Occupational therapy is all about the “job” of living. For a child, that job involves playing and learning. For a young adult, it means navigating daily tasks with independence. Maximizing the benefits of your occupational therapy in Las Vegas often comes down to the consistency of practice between clinic visits.

While our team at Let’s Talk! Therapy Center uses specialized sensory equipment and tools, you can replicate many of these benefits using items you already have. The goal is to build fine motor skills, sensory regulation, and coordination. Below are five effective clinical activities adapted for home use to help your child or teen thrive in daily life.

Note: Always supervise younger children. If an activity causes frustration, take a break and try again later.

1. Heavy Work (Sensory Regulation)

“Heavy work” refers to activities that provide resistance to the muscles and joints. This type of proprioceptive input is calming and organizing for the nervous system.

• The Activity: Push, pull, lift, or carry heavy objects to engage the muscles.
• For Kids: Try wall pushes for 10 seconds or have them help carry grocery bags.
• For Teens & Adults: Vacuuming, carrying laundry baskets, rearranging furniture, or using resistance bands.

2. Hand Strengthening (Fine Motor)

Strong hands are essential for everyday tasks like holding a pencil, opening containers, and self-care. Strengthening small hand muscles improves grip and endurance.

• The Activity: Squeeze and manipulate resistant materials to build finger and hand strength.
• For Kids: Hide beads or coins in therapy putty or firm playdough and dig them out using fingers only.
• For Teens & Adults: Use a stress ball or practice crumpling paper into a tight ball with one hand.

3. Crossing the Midline (Coordination)

Crossing the midline—the ability to reach across the body—is vital for reading, writing, dressing, and coordination.

• The Activity: Perform movements that require crossing from one side of the body to the other.
• For Kids: Trace a large figure 8 repeatedly without switching hands.
• For Teens & Adults: Activities like washing cars or wiping windows using long sweeping motions.

4. Tongs and Tweezers (Pincer Grasp)

A refined pincer grasp using the thumb and index finger is critical for tasks like buttoning, zipping, and feeding.

• The Activity: Use a tool to pick up small objects and transfer them to a container.
• For Kids: Use kitchen tongs to pick up cotton balls or small toys and place them in a bucket.
• For Teens & Adults: Sort beads by color using tweezers or place coins into a piggy bank.

5. Balloon Volley (Visual Motor)

Visual motor integration allows the eyes to guide the hands and is essential for catching, writing, and cutting.

• The Activity: Keep a balloon in the air using hands or a paddle.
• For Kids: Play “Don’t Let It Touch the Floor” to practice tracking and reaction timing.
• For Teens & Adults: Increase difficulty by using two balloons or walking a straight line while volleying.

Take the Next Step

These activities are excellent maintenance tools for building independence. However, each individual has unique sensory and motor needs. For a customized plan or to explore specialized services, seek professional occupational therapy in Las Vegas.

Contact Let’s Talk! Therapy Center today to schedule an evaluation and begin building skills for life.