Goals for treating children in the water

At the ARN office, we are often asked about goals for treating children in the water so, we decided to give you some examples. Here are some goals for OT, look for other postings for PT and Speech goals.
 

Aquatic-based OT goals

 

1. Improve eye-hand coordination by throwing and catching a medium-sized ball with less than 30 degrees deviation to the target while standing in water up to the waist, for three out of four throws.

2. Improve bilateral coordination by paddling in a kayak position on a raft for 10 feet, two out of three times.

3. Independently propel through the water 10 feet without support or assistance from therapist, three out of four attempts.  

4. Maintain balance while seated on an unstable bolster in the water for one minute with minimal challenge, three out of four trials.  

5. Play fishing game which requires casting, reeling, and unhooking “fish” with fine motor skills.  

6. Cross midline while sitting on aquatic mat to retrieve aquatic toy  

7. Sustain interactive play with peer for 3 minutes while sitting on aquatic mat.  

8. Perform head-righting while “kneeling” on therapist’s thighs while immersed in water.