We often think of heavy work activities for the whole body, such as carrying heavy books or pushing a Weighted Pushcart. Focusing these types of deep pressure activities on hands is great for improving fine motor skills and hand strength. Heavy handwork is very beneficial, especially for children with ADHD. It can provide a mental break, prepare them for learning and act as a filter to support concentration. Here are some of our occupational therapists’ favorite ways to incorporate heavy handwork.
Sensory Bin Play
You can set up a play station for kids of all ages with a simple base of water, sand or putty. Water play can be a good way to ease into heavy handwork as the water provides a lower level of resistance. Filling a cup with water, lifting it up and pouring it out allows kids to start without touching the water if they are sensitive to it. Make sure to adjust the temperature to your child’s preference as well. Sand and putty give greater resistance for a heavier workout. Add pieces to the sensory base for kids to explore, dig and pull out.
Clean As a Whistle
Household chores such as washing dishes, mopping, sweeping, dusting and wiping down surfaces can be a great hand workout while building useful life skills. Firmly grasping the handle of a broom or squeezing a spray bottle helps strengthen kids’ hand muscles. Give kids an assignment that is age-appropriate and be sure to supervise for safety.
Calling All Cooks
Cooking and baking are great for tactile heavy handwork. It takes a lot of strength to roll out dough, stir sauces and whisk eggs! If your child is a sensory avoider and does not want to touch raw ingredients, then focus on measuring, mixing and pouring. If your child craves tactile exploration, then have them wash their hands and really dig in!
Make Some Moves
Encourage kids to warm up and work out their hands with pushups, pull-ups and wheelbarrow walks. You can change the tactile effect by choosing a variety of surfaces to do these activities on, like grass, carpet or tile. Using the monkey bars is a great way to target the hands and core muscles. To increase the intensity, try a climbing wall; this strengthens intrinsic hand muscles as kids grip the holds. When children combine any of these movement activities with deep breathing it helps increase the overall calming effect they have.
Invest in the Arts
There are many opportunities for heavy handwork in creative endeavors. Painting and drawing engage the intrinsic muscles. Sculpting clay can provide deep pressure input as you work the material. Playing a musical instrument such as the piano or string instruments can help tune up the hands. In addition to encouraging creativity, these also build discipline skills.
Not Just Child's Play
Keeping children’s hands engaged with play activities may seem like just fun and games, but they are actually getting a great workout! While you want to ensure that the activities are age-appropriate, don’t be afraid to challenge your child with a slightly harder activity to help them further develop their skills and strength.
Explore our variety of sensory tools to target fine motor skills and hand strength for your kids.
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