12/17/2025
Looks like our elves dress up too this week!
An activity where students creatively disguise elves as something or someone else is a great co-treat or parallel OT/SLP activity because it naturally targets a wide range of skills across both disciplines in a playful, motivating way. Here’s how it supports speech and occupational therapy goals:
🗣️ Speech Therapy Targets
Language & Communication
* Expressive language: Describing the disguise (who/what the elf became, materials used, why they chose it)
* Receptive language: Following multi-step directions (e.g., “First choose a character, then gather materials…”)
* Vocabulary development: Clothing, professions, emotions, holiday and seasonal terms
* WH-questions: Who is your elf? What did you use? Why did you choose this disguise?
Pragmatics & Social Communication
* Turn-taking and collaboration during shared planning
* Perspective-taking: Considering what makes the disguise recognizable to others
* Conversation skills: Explaining ideas and responding to peer questions
Narrative & Sequencing
* Storytelling: Creating a backstory for the disguised elf
* Sequencing: Planning and explaining steps (first/next/last)
Speech Sound Production
* Natural opportunities for target sounds during discussion, labeling, and storytelling
✂️ Occupational Therapy Targets
Fine Motor Skills
* Cutting, coloring, gluing, taping, and manipulating small materials
* Grasp strength and hand-eye coordination
Visual Motor & Visual Perceptual Skills
* Planning and assembling pieces to match an idea
* Spatial awareness when placing clothing or accessories on the elf
Executive Functioning
* Planning and organization: Deciding on a disguise and gathering needed materials
* Problem-solving: Figuring out how to make materials work
* Task initiation and completion
Sensory Integration
* Tolerating different textures (paper, fabric, glue)
* Regulating arousal through a hands-on, creative task
Self-Regulation & Attention
* Sustaining focus during a multi-step craft
* Flexibility when plans change or materials are unavailable