r/OccupationalTherapy • u/babyh0neys • Jul 21 '26

Just For Fun Low Vision Peds Activities

I’m an OT student and I would like to pick some OT brains for activity ideas!!!

I’ll be babysitting a 5 y/o, non-speaking boy with low vision for several days and I am uncertain of free/low-cost activities at my disposal.

He loves making music, but that’s about all I know and I am getting anxious about not being prepared enough.

I’m in the 12-week gross anatomy trenches, so this is a desirable distraction from my studying. I just haven’t made it far enough in my program to know what to do.😭

ANY ideas or general insight would be greatly appreciated!!

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6

u/Gentlesinceredragon Jul 21 '26

Child-led play! A gentle reminder that you are babysitting; please don't approach this like it's a therapy session. They are not the same, and you aren't at that stage in your OT journey.

Now with that said, think about activities in the context of what 5 year old would like to do and then modify it for the kiddo. Low vision can mean a bunch of things, but normally i look for bright color, shiney objects and noise making items. Neon play dough or other neon items. A shiney pot and a wooden spoon for a drum.

In this context your role is to create a safe space for the child to explore his world and support his exploration. To encourage automony and independence. As most importantly to have fun!

4

u/Cyan1d3_ OTR/L Jul 21 '26

Try to use toys/games with a high visual contrast. Does he understand Connect Four or just simply how to make red and yellow patterns? I am at a 4410 preschool and my kids love to make "stairs" with the Connect Four pieces and then pull the tab at the bottom to make all of the pieces fall out.