Skip to main content

SVSU Daily Motor Activity

PT/OT VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

Mondays 8:00-9:00 am (ZOOM ID: 951-9289-7825   Password:1i3xQ5) Ms. Patrick & Ms. Sam

Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 pm (ZOOM ID: 885-763-366, Password: PT23234) Ms. Sam & Ms. Julie

Wednesdays 1:00-2:00 pm (ZOOM ID: 411-808-6829   Password: 522155) Ms. Julie & Ms. Allison

Thursdays 12:00-1:00 pm (ZOOM ID: 873-209-778, Password: 026937) Ms. Allison & Ms. Patrick

or by appointment

 

Feel free to join any Zoom office hour to ask a OT or PT question- we're working as a team and are happy to reach out to other service providers, special educators, teachers, etc. to help support learners.

When joining, please be aware that you may need to wait in the "virtual waiting room" for a few minutes in order to maintain privacy for other families.

 

Thank you!

-Your PT/OT Team

 
Check out these Fine Motor Activities! ~Ms. Ashley
https://handsonaswegrow.com/fine-motor-skills-activities/
 
 
 
With the expected snow storm, take the opportunity to get outside and make a snow obstacle course!
Image result for snowflake
Step 1: Gather items
- Sled, hoola hoop, sticks, ball, pool noodle, plastic bowl
 
Step 2: Create obstacles
- Aim for 5 or more obstacles, ideas include: snow angles, crawling through a hoola hoop, walking heel-to-toe between sticks, jumping over pool noodles, tossing a ball into a "snow hoop", making a snow man, pulling a sibling or a full sled of snow, filling a plastic bowl with snow and making a tower, etc.
 
Step 3: Complete obstacle course
- Race against someone in your family or try to beat your own time
Image result for snowflake
HAVE FUN
 
 
 
 
Check out this fun multi-sensory outdoor scavenger hunt.
Be safe and have fun,
Ms. Jillian
Image result for outdoor scavenger hunt kidsImage result for outdoor scavenger hunt kids
 
Here's a great way Ms. Patrick found to get your whole body moving- try this with your whole family!
 
Keep your bodies moving- today's motor movement is a challenge!!
 
Every time you get a drink today, do one of the following:
-10 jumping jacks
-10 star jumps
-10 frog jumps
Image result for jumping jack kids clip art
Good Morning Students and Parents! 
Here's a great site to check out some yoga moves. Stretch, move your bodies, and listen to some fun stories and music!
https://www.cosmickids.com/
 
Have fun!
Ms. Ashley
Can you follow this video? I bet it will relax you! Try it :)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55OGz8PVrRI
Draw What You See
1. Find some crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, pencil, pen...whatever you have in your home
2. Look out the window and draw/color 5 things you see outside (can you see anything different from different windows?)
3. BONUS! Write down or say something about each item you drew.
Can you believe this link brings you to 101 Fine Motor Activities?!
We've done a lot of these activities at school, lets see if you remember any of them.
 
A few of my personal favorites include:
- Paint plastic cars or animals and then give them a bath with soap, water and a toothbrush for scrubbing.
- Use cookie cutters to cut playdoh. If you don't have any playdoh, you can find some easy recipes online or mix flour and water and a little food coloring.
-Blow bubbles outside. If you need more bubble mixture, mix water and dish soap.
-Lego Build! How tall of a tower can you build without it falling over?
-Paint pictures and paint your name using Q-tips or your fingers.
 
 
* Cosmic Kids Yoga *
Check out this yoga/movement class. Can you remember 5 poses or movements they do?
https://www.cosmickids.com/
BONUS: Can you do a different pose or movement in each room in your house?
CHALLENGE: Challenge someone in your house who can hold a pose longer!
 
SPELL YOUR NAME WITH MOVEMENTS! 
 
A- Jump up & down 3 times
B- Bend down and touch your toes 4 times
C- March in place 5 times
D- Dance in place while you count to 10
E- Turn around in a circle
F- 3 Frog jumps
G- Try to balance on your left foot while you count to 10
H- Hop on one foot 2 times
I- 6 squats 
J- 5 jumping jacks (just your feet if jumping jacks are too tricky!)
K- open and close your hands 10 times
L- 10 arm circles
M- Try to balance on your right foot while you count to 10 
N- 5 wall push ups
O- 2 lunges 
P- 5 Giant steps
Q- 5 high knees
R- Run in place while you count to 10
S- 10 leg kicks forward
T- 10 legs kicks out to the side
U- 3 body twists
V- 5 stomps 
W- 5 bunny hops
X- Reach for the ceiling/sky 4 times
Y- Walk on your heels 8 steps
Z- 5 steps to the side
 
What else can you spell?? 
eggs
Join Ms. Sam in creating your own eggs-ercises!!!!
 
Using plastic Easter eggs, hide small pieces of paper with motor activities-- choose an egg and complete the challenge inside! 
 
no eggs--- create activities and put them all in a bucket or bowl! 
 
examples can include motor activities such cross crawls, marching, jumps... or Easter/Spring themed fun activities--- bunny hops, puddle stomps--- be creative & have fun!
 
The ice and snow may have melted... but ice skating at home can be a great movement break and lots of fun! 
 
Using paper plates (thick paper or socks will work if you don't have any), trying skating around your kitchen or home! 
 
skating!
 
Challenge yourself to try and move around certain obstacles! Don't lift your feet or you'll lose a skate!
 
Be safe & have fun!
 
 
 
 
APRIL SHOWERS..... 
Explore the movements and sounds of April showers.... 
  • Start by rubbing your hands together (change the speed that you rub them together!)
  • Clap your hands together.... 
  • Clap/Pat your hands on your thighs (change speeds to create different speeds of rain)
  • Can you create thunder with large stomps or jumps in between your claps or pats??? (How fast can you stomp your feet??)
 
 
 
Dance!
Friday Freeze Dance Fun!
Ask Mom, Dad, siblings, or caregivers to turn on some of your favorite tunes! Ask them to randomly pause or stop the music while you "Freeze Dance"! Dance your heart out while the music plays but prepare to hold your balance and freeze your body when the music stops! Have fun! 
                                                Earth Day crafts - Promise hands 
In honor of Earth Day on Wednesday 4/22, make a promise to do something for the planet! Create an Earth Day promise hand to hang in your house as a reminder to be eco-wise all year long! You will only need paper, crayons, scissors and glue to make this simple project. Trace your hand, color and cut it out! Add your promise... Have fun being creative! May your week be filled with happiness and peace!
8 Minute Workout! Did you know that exercise not only has physical benefits of improving strength, balance and endurance, but also helps your brain for better learning and focus? Grab a water bottle and a timer. Set the timer for 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds for a total of a minute for each of the exercises below. Repeat 8 times... Be like the creatures of our Earth!
 
                                                   
visit the link below for written instructions on details of various moves:

https://hes-extraordinary.com/morning-workout-for-kids

 

 

Have fun and have a healthy day!!

~Ms. Julie

 Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day! While you find ways to connect with the Earth today, also take time to try these Earth Day Yoga Poses and connect with yourself! Yoga is good for our emotional well being and for keeping our bodies strong and flexible! See if you can hold each one for 20-30 seconds. Remember your deep breathing and focus. How did you feel when you were done?
yoga
 
Today to honor the Earth, practice this inchworm exercise... Great for coordination and strength!

How to Do the Inchworm Core Strength Exercise

Start by standing tall with your feet together.

Next, bend at your waist and put your hands on the ground.

Without moving your feet, walk your hands out until your body is almost straight.

Stop your hands and don’t move them.

Now, walk your feet up to meet your hands.

Stand tall and start again!

inchworm

 

 

 

 

It's Friday! You made it through the week of new learning! Grab some old newspaper. For our last Earth Day activity, let's crumple newspaper up into balls and "Recycle" it for use to have a paper basketball game with someone in your house. Grab a garbage can or big bowl for your "hoop". Don't forget to set up rules with your opponent and to keep score. You'll be able to practice your writing and math skills at the same time! Good luck and have a good game! Enjoy your weekend and keep up the great work!!!
newspaper                          basketball
 
Who remembers our high school senior, Owen? He wants everyone to practice their jumping, either on the ground or trampoline if you have one. Try to get both feet off the ground and both feet landing at the same time. How many jumps can you do?
Jump
What is Owen demonstrating today? 52 card pick-up! That means let a deck of cards fly and then squat or lunge to pick them up one at a time. Are your legs getting tired? Nice workout!
 
card pick up
Owen is still wanting you guys to get moving! Today why don't you play catch with someone in your family? Any ball will do! Or blow up a balloon to make it a little slower and more fun!
 
ball
Owen wants you to relax and take it easy today. Maybe your parent can help you loosen up your stiff joints by doing some range of motion. Gently bend and straighten the tight areas by holding above and below your elbow or knee. Take a nice slow breath and count to ten. Now doesn't that feel better?
 
prom
Ms. Allison would like to see you doing your great yoga poses such as:
Core Reverse Table Pose
 
Who remembers how to do it?
May the force be with you (get it; May the 4th) Smiley Transparent PNG | PNG Play
Try this fun Jedi training today to get ready for the week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRMcEqkSGOE
Baby Yoda Toys: Where to Buy Baby Yoda Mandalorian Products | Money
 
 
 
 
"Hard is work, but need not be if fun!" Ms. Patrick
Cinco de mayo banner and poster design with flags Vector ImageAnother day of celebration; today is CINCO DE MAYO!
It is one of the most important holidays in Mexico and usually filled with games, dance and really good food. Check out this website to find some ideas for games, learn more about Mexican culture and history and don't forget to do the hat dance at the end! https://helpwevegotkids.com/national/article/holidays/10-kid-friendly-ideas-for-cinco-de-mayo/
Therapeutic Fine Motor Activities for Adults After Stroke - Flint ...After all the festivities of the last two days, we are getting back to work.
Fun fine-motor work that is! Get those tiny muscles in shape https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7U4jFs1jo4  
Kids, it's Thursday!
If you are like me, this is the day of the week I need a little brain boost.
Check out our brain gym video to get your noggin a joggin...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8wPtI5bZQc
Health Guide: How to do brain gym exercises?
EyeAnother full week of work is done. Good Job!
You have accomplished A LOT. Be proud of yourself and make sure to rest this weekend; not just your brain and your body, but also your eyes! We are working so much on screens these days that our eyes have to work twice as hard. A good tip to help your eyes and avoid headaches while you work is to follow the 20/20 rule; "every 20 minutes you spend on a screen, spend 20 seconds to rest your eyes - relax your gaze, close your eyes, look at something in the distance but not at the screen while you slowly count to 20". (This is also a good mindfulness exercise!)
If you would like to keep your eyes in shape and ready for learning, check out this website with fun activities https://www.yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2019/04/11/visual-tracking-definition-exercises-and-activities/
Happy Monday everyone!
Lets get the week started with some fun... cha cha cha!  
Cha Cha Slide
It's typing Tuesday! Many of you know Typingclub.com, but did you know that they have a new program for young learners who are ready to type? Check it out here: typing jungle for kids
During remote learning we unfortunately have to miss out on one of our favorite festivities during the school year - SPIRIT WEEK! But let's not fret, we won't forget and will have lots of fun if you follow this link 30 Wacky Wednesday Ideas
Wacky Wednesdays Intro – I Love Brl (Braille)
After a wild and wacky Wednesday we will come back to the green Zone by practicing mindfulness with some fun teachers at 'Alo gives' choose a mindfulness video
Mindfullness
Fridays are Fantastic! You made it through another week of remote learning!!!
You worked hard and have accomplished a lot. Be proud of yourself, say thanks to the ones who helped you along and enjoy the weekend.Looks like it's going to be warmer. In the meantime, let's have a dance party to end this week... Can't stop the feeling dance party
Dancing With The Bloggers | Tempered with Kindness
Today we're going to explore a movement activity on GoNoodle!
 
Join Fabio the moose for some fun on a meatball run-- you'll jump, duck and dodge right and left to miss obstacles! Have fun!
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU0ETGd5dgk
Who doesn't love a unicorn?! Try these fun yoga poses! 
Happy Tuesday! 
Unicorn Yoga
The "Happy Twist" or "Washing Machine" is a favorite during in-class motor groups! Try it at home! 
 
Washing MachineWashing Machine
Ms. Sam loves sensory pathways! As the weather improves and we have more time to get outside, use materials you have at home to create your own sensory pathway or obstacle course. You may use chalk to draw on the driveway or create a variety of movement challenges to place around your yard.. I've included a few pictures of examples below! Be creative & Have fun! 
 
Sensory pathObstacle course
 
 
 
Happy Long Weekend!!! 
Memorial Day weekend is commonly a weekend that many people begin their gardens and plant flowers! 
 
Try some of the following suggestions in the garden with your child to promote upper body strength, coordination, motor planning and balance. Creating a garden plot for your child that he/she looks after him/herself can help to develop motor skills, as well as provide a sense of independence, achievement and pride.


Digging: Use either a hand trowel or a shovel for digging 
 
Pulling Weeds: This will help develop arm and hand strength as well as postural stability. It will also help to keep the garden weed free.
 
Raking: This will develop bilateral coordination and strength. Encourage your child to change hands when raking.
 
Watering (with a watering can or the hose): Specify a certain area to be watered and encourage moving the hose back and forth across the area. If the watering can is heavy, your child will need to use two hands together, which develops bilateral coordination.
 
Planting Seeds: This develops fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
Hope you had a fantastic long holiday weekend and happy Tuesday! It's sometimes difficult getting back in the school groove after a busy weekend and an extra day off of school... take a few mindful moments to do nothing and help your brain and body get refocused! Viparita Karani is often called legs-up-the-wall pose in yoga, but viparita actually means "inverted," and karani means "in action."  There are many benefits to inverting the actions in your body including fluids draining from swollen ankles and tired knees while relieving low back pain. This pose also gives blood circulation a gentle boost toward the upper body and head, which creates a pleasant "re-balancing" and a boost of energy after you have been sitting or standing for a long time. Give it a try, it works! Have a peaceful day!
Coin Sorting Activity | Rising Star
There are so many uses for coins other than using them as money! Gather as many coins as you can out of your piggy bank or from around your house and try these activities to work on your fine motor skills:
- gather 5 small bowls (see picture above); sort a bowl for pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.
- once you have coins sorted, take out the pennies and see how high you can stack them one on top of the other. Try the same with the nickels, dimes and quarters. Was one type of coin easier to stack? How many coins do you have in each pile? Which coin do you have the most of?
- line all of your pennies up in a row with the heads side up. Now see how quickly you can flip each coin over to the tails side. If you have a timer, record your times. Do you get quicker with practice? Make sure you try this with both your right and left hands! You can even have a coin flipping contest with someone else in your house to see who is the fastest! 
 
 
 
We all love to make our own creations and paper folding is a great way to use our hands and eyes together to make accurate folds that turn into something! Check out this video that teaches you how to make a simple paper airplane!
 
 
Dart Paper Airplane
End of the week challenge:
Do you have legos at home? Or straws, scissors, a plate and glue? You can make your own marble maze! Make a plan for a maze, construct/build it and then see if you can get the marble through using your two hands and eyes together to coordinate controlling the marble from start to finish! (*If you do not have a marble, a small bouncy ball may work too, but make sure your path is wide enough!)
 
 
Let's promote self-regulation! If you are struggling to slow down your motor at the end of the day, try a new method. Deep breathing, guided meditation, a warm bath, soothing music, gentle stretching, a story, or a free trial of the Calm.app to help go to sleep. 
 
Winks: When Your Kid Can't Fall Asleep Alone | ParentMap
 

Put your kids to bed with the Calm app
Reflex Integrating Yoga
Try this yoga video to help integrate your reflexes.
This strengthens your nervous system by allowing you to be more in control of your body.
Have you tried CosmicKids Yoga yet?
It's not too late for a free trial! https://www.cosmickids.com/
Yoga is a way to exercise your Sensory Motor system. You can do it inside or outside, by yourself or with a partner, for energy or relaxation, to get stronger or improve your balance.
Refresh Your DeStress Monday with a Sun Salutation
What day is it?!?!

Keep your bodies moving- today's motor movement is a challenge!!

 

Every time you get a snack today, do one of the

following:

-10 toe touches

-jog in place for 10 seconds

-10 wall push ups

 

OR

 

Exercise Snacking – Be AWESOME

 

Exercise Snacking Page 2 - The exercises - Dorset Physiotherapy Centre

Field Day!!
What do you love most about field day?
When it's hot outside, I love the water activities!!
Remember water safety: only with a responsible adult, no running or horseplay, and wear a life vest when boating.
Field Day Water Party - This Pilgrim Life
LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!
How is it possible that we've made it to the last week of school?! 
We wish we were ending the year with fun in person OT/PT games and activities but hope that you can use this opportunity to get your families involved instead :-)
 
Today's fun is something I often like to do with groups at the end of the year... Try making Cloud Dough using the recipe below- have fun with adding colors or various scented lotions. This is great sensory fun for all ages!
 

Cloud Dough

Cloud Dough - The Best Ideas for Kids

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup lotion regular lotion or baby lotion
  • 1 cup cornstarch 

Instructions

  1.      Add 1/2 cup of lotion to a bowl. Add 1-2 drops of the food coloring (if using concentrated gel, if using regular food coloring you'll need more drops to color) and mix. 
  2.      Mix the lotion and food coloring until combined.
  3.      Add 1 cup of cornstarch and mix.
  4.      Mix until combined.
  5.      Then take out the dough and place on some wax paper. Knead with your hands (you may want gloves here so your hands don't stain). Keep kneading until it forms a dough-like consistency. If it's still too sticky add another tablespoon of cornstarch. 
Today's activity is a fun game- you'll need a frisbee and a ball (if you don't have access to these items, get creative with other household items such as a stuffed animal or pillow).
 
Easy Frisbee Golf

1. Start by throwing a ball or other item about 20-30 feet away. 

2. Stand in a line with your competitors and throw your frisbees one at a time, with the goal of landing as close to the ball as possible.  

3. If one of the players manages to land a frisbee on top of the target, they automatically win the round and receive 1 point.  Otherwise, the player who's frisbee lands closest to the ball wins the point. 

4. The first player to score 5 points is the winner of the game. 

Stick Letters or Shapes
 
Today, try getting outside and using sticks to build letters, numbers, or shapes. 
Make it fun by trying to challenge a family member to copy you or take turns guessing the shape, letter, or number as you build it. 
Get yourself moving today and try this fun, outdoor scavenger hunt!
*LAST DAY OF SCHOOL*
Congratulations friends, we've made it through another school year. 
It's been a wild couple of months of remote learning and we thank all of you (as well as parents, grandparents, friends, and family members) who have helped make this go smoothly.
 
Here are some fun summer water games to play if you have the chance: 
 

Swimming Pool Games (for Boys, Girls, & Teens)

#1 – Marco Polo

Marco Polo is just like playing tag in the swimming pool, but the person who’s “it” has to keep their eyes closed to make things more challenging.

This game is really simple… the “it” player calls out “Marco,” and everyone else answers back with “Polo.” Whoever is “It” listens carefully and tries to tag one of the other players. Once he or she successfully tags a player, the tagged player then becomes “it” for the next round.

 

#2 – Submarine Race

Here’s a fun pool game for the younger kids who are just learning how to swim under water. Have the boys and girls line up against the wall on the edge of the pool. Someone yells “Go,” and the kids race underwater to see who can go the furthest without coming up for air.

 

 

#3 – Splash Dance

Each child or team choreographs their own water dance to go with one of their favorite songs.

You could even provide a variety of fun props, like crazy sunglasses, hats, swimming rings, or pool noodles. 

 

#4 – Invisible Bottles

This one is a lot more challenging than you would expect, especially if you can put some of the bottles in the deep end. All you need are a few empty water bottles with the labels and lids off so that they become nearly invisible in the swimming pool.

The adults fill the bottles with water and hide them around the bottom of the pool. The players have to find the bottles, and whoever finds the most wins the game.

 

#5 – Shark and Minnows

This is another version of water tag. The player who is “it” is the shark and the rest of the players are minnows.

The minnows stand at one side of the pool, and when someone says go, they try to get to the other side without being tagged by the shark. The first player to get tagged becomes “it” for the next time.

Safety Tips

Make sure there are plenty of adults around to supervise the fun! Follow pool safety rules and remember to wear sunscreen! Get your family involved too, it's good for everyone to keep moving to keep your mind and body healthy and happy. 

 

Hello SVSU families!

As a way to help ALL learners stay active and engaged during the next few months, the SVSU physical and occupational therapists will be posting motor activities each day. 
 
To view the activity of the day, click the arrow on the right side of the page next to the corresponding date.
 
If you have any questions or comments, please email one of our team members- be safe, keep moving, and have fun!!
pictures