Therapy Happens in the Everyday
You've heard it before: the best therapy happens in real life, not just in the therapy room. But what does that actually look like when you're already juggling a million things?
This guide offers simple, practical ways to support the individual's speech and OT goals through everyday activities—no special equipment required.
The Key Principles
Before diving into activities, remember:
- Follow the individual's lead: Build on what interests them
- Keep it playful: The moment it feels like work, the learning stops
- No pressure: Offer opportunities, don't demand performance
- Embrace imperfection: Connection matters more than "correct"
- Small moments add up: 2 minutes here and there is valuable
Speech and Language at Home
Mealtime
- Name foods as you prepare and eat
- Talk about qualities: "Hot soup! Cold ice cream!"
- Make choices: "Apple or banana!"
- Model sounds/words without expecting imitation
- Use mealtime phrases consistently: "More please," "All done"
Bath Time
- Name body parts while washing
- Play with water toys and narrate actions
- Use bathtime books
- Sing the same songs each time
- Practice sounds with echo games
Book Reading
- Let them hold and explore books
- Follow their interest (it's okay to skip pages!)
- Point to pictures and name them
- Use different voices
- Read the same favorites repeatedly
- Pause and let them fill in words they know
Play Time
- Narrate what you're doing
- Expand their words: "Ball" → "Throw ball!"
- Use simple language matched to their level
- Wait and give them time to communicate
- Get face-to-face when playing
In the Car
- Sing favorite songs
- Listen to audiobooks or music
- Point out things you see
- Play simple games ("I spy")
- Keep favorite books in the car
Occupational Therapy at Home
Morning Routine
- Let them dress independently (as able)
- Use heavy blankets for morning snuggles
- Include movement: animal walks to breakfast
- Have them carry their own backpack
- Try brushing hair/teeth in different positions
Meal Prep
- Stirring, pouring, measuring
- Pushing cookie cutters into dough
- Kneading bread or playdough
- Setting the table (heavy work!)
- Opening containers
Outdoor Play
- Playground climbing
- Pushing wheelbarrows
- Digging in dirt or sand
- Carrying rocks or sticks
- Running, jumping, climbing
Indoor Movement
- Pillow fights and crash landing into cushions
- Wheelbarrow walks
- Building forts (moving cushions is hard work!)
- Dancing to music
- Animal yoga
Fine Motor Practice
- Playdough play
- Drawing and coloring
- Stickers (peeling is great practice!)
- Building with blocks
- Playing with tongs and tweezers
Self-Care
- Practicing buttons and zippers on non-stress occasions
- Brushing teeth independently
- Washing hands with attention to each step
- Putting on shoes with decreasing help
- Using utensils at meals
Making It Work for Your Family
Build into Routines
Don't add extra tasks—build practice into what you're already doing.
Create Opportunities
Set things up so the individual needs to communicate or problem-solve:
- Put favorites slightly out of reach
- Pause during familiar songs
- Give small portions so they request more
- "Forget" necessary items so they notice
Involve the Whole Family
Siblings and other caregivers can participate too. The more opportunities, the better.
Keep it Sustainable
This shouldn't add stress. Do what you can, when you can. Some moments will be magical; others will flop. Both are okay.
What to Avoid
- Turning every moment into "therapy"
- Quizzing the individual ("What's this? Say ball!")
- Getting frustrated when they don't perform
- Overloading your schedule with activities
- Comparing to other individuals
Remember
You're already doing so much. Adding intention—not pressure—to everyday moments is enough. The individual is learning from you all the time, simply through your connection and interaction.
Therapy supports development. But relationship is the foundation.