A Cozy OT Sock Challenge
When the weather turns chilly and outdoor play takes a backseat, everyday tasks can turn into powerful therapy moments. Socks!
The humble laundry pile is packed with opportunities to strengthen fine motor skills, improve visual scanning, practice bilateral coordination, and even work on self-care independence. Whether your child is matching patterns, folding with focus, or racing to finish their sock stack, this simple OT-inspired activity turns a routine chore into playful learning—with zero extra prep required.
Ready to turn laundry time into movement time, sorting time, and connection time? Grab the basket—let’s go!
What You’ll Need:
A big pile of clean socks (mix of colors, sizes, and patterns)
A laundry basket or bin
A timer (optional)
A comfy space to sit and sort
How to Play:
Version 1: Matching Challenge
Dump the socks into a big pile.
Have your child scan the pile to find matching pairs — use visual cues like color, size, or design.
Once a pair is found, they match them side-by-side or stack them.
Version 2: Folding Race
After matching, teach or review how to fold the socks (roll, fold over, or tuck depending on skill level).
Race the clock: “How many pairs can you fold in 2 minutes?”
Add fun: pretend you’re stocking a store or preparing for a cozy sock parade.
Version 3: Gross Motor Movement Add-On
Put socks across the room and have the child crab walk, bear crawl, tiptoe, or hop to retrieve them before matching.
Use a balance beam (tape line), pillow path, or stepping stones to retrieve the socks across the room.
Call out a color or pattern, and the child must quickly find a sock that matches and bring it to a designated spot using a specific movement (hop, skip, gallop).
OT Skills Addressed:
Visual discrimination & scanning
Bilateral coordination (holding and folding)
Fine motor strength and dexterity (grasping, pinching, folding)
Sequencing and attention to task
Self-care skills (laundry routines, independence)
Body awareness and regulation (if movement is included)
Parent Tips:
Start with 5–10 pairs to avoid overwhelming
Start with small wins, praise effort over perfection, and turn it into a playful bonding moment. Even if the socks end up a little lumpy—those fingers (and brains!) are working hard.
At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.