Introducing…”The Frugal OT” Series featuring my Dollar Tree Find of the Month
I love to have fun with the kids that I work with by introducing new activities that they will enjoy. But I don’t like to break the bank in doing so. I love to save money whenever I can. Who doesn’t? One of my favorite places to shop for therapy supplies is Dollar Tree. With a little imagination, this store provides an endless supply of materials that can be used in your therapy room, classroom, or home. Welcome to the Frugal OT Series where I will showcase Dollar Tree finds and show you how to transform them into wonderful fine motor activities targeting various skills.
January’s Activity of the Month: Little Laundry Line
Dollar Tree Shopping List:
- mini clothespins
- felt
- yarn
Additional materials needed: scissors, markers, glue, cardboard box
Optional:
Background paper of choice (I printed an image of the sky and taped it to the box as a backdrop.)
Draw images of clothing freehand or use paper doll clothing templates (I googled paper doll clothing templates and printed them. I then traced the images onto the fabric and cut them out.)
Watch video: Pretend Play “Little Laundry Line”
Music Credit: Sunshine Day by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com
Skills Addressed: Shoulder strength, fine mtor strength, grasping skills, bilateral coordination, motor planning
Grade Up (increase level of difficulty):
Translation: Have child place several clothespins in their hand to work on palm to finger translation
Visual Sequential Memory: Have the child try to remember the sequence of clothing placed on the line and duplicate it on the other side
Core Strength: work core muscles by having the child complete this activity while lying on tummy
Grade Down (decrease level of difficulty): Take clothes off instead of on, place on lap versus tabletop
This activity would be great as a choice in your fine motor center, pretend play center, or as a stand-alone. This would also be very cute as an accessory to a dollhouse or play with dolls in general. You can substitute doll clothes in place of the felt clothing. I hope you and your little ones will enjoy this activity! Stay tuned for next month’s Dollar Tree pick!
Disclaimer:
The Fun Strokes blog is designed for educational and informational use only for teachers, therapists, and parents. It is not intended as medical advice or therapeutic treatment that would be provided in an individualized treatment plan. If you suspect a child has delays, please consult an occupational therapist.