LCD Writing Tablet
I am always looking for ways to make drawing and writing more engaging. These LCD tablets are so fun! They are lightweight, portable and have a built-in storage spot for the pen. The tablet creates different colors when you write on it, and it is very easy to delete your work and start over.
Mini Magnatiles
Magnatiles are a huge hit with almost all of my students. Not only are they motivating, but they encourage students to work on coming up with their own ideas and plans for building, hand-eye coordination skills, as well as social interaction skills when building with peers. These smaller tiles are great for working at a table or desk. I can see myself using these as a way to ease into the therapy session, or as a motivating reward to end the session. Additionally, I can work on student handwriting goals by encouraging them to write and share about their creations.
Sensory Board
I have seen these on social media but haven’t tried them myself until now! I love the interesting texture as well as the challenge to place the string within the maze boundaries. This tool offers some options for creativity to make a new design or path each time a student engages with it. This could also be a great regulation tool in the classroom as it is quiet and compact.
Sticky Cubes
These little cubes are like stacking blocks without the loud crash that inevitably happens when the tower is too big. These will allow for students to be creative to come up with designs and will also require social interaction skills if working with peers. Building blocks designs also addresses important visual motor skills that are foundational for writing. The interesting texture provides sensory input that some students may enjoy exploring.
Sudoku/Crossword Puzzles/Word Searches/Mad Libs
I haven’t used these much in my therapy sessions recently, but I wanted to add some options into my toolbox this year. Not only are these a great way to work on writing skills, I find they can be a great option for some students to help with regulation. I have observed that when there is downtime in between activities or a breaktime, it can be challenging for my students. These pencil and paper activities are not the right match for everyone, but for some of my students, they are engaging in a productive way that helps them calm and reset.
- 5 Items I’m Adding to my OT Toolkit This School Year - September 10, 2025
- 5 OT Tips for Creating a Regulating Morning Routine - August 13, 2025
- Thinking Ahead: Preparing for Life after Graduation - January 15, 2025
