At Fred W. Hill Elementary School, the Tovertafel has become an integral part of occupational therapy sessions, delighting students and providing unexpected benefits. Kelly, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Fred W. Hill, shares how the Tovertafel has transformed her approach to therapy. “It’s a great way to start sessions, helping kids calm down and chat for a few minutes before we dive into activities. The Tovertafel’s motor-skill games, like Race Cars, have been fantastic for engaging children physically and making therapy fun.”
Social-Emotional Growth Through Sensory Play
One of the most powerful outcomes has been the impact on social-emotional development. While Kelly initially looked forward to using the Tovertafel to support motor skills in an engaging way, the deeper benefits came as a surprise. She noticed that when students from different classrooms gathered around and interacted with the projections, they naturally began talking, connecting, and calming themselves. What started as play quickly became meaningful social interaction in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.
Kelly’s therapy space is intentionally calming—featuring soft lighting, nature-inspired visuals, and plenty of opportunities for sensory exploration—and the Tovertafel integrates seamlessly into this environment. The popular “Pond” game, in particular, encourages children to engage, communicate, and share. As they play, conversations flow effortlessly, often leading to moments where children open up about their experiences in ways they might not otherwise.
One especially memorable moment involved a young girl with autism who would arrive distressed. She would lie on her stomach and interact quietly with the Pond game, gradually becoming more relaxed. Over time, this simple activity helped shift her mood—ending with a smile and a visible sense of relief. While not easily measured, these small but meaningful changes highlight the true value of the experience.
Versatility That Enhances Engagement
The Tovertafel’s flexibility allows it to be adapted to different environments and needs. By projecting onto various surfaces, such as carpet, the experience becomes even more immersive—adding comfort and an extra sensory layer that makes sessions feel warm, engaging, and inviting for every child.
The Tovertafel has quickly become a favourite among students, many of whom now ask if it will be included in their sessions. “It’s a huge motivator,” Kelly explains. Whether the focus is bilateral coordination, executive functioning, or sensory processing, the Tovertafel provides a highly engaging way to develop these skills.
Kelly incorporates the Tovertafel throughout her sessions—both as part of structured activities and as a flexible, in-the-moment support tool. “If a student is struggling with emotional regulation, we can switch it on and use a calming activity. It’s incredibly effective for helping children relax and self-regulate,” she says.
At times, students come up with their own imaginative ways to interact with it. “This is my first year using the Tovertafel with non-speaking children, and it’s been fascinating to see how they engage,” Kelly shares. “One student who loves water moved a trampoline next to the Pond game and began jumping like he was diving in, making splashing sounds. It’s amazing to see how he combines movement and play in such a creative way.”
Supporting Emotional Regulation
The Tovertafel has played a key role in helping students build emotional regulation skills. “One student who is very sensitive to noise initially put his headphones on when I turned it on,” Kelly recalls. “But once he realised it was safe, he actually asked for the volume to be increased. Now he laughs, smiles, and confidently joins in—showing real progress in his ability to regulate his emotions.”
Kelly has also seen how it strengthens meaningful connections. “This same student often seeks interaction now—making eye contact and even gently touching my face while we play. The Tovertafel has been a powerful tool for building connection and supporting co-regulation.”
She describes the Tovertafel as a powerful tool for both opening and closing therapy sessions. “In the mornings, I switch it on to help children ease into therapy—it really supports a smooth transition. It’s also a beautiful way to wrap up a session. With the lights dimmed and soft twinkle lights around, it creates a calm, soothing environment.”
Overall, the Tovertafel has brought a sense of joy to both students and staff at Fred W. Hill Elementary. “It’s engaging, unique, and naturally encourages conversation,” Kelly shares. “It’s helped me build stronger connections with the children while making therapy sessions more enjoyable and meaningful.”