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Description
This Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone project was completed in a Sunday school program serving preschool-aged children. The purpose of the project was to develop a year-long craft curriculum that promotes fine motor skill development through engaging, developmentally appropriate activities while providing volunteers with easy-to-use resources that integrate with weekly Bible lessons.
A needs assessment, classroom observations, discussions with church leaders and volunteers, and a review of current literature identified limited opportunities for fine motor skill practice within the Sunday school program. In response, a curriculum was developed consisting of four crafts per month, each including supply lists, step-by-step instructions, and Bible lesson connections. Activities were intentionally designed to promote hand strength, grasp, bilateral coordination, cutting, coloring, gluing, and other foundational fine motor skills needed for school readiness and everyday participation.
Project outcomes were evaluated through observations of children's participation and volunteer feedback. Volunteers reported that the curriculum was easy to prepare and implement, increased their confidence in leading activities, and provided an organized, sustainable resource for the program. Children actively participated in the crafts while naturally practicing fine motor skills in a meaningful, play-based environment.
This Capstone demonstrates that integrating fine motor activities into a faith-based preschool program is a practical and sustainable approach to supporting children's development. The project highlights the role of occupational therapy in promoting participation, school readiness, and skill development in community settings beyond traditional healthcare while providing a lasting resource that benefits both volunteers and the children they serve.
Graduation Date
2026
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Book
Site Mentor
Hannah Higgins OTR/L
Comments
https://youtu.be/PNBGPQknVTU