychology, 45(1), 3-19.
    • Jones, S. M., Bailey, R., & Jacob, R. (2015). Social-emotional learning: From research to practice. Applied Psychology, 7(1), 62-79.
    • Mahar, M. T., Murphy, S. K., Rowe, D. A., Golden, J., Shields, A. T., & Raedeke, T. D. (2006). Effects of a classroom-based program on physical activity and on-task behavior. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(12), 2086-2094.
    • McClelland, M. M., Cameron, C. E., Duncan, R., Bowles, R. P., Acock, A. C., Miao, A., & Pratt, M. E. (2014). Predictors of early growth in academic achievement: The head-toes-knees-shoulders task. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 599.
    • Moffitt, T. E., Arseneault, L., Belsky, D., Dickson, N., Hancox, R. J., Harrington, H., & Caspi, A. (2011). A gradient of childhood self-control predicts health, wealth, and public safety. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(7), 2693-2698.
    • Morrison, J., Cosbey, J., George, N., & Thomas, J. (2020). Occupational therapy’s role in mental health promotion, prevention, & intervention with children & youth: A scoping review. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 36(1), 30-49.
    • Mulligan, S. (2018). Tools for the sensory connection program: A sensory processing disorder parent training. Academic Press.
    • Murray, D., & Bundy, A. (2016). Sensory integration: Theory and practice. F.A. Davis.
    • Murray, D. W., & Rosanbalm, K. (2017). Promoting self-regulation in the first five years: A practice brief. OPRE Report 2017-77. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
    • Parham, L. D., Coyne, L., & West, S. (2011). Sensory processing difficulties in children with functional constipation: A retrospective chart review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(4), 472-479.
    • Polatajko, H. J., Davis, J. A., & Marushak, J. P. (2012). Designing and implementing a model for delivering school-based occupational therapy services. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 32(3_suppl), S3-S11.
    • Raver, C. C., Garner, P. W., & Smith-Donald, R. (2007). The roles of emotion regulation and emotion knowledge for children’s academic readiness: Are the links causal?. In Cognition and emotion (pp. 1-30). Psychology Press.
    • Riggs, N. R., Greenberg, M. T., Kusche, C. A., & Pentz, M. A. (2006). The mediational role of neurocognition in the behavioral outcomes of a social-emotional prevention program in elementary school students: Effects of the PATHS curriculum. Prevention Science, 7(1), 91-102.
    • Smith, C. J., Rozga, A., Matthews, N., Oberleitner, R., Nazneen, N., & Abowd, G. D. (2015). Investigating the accuracy of a novel gesture-based child-computer interaction system for classroom use. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children (pp. 252-255).
    • Zelazo, P. D., & Carlson, S. M. (2012). Hot and cool executive function in childhood and adolescence: Development and plasticity. Child Development Perspectives, 6(4), 354-360.

    For specific self regulation strategies related to each daily task that can be implemented right in the functional task, check out The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook.

    The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook
    The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook

    The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook walks you through sensory processing information, each step of creating a meaningful and motivating sensory diet, that is guided by the individual’s personal interests and preferences.

    The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook is not just about creating a sensory diet to meet sensory processing needs. This handbook is your key to creating an active and thriving lifestyle based on a deep understanding of sensory processing.

    Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

    Fall Crafts for Kids

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    Fall crafts for kids

    If there is one thing occupational therapists love, it’s crafts to develop skills, and these Fall crafts for kids are just that! These fall themed crafts support development of skills in all the best ways this Fall! Use the best of the season this time of year with Fall leaf crafts, Halloween crafts, ghost crafts, pumpkin crafts, and more in occupational therapy sessions, or to build skills at home!

    Fall crafts for kids

    Fall Crafts for Kids

    Some of our top picks for building skills are sorted out by theme. You’ll love these fall crafts that support development of skills in kids:

    • Autumn Art Activities– includes sensory painting, fingerprint art, painting leaves, corn husk painting, and more.
    • Fall Fine Motor Activities– Work on precision, pincer grasp, tripod grasp, hand strength, hand-eye coordination, and more with these fall themed activities that are perfect for OT sessions or therapy at home.
    • Fall Tree Crafts– This set of craft ideas include leaves and all the beautiful colors of the trees during this autumn season.
    • Halloween Occupational Therapy Activities– Pick the activities that meet the needs of your OT clients to support development of fine motor, gross motor, sensory motor, and visual motor skills.
    • Fall Occupational Therapy Activities– This mini e-book describes OT activities to support sensory and motor development this time of year.
    • Turkey Crafts for Kids– This time of year, turkeys, feathers, and Thanksgiving crafts are great ways to develop fine motor skills with a fun theme!
    • Thankful Turkey Templates– These free printables can be used in so many ways to work on scissor skills and fine motor skills. Includes a gratitude turkey cut out, too.
    • Print off this hot chocolate craft and target different skills. You can even make this into a pumpkin spice latte or a hot apple cider craft!
    • Thanksgiving tree– Another great Fall craft is to make the leaves to hang on a gratitude tree. You can target many skills with this one: scissor skills, handwriting, gross motor skills, and more.

    Easy Fall Crafts Kids

    Let’s break down these fall craft ideas to help you find just the craft that supports the development of skills.

    Fall leaf craft

    Fall Leaf Sewing Craft– This Fall craft for older kids builds fine motor skills.

    This fall craft idea supports development of:

    • bilateral coordination
    • crossing midline
    • eye hand coordination
    • pincer grasp
    Fall craft with a gratitude garland

    Gratitude Leaf Garland– Cut out the paper leaves and write things you are thankful for this Fall.

    This fall craft supports development of:

    • scissor skills
    • crossing midline
    • hand strength
    • handwriting
    Cute pumpkin craft for fine motor skills

    This Fine Motor Pumpkin craft develops precision, pincer grasp, and tip to tip grasp.

    This fall pumpkin craft supports development of:

    • scissor skills
    • precision
    • dexterity
    • eye hand coordination

    Thanksgiving suncatcher craft

    Make this gratitude suncatcher craft for a window craft that brings color to the drab Fall weather.

    This autumn craft supports development of:

    • scissor skills
    • handwriting
    • working on a vertical plane
    • sensory motor input

    Pumpkin seed craft idea using dyed pumpkin seeds

    Dye pumpkin seeds and use them to make mosaics, suncatchers, and more.

    This pumpkin seed craft supports development of:

    • pincer grasp
    • eye-hand coordination
    • tactile play
    • sensory motor input

    Sunflower craft made from a cupcake liner

    This sunflower cupcake liner craft is a fun fine motor activity for fall. Add this to a sunflower theme for therapy this Fall!

    This fall craft supports development of:

    • pincer grasp
    • scissor skills
    • planning and prioritization
    • problem solving

    Harvest craft made with bottle caps

    These cute harvest bottle cap crafts are a great fine motor math activity for the Fall season.

    This fall and harvest craft supports development of:

    • executive functioning skills
    • scissor skills
    • planning and prioritization
    • problem solving

    scarecrow craft for a farm activities theme

    Use this scarecrow craft as a math activity for the Fall and to develop fine motor skills.

    This autumn scarecrow craft supports development of:

    • fine motor skills
    • scissor skills
    • planning and prioritization
    • problem solving

    School bus craft for Fall

    Fall means back-to-school and that’s where this school bus craft comes into play.

    This fall craft supports development of:

    • scissor skills
    • planning and prioritization
    • problem solving

    Cute racoon craft

    This cute racoon craft doubles as a fine motor activity and a fun hands-on math activity for kids.

    This craft supports development of:

    • scissor skills
    • graded precision
    • hand strength
    • problem solving

    Bat craft for fall

    Use this bat craft to work on scissor skills and handwriting!

    This bat craft supports development of:

    • scissor skills
    • handwriting
    • tactile sensory play

    Stellaluna craft

    Speaking of bat crafts, this Stellaluna craft is perfect for the Fall season.

    This Stellaluna craft supports development of:

    Pumpkin craft made with toilet paper tube.

    Recycled Paper Roll Pumpkin Stamp Art– Make stamps using a toilet paper roll and create pumpkin stamps

    This pumpkin craft supports development of:

    • tactile sensory play
    • pincer grasp
    • tripod grasp
    • hand grasp
    • graded grasp and release

    Pumpkin seed suncatcher craft

    Dyed Pumpkin Seed Sun catchers are perfect for pincer grasp with a Fall pumpkin seed theme.

    This craft supports development of:

    • tactile sensory play
    • pincer grasp
    • tripod grasp
    • eye-hand coordination
    • graded grasp and release

    Autumn craft idea for preschoolers-leaf placemat

    Make a Leaf Placemat Craft which is the perfect autumn craft ideas for preschoolers.

    This craft supports development of:

    • proprioceptive input
    • tactile sensory play
    • tactile sensory play
    • eye-hand coordination
    Turkey napkin ring craft

    Turkey Napkin and Silverware Ring craft– This is great for a harvest with kids.

    This craft supports development of:

    Cardboard turkey craft that doubles as a juicebox cover and an oral sensory tool

    Turkey Juice box Cover– These are so cute for a kids Thanksgiving table.

    This craft supports development of:

    • precision skills
    • pincer grasp
    • eye-hand coordination
    • scissor skills
    Paper towel roll turkey craft

    Recycled Paper Roll Turkey Stamp Craft– Grab a recycled toilet paper roll and make these turkey stamps.

    This craft supports development of:

    • tactile sensory play
    • pincer grasp
    • eye-hand coordination
    • scissor skills
    • planning and prioritization
    Corn husk painting

    Corn husk art is a fun way to celebrate the season. This Corn Husk Stamping is a sensory art activity kids love.

    This craft supports development of:

    • tactile sensory play
    • pincer grasp
    • eye-hand coordination
    Ghost craft

    This ghost craft is a powerful fine motor activity for kids and develops scissor skills and hand strength.

    This craft supports development of:

    • scissor skills
    • hand strength
    • arch development
    • bilateral coordination
    Ghost craft made from bread ties

    Use bread ties to make mini ghosts from bread ties! They are so cute in a Fall sensory bin.

    This craft supports development of:

    • precision skills
    • sensory play
    • crossing midline
    • bilateral coordination
    Ghost craft made from milk cartons

    Use recycled milk cartons to make this Ghost Catch Craft and Game. It’s a great tool for gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and core strengthening and stability.

    This craft supports development of:

    • gross grasp
    • eye hand coordination
    • posture
    • upper body strength
    Pumpkins made from egg cartons

    These Egg Carton Pumpkins are always fun to make and to use in fall sensory bins!

    This craft supports development of:

    • precision
    • hand strength
    • tactile sensory play
    • hand strength
    Pumpkin emotional development activity

    Identifying and Expressing Emotions Pumpkin Craft is a great Fall craft for toddlers and preschoolers.

    This craft supports development of:

    • social emotional development
    • learning emotions
    • eye hand coordination
    • crossing midline
    • visual motor skills

    Baked cotton balls turned into apples

    Did you ever make baked cotton balls? These apple baked cotton balls are so much fun!

    This craft supports development of:

    • tactile sensory play
    • scissor skills
    • pincer grasp
    • tripod grasp
    • hand strength
    • following directions
    Apple stamps

    This apple stamp art is fun for kids and great for developing visual perceptual skills.

    This craft supports development of:

    • visual perceptual skills
    • hand grasp
    • eye-hand coordination
    • tactile sensory play
    Toilet paper tube apple art

    Recycled Paper Roll Apple Stamps are fun for a Fall apple theme.

    This craft supports development of:

    • tactile sensory play
    • eye-hand coordination
    • graded grasp and release
    • direction following
    Pumpkin activity kit
    Pumpkin Fine Motor Kit

    Grab the Pumpkin Fine Motor Kit for more coloring, cutting, and eye-hand coordination activities with a Pumpkin theme! It includes:

    • 7 digital products that can be used any time of year- has a “pumpkins” theme
    • 5 pumpkin scissor skills cutting strips
    • Pumpkin scissor skills shapes- use in sensory bins, math, sorting, pattern activities
    • 2 pumpkin visual perception mazes with writing activity
    • Pumpkin “I Spy” sheet – color in the outline shapes to build pencil control and fine motor strength
    • Pumpkin Lacing cards – print, color, and hole punch to build bilateral coordination skills
    • 2 Pumpkin theme handwriting pages – single and double rule bold lined paper for handwriting practice

    Work on underlying fine motor and visual motor integration skills so you can help students excel in handwriting, learning, and motor skill development.

    You can grab this Pumpkin Fine Motor kit for just $6!

    Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

    Doubles and Near Doubles

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    doubles and near doubles craft

    If you have a second grader, than you may be familiar with doubles and near doubles. This form of math facts with doubles numbers (adding two numbers that are the same) and near doubles (adding two numbers that are almost the same), can help kids quickly learn math facts with a brain trick. We created a spider activity that was a fun way to practice doubles and near doubles!

    Adding Doubles and Near Doubles in Second Grade Math up to 20, with a hands-on math, spider theme.

    What are Doubles and Near Doubles?

    We explained this a bit, but let’s expand on these math definitions.

    You might be thinking, “What!?” I have to admit, adding near doubles is a concept that I learned along with my oldest when she went through second grade.

    What is Doubles and Near Doubles in Second grade math?  

    Doubles are the addends that are exactly the same.  These are addition facts that second graders need to know to add within 20.

    Near Doubles are those addends that are almost a double fact. So, 4+5 is very close to 4+4.  Students can easily recall that the double fact for 4+4=8 and by adding one more, they quickly know that 4+5=9.  These are math fact tools that can help second graders add within 20.

    Doubles Math Facts

    Doubles math facts include:

    • 0+0=0
    • 1+1=2
    • 2=2+4
    • 3+3=6
    • 4+4=8
    • 5+5=10
    • 6+6=12
    • 7+7=14
    • 8+8=16
    • 9+9=18
    • 10+10=20

    Near Doubles Facts

    Near doubles facts depend on the doubles that the numbers are near.

    • 0+0=0
      • 1+0=1
      • 0+1=1
    • 1+1=2
      • 2+1=3
      • 1+2=3
      • 0+1=1
      • 1+0=1
    • 2+2=4
      • 3+2=5
      • 2+3=5
      • 1+2=3
      • 2+1=3
    • 3+3=6
      • 4+3=7
      • 3+4=7
      • 2+3=5
      • 3+2=5
    • 4+4=8
      • 5+4=9
      • 4+5=9
      • 3+4=7
      • 4+3=7
    • 5+5=10
      • 6+5=11
      • 5+6=11
      • 4+5=9
      • 5+4=9
    • 6+6=12
      • 7+6=13
      • 6+7=13
      • 5+6=11
      • 6+5=11
    • 7+7=14
      • 8+7=15
      • 7+8=15
      • 6+7=13
      • 7+6=13
    • 8+8=16
      • 9+8=17
      • 8+9=17
      • 7+8=15
      • 8+7=15
    • 9+9=18
      • 10+9=19
      • 9+10=19
      • 8+9=17
      • 9+8=17
    • 10+10=20
      • 11+10=21
      • 10+11=21
      • 9+10=19
      • 10+9=19

    You can see how learning just a handful of doubles facts builds a bigger repertoire of math facts. This is a particularly good path strategy for learning tricky addition facts that kids often struggle with, especially with adding the higher 6’s, 7’s, 8’s, and 9’s.

    Adding Doubles and Near Doubles 

    Adding doubles is a math fact memorization technique.  It is easier for kids to remember that 2+2=4, 6+6=12, 7+7=14, 9+9=18, etc.  

    Kids can first memorize the doubles facts. Once they’ve got those addition facts down pat, recognizing that the near doubles facts are just one off from the double makes learning a whole new set of numbers easy.

    For example:

    First the student would memorize the near double of 6+6=12.

    Then, when that becomes a math fact they know by sight, they can look at the math problem 6+5 and recognize that the addend 5 is just one less than the doubles fact for 6. They can know the number sense that the problem 6+5 is one less than 6+6 and easily identify the answer of 11.

    Similarly, if the student is presented with the near doubles problem of 6+7, they can recognize that the addend 7 is one more than the doubles fact for 6. They can identify by number sense that the answer for 6+7 is one more than 6+6 and that the answer is 13.

    Near doubles assist students with adding one more or one less than the doubles facts.

    By this, we mean that once a student knows the doubles fact of 6+6=12, they then also know:

    • 6+5=11
    • 5+6=11
    • 6+7=13
    • 7+6=13

    You can see how the doubles and near doubles concept builds number sense and allows students to become much more fluent and efficient at math problems.


    Doubles and Near Doubles Activity

    We made this near doubles activity to help with second grade math concepts, specifically in adding Doubles and adding Near Doubles., using a fun spider craft. The OT in me loves that it works on quite a few fine motor skills and scissor skills too!

    I wanted to create a hands-on math activity using the doubles and Near Doubles addition facts with a spider theme.  

    It’s an easy and quick activity to set up, that will help second graders realize how to quickly figure out more addition facts quite easily.  This is a math skill appropriate for Common Core Standards CCSS 2.0A.1 and CCSS 2.0A.2.  You can see those Common Core standards here.

    To make your Near Doubles Spider Activity

    Cut out paper strips to write doubles and near doubles addition facts.

    You’ll need just a few materials for this doubles and near doubles practice activity:

    • Black construction paper
    • White colored pencil
    • Scissors
    • Glue
    • Googly eyes

    To make this doubles and near doubles craft, complete these steps:

    1. Cut out 8 strips of black construction paper.  These will become the spider’s legs.
    2. Using a white colored pencil, write out doubles facts on one side of the black paper strips. You’ll need to write the following doubles facts on the paper strips:
      • 2+2=__
      • 3+3=__
      • 4+4=__
      • 5+5=__
      • 6+6=__
      • 7+7=__
      • 8+8=__
      • 9+9=__
    3. On the other side of each spider leg paper strip, write with your white colored pencil:
      • 2+3=__
      • 3+4=__
      • 4+5=__
      • 5+6=__
      • 6+7=__
      • 7+8=__
      • 8+9=__
      • 9+8=__
    4. Cut out a circle out of the black paper for the head.
    5. Glue googly eyes onto the spider’s head.  
    6. Glue the legs to the spider head so the Doubles are all on one side and the Near Doubles are all on the other side.  

    Kids can flip the legs over to see how closely the doubles are to the Near Doubles and how knowing the Doubles facts can quickly help them figure out the Near Double facts.

    You can make multiple versions of these numbers, using the commutative property of addition. 

    Spider craft to work on doubles and near doubles facts.

    Adding Doubles and Near Doubles in Second Grade Math up to 20, with a hands-on math, spider theme.

    More Hands-On Math Activities you will love:

     
    Commutative Property of Addition  How to Add with Regrouping  Use play dough in math  Bottle caps in first grade math

    Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.

    School Bus Deep Breathing Exercise- A Stress Relaxation Tool

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    School bus deep breathing exercise for stress relaxation on the bus

    Whether you are needing a bus stop activity to keep the kids calm and collected near a busy street or a sensory diet activity for the rides to school on the bus, this   school bus deep breathing exercise fits the bill. The school bus setting is unpredictable for sensory kids and this breathing activity is an easy stress relaxation tool that kids can add to their toolbox of coping strategies.

    Time for school buses, school supplies, backpacks, new teachers, new friends, and new stressors.  While school can be fun and educational, it can also be a time of stress and overwhelm.  Teaching self regulation is important for school success.  Students and teachers love these Deep Breathing Exercises. 

    School bus deep breathing exercise self regulation tool for stress relaxation on the bus.
    Use this printable school bus deep breathing page as a sensory strategy for the school bus!

    Just in time for back to school, the OT Toolbox has a great new School Bus Deep Breathing Exercise page to share. AND, it includes a school bus coloring page, too!

    Stress Relaxation

    One benefit of this sensory school bus strategy is the use in stress relaxation strategies in response to fight, flight, freeze, and other autonomic responses.

    What do we mean by stress relaxation?

    First, let’s cover how this works. When faced with an unfamiliar, unwanted, or overwhelming challenge, the central nervous system employs its fight, flight, or freeze response.  This is an automatic brain stem response to input.  Because everyone’s central nervous system is different, people respond differently to input.  Some people startle easily, are afraid of bugs, don’t tolerate loud noise or crowds, and are very sensitive. 

    Others take life in stride, nothing tends to bother them. 

    While this School Bus Deep Breathing Exercise is targeted for those who need to slow their central nervous system, everyone can benefit from taking a break once in a while to reset. When a body is in its fight, flight, or freeze mode, the central nervous system takes over.

    The following may be symptoms of this autonomic response:

    • The heart rate may increase
    • Increased breathing rate 
    • Elevated heart rate/blood pressure/temperature 
    • Sweating
    • Hiccups
    • Excessive emotional outbursts
    • Decreased cognitive skills as all energy goes into protecting the body
    • Digestive issues

    Because of this autonomic or automatic response to stimuli, people can make a conscious effort to combat these symptoms.  One quick and easy way to slow down heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and emotional outbursts is by using deep breathing exercises to relax the stress response. 

    Education on self regulation is an important step of sensory based treatment.  Teaching a person to understand their body, triggers, and response to input will help them choose an appropriate treatment method, and a perfect time to use it. 

    The use of stress relaxation strategies is a work in progress, and takes a long time to achieve self regulation.  Adults as well as children need help and reminders along the way when they are feeling out of control.

    We have other fun and motivating breathing exercises for kids in the school setting on the site, too. These include:

    School Bus Deep Breathing Exercise

    The OT Toolbox is full of Breathing Exercise Worksheets.  The newest one, The School Bus, comes at a great time of year. It’s the perfect tool to use in stress responses on the school bus. Add this sensory strategy in school environment to the bus environment which can be unpredictable, full of loud sounds, vibration and unpredictable movements, and an opportunity for sensory overload.

    Use the school bus sensory strategy to support different needs:

    • A sensory diet for the school bus
    • Waiting for the bus activity
    • Stress response to a simulating school bus environment

    Have learners place their finger on a white dot.  Instruct them to breathe in while sliding their finger across the arrow.  On the next arrow, they are instructed to breathe out.  Learners can go around the bus as many times as it takes for them to feel more in control of their body.  

    We’ve also included a deep breathing coloring page, in this set, too. Use it to work on coloring skills and pull in other areas of development such as fine motor skills and visual motor skills. Kids can then use the deep breathing coloring page as a coping strategy tool they have created and have ownership over.

    How does this work?

    These Deep Breathing Exercises are more than just working on breathing. Think about the following sensory systems that are activated using this free printable:

    • Deep breathing slows the heart rate
    • Visualizing the bus creates a distraction, or changes the learner’s focus
    • Listening to the sound of deep breathing can help tune out other stimuli
    • Counting breaths or holding for a number of seconds also creates a shift in focus
    • Themed breathing opens a door to change the subject and talk about the picture
    • Slowing the body down during the exercise, helps with regulation
    • Following a rhythm is organizing to the central nervous system

    How to use the School Bus Deep Breathing Exercise Worksheet

    Strategies such as breathing exercises are not as easy as handing your learner a piece of paper.  There is a lot of teaching, education, practice, and trial/error that goes into any of these treatment methods.

    • Initiate the activity BEFORE total meltdown or shut down occurs.  Once shut down occurs, it may not be easy for your learner to tolerate, listen, or sit and focus on this task
    • Use these exercises as part of your prescribed sensory diet, proving them at regular predictable intervals during the day, such as before/after transitions. We cover transitions for children extensively in another blog post.
    • Learner does not have to sit in a chair to work on deep breathing. They may lay on the floor, do yoga poses, climb under a blanket, sit in a rocker, or a comfy beanbag
    • If this exercise does not work for your learner, either try again at a different time, or move onto another strategy.  The OT Toolbox is full of ideas for self regulation

    Thematic lesson or treatment planning is motivating for students, and a way for educators to organize their daily teaching. Back to school is a popular theme using school buses, school tools, and apples to get to know your students.  It is a great segue into the fall theme.

    Other Back to School Activities from the OT Toolbox:

    Free printable stress relaxation for the school bus

    Want to add this printable stress relaxation tool to your therapy toolbox? Enter your email address into the form below.

    This item is also available inside the Member’s Club. Members can log into their account and access the tool by heading to Mindfulness Tools. Grab this stress relaxation exercise as well as others including unicorn deep breathing, pencil deep breathing, rainbow breathing, and more.

    FREE School Bus Deep Breathing Exercise

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      Victoria Wood, OTR/L is a contributor to The OT Toolbox and has been providing Occupational Therapy treatment in pediatrics for more than 25 years. She has practiced in hospital settings (inpatient, outpatient, NICU, PICU), school systems, and outpatient clinics in several states. She has treated hundreds of children with various sensory processing dysfunction in the areas of behavior, gross/fine motor skills, social skills and self-care. Ms. Wood has also been a featured speaker at seminars, webinars, and school staff development training. She is the author of Seeing your Home and Community with Sensory Eyes.

      How to Draw a Cute Owl Directed Drawing

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      how to draw an owl easy directed drawing sheet

      If you are looking for how to draw a cute owl, than this easy directed drawing owl activity is for you. There are so many benefits to directed drawing when it comes to visual motor skill development, so adding a cute owl to the fun makes sense! In this post, you’ll find a printable “how to draw an owl-easy” worksheet that you can print and use over and over again.

      If you are wondering what ages can use directed drawings, check out our resource on drawing milestones.

      How to draw and owl easy directed drawing sheet

      a word about directed drawing worksheets

      While this is a fun free occupational therapy worksheet, I have to say…sometimes “worksheets” get a bad rap. I mean, hands-on, occupation-centered function is what we do as OTs, right?

      BUT, for some kids, meaningful and purposeful are centered around topics, or themes. Owls are one of those popular topics that draw kids in. And, to take this concept a step further, drawing and creativity is a powerful tool to support and develop creativity as a cognitive skill, but also part of one’s self Creativity and creating are what we do as humans so when a child has an interest such as drawing or learning more about owls, that is meaningful to them.

      That’s where this how to draw an easy owl worksheet comes into play.

      This How to Draw an Easy Owl activity is a directed drawing worksheet that can be used in owl activities in OT or in the classroom. Draw an owl with step by step directions to work on visual motor skills, direction following, pencil control, and more. This easy owl drawing activity uses basic shapes and pencil lines, so it’s a great owl drawing activity for kids!

      how to draw an owl

      How to Draw an Owl

      Owl directed drawing activities like this one is a great way to help kids develop visual perceptual skills and visual motor skills. When kids follow the step-by-step directions on the drawing worksheet, they are developing several skill areas:

      • Visual perceptual skills (form constancy, visual discrimination, visual attention, visual closure, visual memory, sequential memory, visual spatial relations)
      • Pencil control
      • Eye-hand coordination
      • Direction following
      • Working memory
      • Copying skills needed for handwriting

      Directed drawing activities like this owl drawing easy directed drawing page are fun ways to help kids strengthen a variety of areas in a creative way!

      The directed drawing sheet walks users through the steps to form an easy owl drawing. From a circle, to adding circle eye details, and the beak, and horns, this easy owl directed drawing activity is step-by-step and supports developmental skills.

      Use this directed drawing sheet along with a woodland animals theme in therapy. Think: owl activities, deer crafts, mushrooms to hop along in obstacle courses and forest animal puzzles. There are so many fun ways to incorporate this directed drawing activity into therapy plans!

      How to draw an easy owl

      The directed drawing worksheet walks you through the steps to draw an easy owl:

      1. Draw a circle for the head.
      2. Add two circles for the eyes.
      3. Draw two curved lines to create wings.
      4. Add a triangle beak, triangle ears, and three lines for each claw.

      I like this simple owl drawing because it uses single lines to create the owl. It’s nice because you can work on pencil control and drawing milestones with this version.

      Free how to draw an easy Owl Worksheet

      If you are part of the OT Toolbox newsletter list, then you may have seen this free OT worksheet before. Be sure to subscribe by entering your email address into the button at the top of this page to access weekly free resources!

      I wanted to create a how to draw an owl EASY worksheet for younger kids starting out with pencil control, but also older students who need to work on skills outlined above. In this easy owl drawing, kids can use simple pencil lines to make the cartoon owl drawing.

      This owl drawing easy activity uses simple pencil strokes and only 4 steps to complete the owl cartoon. Kids that are moving from simple drawing lines like circles and curved lines can benefit from the four simple steps to add details to the owl drawing.

      Want to grab a copy of this free how to draw an owl EASY worksheet?

      Just enter your email address into the form below. You can print off the directed drawing sheet and use this to work on copying skills.

      FREE How to Draw an Owl (EASY) worksheet

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        Colleen Beck, OTR/L has been an occupational therapist since 2000, working in school-based, hand therapy, outpatient peds, EI, and SNF. Colleen created The OT Toolbox to inspire therapists, teachers, and parents with easy and fun tools to help children thrive. Read her story about going from an OT making $3/hour (after paying for kids’ childcare) to a full-time OT resource creator for millions of readers. Want to collaborate? Send an email to contact@theottoolbox.com.