Callibration
What is it? Using movements of appropriate force, speed, or extent when interacting with task objects (AOTA, 2014, p. S25).
Why is it important? Calibration is a skill necessary for occupations across the lifetime such as:
- Bathing/showering (squeezing soap bottles enough to release an appropriate amount of soap, not scrubbing body too hard, etc.)
- Toileting
- Eating (chewing with an appropriate amount of force)
- Feeding (appropriate amount of force to successfully bring food to mouth)
- Grooming
- Academic performance (writing, cutting, typing)
- Driving (not applying too much force to pedals, turning the wheel with appropriate speed and force)
- Home management
- Opening doors, drawers, and containers (enough force to open/close without slamming)
- Play and leisure activities (golf, soccer, basketball, etc.)
- Job performance
5 activities to try at home:
1. Jump and land like a feather.
Tip: Tell the child to pretend they are landing gently like a feather or snowflake.
2. Heavy work activities.
Tips: Push a piece of furniture from point A to point B; Pull a wagon with objects in it; Help with vacuuming around the house!
3. Picking up a glass full of water and carrying it from point A to point B without spilling.
Tip: Use a glass that will not break!
4. Egg obstacle course.
Tip: Have the child carry an uncooked egg through an outdoor obstacle course without letting it crack or break!
5. Rainbow scratch art.
Tip: Try using aluminum foil to indent art into if you do not have scratch art paper.
References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process (3rd ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(Suppl. 1), S1-S48.
