One Handed Book Holder Pillow

One Handed Book Holder Pillow

Setting: at home in bed or on a couch

Materials:
Pillow
Ribbon
Book
Scissors
Hot Glue
Hot Glue Gun

Instructions:
1. Take the ribbon and scissors and cut pieces that fit going diagonally across the pillow.
2. Taking the hot glue and hot glue gun put the ribbon pieces on the pillow going diagonally in the corners but with some room in the middle and secure them and let cool.
3. Take your book and slide one half under one ribbon and the other half on the opposite side.
4. You know have a one handed book pillow holder and can enjoy reading


Purpose: This adaptive equipments purpose is to act as a relief for people with arthritis or weak upper extremities that cannot hold the book up to themselves while reading. Weak dexterity is also a concern for people who cannot hold the book with one of their hands so that it creates strain for the one hand that is able to hold the book up. This pillow acts as a relief because it is comfortable and can sit in someones lap without the pages moving all around. Therefore the person can maintain their cognitive ability to read and recognize literature even if their muscles are having troubles.

Shannon: Lovin The Mommyhood. (April 4, 2009). Reading Pillow.

Retrieved from:http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2009/04/reading-pillow-sewing-pattern.html

One Arm Hair Dryer

Tri-pod Hair Dryer

Setting: at home in a bathroom or bedroom

Materials:
Bungee Rope
Hairdryer
Tripod
Electricity access

Instructions:
1. Securely wrap the hairdryer around the tripod using bungee rope.
2. Plug in hair dryer and use when needed.

Purpose: The purpose of this adaptive equipment is to increase the independence of performing ADL's  in individuals. For some personal identity and self esteem is associated with personal appearance and by framework of taking care of oneself or hygiene. For the individual to perform these task if they have weak range of motion in the upper extremity or low strength in their grasp, wrist, hands, or arm muscles they would not be able to blow dry their hair. This can also be used for amputees that only have one arm to work with.

Hair Dryer and Stand. [Image]. (2012).  Retrieved from http://www.toysrbob.com/onearm/hairdry.html

Pencil Grips

Pencil Grips

Setting: when using a pen or pencil

Materials:
Pen or pencil
Pencil grip

Instructions:
1. Place the pencil grip along the bottom end of the pencil.
2. Use when participating in writing exercises.

Purpose: The purpose of this adaptive equipment is to increase fine motor control and pinch to dictate pencil control. In order to hold a pencil correctly and comfortably gives the individual a better chance at writing better and improving their written communication. The use of the pencil grips can improve the use of the fine motor ability and muscles used that are needed for tying shoes, and dressing one self.

Warburg, Chaye. (September 27, 2012). Start Right Pencil Grips.

Retrieved from:http://www.potsot.com/2012/09

Page Holder

One Handed Page Holder

Setting: at home or in a chair or desk setting

Materials:
Book
One Handed Page Holder

Instructions:
1. Open book to desired page and put the book holder across putting your thumb up through the hole and holding the back side of the book with your fingers.

Purpose: This is to increase the ability for an individual to be able to read that has limited wrist and hand strength to hold the pages open while reading. As long as the individual had thumb opposition, strength, and mobility the person can successfully read independently. Dexterity would need to be used in order for the person to turn the pages with their opposite hand and the use of across the body if the device was held with the right hand and turning the pages with the left.

BuzzFeed Inc. (2012). Borderline Geniuses: Book Page Holder.

Retrieved from: http://www.buzzfeed.com/burnred/borderline-geniuses-281t

Paperclip Jewelry Aid

Paperclip Jewelry Aid

Setting: at home in room

Materials:
paperclip
bracelet

Instructions:
1. Unwind the paperclip until it looks like an "S" shape. Attach the paperclip to the unclasped end of the bracelet.
2. Then pinch the clasp and hold the other end with the paperclip for stability while attempting to hook together the bracelet!

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to improve an individuals performance in ADL's and IADL's so that they can independently do fine motor activities. To most appearance increases self esteem and personal identity. So for some that struggle with putting on and taking off jewelry this is essential. It also would be important for the individual to have strong pincer grasp and fine motor control of the dominant hand in order to work the clasp on the piece of jewelry.

Purdy, Kevin. (November 15, 2010). Use of a Paper Clip to put on Bracelets the Easy Way.

Retrieved from:http://lifehacker.com/5690114/use-an-paper-clip-to-put-on-bracelets-the-easy-way

Can Opener

One-Handed Can Opener

Setting: kitchen

Materials:
Can
Batteries
One Handed Can Opener

Instructions:
1. Place can upright and insert batteries into can opener.
2. Put one handed can opener over the can.
3. Press the button on the can opener and do not touch until the can opener is off.

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to allow someone who has very weak upper extremity strength or an amputee the ability to open a can independently. I bought this for myself when I moved to Bangor since I can be a weakling in my wrist and it really works great. It even has a safety feature that as long as you don't get in the way of the blade as it is cutting, it cleans the cut so that you can't cut yourself along the can afterwards.

Bed Bath & Beyond. (2012). One Touch Hands-Free Can Opener. [Image].

Retrieved from: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/3/one-handed-can-opener

Headphones

Headphones

Setting: classrooms, work, or at home while needing to focus.

Materials:
Headphones themselves

Instructions:
1. Put headphones on when in excess noise.

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is for the individual to understand their own emotions and needs. Some people are very easily overstimulated by vestibular input to the point it interferes with their work, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities. So when they are feeling overwhelmed that they can't work they can put on the headphones and block out the excess noise that is overstimulating them. It is a way for them to deal with their environment yet effectively work through it.

Schectman, Tzvi. (March 21, 2012). 8 Headphones for Children with Autism and Auditory Processing Disorder. Retrieved from:http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/03/21/8-headphones-for-children-with-autism-and-auditory-processing-disorder/

iPad Chopsticks

iPad Chopsticks

Setting: at home with an iPad

Materials:
Folded piece of paper
Two Stylus'
Rubber Band

Instructions:
1. Fold the piece of paper
2. Take two stylus' and put the piece of paper in the middle of them and wrap the rubber band around the same area.
3. There you have your iPad chopsticks! Allow the individual to play games using the iPad chopsticks.

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is to increase fine motor control by having the individual play or draw using chop sticks. Fine motor control is needed in independence in ADL's such as in dressing activities or tying of shoes. Fine motor also allows for literacy and written communication to make handwriting legible for school and work purposes. Regulation is also required in order to not press too hard but to press hard enough down on the chop sticks to the screen so it allows the iPad to sense the stylus'. Hand eye coordination could be used in this exercise if the game was that of fruit ninja which needs the hand to quickly respond to the visual cues.

Cooley, Tonya. (September 3, 2012). iPad Chopsticks. Therapy Fun Zone.

Retrieved from: http://therapyfunzone.com/blog/2012/09/ipad-chopsticks/

Mancala

Mancala

Setting: at home

Materials:
mancala board
mancala rocks

Instructions:
1. Place four rocks in each section leaving the end pieces empty. (Each player has their own side of the board.
2. When it is your turn you chose which section you are going to take the rocks from and move counterclockwise leaving one rock in each section you pass.
3. You put one rock in your home space as you pass it but not your opponents. If you end in your home space you get to go again.
4. Keep going until you have no more rocks on your side of the game.


Purpose: The purpose of this activity was to encourage wrist, arm and hand range of motion. The use of weights while playing the game could also increase the individual's strength in their hand muscles. What I noted on the most was the amount of fine motor activity that is used in this game along with grasp. Grasp is needed to pick up all the rocks in the desired section while fine motor control is needed in order to place one rock in each section. Regulation is needed in order to not spill more than one rock out at a section at a time since that would be cheating. Numbers and counting which emphasizes simple math skills one would need in work or play setting is also demonstrated in at the very end to see who has more rocks in their home space. Hand eye coordination is used in order to see where you need to drop or pick up stones.

Cooley, Tonya. (May 6, 2010). Mancala. Therapy Fun Zone.

Retrieved from:http://therapyfunzone.com/blog/2010/05/mancala/

Diamond Rings

Pipe Cleaner Diamond Rings

Setting: school or at home

Materials:
Pipe Cleaners
Hershey Kisses

Instructions:
1. Take two pipe cleaners and turn the hershey kiss upside-down.
2. Take the first pipe cleaner and put it diagonally across the hershey kiss and do the same for the second pipe-cleaner.
3. If their fingers are small enough you could have them twist the pipe cleaner at the bottom of the hershey kiss and wrap around the excess pipe cleaner into a circle so that they could wear it as a ring.

Purpose: A fun way for individuals can strengthen hand muscles while twisting and maneuvering the pipe-cleaners and exercising fine motor control. This also could be a social interaction project since some sites recommend it as a valentines day idea and leave the rings in people's valentines day boxes. Regulation would be needed for the individual to not eat the hershey kisses and actually complete the diamond ring task.

Mom on Timeout. (January 26, 2012). Bring on the Bling Valentine Ring.

Retrieved from:http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/01/bring-on-bling-valentine-ring-craft/

Feed The Mouse

Feed the Mouse

Setting: at home or in the classroom

Materials:
Small Erasers
Scissors
Tennis Ball
Marker
Foam or Felt
Glue
Marker
Knife

Instructions:
1. Take a knife and cut open the tennis ball on one side.
2. Take out the ball middle on the inside of a tennis ball.
3. Draw eyes on the ball.
4. Cut out 2 circles one big circle and one little circle.
5. Cut the big circle in half.
6. Glue the two half circles on top of the tennis ball for ears.
7. Glue the smaller circle in the middle of the tennis ball above the cut.
8. Have the individual draw whiskers on with a marker.
9. Take the small markers and have the individual feed the mouse the erasers.

Purpose: Works on finger and thumb opposition strength which is necessary to hold a pencil properly and other grasp tasks. Grasp is important in order to hold things without having them fall and in dexterous activities. Fine motor control is also exercised in picking up the small erasers and maneuvering them to fit into the mouse mouth. Hand eye coordination is necessary in order to place the eraser inside the mouth and not around the outside of the tennis ball mouth itself. To increase safety I would already have the tennis ball cut for the individual so there is no presence of a knife that accidents could occur with, especially if they have grasp issues.

Dodge, Jennifer. (2012). Tennis Ball Heads!

Retrieved from:http://www.school-ot.com/Tennisballheads.html

Color Game

Color Game

Setting: at home or in the classroom setting

Materials:
Different Colored Pipe Cleaners
Markers
Zip Lock Baggie
Clothespins

Instructions:
1. First write on every clothespin a color and put in a baggie.
2. Next have the individual take the pipe cleaners and create them to be in a circle.
3. Next have them pick a clothespin out of a bag and have them attach the clothespin to the color pipe-cleaner ring.

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to emphasize the individual's color Identification, critical thinking and problem solving to figure out what clothespin goes to what pipe cleaner. Fine motor skills are used in order to pinch the clothespin open enough to attach it to a pipe cleaner. Strengthening of small hand muscles were used in order to pinch the pipe-cleaners together to create a circle. This exercise could have exercised fine motor control even more if they had the individual write the names of the colors on the clothespins and set into the baggie. This would practice writing skills and also use regulation and hand eye coordination in order to accurately put the clothespins in the baggie.

Tot School Tumblr. (October 6, 2010). Color Clothespin Game. [Blog post].

Retrieved from:http://totschool.tumblr.com/post/1259715391/i-made-this-really-cool-game-that-they-loved

Clothespin Catapult

Clothespin Catapult

Setting: at school or at home

Materials:
Glue
Spring-Style Clothes Pin
Popsicle Stick
Pom-Poms
Plastic Soda Bottle Cap
Small Piece of Wood (if accessible)

Instructions:
1.Glue the clothespin to the block of wood or put the clothespin upright on the end of a table or desk.
2. Glue the popsicle stick about midway down on the clothespin.
3.Glue the plastic bottle cap near the end of the popsicle stick with the hollow side upright.
4.Place a pom-pom in the cap and push down on the end of the popsicle stick.
5. And then let go!

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is to create a fun way to encourage strengthening of hand muscles and fine motor control. Fine motor is demonstrated when using one finger to bend the catapult backwards to get ready for take off. It is also used in order to pick up the pom pom and place it within the bottle cap. Regulation is necessary for this type of activity because there needs to be a knowledge of your own hand and strength needed to push the pom pom to different distances. Regulation can be further encouraged by creating a tower at the end of the table to attempt to knock it down, this would also emphasize hand eye coordination.

Almost Unschoolers. (July 15, 2010). Clothespin Torsion Catapult for Kids.[Blog post].

Retrieved from:http://almostunschoolers.blogspot.com/2010/07/clothespin-torsion-catapult-for-kids.html

Snowflake Ornaments

Snowflake Ornaments

Setting: Classroom or at home where there is a flat surface

Materials:
yarn
scissors
white glue
tape
wax paper
paper
pencil

Instructions:
1. First have the person create a snowflake design by drawing it on a piece of paper.
2. Take that and tape it to the middle of the backside of a piece of wax paper.
3. Tape down the wax piece of paper on a table so that the drawing is touching the table side and not the side that the ornament will be made.
4. Next cut a piece of yarn using scissors.
5. Dip the yarn into the glue and trace the outline of the previously drawn snowflake.


Purpose: The purpose of this activity is not only to promote emotional expression in drawing a snowflake but also emphasizing the use of fine motor activity in pincer grasp of holding the pencil and also through holding the yarn and carefully trying to trace the previously drawn snowflake. The use of glue also involves some sensory play in it's sticky texture. Completion of a task is also emphasized in order to create an ornament for a family member or for themselves. Completion of tasks can increase an individual's self esteem.

Stewart, Martha. (2012). Snowflake Ornament. Retrieved from: http://www.marthastewart.com/276330/christmas-ornaments-for-kids/@center/307034/christmas-workshop#/186854

Letter Practice

Bead Letters

Setting: at home

Materials:
Small beads that have letters on them.
Paper
Pen
Styrofoam
Toothpicks
Scissors

Instructions:
1. Write letters on a piece of paper.
2. Cut out the letters and take the toothpicks and stick the cut letters into the styrofoam.
3. Have the person sort out the beads and select the bead that has the same letter and string it down the toothpick to match the letter underneath.


Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is to increase and exercise fine motor control by having the individual string the beads on a toothpick. This exercises the individuals pincer grasp and hand eye coordination to ensure that the bead is going to go on the toothpick. Use of letter recognition and critical thinking to identify the letter and search for the correct letter to match that on the piece of paper. Literacy and communication skills are exercised in increasing the individual's letter knowledge that will later on be used for sentence formation and reading.

McDonald, Allison. (July 18, 2010). Fine Motor Alphabet Activity.

Retrieved from:http://blogs.familyeducation.com/parenting/moms/allison-mcdonald/fine-motor-alphabet-activity

Cutting Playdoh

Cutting Play-doh

Setting: at home, in a daycare, or in a classroom setting

Materials:
Plastic Knife
Scissors
Play Doh

Instructions:
1. Have them role the play doh to be a thin snake.
2. Have them grasp the play doh and work on cutting or scissor skills by cutting the play-doh into smaller pieces.

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is useful in exercising fine motor control and scissor control. Manipulation of play-doh also works on strengthening the individual's hand muscles to perform activities that they will need in order to perform ADL's such as dressing themselves. For younger individuals the use of scissors and control is important along with the use of a knife to cut food into smaller bites and practice regulation. By using a plastic knife it increases the individual's safety along with using kid-friendly scissors. Fine motor control is also needed in tying shoes along with handwriting tasks.

Katie’s Nesting Spot (March 4, 2009). Developing Fine Motor Skills. Cutting Play-Doh.[Blog post]. Retrieved from:http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/2009/03/developing-fine-motor-skills.html

Fun Fusion

Fun Fusion Beads

Setting: at home or at school in a cafeteria or classroom setting

Materials:
Tiny Beads
Fun Fusion Peg Boards
Iron or Glue

Instructions:
1. Put out the peg boards and beads.
2. Allow the individual to place beads on the peg boards.
3. Either have the individual put glue on the beads and then place it on the pegboard or have the OT iron the beads together permanently.

Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to exercise the individuals pincer grasp. Completion of a task is incorporated in this activity because the individual can make fun shapes if they are able to place all the beads in the peg board. Having the individual put the glue on the beads demonstrate regulation in not putting too much glue on the bead to avoid a mess on the pegboard. Fine motor control and pincer grasp is exercised in order to place the beads on the pegboard to begin with. Fine motor and pincer grasp can be beneficial in the use of buttons and dressing ones self and preparing the individual to practice handwriting.

Zachary, A. (May 3, 2012). Matching Colors and Improving Fine Motor Skills. [Blog post].

Retrieved from: http://drzachryspedsottips.blogspot.com/search/label/Fine%20Motor%20Activities

Pool Noodle Aliens

Pool Noodle Aliens

Setting: outside by the pool or inside in a playroom

Materials:
Pool Noodles
Golf Tees
Knife


Instructions:
1. Cut pool noodles with knife into smaller pieces.
2. Take two golf tees and stick them in the bottom of the pool noodle.
3. Next take two more golf tees and put them in the sides as arms.
4. Take another two golf tees and stick them in the center of the pool noodle as eyes.
5. Finally take another two golf tees and stick them in the top of the pool noodle as antennas.


Purpose: I thought this would be a great activity especially for kids with the popularity of the movie "Despicable Me". Fine motor control is demonstrated in this activity by using the golf tees and making them peg into the pool noodle. This is a fun way for kids to work on pinch grips to place the pegs in the noodle that will be helpful in handwriting. I would leave the knife work to a parent unless the adult is an older individual and needs to work on wrist range of motion and strength. In that case there would be a need for ADL and IADL completion and this activity would help them. The instructions stated above are for a standard alien. Emotional expression and creativity could be demonstrated by allowing the individual to create their own alien if they desired to do so.

Time for Play. (April 2, 2012). Pool Noodles and Golf Tees. [Blog post].

Retrieved from:http://4herreras.blogspot.com/2012/04/pool-noodles-and-golf-tees.html

Pipe Cleaner Hair Salon

Pipe Cleaner Hair Salon

Setting: at home setting in a playroom or living room.

Materials:
Pipe Cleaners
Strainer

Instructions:
1. Flip a strainer upside-down and take the pipe cleaners and put them in the strainer.
2. Have the individual pull the pipe cleaners out to give the person a hair cut.
3. Next tell them to give them a new hair-do by putting pipe cleaners back in to the strainer.

Purpose: This activity demonstrates fine motor control by grasping onto the pipe cleaners and pulling them out of the strainer. Fine motor control is also used in order to put the pipe cleaners back into the strainer. Fine motor is used in order to increase writing ability and independence in ADL performance. Imagination and play is also emcouraged in the exercise by imagining it was a person and they were giving them a haircut. Imagination and play encourages the use of critical thinking, role identification, and problem solving that the individual will need in life when these imagined situations are no longer imaginary and are real.

Adams, B. (September 8, 2011). What to do with Samuel? Pipe Cleaners.

Retrieved from: http://no1hasmorefun.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-to-do-with-samuel.html

Q-Tip Art

Q-Tip Art

Setting: in a home or classroom setting

Materials:
Pencil
Paper
Paintbrush
Paint
Paper plates
Q-Tips

Instructions:
1. Put paint in a paper plate.
2. Take paper and pencil and draw a circle in the middle of the paper.
3. Next either have the individual paint the tree trunk with the paintbrush or do it before hand.
4. Next have the individual take the q-tips and dab it in the paint and create leaves in the circle using paint q-tip dabs.

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is to increase fine motor skill by enhancing pinch grip of a q-tip to make writing better and strengthen small hand muscles that are needed to perform independent ADL's and IADL's. Regulation and following directions is needed in order for them to stay within the circle and not go outside. Hand eye coordination is needed for this activity to understand where to put the dots and to recognize the circle itself. Midline crossing could also be used in this activity by making the circle to put the q-tip dabs larger so they would have to cross the midline to fill up the entire circle.

Fatto, Natale. (September 20, 2011). Q-Tip Art.

Retrieved from:http://laclassedellamaestravalentina.blogspot.com/2011/09/un-pennello-un-po-speciale.html

Colored Ice Cubes

Colored Ice Cubes

Setting:  at home or in an art room

Materials:
Eye Dropper
Water
Ice Tray
Food Coloring
Paper

Instructions:
1. Take water and pour it into the ice tray.
2. Take food coloring and have individual use the eye dropper to extract the desired color and drop 2 drops of the color into the water in the ice tray.
3. Freeze water until turned into ice.
4. Use colored ice and have individual paint pictures with the colored ice.


Purpose: The purpose of this activity was to demonstrate fine motor control and regulation in how many drops to put into the ice and in pouring the water into the ice trays. If regulation was not enforced than the person would have an overflowing ice tray and it would weaken the food coloring to produce a vibrant color. This also demonstrates the person's ability to follow directions and use vestibular input in order to complete the task. Fine motor control is demonstrated by both the eye dropper of food coloring but also of using the ice as a crayon. Grasp is also used since ice cubes are larger than an average crayon. Gross motor control is used when pouring the water. Sensory play is incorporated with touching the ice and in coloring.

Dermody, J. (January 26, 2012). Ice Cube Painting. [Blog post].

Retrieved from: http://jensotforkids.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Fine%20Motor%20Activities

Button Sandwich

Button Sandwiches

Setting: at home, in a playroom or in a classroom

Materials:
Different colored felt pieces with button holes.
Scissors
Ribbon
Button

Instructions:
1.  Cut button holes in the felt pieces. Next tie a knot at the end of the ribbon and attach the button on the opposite end.
2. Taking the different colored felt pieces button them together creating a sandwich.
3. Allow them to build the sandwich on their own and discuss what they like and what they don't like in sandwiches. If desired you can tell them what to make for a sandwich to incorporate following directions and sequencing.


Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to measure fine motor control through practicing buttoning on something other than a shirt. I know at young ages children especially do not care to wear clothes in general so this is a more imaginative and fun activity for them. This activity can strengthen hand muscles that are needed in writing and dressing ADL's. Dexterity is also used in this exercise by using both hands, one to hold and grasp the object and the other to weave the button into the desired felt piece  Hand eye coordination is needed in order to see the button and properly use hands to achieve the sandwich task. Finally completion of a task is emphasized in finishing the sandwich product.

Cooley, Tonya. (February 28, 2011). Practice Buttoning with a Felt Sandwich.  Therapy Fun Zone. Retrieved from:http://therapyfunzone.com/blog/2011/02/practice-buttoning-with-felt-sandwich/

Hot Potato Side Pass

Hot Potato Pass

Setting: outside or large area such as a living room

Materials:

Ball

Music

Instructions:

   1. Have individuals sit back to back from one another, one starting out with the ball

   2.Play music and have the two individuals pass the ball back and forth by turning side to side.

   3. Stop the music randomly and that person still holding the ball when the music stops is considered the hot potato of the round.

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen core muscles by moving them back and forth and improving range of motion of the trunk and arms. Grasp is needed to maintain the ball while in motion and in order to receive the ball from the other person. Socialization is emphasized in this activity in order to work well with the other person in the activity. This can also be done as a group activity where instead of just two people, have a line of individuals in a row and have them move the ball to the side of them and pass the ball down the line and back up the line. Balance is needed to move from side to side while in the seated position and in transitioning weight from side to side. Midline crossing is a huge task in the activity because the individual is forced to cross midline in order to keep passing the ball and not become the hot potato. 

Tracey OT Mom Learning Activities (2011). Kids’ Outdoor Activities for Crossing the Midline.

Retrieved from:http://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/activities-for-crossing-the-midline.html

Frisbee

Frisbee

Setting: outside or in a gymnasium

Materials:

Frisbees

Instructions:

1.Play pass with a Frisbee with a friend.

Purpose: Use of mid-line crossing is used in Frisbee in order to throw it in a straight line. This works on social interaction with others and ability to work on grasp to catch the Frisbee and also in holding it before tossing it back to the other person. This activity also works on wrist, arm and hand range of motion in catching, and tossing the Frisbee back. Some strength especially in the wrist is needed and exercised in this activity. Gross motor and balance is also exercised in the ability to run to where the Frisbee is going and maintaining standing balance.

FitSugar.(July 27, 2007). It’s Ultimate Frisbee Time.

Retrieved from:http://www.fitsugar.com/s-Ultimate-Frisbee-Time-223385

Tennis

Tennis

Setting: tennis court outside

Materials:

Tennis Ball

Tennis Racquets

Instructions:

   1.Take turns hitting the ball back and forth to one another without stopping.
   2. Try to work on the less dominant hand by working on a backhand in tennis

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is to improve the midline crossing of the individual. Regular tennis uses dexterity in order to hit the ball from either side of the body that the ball is hit. If they are a beginner even crossing the midline with just their dominant hand would be an accomplishment. Hand eye coordination is used in order to hit the ball back and location of ones body is necessary to understanding where they are in terms of where the ball is or about where the ball is going to hit. Range of motion of both the upper and lower extremity is exercised in going all around the court along with social interaction with another person. Strength is also needed and exercised of the upper extremity in order to hit the ball back over across the net to the other person.

Tennis Balls [Image]. Retrieved from:http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/156640893259735436_X2ruApUO_f.jpg

Therapy Street for Kids. (2012). Crossing the Midline.

Retrieved from:http://www.therapystreetforkids.com/CrossingMidline.html

Cookie Cutter Painting

Cookie Cutter Painting

Setting: classroom setting or at home on a hard setting

Materials:

Paper

Cookie Cutters

Paint

Paper Plate

Instructions:

 Put out paper and put paint in paper plate.

 Put out different shape cookie cutters.

 Dip the cookie cutter in the paint and then place on the paper to create different shapes.

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise is to encourage emotional expression in how they desire to place the cookie cutter stamps and what colors that are chosen. Grasp and fine motor control are demonstrated in the ability to regulate the hand and muscles to slowly put the cookie cutter down and firmly enough so it left an imprint. The use of grasp strengthens hand muscles and putting the paper on the opposite side of the dominant hand uses use of across the body. 

It’s a playful life filled with dirt and boogers. (September 12, 2012). Fall Cookie Cutter Painting.

Retrieved from:http://www.dirtandboogers.com/2012/09/fall-cookie-cutter-painting.html

Toothbrush Play

Toothbrush Play

Setting: at home or at school on a desk or floor

Materials:

Tooth Brush

Water

Water Paint

Soap

Plastic Egg Cartons

Scissors

Instructions:

 Cut the plastic egg cartons with scissors into half sections; these are the teeth of the exercise. Add water paint onto them to signify germs and plaque.

 Mix soap and water so it is bubbly.

 Set toothbrushes out and have them scrub away at the plaque on the teeth using a toothbrush and the soap and water mix.

Purpose: The purpose of this exercise was to teach the children about hygiene which is needed for ADL’s and IADL’s through following verbal directions. Taking care of oneself is a major part of living and can increase self-esteem. This also emphasizes the use of grasp, gross, and fine motor skills in order to brush off the plaque on the teeth. Fine motor skills are needed in order to dress him or herself and to be able to write which is useful for school and work settings. Use of the soapy water and colored water paint is to incorporate sensory play into the mix.

Stewart, D. (February 28, 2012). Toothbrush water play in preschool.

Retrieved from:http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/02/toothbrush-water-play-in-preschool/