I was delighted to get invited to a special performance of ‘In The Dark’ this week in London, after seeing the project get birthed and thrive in my home city of Cambridge quite a few years ago.

Dynamic cultural producer Andrea Cockerton has worked within music for many years, and knew that the idea of giving audiences an immersive live musical experience – in darkness – could bring tremendous benefits, and over several iterations, this project is thriving, and has now been brought to London audiences – with the hope it will grow into the projects permanent home.

The Space:

The current venue is St Andrew Church in Holborn, on Chancery Lane, right in the heart of London’s economic district – and as I stepped out of the tube station into the street, the grey gloom of the capital City greeted me, with all the busyness and throng of a Thursday evening at rush hour. I often feel a special thrill at going to an arts event in such a mercantile environment: arts, culture and the imagination so often feel threatened by the push for finance and economic stabilty within this current political climate, in funding the sciences for instance, and this was no exception, particularly as it was in a church in the heart of it all. While inside this very special church, restored and renovated in 1668 by the eminent architect Sir Christopher Wren, outside us office blocks are reaching up high, whereas for many years previously only sky would peer in.

St Andrew’s has vaulting pillars, beautiful golden screens, some sculptures and statues, and uplighting that matches the pillars, alongside oak panelling, all in a straightforward display – a fresh simple and yet deeply spiritual space for prayer, contemplation, and tonight, immersive live sound! The space had been lit with reds, blues, and greens, enhancing the atmosphere greatly.

I took my dear friend, Mick Collins, Norwich-based therapist and writer, who talked in rhapsodic terms about the venue and the whole experience afterwards.

Music:

Transported by the choral and instrumental offerings that popped up across the space, in corners, in front of us, and alongside us. The performance was genuinely breathtaking and profound, and it needed some quiet time to fully digest the experience. Those first moments after the concert had ended were gloriously ineffable. At no stage in the hour was I tempted to lift the eye mask and peek at the scene, though I did wonder if I might have loved this even more were I lying on the floor! I particularly loved hearing male voices starting, and solo female voices, as well as elements of rhythm and percussion leading some of the pieces.

We could hear the voices and instruments travel around the space, and I felt a sharper sense of hearing sounds thrown between instruments, bouncing off each other and responding to the piece. Maybe a sound came from my row of seats, then a singer was in front, and then a chorus of voice rose from the far left. And so forth, punctuated by silences between each of the pieces.

For some of the music, I really felt there was a watery theme (having spent much of last years promoting films and activism engaging with water and rivers), which delighted me, and scanning through the programme we were cleverly handed afterwards, the titles of some of the tracks bear this out. I won’t spoil the surprise and talk about the specifics and the songs that are part of the event as I really want to maintain the joy and surprise of the not knowing, and absolutely want to encourage everyone to go and experience this event if they are able. There was a glory in sitting and having the sounds wash over me, with no knowledge, anticipation, or even expectation of anything specific. Seeing the musicians as we peeled off the provided (very thick and comfortable and available to take home! ) eye masks who clearly were as happy as the audience were, and receptive to our cheers and applause, brought us all into rapt synergy.

All my neurons were buzzing and melting, and after a few thank you’s, hugs, enjoyment of the space and the folk we had shared this with, we melted out of the church, lifted divinely by having been ‘In The Dark’.
The projects publicity says “no phones and no distractions” and absolutely, what a joy that is.

Reflection:

Walking back to the tube, and then the train home, we were both pretty speechless, unable to find words for what we have both witnessed through our audible senses. We thought a bit, sat in quiet reverie, danced with some words, and then decided to reflect overnight and see the next day how we felt. After a deep slumber, all my neutrons moulded back into the shape of me, and we checked in with each other –

Mick: “ at one stage I felt I was inside a prayer – the experience was effervescent on the inside, like champagne bubbles: certain pieces brought this up. A very sacred experience. Afterwards I was left with a sense of oneness, in a true sense of the word. Very light in the body, and my mind had been cleansed – the vibration of the sound and the instrumentation. A beautiful beautiful experience. “

‘In The Dark’ is an exceptional immersive cultural experience like no other. Hearing these musicians perform together, to us and with us, in this unique and held spiritual environment of St Andrew Holborn, is both restful and stirring, joyful and deeply prayerful, beyond words.

::In The Dark

The post In The Dark Review – An Immersive Music Experience in Total Darkness at St Andrew Holborn appeared first on Green Prophet.

Toddlers develop and grow through movement, touch, exploration, and play. Occupational therapy helps guide that growth with activities that support daily skills, confidence, and awareness. These playful tasks do more than entertain; they help toddlers build the foundation for physical control, coordination, and independence.

The best occupational therapy activities for toddlers support sensory, motor, and self-care development through simple, purposeful play. Each activity, from exploring textures to stacking blocks, encourages new abilities that help children navigate their world with greater control and curiosity. The following sections explain how these activities shape early learning in practical, meaningful ways.

Sensory bins with textured materials for tactile exploration

Sensory bins give toddlers a safe space to explore touch and texture. They contain materials such as dry rice, beans, sand, or water beads. These setups help young children practice fine motor skills and improve tactile awareness, which supports other occupational therapy activities for toddlers.

Occupational therapists often use sensory bins to help toddlers tolerate different textures. A child who feels uneasy with certain sensations can gain comfort through short, guided play sessions. Using tools like scoops, cups, or small toys also strengthens grasp and hand-eye coordination.

Parents can adapt sensory bins for home use. For example, soft fabrics, smooth stones, or textured balls create variety. Simple themes such as “farm animals” or “colors” add interest without distraction. Therefore, these sensory experiences not only engage toddlers but also support their overall sensory and physical development in a calm and playful way.

Finger painting to improve fine motor skills and creativity

Finger painting helps toddlers build fine motor control through simple, hands-on play. They move their fingers across a surface, make marks, and mix colors, which strengthens small hand muscles. These movements prepare them for later tasks such as holding a pencil or using utensils.

The activity also supports hand-eye coordination. Each motion requires the child to guide their fingers with intention and accuracy. As they press, swipe, or dab paint, they learn how pressure changes create different effects.

Beyond physical skill, finger painting encourages creativity and decision-making. Toddlers choose colors, shapes, and textures, which helps them think independently. The freedom to create without rules also reduces stress and builds confidence.

Therapists often use this simple art form during sessions because it combines sensory input with purposeful movement. The mix of texture, color, and motion provides both enjoyment and developmental progress in one engaging activity.

Stacking blocks to develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness

Anthroposophic, Waldorf School toys by Bella Luna are made from wood and natural paint

Stacking blocks helps toddlers build control over how their eyes and hands work together. Each time a child picks up a block and places it on another, the eyes guide the hands to match movement with sight. This activity helps the brain connect visual input with fine motor action.

Children also gain early math and spatial skills through this type of play. As they place blocks of different shapes or sizes, they learn about height, balance, and position. They start to notice patterns and how objects relate to each other in space.

In addition, stacking encourages focus and problem-solving. A tower that falls teaches a child to adjust hand pressure or block position next time. Over time, these short moments of trial and error help them think ahead and plan movements more carefully.

For toddlers, simple block play offers a practical way to strengthen coordination while keeping play natural and fun.

Water play activities to improve sensory regulation and motor planning

Water play gives toddlers a safe and natural way to explore textures, temperatures, and movement. The gentle pressure of water helps the body feel calm and organized, which supports sensory regulation. It also encourages attention and body awareness in an enjoyable and familiar setting.

Simple tasks such as scooping, pouring, or squeezing sponges help children plan and carry out actions with both hands. These activities strengthen hand muscles and improve timing and coordination. Using cups, spoons, or small toys helps toddlers practice grasp and release control.

Therapists often use colored water or bubbles to add a visual element that keeps children motivated. As they repeat actions and test what works, they learn how to adjust pressure and speed for different results. This process naturally develops problem-solving and motor planning skills through play that feels both engaging and meaningful.

Simple self-dressing tasks to build independence and fine motor control

Toddlers gain early independence by practicing simple dressing tasks. Activities like pulling up socks, pushing arms through sleeves, and fastening large buttons help them use both hands together. Each task promotes finger strength and coordination, which supports other daily movements.

Parents or caregivers can make practice easier by laying out clothing in order and choosing loose garments with simple fasteners. This setup helps toddlers predict each next step and reduces frustration. Short, playful sessions keep them focused without pressure.

Repetition supports progress. As a child improves, adults can add new challenges such as using zippers or matching shoes. These small steps help toddlers build confidence while learning the patience and control that dressing requires.

Conclusion

Toddlers grow through hands-on play that builds fine motor control, sensory awareness, and problem-solving ability. Occupational therapy activities help them practice real-life skills such as grasping objects, stacking blocks, or learning to use a spoon. These tasks strengthen independence while keeping therapy enjoyable and natural.

Parents and caregivers can support development by mixing playful tasks with daily routines. For example, finger painting can train hand strength, and simple cleanup chores can improve coordination. Activities that encourage movement and exploration help children gain confidence in their own abilities.

Each child progresses at a different pace, so activities should match the child’s needs and comfort level. Regular observation and gentle guidance keep progress steady.

In short, structured yet playful occupational therapy helps toddlers develop important skills for daily life, giving them a stronger foundation for future learning and independence.

All activities should be age-appropriate and supervised by an adult. If you have concerns about your child’s motor development, consult a pediatrician or therapist.

The post Which Occupational Therapy Activities Are Best for Toddlers’ Development? appeared first on Green Prophet.