At Funability, we are passionate about providing high-quality sensory tools that not only bring joy but also support important developmental goals. One of our favorite ways to use our whistles is alongside the principles of the M.O.R.E. Program, developed by Patricia Oetter, MA, OTR, FAOTA, and Eileen Richter.
But what exactly is the M.O.R.E. Program?
The M.O.R.E. Program stands for Motor, Oral, Respiratory, and Eyes — key systems that must work together for a child to develop strong self-regulation, attention, and overall sensory integration. It’s a powerful framework used by Occupational Therapists to promote optimal sensory and motor development, especially in children with sensory processing challenges.
How Do Our Whistles Fit Into the M.O.R.E. Program?
1. Oral-Motor Skills The whistle is a fantastic oral-motor tool. Blowing through a whistle strengthens the muscles of the mouth, lips, and cheeks. These muscles are essential not just for speech and eating but also for regulating sensory input around the mouth, which is a sensitive area for many children.
2. Respiratory Support Blowing a whistle naturally encourages deep breathing and controlled exhalation. The M.O.R.E. Program highlights the importance of respiratory patterns in supporting alertness and calming. Using a whistle can help organize a child’s breathing rhythm, helping them move from a dysregulated state (hyper or hypo) toward a more regulated and focused one.
3. Motor Planning Using a whistle requires coordinated movement between the hands (to hold it) and the mouth (to blow), supporting bilateral coordination and fine motor skills. Children learn to plan and execute movements, which is essential for tasks like handwriting, dressing, and other daily activities.
4. Visual Attention Many of our whistles also offer visual feedback — whether it’s a spinning feature, flashing light, or a simple visual cue when the sound is produced. This aligns with the “Eyes” component of M.O.R.E., supporting visual tracking and focus.
Why Choose Funability Whistles?
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Variety: We stock a range of whistles, from simple beginner-friendly designs to ones that provide extra sensory feedback.
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Quality and Safety: All our whistles are made from safe, durable materials and are easy to clean — because we know how important hygiene is in therapy and classroom settings.
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Purpose-Driven Play: Our whistles aren’t just toys — they are carefully selected to support sensory and developmental goals.
Tips for Using Whistles in Sensory Activities
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Start slow: Some children may be hesitant to blow. Model the activity or let them explore the whistle with their hands first.
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Pair with movement: Try blowing the whistle while doing simple motor activities like jumping or balancing to engage the whole body.
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Use for regulation: A few deep breaths through a whistle can be a great sensory break during a busy day.
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Incorporate into Zones of Regulation: Teach children how using their whistle can help them shift from the "yellow zone" (heightened alertness) back to the "green zone" (calm and ready to learn).
- Shop Our Whistles- https://funability.com.au/product-category/whistles/