Lighting the way for children with medical complexity
PPCC has compiled resources for caregivers and families: Creative Expressions Toolkit. In this toolkit you will find activities in Art, Music and Play. You can use these at home, on trips, or in the hospital. They are created by professionals in the pediatric field and not only are they fun, they also promote movement, self-expression and fine motor skills. To learn more, or download by activity, click on any of the Creative Expressions boxes below.
This project can be adapted for a wide range of ages. There is room for adjusting and variation based on age, ability and desire to use messier art supplies.
Read More >>This simple activity can be fun for a wide range of ages. Young children who are only scribbling can still get enjoyment out of seeing their scribbling appear after painting over it. An option is to have someone older draw something as a “surprise” and then have the children paint over it to reveal what it is.
Read More >>This project is good for a family activity; a class or group/ team activity. It encourages discussion of what we have to be thankful for, so it is helpful with feelings and emotions. Creating the turkey also can be done individually (as preferred) and each person can present or share their individual turkey. To make this a longer-lasting project, make it a work-inprogress; add more feathers each day or each week.
Read More >>This fun activity promotes self-expression, following directions and freedom of choice.
Read More >>This fun activity promotes fine motor skills, following directions and freedom of choice.
Read More >>This fun activity promotes self-expression, fine motor skills and freedom of choice.
Read More >>This fun activity promotes self-expression, fi ne motor skills and freedom of choice.
Read More >>These Melted Crayon Sun Catchers are a perfect activity for kids of all ages! This fun activity promotes selfexpression, fine motor skills, and following directions.
Read More >>This Winter Birch Trees project uses tape to block off the tree shapes, and watercolor paint and salt to make the textured midnight sky. This activity encourages self-expression, as well as following directions.
Read More >>This simple, winter-themed craft project is made from easy-to-find materials. The activity encourages following directions, as well as increasing fine motor skills.
Read More >>Create an adorable piece of wall art using the whole family’s feet! This activity will promote bonding with family and loved ones, while creating a piece of artwork together.
Read More >>These Puffy Snowflake Paintings are a fun, simple and quick project to create with only 30 seconds drying time! This activity will promote fine motor and dexterity skills.
Read More >>Stop! Go! is an entertaining game for both young and old. Adding music, especially your favorite holiday carols, can make for an enjoyable game. Use this activity to promote movement and improve attentiveness. Switch it up and take turns being the DJ for a fun twist!
Read More >>This activity promotes physical strength and coordination while increasing attentiveness to auditory stimulation.
Read More >>This activity promotes cognitive processing, autonomy and relaxing sounds for listening to springtime all year.
Read More >>This activity promotes physical strength and coordination, while also implements cognitive task and self-expression through changes in the song.
Read More >>This project utilizes a familiar melody in conjunction with scarves for sensory stimulation, to increase movement in upper extremities, and to provide opportunities for vocalization/ verbalization through singing and movement. It is a good activity for ages 18 months - 6 years.
Read More >>This project provides an opportunity for silly songwriting using common animals to promote engagement and encourage identification of animals and associated sounds. It is a good activity for ages 5 - 12 years.
Read More >>This project provides an opportunity for control and choice in identifying and determining movements and actions through a familiar song It is a good activity for ages 2 - 7 years.
Read More >>This project provides sensory stimulation through the use of the cabasa. The cabasa is rolled across the child’s arms and legs for tactile stimulation. The lyrics reflect the movement of the cabasa and body parts while also providing the opportunity for choice. This can also be used for distraction or relaxation. It is a good activity for children up to 10 years.
Read More >>This is a relaxation activity to draw attention to breathing patterns to slow respiration/heart rate and decrease anxiety, pain, or agitation and to teach possible coping strategy to utilize when needed. It is a good activity for children of all ages.
Read More >>This activity promotes cognitive processing, autonomy and relaxing sounds for listening to seasonal sounds all year.
Read More >>This fun activity is for the whole family. It enhances fine motor skills and promotes cause-and-effect understanding. Let the child’s imagination run wild when setting up different mazes. To play on the floor or bed, tape rolls together to create tubes.
Read More >>If you can’t get outside, bring the fun indoors with this engaging activity for either a group or just a few people. Surprise notes inside allow for socialization and self-esteem building. It promotes gross motor skills, whether on the floor or playing from bed or a wheelchair.
Read More >>If you can’t get outside, bring the fun indoors with this engaging activity for either a group or just a few people. Surprise notes inside allow for socialization and self-esteem building. It promotes gross motor skills, whether on the floor or playing from bed or a wheelchair.
Read More >>GAK! is a perfect sensory activity for kids of all ages and abilities. When stored in an airtight container, the fun can keep rolling indefinitely. Mix it up with lots of different add-ins. This diversion activity promotes fine motor enhancement.
Read More >>This is a fun activity to make at home and take on the run whenever a visual distraction is needed. Allow the child to choose colors and shapes to promote sense of control and self-esteem. Different bags can be made to match different moods.
Read More >>This scavenger hunt is fun and can bring family and friends together for an outdoor adventure. This activity will promote following directions and freedom of choice.
Read More >>This activity is fun, perfect for the holiday and can promote bonding with family and friends. This activity will promote following directions and increasing fine motor skills.
Read More >>The idea of this game is essentially the same as Pin The Tail On The Donkey, but using a web and spiders instead. This game is easy and uses easy-to-find materials. It can promote creativity, following directions and dexterity skills.
Read More >>PPCC is not a health care provider and does not give medical advice or treatment. PPCC does not endorse or recommend any listed facilities, service providers, or support groups herein. PPCC offers the list and information as a resource only. PPCC does not pre-evaluate, or consider the Medicare/Medicaid status of the providers.
The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible according to the IRS’s rules and regulations. The official registration and financial information for PPCC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.
