Fine motor!

Well the initial reason we were sent to an OT was for a fine motor delay. Since he has been needing less time in OT to calm and become focused we have been able to get some great motor ideas and practice. The first is obvious, stringing beads onto a pipe cleaner. As Carson was doing this we noticed a tremor in his hands, after some investigation with the DR we are pretty sure its just a muscle weakness tremor (whew). When they get better at stringing the beads they move to bundago and then string.

The next idea is for buttoning, its more of a pre-buttoning skill. First get ribbon, medium and large buttons and felt. Sew a large button on one end and medium button on the other end of a 6-8in ribbon.

Cut the felt into shapes and cut small slice in the center. Sew at ends of cuts to make sure they don't tear.

Once they are prepared, string a few felt pieces onto the ribbon so they rest on the large button. This helps the kids know which end to use and it weighs down the ribbon so its easier to manipulate.

And thats it, have the child string the pieces onto the ribbon. During therapy Carson really struggled with this, so much so that I actually teared up watching him try so hard and struggle so much. The great thing about this is that they don't have to manipulate the buttons, no turning or twisting, just placing the button through the hole. Its basically like a piggy bank but more difficult because the fabric and button are not solid objects. The entire activity was 4 dollars, and about an hour and a half to make.