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Embarking on the quest for age-appropriate materials tailored to the unique needs of older students can be a challenging journey for therapists and educators alike. Recently, I received a question from a dedicated therapist working with students in the 5th-8th grade range, expressing the common struggle of finding engaging activities that resonate with this diverse caseload. As someone who also navigates a K-8 caseload, predominantly focused on K-4, I understand the importance of sourcing resources that bridge the gap for older students. In this blog post, I aim to share insights and a curated list of activities, minus the cutesy clipart, that have proven effective in engaging and benefiting older students.
Incorporating Games for Skill Development: One effective strategy I’ve employed is incorporating games into therapy sessions for older students. These games serve as versatile tools, seamlessly integrating self-regulation, fine motor, and visual perceptual skills into what students perceive as pure fun. The ability to infuse skill-building exercises into entertaining activities not only enhances engagement but also allows for a holistic approach to therapy. Let’s explore a few of my favorite games that not only cater to a diverse caseload but also travel well for on-the-go therapy sessions.
- Kluster
- Doodle Dice
- Pass the Pigs
- Blink
- Cobra Paw
- Spot It
- Tenzi
- Left Center Right
- Diamond Dotz
The Challenge of Age-Appropriate Resources: The challenge of aligning materials with the developmental needs and interests of older students is a shared concern among therapists. It requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that activities not only capture their attention but also address the specific skill levels and goals pertinent to their age group. While the majority of my caseload falls within the K-4 spectrum, I have curated a collection of resources and games from my store that transcend traditional age boundaries.
Visual perception/Fine Motor/Eye-tracking
Community helpers follow the directions
Spot the difference around the house
Spot the difference-community helpers
Functional Vocabulary Word Searches
Social Emotional Learning
Behavior sort and reflection
Triggers and Calming Strategies
Gross Motor/Brain Breaks
Gross motor follow the directions
Handwriting
Navigating the landscape of age-appropriate resources for older students requires creativity, adaptability, and a keen understanding of their evolving needs. As therapists, we play a pivotal role in curating engaging activities that seamlessly blend skill development with enjoyment. By leveraging games and activities that travel well, we ensure that therapy remains dynamic, effective, and tailored to the diverse caseloads we serve.
About the Author
I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and have been working in a public school system for more than 25 years. My CreativeCOTA LLC resources can be found on TPT, BOOM Learning, Made by Teachers, Classful, and Your Therapy Source.
Thank you for your interest in my resources and ideas. I hope you will consider following my journey on TPT or wherever you wish to shop.
My mission is to help you find creative ideas to incorporate fine motor, visual perception, gross motor, and social-emotional learning into your lessons.
I hope you consider signing up for my Free Resource Library with your Email. I send out emails about once a week and share resources, tips, and planning ideas for your classroom or occupational therapy needs. Hopefully, these help your students work on building their skills in a fun and engaging way.
Cindy@CreativeCOTA.com
