Age old simple toys are often packed with the most benefit. Take the Dreidel, a simple gift found during the holiday season. These toys offer a fine motor challenge that refines the pincer grasp and increases coordination of the fingers. Benefits: Visual focus: holding the toy correctly requires guidance from the eyes and visual attention. […]
One of my favorites is the “squeeze toy” pictured above. It allows the child to squeeze when turned into a ball and this stimulates proprioceptors, which you may recall, help inhibit unecessary stimulation in the brain. In essence, it provides calming stimulation. When the ball is turned inside out it becomes this “spiky” thing that provides tactile […]
Ever wonder why every preschool, kindergarten and first grade have a myriad of cut and paste projects? There are so many integrating skills that develop when using scissors. In a perfect world, early childhood programs would throw away all the pencils and have the students cut out strips of paper and combine to form all […]
Play dough is a favorite of many children. This time tested activity strengthen the hands and is a great entrée into touch exploration. Benefits: Hand strengthening occurs when the fingers are fully extended (straight) and used to press down and roll the dough back and forth to make coils. Children, typically call these “snakes” or “hot dogs.” Isolating […]
When I walk into a classroom, many of the students lift their heads expectantly and frequently plead, “Take me!” I carry a bag of toys. Each toy, ofcourse has a purpose, and some are actually quite difficult. But the kids always step up to the challenge. A favorite of theirs (which always brings a crowd) […]
Long ago I was an “Itinerant Therapist.” This meant that I traveled to children’s homes to work with them, lugging all my equipment and bag of trick with me. I will always be exceedingly grateful to the many families who opened their homes week after week for me to”play” with their children. The forbearance and […]
*PLAYDOUGH: 4 CUPS FLOUR 4 CUPS WATER 1 CUPS SALT 3 TBS CREAM OF TARTAR 4 TBS OIL *GAK: 1 CUP WHITE GLUE 1 CUP WATER MIX IN BOWL #1 FOOD COLORING 1 CUP WATER 1 1/2 TSP BORAX MIX TOGETHER IN BOWL #2 COMBINE CONTENTS OF BOTH BOWLS, PULL OUT WATER AND KNEAD […]
I am a big fan of finding the least expensive way to approach a task. I always love a bargain. Purchasing stamps, I make an exception and don’t compromise. Wooden stamps have an incredible number of fine and visual motor benefits, but if using the less expensive, small plastic stamps, the hand strengthening benefits are […]
This is an inexpensive toy that children love. I love this toy too! Each Christmas our family was invited to a wonderful party. As the years passed, our friends’ children grew up and started having children of their own. Lots of them. I wanted to bring gifts for all the grandchildren. I purchased red and […]
I recently moved and this necessitated a major purging of 30 years. As I tunneled into my children’s closets, it broke my heart to toss the piles of Montessori “Push Pin” maps of the world, the continents and all the states in the US of A. I still marvel at the brilliance of Maria Montessori, […]
I definitely sound like a broken record when it comes to strengthening the hands. If you only had one tool to use, a plant sprayer is it. Every parent and teacher I have worked with knows that 5 minutes a day using a sprayer will get all the muscles necessary for writing and all […]