What to buy and why…
For ages 4 through 6
Mr. (Mrs.) Potato Head
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports fine motor strength and coordination, as well as body awareness
SLP: practices naming body parts and engaging in pretend play
MH: explore relationships, identity, and autonomy
Play-Doh
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports sensory regulation, hand strength, and fine-motor coordination
SLP: supports creativity, sequencing, cause and effect, and following directions
MH: supports emotional regulation, creativity, and flexible thinking
LEGO (or DUPLO) Blocks
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports fine motor strength and coordination, as well as visual perception
SLP: supports creativity, basic language concepts (on, over, under, next to), following directions, and sequencing
MH: supports attention, regulation, frustration tolerance and problem-solving
Pop Beads
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports fine motor strength and coordination, grasp development, and visual perception
SLP: supports creativity, sequencing, perspective taking (making for a friend)
MH: supports empathy, attention, and regulation
Rock Crayons
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports hand strength, grasp development, and fine-motor endurance
SLP: supports creativity, basic language concepts, and perspective-taking
MH: supports self expression, joint affect, and regulation
Snails Pace Race
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports attention, regulation, fine-motor coordination, and visual perception
SLP: supports turn-taking, waiting, color and number matching, sequencing, and multiple-step directions
MH: supports teamwork, frustration tolerance, positive self-talk, and confidence
Hoot Owl Hoot!
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports attention, regulation, fine-motor coordination, and visual perception
SLP: supports turn-taking, waiting, color and number matching, sequencing, and multiple-step directions
MH: supports teamwork, frustration tolerance, positive self-talk, and confidence
Take Apart (and put together) Toys
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports grasp development, utensil use, visual perception
SLP: supports problem-solving, sequencing, and following directions
MH: supports attention, regulation, and frustration tolerance
Paint By Sticker - Kids!
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports grasp development, fine-motor control, visual perception
SLP: supports problem-solving, sequencing, and following directions
MH: supports attention, regulation, and frustration tolerance
Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports grasp strength, fine-motor control, visual perception
SLP: supports turn-taking, following directions, and language concepts
MH: supports attention, frustration tolerance, and sportsmanship
Perfection
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports grasp development, fine-motor control, visual perception
SLP: supports matching, shape identification, and time management
MH: supports attention, frustration tolerance, and self-regulation
Kinetic Sand and Castle
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports sensory regulation and utensil use
SLP: supports joint attention and language concepts
MH: supports creativity, attention and self-regulation
Squiggle Wiggle Writer
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports sensory awareness, body awareness, fine-motor control, grasp development, and writing development
SLP: supports imitation, following directions, and written communication
MH: supports creativity, attention and self-regulation
Hullabaloo
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports body awareness, gross-motor coordination, and motor planning
SLP: supports imitation, following directions, and sequencing
MH: supports confidence, impulse control, and self-regulation
The Floor is Lava (indoor obstacle course game)
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports body awareness, gross-motor coordination, and motor planning
SLP: supports following directions, matching colors, and sequencing
MH: supports confidence, impulse control, and self-regulation
Floor Puzzle (with wind up cars)
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports visual perception, spatial awareness, and fine-motor skill development
SLP: supports matching, pretend play, and problem-solving
MH: supports attention, regulation, and pretend play
A Little Spot Books (and plushies)
Therapeutic Benefits (in addition to fun!):
OT: supports body awareness and sensory regulation
SLP: supports emotion identification and communication of wants and needs
MH: supports emotional regulation, normalizes feelings, and promotes self-advocacy