More Than Just Fun: Why Play Matters in OT

Occupational Therapists spend a lot of time participating in play activities with children. We often get questions around why we spend so much time playing with our clients and ask so many questions about children’s ability to play in different ways. 

Play is a primary occupation of children and is essential in the development of many skills that kids use on a day to day basis throughout life. Play helps us explore and learn about the world around us. 

As OTs, we use play in many ways, including as a therapeutic tool, as a goal of therapy and even as an assessment tool. 

Play allows children to develop: 

•    Motor skills

•    Sensory processing skills

•    Imagination

•    Social relationships and social skills 

•    Problem solving skills

•    Communication skills 

Play gives the opportunity for a child to:

•    Engage in age appropriate play

•    Participate in meaningful leisure activities that match their interests and strengths 

•    Develop independence 

Play also gives the therapist a chance to:

•    Understand what developmental level the child is at and identify if there are delays present 

•    Identify the child's strengths and challenges in motor, sensory and social skill areas

•    Create therapy plans that speak to the child's interests 

In OT, play is more than just fun — it's a vital tool for learning, therapy, and development. It helps us as therapists connect with children in meaningful ways, making therapy engaging while addressing developmental goals.

Christine He - Occupational Therapist at Kids Inspired