Gross motor skills refer to the ability to control large muscle groups, including the arms, legs, and torso, to perform physical actions like walking, running, jumping, and throwing.

Developing gross motor skills is essential for children to, move around safely and efficiently, engage in physical play and sports, develop balance and coordination, build overall physical fitness and strength and enhance cognitive development and focus.

Some fun and engaging activities to improve gross motor skills in children include:

Running, jogging, and walking

Jumping, hopping, and skipping

Throwing and catching balls or beanbags

Climbing and crawling (e.g., on playground equipment or obstacle courses)

Balancing and walking on balance beams or lines

Dancing and movement games (e.g., Simon Says, Red Light Green Light)

Riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards

Swimming and water play

Group sports and games (e.g., soccer, basketball, tag)

Social skills are essential for children to develop and maintain relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate social situations.

Role-Playing: Practice social scenarios like sharing and taking turns through role-playing.

Social Stories: Use stories to teach empathy, perspective-taking, and understanding social cues.

Video Modeling: Demonstrate appropriate behavior through videos of social interactions.

Peer Mentoring: Pair children with peers who can model and support social skills development.

Encourage Playdates: Arrange playdates with friends and family to practice social skills in natural settings.

Teach Emotional Intelligence: Help children recognise, understand, and manage their emotions.

Foster Empathy: Encourage children to consider others' feelings and perspectives.

Some specific social skills to focus on include:

- Initiation and maintenance of conversations

- Active listening and eye contact

- Cooperation and teamwork

- Conflict resolution and problem-solving

- Emotional regulation and empathy

- Understanding social cues and nonverbal communication

Fine motor skills encompass the ability to perform precise movements with the hands, fingers, and wrists. For children, the development of fine motor skills is paramount in various aspects of daily life such as writing, typing and drawing, using small objects (e.g., buttons, zippers, utensils), dressing and grooming, feeding and eating, engaging in play and leisure activities (e.g., puzzles, building blocks)

To enhance fine motor skills in children, a range of enjoyable activities can be incorporated:

Playdough play

Solving puzzles and brain teasers

Colouring and drawing with different tools (e.g., crayons, markers, paint)

Stacking and nesting objects (e.g., blocks, cups, rings)

Using tweezers or tongs to handle small objects

Lacing and threading activities

Cutting with scissors

Building with construction toys (e.g., Legos, magnetic tiles)

Engaging in pretend play with kitchen utensils and food

Exploring sensory bin activities (e.g., rice, beans, sand)

Occupational Therapists (OTs) play a crucial role in children's development by helping them master daily tasks like dressing, grooming, feeding, and toileting independently.

They teach techniques for emotional regulation, such as deep breathing and visualisation, and aid in sensory integration to reduce overwhelm and promote calmness.

Additionally, OTs guide children in developing social skills like communication and sharing, encourage engagement in play for relaxation, and assist in building self-awareness and confidence.

They also teach coping skills for problem-solving and adaptability and support in establishing routines for independence at home and school.

Fun self-care activities for children include arts and crafts, music, yoga, cooking, outdoor play, journaling, and building play