• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
  • About OT
  • Evaluations & Services
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Phone

Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services

Fairfield Connecticut Occupational Therapist

203-341-0178
bbpedot@yahoo.com
  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
  • About OT
  • Evaluations & Services
  • Books
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Phone

Kristi’s Game Recommendation 1: Tricky Hands

January 6, 2020 By admin

Tricky Hands 

Made by IQ Toys

Ages 4+

2-4 players

How to Play?

Turn 1 card from the deck facing up , in order for all the players to see it equally. Place the correct colorful bands on the proper hand and specific fingers (right or left) and place your hand on the card before your opponent does.  Whomever does this first, grabs the card and earns a point. The colorful bands must be in the exact same color order and finger placement as shown on the card. The player with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner.

What does this game work on?

Tricky Hands works on right and left hand recognition, color and pattern recognition, finger dexterity/recognition, visual-perceptual skills, grading of force, spatial awareness, body awareness, hand-eye coordination skills, visual-sequencing, and pincer grasp development and refinement. This game also works on shift and translation when turning the cards face up or down, bilateral integration, and tactile discrimination by having different textured bands on the child’s fingers. Functionally, this game will help a child with pinch strength, while they are picking up coins, jewelry, crayons, dolls, or other objects, as well as dressing manipulatives such as buttons, snaps and zippers. The proprioceptive ability to grade the amount of force/pressure exerted on a manipulative is important while writing, coloring, buttoning clothes, opening doors and manipulating feeding utensils (fork, spoon, and knife), etc. Right and left hand recognition and finger dexterity will be important as the child enters their school year in terms of writing, typing and participating and gross motor physical education activities, etc. Spatial and body awareness is important for a child’s general safety and social interactions with peers. The skill of shift is important when handling school worksheets, counting money, turning pages of a book or notebook, and the skill of lateral shift when turning a key. By having the child put the textured colorful bands onto their fingers, they are working on tactile discrimination and are being exposed to the feeling of different textures on their skin. Finger-to-palm translation enables a child to pick up coins, a pencil or crayon, and small toys, etc. Visual-sequencing skills is important when getting dressed, cooking, organization, completing a math problem or writing a paper. This skill is crucial in helping a child to develop organizational skills needed for functional participation within the home and school environments.

Why do I love this game?

Tricky Hands is a fun game for children to play with a friend or to play alone. It engages the child’s mind in a fun and exciting way. This game allows the players to experience competitiveness in a safe and fun environment. This game gets the kids excited to race to the finish and see which player wins the game round. This game is easy to play with few directions and minimal pieces. The child will not have to read, understand, or follow complex directions/rules, so they can just have fun while playing. It is also a fun way to learn and recognize different colors. The child is able to work on important fine motor and visual skills while having fun. Play is a child’s main occupation and through games like Tricky Hands, their therapeutic goals are able to be met.


you might also like

  • Primitive Reflexes and Exercises to Help with IntegrationPrimitive Reflexes and Exercises to Help with Integration
  • Spring Has Sprung!Spring Has Sprung!
  • Understanding Primitive ReflexesUnderstanding Primitive Reflexes
  • Let’s Learn About In-Hand ManipulationLet’s Learn About In-Hand Manipulation

Filed Under: FAQ, Therapy

Primary Sidebar

Latest Posts

Using Both Sides Matters!

Vibration Plate in OT!

What is Occupational Therapy?

The Power of Movement: Understanding Different Types of Therapeutic Swings

Like Us on Facebook

Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services, LLC

Archives

Categories

More About Us

  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
  • About Occupational Therapy
  • Evaluations & Services
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
Two cuties ❤️🫶🏼❤️ @kassandrascottt Two cuties ❤️🫶🏼❤️ @kassandrascottt  @building_blocks_stories
🌟 Just a very important day in the life of an O 🌟 Just a very important day in the life of an OT 🌟

Today was full of those magical moments that remind me why I love what I do. 💛

💪 The squeeze machine and steamroller worked their magic — helping kids build body awareness, deep pressure regulation, and that calming input their nervous systems crave.

🎪 The acrobat swing and climbing layers took courage and focus — strengthening core muscles, balance, motor planning, and confidence one brave swing at a time.

And the best part? Seeing the excitement in their eyes when they get it. ✨

📚 My book, What Is OT?, is opening doors for so many conversations with kids, parents, and teachers — helping everyone understand how amazing and powerful Occupational Therapy really is. The stories are spreading, and it’s truly a success.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported this journey — this is only the beginning! 💕

#BuildingBlocksPediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #WhatIsOT #SensoryIntegration #PediatricOT #OTFun #CoreStrength #MotorPlanning #SensoryProcessing #AcrobatSwing #Steamroller #SqueezeMachine #WestportMoms #FairfieldCountyOT #JellybeanOT #ChildDevelopment #OTBookSeries
 #LINKINBIO
Hi friends, it’s Justine 💕 Most of you know Hi friends, it’s Justine 💕

Most of you know me as a pediatric occupational therapist here in Westport, CT at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services. For years, families have asked me the same big question: “What is OT, and what will my child do there?”

So, I poured my heart into creating something that would explain it in a way kids could truly connect with.

📚 The What Is OT? Series is a seven-book collection that breaks down the many skills we work on in OT — from fine motor and sensory, to life skills and social-emotional growth. Each story is colorful, fun, and written to help kids see themselves in the characters.

And here’s the part that makes it extra special for me — the main characters are inspired by my own children, nieces, nephews, and even some OT friends who’ve been part of my journey. This series is my little love letter to the kids I work with every day, and to a profession that means the world to me.

✨ My hope is that these books give parents, teachers, and therapists tools to share what OT really is, and how it helps kids learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for cheering me on as I put this dream into the world — I’m so excited to share it with you 💜

Follow along @justinebedocs, @buildingblockspediatricot, and @buildingblocksbookseries for updates as the series comes to life!

#WhatIsOT #PediatricOT #BuildingBlocksOT #OTBookSeries #OTLove #ChildrensBooks #OccupationalTherapy
Vibration plates= nervous system regulation🧘‍ Vibration plates= nervous system regulation🧘‍♂️ At Building Blocks, we incorporate vibration plates thoughtfully into sessions to meet each child’s unique sensory and functional needs; supporting not just movement, but attention, coordination, and emotional regulation. 
#pediatricot #sensoryregulation #fun #occupationaltherapy #westportmoms 

Learn more about this with the link in bio!👏
✨ Did you know we actually have EIGHT senses (no ✨ Did you know we actually have EIGHT senses (not just five)?
These systems are constantly at work—helping kids regulate their bodies, manage emotions, and shine every day. 🌈

As OTs, we harness these senses through play, movement, and fun strategies so kids can thrive at school, home, and in the community. 💪💖

#PediatricOccupationalTherapy #WestportOT #SensoryIntegration #Vision #Hearing #Touch #Taste #Smell #Proprioception #Vestibular #Interoception #ChildDevelopment #OTForKids #FineMotorSkills #GrossMotorSkills #RegulationSkills #BuildingBlocksPediatricOT #KidsOT #SensoryProcessing
Learn more about what occupational therapy is and Learn more about what occupational therapy is and how it can help your child thrive in life✨ Link in bio!
📚 The What Is OT? Series is part of a seven-boo 📚 The What Is OT? Series is part of a seven-book collection designed to explain Occupational Therapy to children in a fun, simple, and relatable way. Through colorful stories and engaging characters, each book shows how OT supports kids in learning, growing, and thriving every day.

This series also advocates for the OT profession — helping parents, teachers, and therapists share the many important skills that Occupational Therapy builds. Perfect for classrooms, therapy sessions, or at home, these books are a meaningful resource for anyone wanting children to understand the power of OT.

✨ The Seven Books in the Series:
	1.	📗 What Is OT? What Will I Do There?
	2.	📘 Fine Motor Superpowers in OT
	3.	📘 Brain & Body Teamwork in OT
	4.	📗 Together We Can: Eyes & Hands in OT
	5.	📙 Confidence & Independence: Life Skills in OT
	6.	📘 Sensory Processing & Integration in OT
	7.	🌈 Social-Emotional & Regulation Skills in OT
Hi! I'm Kassandra, the new OT student working with Hi! I'm Kassandra, the new OT student working with Justine at Building Blocks for the next 11 weeks! I posted my first blog post the power of movement focused on the different types of swings we have here at Building Blocks and their benefits. You can read more about it in the blog linked in the bio!! #occupationaltherapystudent #fieldwork #pediatrics #AOTA #sensoryplay
My patient captured this sweet moment of Lenny Mar My patient captured this sweet moment of Lenny Marley and me just doing our thing — back and forth from work in the neon Mini Cooper 💛🐾 After a full day at @building_blocks_pediatric_ot Building Blocks Pediatric in Westport, this chill, fun loving sheepdog is still all heart. From sensory rooms to car rides, he’s always calm, always loving, and always by my side along for the ride.  Love my day with this guy. He’s my buddy! 🚗✨ @gus_and_lenny_old_english_boys 

#Hilighter #LennyMarley #TherapyDogLife #BuildingBlocksOT #WestportCT #MiniCooperVibes #PediatricOT #OldEnglishSheepdog #FluffAndFunction #HealingWithLove #OTwithHeart #PurposeandPaws #CantmissUs
🌊💪 Aquatic Therapy for Kids — Backed by Sc 🌊💪 Aquatic Therapy for Kids — Backed by Science, Powered by Play! 🧠🏊‍♀️
At Building Blocks Pediatric OT Services, we dive deep into the healing power of water! 💙 Led by OT Justine (aka Jellybean 🐣), our aquatic therapy sessions in Trumbull are more than just splashes — they’re science-based strategies for success.

✨ Why does aquatic therapy work so well for kids?

📚 Science says…
	•	Water provides natural resistance, helping build strength, endurance, and motor control without stressing joints.
	•	The hydrostatic pressure of water gives kids calming, full-body deep pressure input — perfect for sensory seekers or those who struggle with self-regulation.
	•	Buoyancy reduces gravity’s pull, making it easier to move, balance, and experiment with new movements with confidence.
	•	It supports improved attention, emotional regulation, and coordination, making it a great tool for kids with ADHD, autism, or motor-difficulty challenges.

🌟 Whether we’re practicing fine & gross motor skills, breath control, social interaction, or body awareness, the water meets every child exactly where they are — with a little magic and a lot of support.

💧Sensory-rich. Strength-building. Confidence-boosting.
👶 Perfect for toddlers through teens!

🧩 Come see why aquatic therapy is one of our favorite ways to make therapy feel like play — right here in Trumbull, CT!

📍Trumbull, CT
#AquaticTherapy #PediatricOT #SensoryIntegration #MotorPlanning #TrumbullCT #Westport CT #FairfieldCountyConnecticut #OccupationalTherapy #BuildingBlocksOT #JustineJellybean #OTinThePool #ADHDsupport #AutismTherapy #SensoryProcessing #PlayWithPurpose #WaterHeals
I had such an amazing time at Building Blocks Pedi I had such an amazing time at Building Blocks Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services @building_blocks_pediatric_ot . I am forever grateful to Justine for giving me such an amazing level II fieldwork experience. Check out my final post on the blog all about my occupational therapy journey. I am very thankful for everyone that I got to work with! -Julia Junior Mint #buildingblockspediatricoccupationaltherapyservices #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapy #fieldworklevel2 #aota #nbcot #westportct #occupationaltherapystudent
Bye Julia Sherman! 💖👋 #juniormints @jrhsherm Bye Julia Sherman! 💖👋 #juniormints @jrhsherman @sacredheart_ot
Our incredible OT grad student from Sacred Heart — your 12 weeks at Building Blocks Pediatric OT in Westport, CT were filled with giggles, growth, and gooey slime.

You brought heart, creativity, and care to every session — from sensory swings to scooter boards, obstacle courses to oobleck, fine motor crafts to dot painting, and handwriting heroes to theraputty treasure hunts. You truly mastered it all — reflex integration, visual perceptual games, ADLs, social-emotional work, shoe-tying hacks, picky eating plans, core strength fun, and so much more!

We’ll miss your smile, your sparkle, and your silly side — and of course, your rockstar OT skills. 💫

Wishing you all the best on your next chapter — your future patients are so lucky to have you!
With love always,
Justine Jellybean 🐾🎨🧠✨
👟✨ Twinsies Take on Tying! ✨👟 Meet Bell 👟✨ Twinsies Take on Tying! ✨👟

Meet Bella & Bree — two rockstars who just cracked the code on shoe-tying with the Adaptive Tie Method 🧠🔥

Forget the bunny ears battle… this method is smoother, smarter, and way easier for kids who need a little extra support with motor planning or fine motor skills. It’s the kind of trick that makes you say, “Wait… why didn’t we learn it this way?!” 🤯

Bella said it was shocking, Bree said amazing, and honestly — we agree. This method gives kids the independence they deserve and the confidence to keep going 💪

We’re all about making life skills accessible — without the stress.

📍Westport, CT
💙 Building Blocks Pediatric OT
🧠 Real tools, real progress

👯‍♀️Twinsies crushed it. Your kid can too.

#Twinsies #AdaptiveTieMethod #MotorPlanningWin #BuildingBlocksOT #PediatricOT #WestportOT #JustineJellybean #IndependenceInAction #ShoeTyingSuccess #LifeSkillsMadeSimple #OTMagic #OTinRealLife #FunctionalFun #ConfidenceForKids #TeamWorkAndTying
Learn more about the importance of fine motor skil Learn more about the importance of fine motor skills and what they entail on the blog linked in the bio! #finemotor #finemotorskills #dexterity #inhandmanipulation #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #therapeuticactivities #handstrengthening #momsofwestport #momsofct #buildingblockspediatricoccupationaltherapyservices #development
A little spot of feelings is an ideal tool to util A little spot of feelings is an ideal tool to utilize at home school, OT office and more to help your child learn about their emotions and how to regulate appropriately. Learn more about the collection and emotional regulation in general on the blog linked in the bio! #emotionalregulation #alittlespotofemotions #emotions #regulation #occupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #momsofwestport #momsofct #buildingblocksoccupationaltherapy #buildingblockspediatricoccupationaltherapyservices #pediatrics
☀️Summer OT vibes in full swing!💪🌈 Our b ☀️Summer OT vibes in full swing!💪🌈
Our ball pit girls are diving into sensory fun, motor planning, and loads of laughter during occupational therapy this season! Whether it’s building strength, boosting coordination, or just soaking in all the summer joy—therapy doesn’t have to feel like work when it looks like THIS! 🏖️🎉💛 #OTfun #SensoryPlay #PediatricOccupationalTherapy #BuildingBlocksOT #BallPitTherapy #MotorPlanningMagic #WestportOT #FairfieldCountyFamilies #SummerTherapyVibes #StrongBodiesHappyHearts HOW LUCKY AM I THAT THIS IS MY #JOB 🎉🤩
Learn more about sensory integration on the blog l Learn more about sensory integration on the blog linked in the bio! Keep scrolling to see fun activities we can implement to help our children integrate sensory! #buildingblockspediatricoccupationaltherapyservices #buildingblocksoccupationaltherapy #sensoryintegration #sensoryprocessingdifficulties #sensory #aota #nbcot #proprioception #vestibular #tactile #auditory #visual #momsofct #westportct #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatrics
To learn more about developmental milestones, chec To learn more about developmental milestones, checkout the blog linked in the bio! #developmentalmilestones #development #childdevelopment #finemotor #grossmotorskills #visualperceptualmotor #tummytime #momsofwestport #momsofct #buildingblocksoccupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapy
Therapeutic listening can be a very useful tool! F Therapeutic listening can be a very useful tool! Find out more about it on the blog linked in the bio. #therapeuticlistening #vitallinkstherapeuticlistening  #vitallinks #attention #sensorymodulation #sensoryregulation #sensory #auditory #auditoryprocessing #finemotoractivity #grossmotoractivities #sensoryswings #BuildingBlocks #occupationaltherapy #aota #nbcot #occupationaltherapyct #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #momsofwestport #momsofct #buildingblocksoccupationaltherapy
To learn more about vibration plates and their rol To learn more about vibration plates and their role in occupational therapy, click the link in the bio! #buildingblocksot #westportot #westportctmoms #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #aota #nbcot #sensory #sensorydiet #vibrationplatetherapy #proprioception #bodyawareness
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · BBPOTS, LLC · Site Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy