Therapy in the Snow!

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With the recent influx of snow and the impending snow forecasted for this winter, we thought this would be a great time to introduce this article written by Step Forward Therapy that introduces some fun ways to incorporate occupational therapy and speech therapy into playing out in the snow!  Different activities include throwing snow balls, snow painting, sledding and even shoveling (so good for motor planning and strength). Full article in linked at the bottom of the page.

Snow Shoveling for Motor Planning and Task Completion

  • OT Focus: While it may seem like a chore, shoveling snow can actually be a great motor planning activity! Children can practice sequencing steps (get the shovel, lift the snow, throw it), working on their motor planning and coordination.

  • Speech Focus: Have children explain each step of the process as they go along, using action words and sequencing phrases like “First, we…” and “Then we…” This will help improve their ability to organize thoughts and communicate clearly.

Snow Painting for Fine Motor Skills

  • OT Focus: Fill spray bottles with water and food coloring to create “snow paint.” Kids can use this to “paint” the snow, practicing fine motor control, hand strength, and grasp. They can also engage in purposeful tracing, which helps with hand-eye coordination.

  • Speech Focus: Encourage kids to describe their artwork, helping them practice full sentences and specific vocabulary (colors, shapes, feelings about the art). Older children can even narrate a story about their snow masterpiece, working on story structure and sequencing.

Snowball Toss for Coordination and Strength

  • OT Focus: Throwing snowballs helps improve gross motor skills like hand-eye coordination, muscle strength, and balance. Kids can practice targeting specific areas by aiming at a snowbank or tree, encouraging focus and improving upper body strength.

  • Speech Focus: Incorporate language goals by having kids describe what they’re doing. Use action words (throw, catch, aim) and expand their vocabulary by asking them to describe the snow or the different types of snow they feel or see.