Lancaster Children's Occupational Therapy

11/06/2026

🌱🎭 Play, Learn, Grow! – Role Play Fun 🎭🌱

Role play is a fantastic way for children to explore the world around them through imagination and play!

Try acting out everyday scenarios like:
🛒 Playing “shops” and taking turns being the customer or shopkeeper
🩺 Pretending to be doctors, caring for toys or family members
🏡 Playing “families” with different roles and routines

Why role play?
✨ Builds social and communication skills
✨ Encourages imagination and creativity
✨ Supports understanding of everyday routines
✨ Develops problem-solving and emotional awareness

💡 Play tip: Join in, but let your child take the lead—they’ll love being in charge of the story!

Little pretend moments can build big real-life skills 💚

09/06/2026

🚲🌟 It's Bike Week 2026! 🌟🚲

Find some useful links for bike riding advice below:
* British Cycling- tips for cycling with children. https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c70yz5njggwo
* NHS Borders- https://www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/23348.aspx
* Twinkl- https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/family-cycling-activities-for-bike-week

🚴‍♀️ We'd love to see your Bike Week adventures! Share a photo in the comments and tell us where your child enjoys cycling.

04/06/2026

🌱🔬 Play, Learn, Grow! – Simple Science Fun 🔬🌱

You don’t need a lab to explore science—just a little curiosity and everyday items!

Try simple activities like:
🧪 Mixing baking soda & vinegar to watch it fizz
🌈 Making rainbow colours with water and food colouring
🧊 Exploring what sinks or floats in a bowl of water
🎨 Mixing paint colours to make a new colour

Why try simple science activities?
✨ Encourages curiosity and exploration
✨ Builds problem-solving and thinking skills
✨ Supports language development (talking about what you see!)
✨ Strengthens attention and engagement

💡 Play tip: Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think will happen?” or “Why did that change?” to spark even more learning.

Big discoveries can start with little experiments 💚

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

As your child gets older and starts having more independence, it can be great to watch them take responsibility for themselves and experience their first taste of freedom. But, it can also be a great source of worry.

Here are some of the big risks to be aware of and talk to your child about to keep them safe.

Is there anything you’d add?

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⭐ It’s 2026 – Please like our posts, tag a friend or share with your communities so we can Make Prevention Possible ⭐

02/06/2026

🧸👶 Child Safety Week 2026- 1st-7th June👶🧸

This week is Child Safety Week, organised by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT), raising awareness of the simple steps we can all take to help keep children safe at home, outdoors, and on the move.

As occupational therapists, we know that children learn best through play, exploration, and developing independence. Creating safe home environments allows children to build confidence, develop new skills, and thrive while reducing the risk of preventable accidents.

For more child safety advice and resources, visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s webpage or scan the QR code below.

Follow this link to find the CAPT’s Parent Pack with Simple Safety Ideas and resources:https://capt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Parents-pack-2026.pdf

28/05/2026

🌱📖 Play, Learn, Grow! – Storytelling Games 📖🌱

Storytelling games are a wonderful way to spark imagination and build communication skills through play!

Try simple ideas like:
🎲 Taking turns to add a sentence to a story
🖼️ Making up a story based on pictures or toys
🎭 Acting out favourite stories or creating your own characters

Why play storytelling games?
✨ Builds language and vocabulary
✨ Encourages creativity and imagination
✨ Supports sequencing and memory skills
✨ Develops confidence in communication

💡 Play tip: There’s no right or wrong—let your child lead the story, no matter how silly it gets!

Big imaginations grow from little stories 💚

21/05/2026

🌱📚 Play, Learn, Grow! – Reading Together Daily 📚🌱

Sharing a book each day is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support your child’s development 💚

Whether it’s a bedtime story or a quick read during the day, those moments together really add up!

Why read together daily?
✨ Builds language and communication skills
✨ Supports attention and listening
✨ զարգ Develops imagination and creativity
✨ Strengthens your bond through shared time

How to make it fun:
📖 Let your child choose the book
🗣️ Talk about the pictures and story
🎭 Use silly voices and expressions
⏸️ Pause and ask “What do you think happens next?”

💡 Play tip: It doesn’t have to be long—just a few minutes a day can make a big difference!

Little stories today, big skills for tomorrow 🌟

14/05/2026

🌱🧠 Play, Learn, Grow! – Memory Games 🧠🌱

Memory games are a fun and engaging way to support your child’s thinking and learning skills!

Try simple activities like:
🃏 Matching card pairs (turning over two at a time)
👀 “What’s missing?” – place a few objects out, cover them, and remove one
🎲 Repeating sequences (claps, sounds, or movements)

Why play memory games?
✨ Strengthens memory and recall
✨ Builds attention and concentration
✨ Supports problem-solving skills
✨ Encourages turn-taking and patience

💡 Play tip: Keep it short and fun—start with just a few items and build up as your child’s confidence grows!

Little games can make a big difference 💚