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#1 Tool for Kids Who Resist Holding Objects.pdf
This video covers a session held by our Occupational Therapist Specialist at Sunny Blossom Therapy. This is a 60-minute session condensed into an 8-minute video clip. The Occupational Therapist starts off by working on building the child's hand muscles by having him clip-on clothespins, and later push and pull golf tees in/out of clay and a foam block. Ultimately, by strengthening the child's hand, he will be able to write and type for longer periods of time as demands for this skill in his classroom increases. The child is also working on improving his management of time, attention, and focus on tasks. When told he is working under a timer, the child is much more willing to initiate and engage in his work. He is also given the opportunity to work on the carpet where he can freely move his body around prior to doing seated work at the table, where he is required to remain calm and still in one spot. Praising the child builds his motivation to participate and having the opportunity to self-reflect with the use of rewards and stickers builds his internal motivation and desire to participate in adult-directed tasks. Coping skills and strategies are embedded in this lesson, as the child learns coping skills that are written on a card found behind the tissue paper. Notice how lessons are not solely taught just by talking to the child, but are learned through play and games. Making this session fun and engaging!
Today’s session was all about little hands doing big work.
Through playful, child-led activities, we supported fine motor development by:
• Strengthening intrinsic hand muscles through grasping, squeezing, and tool use
• Refining pincer and tripod grasp with brushes, tongs, and small manipulatives
• Encouraging bilateral coordination by stabilizing with one hand while the other works
• Building hand–eye coordination and motor planning through creative exploration
Art and play are powerful OT tools. When children paint, transfer, pinch, and manipulate materials, they’re not just “doing crafts” — they’re laying the foundation for:
✏️ writing
🧠 attention and regulation
🖐️ self-care skills
📚 classroom participation
I love how fine motor work can feel calm, meaningful, and joyful while quietly strengthening the skills children need for everyday life.
Process over product. Always. 💛
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