Putty Exercises -Winter are a fun way to work on hand strength, coordination, and overall fine motor skills! The putty also adds an added tactile component. Kids seem to enjoy using putty so much, they forget they’re actually working!
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If you’re like me, Discovery Putty found HERE, is a favorite with the kiddos I get to work with! The variety of themes and the excitement of finding the hidden objects is a highlight in our Occupational Therapy sessions.
In this post, we will first look at a FREE Printable to help enhance putty exercises. Secondly, 3 reasons WHY this printable is beneficial. Finally, WHO benefits from this?
*This is a FREE 3 page digital download PDF. No physical items will be shipped.*
Click HERE to download your FREE PRINTABLE!
FIRST, THE FREE PRINTABLE THAT HELPS ENHANCE PUTTY EXERCISES:
In the picture below is the FREE PRINTABLE that goes along with the Discovery Putty Arctic Adventure. On the printable are 12 pictures that are a visual companion for the items that come in the Arctic Adventure Putty. Please follow the link for product information and instructions.
To use this free printable with the putty: print on card stock, cut, and laminate. It’s that easy!
SECONDLY, WHY IS THIS PRINTABLE BENEFICIAL FOR PUTTY EXERCISES?
1. Structure:
Over the years, I have noticed unstructured tasks can be difficult for some children. Many kiddos I work with need activities with a clear beginning and an end. Finding items hidden in putty or play dough is fun, but it can be hard to terminate the task if children really enjoyed it. The visuals in this free printable help structure the task. Children know exactly how many items they have to find by the visuals that are laid out on the table. You can grade the activity by having the child find a couple or all 12 items!
2. MATCHING:
As children find items in the putty, they will have to match them to the visuals. This matching activity involves scanning and visual discrimination! You could also spread the laminated visuals around on the table and address crossing midline as well!
3. TACTILE DEFENSIVENESS
Although I have a ton of kids who absolutely love working with putty, there are a few who are hesitant to touch the putty at first! I have found that using these visuals for a matching tasks while grading how deep the items are hidden has helped! In my experience, when it’s presented as purely a matching activity with a few items sticking up out of the putty, it’s less threatening (see picture below). The child doesn’t have to touch the putty! Then, the next time I use the same visuals and items, but now lay the items lightly ON the putty (see second picture). Each session, I press the items a little bit further in the putty. This gradual hiding of objects has worked well each time I have done it! Please keep in mind that each child is different and their progress will vary.
LASTLY, WHO BENEFITS FROM THIS VISUAL FOR PUTTY EXERCISES?
Certainly, occupational therapists, teachers, special education staff, speech therapists, and parents would benefit from this free printable! Did I mention these cards also fit nicely in the putty container making it convenient to take them with you?!?
*This is a FREE 3 page digital download PDF. No physical items will be shipped.*
Here’s a quick video on how these visuals can be used!
Looking for WINTER THEMED Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Cutting, and Writing Activities? Check out ALL of our Winter Themed Activities HERE!
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*Your child’s safety is important and adult supervision is recommended with all activities. These activities should not take the place of medical or therapeutic advice/intervention.