Motor Coordination Therapy in Ottawa

What motor coordination involves

Gross motor skills use the large muscles of the body. Coordination is how the body's movements work together smoothly. Together, these skills help a child move with confidence.

Motor coordination includes:

• Balance: standing on one foot, walking on a curb or using stairs

• Body awareness: knowing where the body is in space

• Bilateral coordination: using both sides of the body together, like when jumping or pedalling

• Motor planning: figuring out how to do a new movement

• Ball skills: throwing, catching and kicking

• Strength and endurance: keeping up with active play

• Posture: sitting and standing with steady control

Occupational therapists look at how these skills affect a child's everyday life. That might include recess, gym class, sports, dressing or getting around the playground.

Signs your child may benefit from motor coordination support

Every child moves in their own way. You might consider support if you often notice:

• Your child seems clumsy or trips and falls often

• They avoid the playground, climbing or gym class

• Learning new movements, like hopping or skipping, is very hard

• Catching, throwing or kicking a ball is a struggle

• Riding a bike or scooter feels out of reach

• They tire quickly during active play

• Stairs, curbs or uneven ground make them unsure

• They slump in their chair or lean on things often

• They feel left out of games with friends

You don't need a diagnosis to book. Some children have a diagnosis, such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and others don't.

How our OTs help with motor coordination

Our paediatric occupational therapy begins with an initial assessment. Your OT watches how your child moves, balances and plans new movements. They also ask about the activities your child wants or needs to do.

Next, we set goals together. Goals are tied to your child's interests and daily life. For example, a goal might be joining a game of tag at recess, or learning to ride a bike.

Therapy is then planned as a 10-session block. A block gives your child regular, structured practice over time. It also lets your OT review progress and adjust the plan. We offer session blocks only, rather than single visits, so support stays consistent.

Your OT may work on:

• Balance and core strength through games and obstacle courses

• Ball skills, like throwing, catching and kicking

• Breaking new movements into small, clear steps

• Skills that go into bike or scooter riding

• Playground skills, like climbing and swinging

• Motor planning for sports and gym class

• Building confidence to join active play

After every session, you receive a written debrief. It explains what we worked on, how your child responded and ideas to try at home.

Bingo Books: practice between sessions

Our care includes Bingo Books. These are custom OT activity guides inspired by bingo. Your child picks movement activities from their card and checks them off. Activities are matched to your child's goals, so practice can happen in the backyard, the park or the living room.

Where motor coordination sessions happen

Ottawa OT is a mobile practice that serves families across Ottawa.

• At home: Your OT can use your backyard, driveway or a nearby park. Your child can practise with their own bike, scooter or toys.

• At school: With the school's permission, your OT can see how your child manages recess or gym class. We can share ideas with teachers.

• Online: Virtual sessions can work well for coaching families on movement activities at home.

Your OT can help you choose the setting that fits your child's goals.

Motor skills connect to many areas of daily life. You may also want to read about fine motor skills, sensory processing and self-care and feeding. For details on payment and coverage, visit our funding page.

Motor coordination FAQ

Can an OT help my child learn to ride a bike?

Our OTs can work on the balance, coordination and planning skills involved in bike riding. Sessions break the task into small, doable steps.

What's the difference between OT and physiotherapy for motor skills?

Both professions support movement. A pediatric OT focuses on how movement skills affect daily activities, like play, dressing and school tasks.

Is my child just a late bloomer?

Every child develops at their own pace. If you have questions, a free call is a good way to talk through what you're seeing.

Can sessions happen outdoors?

Yes. Home sessions can use your yard or a local park, depending on the weather and your child's goals.

Book a free 15-minute call

Wondering if your child could use support with movement and coordination? Let's talk. Book a free 15-minute call to share your concerns and ask questions. We'll explain how our assessment and session blocks work.

Book a free 15-minute call