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FUNdamentals | Fairfax Occupational Therapy

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Improving Hand Strength

April 21, 2016 Shaun Grant

OT Activity of the Day

Bubble wrap

Target Age Range: 2 and up

Kids love bubble wrap.  They love popping the bubbles with their fingers, elbows, knees, feet and tush!  Here's how I've used it:

1. Improved pincer strength.  Have your child pinch the bubbles with their index finger and thumb.

2. Improved finger isolation.  How many different fingers can you use to pop the bubbles?

3. Improved body awareness.  Help kids identify different body parts, like elbow, knee, toes, belly.  See if they can pop bubbles with the different body parts you call out.  I've done this in a group setting and it was a big hit!

4. Improved attention to task.  How many times have you asked your child to sit still to do their homework, eat, etc..  Give them a 5 minute movement/sensory break and cut a piece of bubble wrap for them to demolish any way they please.  

5. Improved gross motor skills.  Trying to teach a child to jump with two feet? Have them practice on bubble wrap.  Want to work on walking backwards? Practice on bubble wrap. Want to work on imitation of gross motor movements? Practice on bubble wrap.

6. Want a few minutes to yourself?  Give your child some bubble wrap, they will be entertained.

You can buy this in bulk at Staples, Target, Office Depot, or any other packaging store.

Enjoy!   

← Improving Hand ManipulationPrewriting Strokes →

POWERED BY

Melissa Twardzik - Occupational Therapy