OT Tip

This past week at work I have been having all my kids work on a fun fall craft project to work on various skills at the same time. From Pre-school to about 2nd grade, scissors, gluing, and writing skills are some basic skills that children are learning and perfecting. A lot of the time you can get them to practice without even knowing it by completing this fun project.

What You Need:
Construction Paper
Crayons/Colored Pencils
Glue
Scissors
Fall cut-out pictures (see below for links)

Have your child color the picture of their choice (you can use the ones I have listed below or find your own). This is a chance for them to practice staying in the lines while coloring and also filling in the entire picture. Make sure they practice using correct grip on the crayon or pencil (thumb, index and /or middle finger) on the tips towards the bottom of the pencil. Like this...

Tripod grasp (thumb and index finger)

Quadrupod grasp (thumb, index and middle finger) *Pictures are from Elbrook Schools website.

Remember, that younger children, ages 3-4 are still developing a grasp pattern. By age 5, their grasps should look like the pictures above. I will post another topic on age appropriate writing grasps at another time.

Next have them cut out their shapes using child-size scissors. Make sure they use a "thumbs up" position with the scissors and holding the paper.

* Picture from MCASWiki

Next have them glue the cut-out picture on the construction paper and have them write their name on the paper towards the top left corner. Then, they can write the title "Happy Fall."


Below are some links to pictures that you can use for them to color.

http://coloringbookfun.com/fall/
http://www.first-school.ws/theme/cpseasons_autumn.htm For pre-school and KG children.
http://www.crayola.com/free-coloring-pages/seasons/fall-coloring-pages/

Most importantly! Have fun!! The point is to include these learning moments with the kids not even knowing they are working on skills they will need for the rest of their lives!!

Disclaimer: I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. The advise in these tips is not a replacement for medical advise from a physician or your pediatrician. Please consult their advice if you suspect any medical or developmental issues with your child.