Children's Occupational Therapy - developing skills for activities

This page provides a collection of resources to help children develop skills for everyday activities. It includes guidance on general physical development, learning new skills, self‑care routines, play and leisure, school readiness, and sensory development. The page links to practical PDFs, step‑by‑step guides, and further information from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to support parents, carers, and professionals working with children.

General development

Using My Hands [PDF 157KB]

Normal Variations in Children's Development [PDF 168KB]

Flexible Joints [PDF 117KB]

Being able to Use Both Sides of My Body [PDF 101KB]

Being able to Reach Across My Body [PDF 118KB]

Motor skill development - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website

Taking part in activities

Techniques for Learning New Skills - Backward Chaining and MATCH [PDF 89KB]

Getting Ready for Activities [PDF 117KB]

Playdough [PDF 130KB]

Self care and personal hygiene

Dressing [PDF 128KB]

Tying Shoelaces [PDF, 210KB]

Using a Knife and Fork [PDF 123KB]

A Step by Step Guide to Toilet Training [PDF 1.35MB]

Videos of children completing everyday activities to help practice

Independence skills - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Website.

Toileting - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Website.

Play and leisure

Ball Skills [PDF 102KB]

Co-ordinating My Body for Play and Activities [PDF 151KB]

Messy Play [PDF 102KB]

Riding a Bike [PDF 140KB]

Physical activity and participation - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Website.

Schools and learning

Good Seating [PDF 184KB]

Organising Myself to Carry Out Activities [PDF 109KB]

Starting Primary School [PDF 180KB]

Starting Secondary School [PDF 111KB]

Using Scissors [PDF 177KB]

Writing and the Development of Writing [PDF 164KB]

Touch Typing Practice

Education - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Website.

Sensory development

Using My Senses [PDF 272KB]

Calming [PDF 111KB]

Maximising Attention for Taking Part in Activities [PDF 158KB]

Supporting children with sensory processing needs - Westmorland and Furness

Sensory processing - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Website.