Developing Daily Living Skills Through Fine Motor Play at OrbRom Center

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we believe that learning should be functional, hands-on, and fun—especially when it comes to developing life skills. One of the tools we love using in our occupational therapy sessions and preschool classrooms is the busy board (also known as a fine motor skills board).

These boards are more than just colorful toys. They are carefully designed to build the skills children need for daily independence—zipping, buttoning, snapping, buckling, and tying. For children with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or fine motor coordination difficulties, practicing with a busy board is a critical step toward mastering real-world tasks.

Why Fine Motor Skills Are Foundational

Fine motor development is essential for everything from getting dressed and brushing teeth to writing and using classroom tools. Many children in early intervention or special education programs need extra support to strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers.

At OrbRom Center, we integrate busy boards into individualized therapy sessions and group play. Activities like unzipping a pouch or fastening a buckle help children build:

• Hand strength and dexterity

• Bilateral coordination

• Finger isolation and control

• Problem-solving and sequencing

These skills transfer directly to everyday routines, promoting independence and confidence.

A Safe and Engaging Way to Practice

Busy boards are safe, non-threatening, and inviting. Children are naturally curious about how things work, and this curiosity drives engagement. Therapists and teachers at OrbRom use these boards to break down complex tasks into achievable steps, providing prompts and encouragement along the way.

We adjust the level of difficulty depending on each child’s developmental stage. Some children may work on unzipping and snapping, while others may be ready for tying laces or using a buttonhole.

Building Life Skills One Task at a Time

For families in Phnom Penh looking for a supportive and structured environment where children can develop critical life skills, OrbRom Center offers programs that go beyond academics. We focus on the whole child—cognitive, emotional, sensory, and physical development.

Whether your child is preparing for mainstream school or just beginning their journey with special needs support, life skills like dressing, toileting, and organizing personal belongings are essential. Fine motor play is where it all begins.

Learn more about our Preschool Program here