Looking for some new activities for your kids to do at home that are both fun and educational? Have a bunch of playdough at home?
The owners of Skill-by-Skill, which provides small group occupational therapy for kids and teens, say there is no need to go to great lengths with new purchases or fancy or elaborate ideas. Just break out the playdough.
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Here are four fun activities that address fine motor skills, visual perceptual skills and hand strengthening.
Chicken Feet
For the creative child (like the one who named this activity!). Create patterns or practice counting as they carefully string the toes!
Supplies: playdough, beads (or pasta), spaghetti (or pipe cleaners)
Scissor Snakes
For the child that loves cutting (are there any that don’t?!). Roll some snakes and let them cut, cut, cut!
Supplies: playdough, scissors
Marble Mazes
For the child that loves marbles (and again, are there any that don’t?!). Trace letters, shapes, or create a larger maze!
Supplies: playdough, marbles (small bouncy balls)
Construct-doh
For the child who loves building. Construct shapes, houses, towers, whatever their mind desires!
Supplies: playdough, toothpicks or popsicle sticks
And here's Skill-By-Skill's OT-approved playdough recipe
1 cup flour
1 cup water
¼ cup salt
1 TB oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
Additional options: food coloring (we prefer natural forms), glitter, and/or scented extract
Cook over medium heat until dough comes together in a big ball. Knead together, then cool.
Skill-by-Skill has upcoming group sessions for Social/Life, Fine Motor, and Sensory Skills. Skill-By-Skill's website has more information, including details about how to win a free skill playgroup.