We are going to continue using real food in Practical Life activities with extensions.  These are extensions to the basic transferring activity in the last post. Adding new materials that are interesting and attractive is an important way to add variety while practicing fine motor skills. In addition, using different types of utensils and different types of materials builds more advanced skills.

Extension 1

 

This extension utilizes crackers which are transferred using full size tongs. The full size tongs along with larger flat crackers provide the opportunity for a different technique for the child to master.

 

 Extension 2

 

This extension utilizes dry cereal which is transferred using a child size ladle. The addition of a ladle and small cereal creates another technique for transfer.

 

 Extension 3

 

Caution: Popcorn can pose a choking hazard for very young children. This activity is best for children ages 3 and up. Even though the popcorn may not be intended for eating, for some children the temptation will be hard to resist.

This extension uses popcorn which is transferred using small tongs. Using tongs reinforces the pinching skills that are important to many developmental applications including learning to write.

 

You can find many more activities in the book which is available at Amazon.com. Direct links to all of the books are on the page labeled “Dr. Andrea’s Books.”