Stacking Blocks and Building Skills: How Play-Based Therapy Supports Development in Phnom Penh

Play is how children learn best—and in occupational therapy, it’s also how they grow. In Phnom Penh, therapists use block play and structured floor activities to support critical developmental skills in children, from fine motor control to attention and problem-solving. What may look like fun and games is actually powerful, purposeful therapy.

The Power of Block Play in Therapy

Stacking, sorting, and manipulating blocks helps develop fine motor precision, grip strength, and hand-eye coordination—essential skills for writing, cutting, and dressing. Occupational therapists at Occupational Therapy Phnom Penh use these activities to strengthen finger muscles and improve bilateral coordination, all while keeping the child fully engaged through play.

The image above shows a child immersed in this type of therapeutic play, where concentration, sequencing, and motor planning come together in a joyful, low-pressure environment.

Supporting Cognitive and Social Skills

Block play is also great for cognitive development. Children learn to follow patterns, sort by color or shape, and problem-solve. These thinking skills are key for school readiness and academic performance.

Therapists often guide children through cooperative play or turn-taking during block activities, building important social-emotional skills—especially valuable for children with autism or speech delays.

Sensory Integration and Floor Play

Lying on the floor to play, as seen in the photo, activates core muscles and encourages postural control. It’s also a great way to support sensory processing by providing calming proprioceptive and vestibular input.

At Occupational Therapy Phnom Penh, therapists incorporate this kind of floor-based play to help regulate children who are easily overstimulated or struggle with attention. It’s a natural, non-invasive way to engage both the body and brain.

How Parents Can Support at Home

Therapists work closely with parents to help extend therapy into the home. Simple block play sessions can be done daily—encouraging your child to stack, build, and sort during routine playtime can reinforce fine motor and thinking skills.

With a few simple toys and some guidance from professionals, families can create their own mini therapy space at home.

For more ideas on how to use play to support development, visit Occupational Therapy Phnom Penh.
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