Virtual Therapy Area

Please read the introduction below to help you get the best out of the Virtual Therapy Area.

Teaching independence

Some children can find everyday tasks such as dressing, brushing teeth, tying shoe laces and using a knife and fork really difficult.

Step by step

Having clear instructions and a step by step approach really helps. Lots of children find it hard to process verbal instructions. Try sitting next to your child and demonstrate the skill slowly, breaking it down into small steps. Your child will need to focus on learning one new skill at a time and they will need lots of practice!

Backward chaining

Backward chaining is a technique used to help teach tasks. It involves breaking a task down into step by step chunks and then teaching the last step first.

For example:
Zips: Engage the bottom of the zip on your child’s coat but let them finish off by pulling the zip up to the top.
Once they are confident in zipping up, they can have a go at the step that comes before this.

For example:
Parent holds the bottom of the zip securely while the child pushes the bottom of the zip in place and pulls up the zip.

By letting the child do a little more of the task, one step at a time, and only when they have mastered the previous step, the child will be more likely to experience success. This will increase their confidence and willingness to have another go.

More information on backwards chaining can be found here: www.nhsggc.org.uk/kids/life-skills/self-care/dressing-myself/backward-chaining

Daily routine

Parents and carers can help by encouraging your child to develop a daily routine. Make sure you give your child regular opportunities and time to practice new skills. We find that practicing little and often works best. It can be hard for busy parents to make time for practice. Sometimes it’s just quicker to do it ourselves! Try to think long term and remember that if you put the work in now, your child will develop their independence sooner.

Motivation

Children (and parents!) can find it really difficult to keep motivated when learning a new skill. Your child may benefit from using a sticker chart or tick chart to keep them motivated and to monitor their progress each week. You can download and print charts and certificates from our website to help keep your child on track.

How to use the videos

Now take a look at our videos which teach everyday skills using a step by step approach. Ask your child which skill they would like to get better at and start with their chosen skill. Find a quiet moment, free from distractions to watch the video together with your child. Some of the videos are more suited to younger children and some to older children.

Practice… it doesn’t have to be perfect!

Once you have watched the video, plan a regular time every day to practice the skill together for a few minutes. Build this practice time into your daily routine. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t want to practice for very long. Give them praise for trying. Let them put a tick on their chart. Remember, your child will have “off” days when they can’t manage it or they need a break. That’s fine too, just get back to practicing the next day. Once your child has achieved their skill or filled their chart with stickers, they have earned a certificate. Sometimes letting your child choose a small treat, such as having their favourite thing for tea or watching a favourite TV show together, can be a great motivator.

Quick wins

Remember, your child will find some skills easier to learn than others. It’s a good idea to start by encouraging your child to learn a skill that isn’t too challenging for them. This way, they are more likely to succeed quickly and be more motivated to carry on learning other skills. We call this a “quick win”.

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Here you can find videos to learn how to put on tops, trousers, socks and even your school tie. You can also learn how to turn clothes the right way round.

If you like puppets, learn with Pollyanna or learn along with our Therapy Staff instead.

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart!

Download extra resources below:

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It can be really tricky learning how to engage a zip at the bottom before pulling it up. We suggest you place the item of clothing on a table in front of you so you can easily see the zip. Once you get really good, you can try putting it on and zipping it up. Here are some videos which teach you how to do it. There are also some step by step picture guides to follow while you learn.

If you like puppets learn with Pollyanna or learn along with our Therapy Staff instead.

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart

Download extra resources below:

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When learning how to fasten buttons, it helps to start with big buttons first and then move onto smaller buttons. We suggest you place the item of clothing on a table in front of you so you can easily see the buttons. Once you get really good, you can try putting it on and buttoning it up.

If you like puppets learn with Pollyanna or learn along with our Therapy Staff instead.

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart!

Download extra resources below:

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Using a knife and fork takes a lot of practice but the simple technique shown in these videos makes it much easier to remember what to do when cutting up your food.

If you like puppets learn with Pollyanna or learn along with our Therapy Staff instead.

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart!

Download extra resources below:

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This video shows you how to brush your teeth properly.

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart!

Download extra resources below:

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Learn the “scoop and lift” technique for bottom wiping by practising with this fun target game. Print out the target (or draw your own), pop it in a clear plastic wallet and you’re ready to wipe!

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart!

Download extra resources below:

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Use a body chart or written check list below as a reminder to wash all the different parts of your body!

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart!

Download extra resources below:

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Learn how to brush your hair or put it up in a ponytail by watching the videos below.

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart

Download extra resources below:

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Tying laces is probably one of the most difficult skills to learn and it takes time. Start by watching the Part 1 video first. Once you’ve nailed that, move onto Part 2.

There are lots of different ways to tie your shoe laces, but this is our favourite.

We have made separate videos depending on whether you are right handed or left handed. There is also a step by step picture guide for you to follow as you practice.

Don’t forget to print off your tick chart!

Download extra resources below:

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Your feedback is important to us and helps us to make service improvements.

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If you have finished using the Virtual Therapy Area and you feel your child still needs an assessment or further support by a motor skills therapist, please complete the form below.

 Please note, we can only see children who:

• have a Sheffield address
• are registered with a Sheffield GP
• have been referred to the Motor Skills team and received an invite to access the Virtual Therapy Area 

Unfortunately, we are unable to process requests from anyone without a referral. This is to ensure children are referred to the correct team and have received appropriate medical screening.

We cannot see:

• Children who live outside of Sheffield
• Young people aged 16+ years.

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