Mighty Hands Slides Everyday Superpowers • Lesson 1
Occupational Therapy for Kids
Mighty Hands & Fingers!
What is an "occupation"? For kids, your daily jobs are playing, writing, drawing, and dressing. Let's power up our hands to master them all!
Pencil Power
Scissor Skills
Daily Independence
Your Hand is an Engineering Marvel
Hand Facts
27
Bones in Each Hand
That's more than a quarter of all the bones in your whole body working together!
Built for flexibility!
34
Teaming Muscles
Muscles in your palm and forearm pull like tiny puppet strings to bend and straighten fingers.
Super strength!
2
Hand Teams
The Skill Side (thumb, index, tall finger) and the Power Side (ring, pinky).
Perfect teamwork!
OT Tip: When the pinky side rests on the table, the skill fingers can write with ease!
Finger Gym: 4 Warm-Up Moves
Try It Now!
1
Spider Push-Ups
Fingertips touch the desk like spider legs. Push palms down and pop back up 5 times!
2
Piano Tap March
Tap thumb to index, tall finger, ring, and pinky. Speed up and tap backward!
3
Pencil Helicopter
Hold pencil in the middle with 3 fingers. Spin it like helicopter blades back and forth!
4
Dough Ball Pinch
Make an open circle with thumb and pointer. Squeeze tightly like pinching clay!
Warm fingers write smoother, tire out slower, and feel more comfortable all day!
The Dynamic Tripod Secret
Pro Grip
Step 1
Alligator Pinch
Thumb and pointer finger pinch the pencil about 1 inch above the sharpened tip.
Soft open web space!
Step 2
Pillow Finger
The tall middle finger acts like a cozy pillow underneath the pencil shaft to support it.
Stable foundation!
Step 3
Sleepy Fingers
Ring and pinky fingers curl gently into the palm and take a quiet nap against the paper.
Smooth resting base!
Hold the pencil like a little bird: tight enough so it won't fly away, but soft enough not to squeeze it!
Scissor Mastery Rules
Tool Safety & Control
Rule 1: Thumbs to the Sky!
Both thumbs should point upward: the thumb inside the top scissor loop AND the thumb of your helper hand holding the paper!
No upside-down scissors!
Rule 2: Helper Hand Steers
The scissors open and shut like a steady chomp. Your other hand is the steering wheel that rotates and guides the paper.
Bilateral coordination power!
Slow and steady cutting beats speedy cutting every single time!
Today's OT Detective Mission
Action Step
Can you name 3 hand jobs you did today?
Buttons or Zippers on your coat
Using a spoon or opening a lunchbox
Carrying your bag & turning pages
Every time you practice with your hands, your brain builds stronger neural pathways!
Up Next: Finger Gym Workout Activity Sheet You are a Mighty Hand Master!
Finger Gym Workout Sheet Everyday Superpowers Lesson 1: Fine Motor Skills
Occupational Therapy Lab
Finger Gym Workout Sheet
Warm up your hand muscles, practice steady pencil control, and test your precision!
Name:
Date:
1 Finger Gym Warm-Up Station
Check off each exercise when completed
Spider Push-Ups
Fingertips on desk, 5 palm lifts
Done!
Piano Tap March
Tap thumb to each fingertip
Done!
Pencil Helicopter
Spin pencil with 3 fingers
Done!
Dough Ball Pinch
O-K circle pinch squeeze 5x
Done!
2 Grip Check: The 3-Finger Tripod
Notice how your hand holds the pencil
Alligator Pinch
Thumb & index finger hold pencil about 1 inch from tip.
My fingers pinch gently
Pillow Finger
Tall middle finger rests quietly underneath the pencil.
Middle finger supports
Sleepy Fingers
Ring and pinky fingers tuck gently into palm.
Pinky side rests on page
3 Precision Pencil Paths: Keep Your Pencil in the Lane!
Start at the star ★ and trace to the flag ⚑
Keep your wrist rested on the page. Move your fingers smoothly without lifting the pencil.
Path A: River Waves (Smooth curves) ★ Start → ⚑ Finish
Path B: Mountain Peaks (Sharp corners & angle control) ★ Start → ⚑ Finish
Path C: Roller Coaster Loops (Flowing cursive prep) ★ Start → ⚑ Finish
Everyday Superpowers • Occupational Therapy Unit Page 1 of 2
Everyday Superpowers Lesson 1: Tool Control & Self-Care
Scissor & Self-Care Lab
Scissor Control & Self-Care Lab
Practice scissor mastery and track your everyday self-care independence superpowers!
Student ID / Page 2
4 Scissor Control Challenge (or Precision Line Tracing)
Remember: Both Thumbs Point Up!
Cut along the dotted line or trace carefully with a colored pencil. Turn the paper with your helper hand as you cut!
Straight:
Finish
Curved:
Finish
Zigzag:
Finish
5 Daily Hand Jobs (ADL Self-Care Tracker)
Rate how each hand job feels for you
Check the column that matches how you feel doing each daily skill right now:
Sensory Detectives Slides Everyday Superpowers • Lesson 2
Occupational Therapy for Kids
Sensory Detectives!
Your brain receives millions of sensory clues every second! Discover how your senses work together to help you feel calm, focused, and ready to learn.
Hidden Senses
Body Engine Check
Regulation Toolbox
Meet Your 2 Secret Senses
Brain Super-Senses
Proprioception
Your "Muscle Sense"
Tells your brain where your body parts are without even looking! Try closing your eyes and touching your nose—that's proprioception!
Deep pressure & heavy work soothe it!
Vestibular
Your "Balance & Motion Sense"
Located in your inner ear. Tells your brain if you are moving, spinning, tilting, going fast, or standing perfectly still!
Rocking & swinging activate it!
Along with sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, these hidden senses make you an unstoppable detective!
How Is Your Engine Running?
OT Regulation Check
Running Low / Slow
Feeling sleepy, sluggish, daydreaming, or moving like you are stuck in slow-motion syrup.
💡 Needs alerting boosts!
Just Right!
Calm, alert, focused, smiling, listening, and ready to learn, play, and connect with friends!
⭐ The learning sweet spot!
Running Too Fast
Bouncing off the walls, fidgety, loud, overwhelmed, or finding it hard to sit still.
💡 Needs calming brakes!
All engine speeds are normal! An OT detective learns how to switch gears whenever needed.
Heavy Work: The Magic Regulator
OT Superpower
Wall Push-Ups
Hands flat against the wall, bend elbows, push firmly away. Gives deep calming feedback to arm joints!
5-10 Steady Reps
Stack & Carry
Carrying a stack of library books or moving classroom chairs. Puts your big core muscles to purposeful work!
Classroom Helper
Bear & Crab Walks
Crawling on hands and feet across the rug. Engages your whole body and grounds excessive energy quickly!
Grounding Fun
Why it works: Heavy work feeds your proprioceptive system, telling your nervous system: "You are safe and secure!"
Choose Your Sensory Tool
Toolbox Menu
Calming Tools (When High)
Five-Finger Breathing: Trace and breathe slowly
Sensory Detective Logbook Everyday Superpowers Lesson 2: Sensory Regulation
Sensory Detective HQ
Sensory Detective Logbook
Investigate your body's engine, track sensory clues, and find your calm focus zone!
Detective:
Date:
1 Engine Speed Check-In
Where is your body engine right now?
Circle the engine zone that matches your body energy in this moment:
Low / Slow
Sleeping Bear 🐻
Tired, daydreaming, low energy, slow to move
This is Me
Just Right ⭐
Focused Owl 🦉
Calm body, ready brain, smiling, listening well
This is Me
Fast / Revved
Bouncing Bunny 🐰
Wiggly, fast talk, jittery, hard to sit still
This is Me
2 Sensory Detective Clue Matrix
Notice what your senses prefer
Check the box that tells how each sensory clue feels to you:
Sensory Clue I Love It! 👍 It's Okay 😐 Too Much! ✋ Bright overhead fluorescent lights
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| Busy cafeteria or gym noise |
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| Sticky finger paint, glue, or slime |
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| Spinning, swinging, or rolling around |
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| Big firm bear hugs or heavy blankets |
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3 Secret Sense Experiment: The Blindfold Finger Touch
Proprioception Test
Close both eyes. Stretch arms out wide. Slowly bring your index fingers together until they touch in front of your chest!
My fingers met on the first try!
I needed 2-3 tries to find them!
Everyday Superpowers • Occupational Therapy Unit Page 1 of 2
Everyday Superpowers Lesson 2: My Calming & Focus Menu
Regulation Headquarters
My Personal Sensory Toolbox
Choose your heavy work strategies and craft your everyday focus plan!
Detective ID / Page 2
4 Heavy Work Power Picks
Pick 3 favorites to recharge your body
Wall Push-Ups
Push flat against wall 10x to ground shoulder muscles.
Chair Push-Ups
Routine Champions Slides Everyday Superpowers • Lesson 3
Occupational Therapy for Kids
Routine Champions!
How do we turn everyday school tasks into smooth, effortless routines? Learn ergonomic secrets, desk organization hacks, and how to champion your own success!
90-90-90 Posture
Task Sequencing
Self-Advocacy
The 90-90-90 Posture Rule
Desk Ergonomics
1
Feet Flat on Floor
Your feet create an anchor! Ankles bent at 90°. If feet dangle, use a footstool or book stack.
Solid foundation!
2
Knees at 90°
Knees bend cleanly over the seat edge without pinching. Keeps leg circulation happy and active.
Relaxed joints!
3
Hips Back at 90°
Bottom all the way back against the chair backrest. Keeps your spine straight and lungs fully open.
Zero slumping!
When your body is physically supported, your brain doesn't waste energy trying to keep balance!
Chunking Big Jobs Into Steps
OT Secret: Sequencing
1
Unpack
Hang coat, put water bottle in cubby, unzip backpack.
Step One
2
Deliver
Homework folder into teacher bin, lunchbox on rack.
Step Two
3
Ready Desk
Place pencil, eraser, and morning workbook ready.
Step Three
4
Start Work
Sit in 90-90-90 posture and begin with a calm breath.
Step Four
Whenever a job feels overwhelming, ask: "What is just the VERY FIRST step?"
Your Desk Command Center
Visual Organization
The Reach Zones
Keep tools you use every minute (pencil, eraser) in your Easy Reach Zone (one forearm length away).
Keep items you use once in a while (glue stick, scissors) in your Secondary Zone (upper corner).
No knocking over water bottles!
Clear Sight, Clear Mind
Cluttered desks make tired brains! Only keep open the one paper or book you are working on right now.
Tuck backpack straps under your chair so aisles stay safe and trip-free for everyone.
Fast, stress-free transitions!
A 2-minute desk tidy-up at the end of the day sets tomorrow's you up for success!
Self-Advocacy: Ask for Your Tools
Daily Mission Roadmap Everyday Superpowers Lesson 3: Routines & Independence
Routine Champions Lab
Daily Mission Roadmap
Check your ergonomic posture, map out your school routine, and organize your desk!
Champion:
Date:
1 The 90-90-90 Body Seating Check
Check each box as you adjust your body
1. Feet Flat
Both soles firmly resting on the floor
Anchored
2. Knees at 90°
Gentle right angle at chair edge
Level
3. Hips Back 90°
Bottom against chair backrest
Supported
4. Elbows & Wrists
Forearms resting comfortably
Relaxed
2 Morning Mission Sequence: Put in Order (1 to 4)
Chunking big jobs
Write numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the boxes to put this morning routine in the best order:
Deliver Folders & Water Bottle
Put homework folder in teacher tray and water bottle in cubby.
Hang Coat & Unzip Backpack
Hang jacket neatly on hook and take out supplies from bag.
Begin Morning Warm-Up / Task
Sit in 90-90-90 posture, take a calming breath, and begin work.
Set Up Desk Command Center
Place pencil in easy reach zone and clear away backpack straps.
3 Desk Command Center: Zone Map
Visual Organization
Draw a line matching each item to where it belongs on your desk for smooth learning:
Zone 1: Active Center
Right in front of your chest (one paper at a time)
Current Assignment
Zone 2: Easy Reach
Forearm length away on your dominant hand side
Pencil & Eraser
Zone 3: Top Corner
Upper edge of desk, away from elbows
Water Bottle & Glue
Everyday Superpowers • Occupational Therapy Unit Page 1 of 2
Everyday Superpowers Lesson 3: Self-Advocacy & Graduation
Champion Badge Lab
Self-Advocacy & Champion Pledge
Practice speaking up for what you need and earn your Everyday Superpowers badge!
Champion ID / Page 2
4 Self-Advocacy: Polite Power Scripts
Practice saying these aloud!
Read each scenario and check the script you can use when you need an OT tool:
Scenario A: My hand hurts from gripping too tight
"Excuse me, teacher. My fingers are getting tired. May I try a pencil grip or do 3 finger push-ups?"
