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43 Warm Weather Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Occupational Therapy Session
May 18, 2023As the weather warms up and the flowers bloom, occupational therapists (OTs) know spring is a great time to work on skills with their clients. Here are 43 tips for OTs to help their clients make the most of the spring season:
- Encourage clients to take a walk outside and observe the changes in nature.
- Have clients practice dressing for the warmer weather.
- Use gardening activities to work on fine motor skills.
- Have clients practice bike riding to work on balance and coordination.
- Teach clients about sun safety and the proper use of sunscreen.
- Practice cooking with fresh spring produce.
- Have clients practice tying shoes for outdoor activities.
- Use sidewalk chalk to work on fine motor skills and creativity.
- Practice throwing and catching a ball to work on hand-eye coordination.
- Encourage clients to attend outdoor concerts or events to work on social skills.
- Practice cleaning and organizing outdoor spaces.
- Teach clients how to ride a scooter or skateboard.
- Practice writing outside with pencils or markers.
- Encourage clients to try a new outdoor activity like hiking or kayaking.
- Use birdwatching as a way to work on attention and observation skills.
- Practice carrying and lifting objects like groceries or yard tools.
- Teach clients about different types of flowers and plants.
- Have clients practice navigating a new outdoor environment.
- Work on hand strength and dexterity with activities like picking up small objects or using a hammer and nails.
- Encourage clients to try a new healthy recipe.
- Practice mindfulness activities outside, like deep breathing or yoga.
- Use outdoor painting or drawing activities to improve fine motor skills and creativity.
- Have clients practice setting up and taking down outdoor equipment like tents or chairs.
- Practice jumping or skipping rope to work on coordination and balance.
- Use outdoor scavenger hunts to work on problem-solving and observation skills.
- Encourage clients to take a swim to work on gross motor skills and coordination.
- Practice sensory activities like exploring different textures outside.
- Have clients practice identifying different types of trees or plants.
- Use outdoor obstacle courses to work on gross motor skills and coordination.
- Encourage clients to try a new outdoor sport like tennis or golf.
- Practice using outdoor tools like rakes or shovels to work on hand strength.
- Teach clients about recycling and eco-friendly practices.
- Practice using scissors or other cutting tools outside.
- Use outdoor music activities to work on rhythm and coordination.
- Encourage clients to take a nature walk and identify different types of animals.
- Practice using outdoor equipment like swings or climbing structures.
- Teach clients about outdoor safety practices like avoiding poison ivy or using insect repellent.
- Use outdoor sensory activities like sand play or water play to work on sensory integration.
- Encourage clients to practice mindfulness activities like meditation or breathing exercises outside.
- Use outdoor cooking activities like grilling or campfire cooking to work on sequencing and following directions.
- Have clients practice carrying a backpack or other outdoor gear to work on strength and endurance.
- Teach clients about outdoor first aid and emergency preparedness.
- Use outdoor water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding to work on balance and coordination.