An occupational therapist has turned to YouTube to help young children who struggle with daily activities like tying their shoes, cutting with scissors and other essential skills.
While it may just look like your average arts and crafts activity, pediatric occupational therapist John Haber said the challenges helped to work 4-year-old's Gavin’s dexterity skills.
“Ultimately, it translates to, you know, improved pencil grasp, improved scissors use, improved ability to tie his shoes,” Haber said.
But while the 45-minute lessons help improve his patient's motor skills, he said it’s not always enough.
“It’s just a starting point," Haber said. "Without carryover, nothing is going to happen."
That’s where he found his solution. Soon, John the occupational therapist also became John the YouTuber.
In a space just big enough for a dining room table, the pediatric occupational therapist has a studio compete with…lights, camera and action.
“How can I carry over this skill-building at home? I want the children to be working on things, but I want them to have fun," he said. "Because it has to be motivating. If they aren’t motivated and they aren’t having fun, and they’re not using their imagination, they aren’t entertained. They aren’t going to practice these skills.”
His channel teaches kids valuable skills, like using their opposite hand, tying knots, cutting with scissors and more through characters, like Delart the artist.
“It’s all about using the skills that we have learned to make something, to make some artwork, to be creative, be proud of ourselves. So this is Delart,” Haber said.
He is now up to seven different characters, and as his characters' wardrobes grow, so does viewership.
“I’ve heard from some of my clients that their kids were watching the videos," Haber said. "They are laughing and learning at the same time. How exciting is that? It’s super, super rewarding.”
While he is often busy trying to be the fictional hero of Nogginsland, the name of his YouTube channel, he said he hopes to continue to make an impact in the real world too.
“I would love for it to, you know, gain subscribers, gain reach and have as many children as possible watching this. Learning, having fun and growing. That would be exciting for me,” Haber said.