Movement Matters: Creative OT Activities at Home and the Power of Teletherapy

ByHomeschool OT

Many of us, as parents, find ourselves searching for meaningful ways to keep our children be active, especially during long stretches indoors or when access to support services is limited. If you’ve ever wondered how to make movement-based occupational therapy (OT) fun and accessible at home, or if teletherapy could help fill service gaps—you’re not alone.

I had an inspiring conversation with Renee Mathews, an occupational therapist and digital resource creator. Renee’s practical approach not only supports children’s development but also encourages us, as parents and caregivers, to embrace creativity with what we already have at home.

But what does this look like, really, with children of different ages and ability levels, or in a household where chaos is more common than calm? Stick around, because what Renee shared may surprise and encourage you.

Meeting Kids Where They Are, Even From Afar

Many families today live in areas where therapy resources are limited, or the logistics of getting out of the house for one child’s appointment turn daily routines upside down. Teletherapy—OT delivered virtually may sound daunting, but, as Renee explains, it can become a lifeline.

Some children log into OT from remote farms; others from bustling homes with siblings swirling around them. Rather than being confined to screen-based clicks, teletherapy sessions often invite children to gather household objects, take laptops outside, or create real-world obstacle courses all with guidance and support from a therapist miles away.

Does it require adaptation, cooperation, and sometimes a bit of negotiation for everyone’s attention? Certainly. But as in any multi-age, multi-ability group, the creativity that arises from limitation can be profound.

The Secret Ingredient: Movement + Everyday Objects

As parents, we may picture therapy—or even play-based skill-building—as needing elaborate tools. Instead, Renee champions using the “OT toolkit” you probably already have: paper, pencils, scissors, playdough, string, coins, rubber bands, blankets, pillows—everyday items awaiting a dash of imagination.

For example, in one of her most popular videos, the “surfboard” challenge, children balance on a pillow or blanket, pretending to ride the waves while working on body awareness, motor coordination, and balance. Other activities invite them to manipulate playdough, string beads, rip and roll paper, or challenge their fingers with coins—all building the critical, underlying skills needed for everything from handwriting to getting dressed.

Is this always smooth and seamless? Hardly. Sometimes it’s a “shark attack” of giggles and wobbles, with pencils rolling under chairs and paper scraps multiplying by the minute. But in those moments, both learning and laughter flourish.

Why Move? The Link Between Body Awareness and Academic Skills

Why does moving matter so much? Because, as Renee reminds us, children need to develop awareness of their bodies in space—proprioception—and refine their motor skills for everything from handwriting to tying shoes. In OT lingo: “Proximal stability leads to distal mobility.” Translation? Strong, coordinated core muscles provide the foundation for nimble, accurate hand and finger movements.

If your child struggles with clumsiness, bumping into things, or trouble with fine motor tasks, these could be signs that body awareness needs support. Movement activities—especially those using both sides of the body, with eyes closed or while balancing—help strengthen these important connections.

Adapting to Fit Your Family

Every child, and every day, is different. For some, movement breaks sprinkled through the day (between math and lunch, or to start the morning) might be ideal. For others, a short, 2–5 minute video can kick things off or wind things down. Adjust the pace: slow the video for beginners, pause to allow more time, or speed it up for a challenge.

Not every family will benefit from teletherapy, and sometimes hands-on, in-person care is truly best. But for many—especially homeschoolers, rural families, or those juggling multiple needs—teletherapy can be adapted to fit your unique rhythm. Ask about a provider’s experience, licensure, suggested materials, and support for your situation: the goal is a fit that works for you and your child.

Encouragement for the Journey

The heart of Renee’s message—and, truly, the spirit of OT—is that with flexibility, resourcefulness, and a willingness to try, you can help your child build lifelong skills, even in the midst of organized (or disorganized!) chaos. The most important thing isn’t the materials, it’s the movement, the effort, and the joy of trying together.

So next time your living room feels less like a classroom and more like a wave pool or craft factory, remember: the magic happens in the movement, the messiness, and the shared work of learning and growing, day by ordinary day.

OT is IN #76: Body Awareness- Indoor Activities

We’re joined by Renee Mathews, an occupational therapist known for her innovative activity ideas geared toward kids both indoors and out. This lively conversation dives into Renee’s journey from working in inpatient rehab to becoming a leader in the world of school-based teletherapy, where she helps students and families access vital OT services no matter where they are.

We’ll chat about the ins and outs of teletherapy, exploring what it looks like for families in remote areas or those who choose virtual schooling, and how occupational therapy can be adapted creatively for the online space. Renee shares her process for developing fun, accessible activities that support kids’ body awareness, motor skills, and overall development—using everyday household items and a spark of creativity! Plus, you’ll hear practical tips for parents considering teletherapy, advice for building an at-home OT toolkit, and resources to help keep kids moving and engaged throughout the year.

Whether you’re new to occupational therapy or looking for inspiration to shake up your daily routine, this episode is packed with fresh ideas, expert wisdom, and plenty of encouragement for both parents and professionals.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

  • Renee Mathews’ professional journey
  • Education: Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University
  • Initial work in inpatient rehabilitation and transition to school-based OT
  • Experience coaching a Special Olympics unified track and field team
  • Move to teletherapy in 2019, especially with COVID-19’s onset
  • Creation of digital resources (YouTube, Instagram, Teachers Pay Teachers)
  • Current role as a teletherapy clinical manager
  • Teletherapy: What It Looks Like and Who It Serves
  • Teletherapy as an option for families far from OT services or choosing virtual education
  • Roles of caregivers, schools, and support staff in teletherapy
  • Dispelling myths about teletherapy
  • Flexibility: Activities can be hands-on, in different environments (even outdoors)
  • Creativity and adaptability required for effective teletherapy sessions
  • Considerations for Choosing Teletherapy
  • How to find a teletherapist
  • Through school assignments, private providers, or online searches
  • Assessing whether teletherapy is the right fit
  • Activities for Body Awareness and Movement
  • Renee’s approach to designing activities
  • Engaging her audience for feedback on needed activities
  • Theming activities (e.g., summer-themed surfboard video)
  • Making activities accessible using common household items
  • Tips to adapt video pace for varying child needs
  • Importance of movement for children
  • Benefits for physical health, brain function, blood flow, and mental health
  • Refining skills like motor coordination, proprioception, and kinesthesia
  • Explaining body awareness and how to informally assess it in children
  • Linking Body Awareness with Functional Skills
  • Manifestations of body awareness challenges in daily life
  • Clumsiness, fine motor difficulties, trouble navigating the environment
  • Connection between proximal stability and distal mobility (for fine motor tasks)
  • Broader OT approach: working on foundational skills to assist specific goals (e.g., handwriting, zippers, tying shoes)

Links and Resources From Today’s Show

Connect With Our Guest, Renee Mathews

Renee is a licensed occupational therapist with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Seton Hall University. She brings extensive experience across diverse settings, including inpatient rehabilitation, private and public schools, and teletherapy. Throughout her career, she has supported a wide range of populations and collaborated closely with families navigating both asynchronous and synchronous virtual learning environments. Renee is highly skilled in the use of teletherapy tools/resources and has developed original educational content to support therapists, educators, and families. Under the brand “Miss Renee OT,” she shares resources through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Teachers Pay Teachers. Currently, she serves as a clinical manager, providing guidance to therapists and school districts to ensure student needs are met with evidence-based, individualized support.

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