17.5.12

Fine Motor Fun ~ Gadgets, Games, and Another Giveaway!

Often Occupational Therapy is associated with fine motor function in the context of handwriting and tying shoelaces. Fine motor skills are actually involved in almost every task we complete. 

What do buttoning, cutting with scissors, and unscrewing the top of a water bottle have in common? Two hands working together are required to complete each task. Some bilateral tasks require the same action of both hands. Others require one hand to stabilize an object while the other hand completes intricate fine motor movements. For instance while buttoning one hand holds the button, the other hand guides the fabric with the buttonhole.  


Bilateral hand use- cutting with scissors requires one hand to stabilize the paper or object being cut and one hand to manipulate the scissors.  Did you see the play dough recipe yesterday? Have your child roll snakes of dough then cut it into half-inch sections. Or cut a straw then lace it on a pipe cleaner or shoelace. 

Writing, if stabilizing paper with non-dominant hand, is also a bilateral task.

Have you seen a Squiggle Wiggle Writer? I remember enjoying this as a child. If a child is a little embarrassed by their messy writing, have everyone write with one of these and turn that embarrassment into giggles while adding sensory input to their hand muscles. (See my giveaway below for one Squiggle Wiggle from Fun and Function.)
In-hand manipulation- Jacks, a top, marbles, dominoes - A collection of vintage style toys can provide hours of fun fine motor play. Of course, follow guidelines with all of those; small parts can be choking hazards for children.

Games- Many childhood board games require moving small pieces. Add to board games such classics as Don't Spill the Beans or Don't Break the Ice have multiple small pieces to manipulate.  


Turning pages of a book, shuffling and passing out cards, making paper air planes, there are so many fun activities can you do together with your child to challenge their fine motor skills.


***The information provided in this series has been simplified for generalization. I have not met your child so cannot offer individualized therapeutic advice. If you have a concern about your child’s fine motor skills or suspect a delay, seek a referral to a local Occupational Therapist. 

     This 5 day series FINE MOTOR FUN is a part of a larger series by 65 bloggers on the TOS Homeschool Review Crew. See all of the topics here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Jennifer
Photobucket

16 comments:

  1. We LOVE fun and function! Our favorite thing is the rolling blocks for exercise.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So many cool things! I like the Rolling Blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great website! I have 2 that struggle with fine motor skills. One is getting OT right now for it and I'm hoping to get my younger one into it too. I like all the writing tools and games to strengthen their hands!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love how the company can help a special need with the use of textures and stimulation etc. It's great that they have narrowed down how each responds with a child.
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  5. My kids would love to write with a squiggle writer! And there are some good ideas here for fine motor skills. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. They have chewies. I have a 9 year old that is always chewing on something. I thought it was a phase but I am thinking about mentioning it to his doctor.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a neat website, loved the Chewey pencil toppers. I had a squiggle writer as a kid. Loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I learned they have a whole section of autism toys that would help my daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My favorite is the mini loop scissors. I have been looking for them and couldn't find them. ;-)
    shuttermom77 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I learned that I need part time job for all of the things that I want to buy. Starting with the magna-tiles.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I learned that they have cool swings, and my daughter's therapist and I have been looking for one to put on the porch.

    ReplyDelete
  12. one of our favorite companies! Their products work wonders for all kids!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Never seen a Moving'n Grooving Swring! Looks like so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Super post. As a teacher and school psychologist I also have a post on graphomotor skills - I hope you check it out - I'd love your comments.

    Here is the link:

    http://departingthetext.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-are-perceptual-motor-skills-and.html

    In the meantime, I am your newest follower (returning your follow)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great information! My youngest son was delayed in his fine motor development and struggled with writing for quite awhile.

    Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog!

    ReplyDelete

comments from friends: