4 Steps to Calm Down, Get Exercise, Pack Up or Whatever!
I just love this idea from Dr Jean. In her blogpost, she describes how you can use this four square idea to teach children concepts about math, reading, writing and more! I thought this was a great idea for school based occupational and physical therapists as well. To start, fold a piece of paper into 4 squares and unfold. The child can write or draw the four steps of an activity or four suggested activities to help them achieve their goals. By having the student review all the steps necessary and writing/drawing the directions it will help with motor memory, motor planning, sequencing and organization. Here are a few ways you could use the 4 square activity:
- Steps required for activities of daily living ie packing up at the end of the day (see photo), shoe tying, making the bed, preparing a sandwich, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, going through the lunch line, etc.
- Activities that will help a child to calm down
- Ideas to encourage physical activity at home
- Activities to get the brain ready to focus
- Reminders to self check handwriting skills
- Preparatory activities to wake up the senses.
The lists could go on and on. This idea is very open ended and could be done with just a piece of paper and a pencil! What school based therapist, who carries tons of equipment from school to school or room to room, doesn’t love a light weight, no prep activity???
If you do need to offer some visual pictures or suggested activities check out the Cut and Paste Sensory Diet, Sensory Mini Books or Self Calming Strategies.
Comments are closed.