Developing Focus and Fine Motor Skills Through Occupational Therapy in Phnom Penh

Building with blocks is more than just a pastime—it’s a foundational activity that supports cognitive growth, fine motor coordination, and sustained attention. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, occupational therapists use tools like blocks to help children develop key skills in a structured and engaging way.

The image above captures a child engrossed in block play, a therapeutic activity that blends creativity with developmental goals. Whether it’s sorting colors, stacking shapes, or simply reaching and grasping, every movement helps shape the brain and body.

How Block Play Supports Child Development

Blocks are versatile tools in occupational therapy, especially for children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or sensory processing difficulties. These simple toys encourage:

• Fine motor precision (grasping, pinching, and manipulating objects)

• Hand-eye coordination

• Visual-spatial awareness (understanding shape, space, and structure)

• Problem-solving and planning

• Sustained attention and task completion

At OrbRom’s Occupational Therapy Program, we incorporate block play into sessions for both physical and cognitive training—helping children build control, concentration, and creativity.

More Than Play: Targeted Therapeutic Goals

While it may look like free play, our therapists design each block-based activity with individual developmental goals in mind. A session might focus on:

• Matching blocks by color or size to improve visual discrimination

• Stacking towers to practice grip strength and coordination

• Copying patterns for visual-motor integration

• Sorting and organizing for executive function and planning

These hands-on tasks are critical for preparing children to succeed in school settings, where similar skills are required for writing, math, and organization.

Helping Children Stay Focused

For children who struggle with attention, occupational therapy offers tools and strategies to extend focus over time. Play-based tasks like block building offer a natural way to practice:

• Starting and completing a task

• Ignoring distractions

• Taking turns during cooperative play

• Following multi-step directions

Parents are often surprised to see how a child who once couldn’t sit for more than a minute can now complete a 15-minute block activity with confidence and pride.

Home and School Connections

We encourage parents and educators to bring block-based learning into everyday routines. Simple tools can go a long way when paired with guidance from our therapists. You can also explore our Preschool Program designed to blend therapy and early learning in a nurturing environment.

📍 Based in Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center offers a comprehensive approach to early intervention, using child-friendly tools like blocks to build strong foundations for life.

🔗 Ready to support your child’s motor and attention skills through engaging therapy?
Learn more about our Occupational Therapy Services today.