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Obstacle Courses Address a Variety of Skills
By Anne Zachry, PhD, OTR/L
My favorite pediatric occupational therapy intervention is, hands down, an obstacle course. Obstacle courses are versatile and can target various skills, including motor planning, body scheme, strengthening, following directions, sensory processing, bilateral coordination, and balance, just to name a few!
When creating an obstacle course, you must first consider the skills that need to be addressed. Working closely with the child to find out their interests is also essential. This client-centered approach will make participation motivating and fun for the child. For example, if the child is interested in ocean life, that can be the theme of the obstacle course. Once you’ve decided on a theme, work with the child to create a “map” that includes the sequence of activities. The map can consist of text, drawings, and/or photos, whichever is most appropriate for the child.
It is best to use various materials when constructing the obstacle course. If you work in a pediatric clinic, some tried-and-true items are scooter boards, puzzles, bean bags, tunnels, multisensory materials, balance beams, and stepping stones or cushions. If you go to the child’s home for therapy...
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