We live in a world where screens are everywhere! We have phones, TV’s, tablets, computers, etc! There is a lot of knowledge and access to resources on our screens but it’s important to incorporate screen free activities to support your child’s development.
Arts and Crafts
Activities like drawing, colouring, cutting, and gluing are fantastic for developing fine motor skills and hand strength.
- Make collages using old magazines
- Finger painting for sensory play
- Cutting shapes with child-safe scissors
- Make cards for family members and friends
- Make playdough at home
- Make friendship bracelets
- Make sock puppets
Obstacle Courses
Set up a simple obstacle course at home or in the backyard using cushions, chairs, and toys.
- Crawling under tables
- Jumping over pillows
- Balancing along a line of tape
- Dodging in between cones
- Use chalk to draw road on driveway and use bike/scooter on the ‘road’
Puzzles and Building Toys
Puzzles, LEGO, and building blocks help children think critically and improve spatial awareness.
- Age-appropriate puzzles
- Building towers or bridges
- Sorting and stacking games
- Give your child something to build (e.g. build a LEGO bridge that holds up this book)
- Board games
- Card games (e.g. Uno)
Reading and Storytelling
Reading together boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination.
- Read a bedtime story daily
- Ask your child to retell the story
- Make up your own stories together
Pretend Play
Dress-ups, role-playing, and imaginative play help children understand emotions and social situations.
- Play “shops” or “kitchen”
- Dress up as different characters
- Act out everyday routines
- Host a puppet show
- Put on a dance performance
Sensory Play
Sensory activities can help children feel calm, focused, and regulated.
- Play with playdough or slime
- Water play with cups and containers
- Sand or rice bins
- Cooking together (e.g. make a cake for morning tea)
- Kmart has these great sensory kits to support this type of play
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/26-pack-scentos-scented-sensory-play-compounds-set-43492657/
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/18-pack-slime-tub-43643097/
Outdoor Play
Outdoor time is one of the best ways to support overall development.
- Nature walks
- Ball games
- Playground
- Nature scavenger hunt (e.g. find 3 smooth leaves, find 2 long sticks)
- Plant seeds/flowers or make a vegetable garden
- Cloud watching (find shapes in the clouds)
The best learning often happens through simple, playful moments at home. By encouraging hands-on experiences through screen-free activities, you’re helping your child build the skills they need for life.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or want more personalised strategies, please call (02) 9913 3823 or email hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au to book in a session with an Occupational Therapist.
