December is here, and at Kraska & Associates, we’re embracing the holiday spirit with activities that are as fun as they are functional! This month, we’re helping kids create their own festive office elves, combining creativity with therapeutic exercises that promote fine motor and postural development.
The Power of Vertical Play
Tracing on a vertical surface, like the activity shown here, is more than just a fun craft—it’s a dynamic way to support important developmental skills. Here’s why it’s so effective:
Shoulder and Wrist Stability: Tracing while reaching overhead strengthens the shoulder girdle and improves wrist stability, essential for handwriting and other fine motor tasks.
Core Strength: Maintaining balance while working on a vertical surface encourages children to engage their core muscles.
Postural Endurance: Kneeling or standing while working helps children build the endurance needed for seated tasks at school.
And the best part? The kids absolutely love it! There’s nothing like channeling the magic of the season into a creative project.
Incorporating Seasonal Sensory Play
While our elf-tracing activity focuses on motor skills, the holiday season offers endless opportunities to integrate sensory-rich experiences into your child’s routine. Here are a few ideas:
Holiday-Themed Crafts: Activities like cutting snowflakes, decorating ornaments, or painting festive scenes can refine fine motor coordination while fostering creativity.
Baking Together: Measuring ingredients, stirring batter, and decorating cookies are excellent ways to build hand strength and bilateral coordination.
Winter Sensory Bins: Fill a bin with fake snow, mini ornaments, or holiday figurines for tactile exploration. Include tools like tweezers or scoops for added fine motor practice.
Supporting Development Through Play
Play is at the heart of pediatric occupational therapy, and the holidays are a wonderful time to blend seasonal excitement with developmental goals. By engaging in festive activities, children not only have fun but also build the skills they need to thrive in daily life.
At Kraska & Associates, we love using creative, play-based approaches to help children grow and succeed. Whether it’s through creating office elves, sensory play, or other holiday crafts, our goal is to make learning and therapy joyful for every child.
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