Today, we will work on strengthening the hands and fingers. Adequate hand strength is needed to be able to grasp a pencil during handwriting based tasks and to manipulate items throughout the school day. The video clip to the left shows different exercises that we can use to strengthen the hands and fingers. If you do not have theraputty at home, Play-Doh can be used as a substitute!

If possible, let's get outside and exercise a bit! Sensory walks and pathways have become a big topic in schools within the past year. The purpose of these walks/paths is to get kids moving and provide them with the needed sensory input in order to better focus during class time. It is completely possible to make your own path at home using chalk; as the video shows. The path can be short and simple, yet address many gross motor skills such as jumping and challenging balance.

We have been using the website: www.TypingClub.com in order to learn keyboarding skills. This is a free website and it visually displays where fingers should be placed on the keyboard to help utilize the "home row method" correctly. You can begin from level one of the program and provide your child with assistance, as needed for finger placement. If time permits at home, Typing Club would be beneficial for your child to practice on a regular basis. Even 10-15 minutes per day would be beneficial to retain skills. If you are finding that your child is having a difficult time with Typing Club, then try the website Typing Club Junior; it's an easier version.

Let's get outside for a bit! I-Spy is a game which addresses many skills; including attention, visual scanning and visual perceptual skills (the brain-eye connection; and the ability for both to work together to interpret what we "see" in our surroundings). I would suggest starting the game by color (ex. asking your child if they see something green, something red outside). For children who may not be able to tell you what they see; you can have them point to what you are asking them to identify.

Please play the YouTube video to the left, which will show you how to put together the activity for the day. Clothespins are great items to use during play and/or academics because they help strengthen the hands and fingers! Please note, if you do not have felt material at home (like this video shows) you can substitute with any type of paper or even plastic plates, etc. The possibilities are endless and you will still be addressing the same skills!

Save an empty cereal box for today rather than recycling it! You can make your own puzzle using the cereal box, as shown in the video to the left. Puzzles work on fine motor skills, visual perception and improve problem solving abilities.

Let's make a sensory bag in order to practice drawing shapes or making our letters. Please play the YouTube video to the left to follow how to make a bag.

Have your child help with organizing the laundry. This includes sorting the laundry (making a pile of light vs. dark colored clothing), folding the laundry and/or matching items such as socks, or even allowing them to help you put items in the washing machine and take them out of the dryer when they are ready. Allow them to help you to the best of their ability. Hand over hand assistance can be provided to your child if a task (such as folding) is new to them.

These are so calming to look at once you are finished making them. Please play the YouTube video to the left to learn how to make a bottle. You can use nearly anything around the house to make these such as: glitter, sequins, pom-poms, beads, buttons, feathers, etc.

Have your child help set the table for dinner. They can help in many ways such as: placing the plates onto the table, folding napkins, pouring liquids into glasses and/or transporting food from the counter to the table. Please assist them as needed if something is breakable or if the plates you are using are heavy, etc.