Toys to help develop fine motor skills
Kids with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other disorders often have difficulty with fine motor skills. Fine motor mastery is important for writing and other skills, so look for toys that help
kids work on these small movements.
Kids who have difficulty manipulating objects almost immediately take to the (pictured) Tangle Toy. Children love the smooth and easy
twisting and turning motion, and the textured surface creates a massage-like effect. The toy also helps organize mind and body function and soothes children with autism spectrum disorders who crave
repetitive stimulation. $10.
A classic toy for all children, Mr. Potato Head
has long been used as a therapeutic game to aid fine motor development. Working the different body parts into and out of positon builds critical skills — and it’s just plain fun. $10-$20.
Smart playtime toys
When you’re buying toys for kids with cognitive delays and disabilities, you have to think outside the box. Printed age ranges don’t always mean much for these kids. Focus on fun, but look for toys that can help them gain and enhance the skills they
need to master.
These two-sided wooden pattern boards offer ten designs children can explore while building shape, pattern, and color
recognition skills. $20.
Why teach math and numbers with pen and paper? The Smart Snacks Counting Fun Fruit Bowl (pictured)
lets kids devour learning to count and exploring parts of a whole. This sturdy bowl holds 5 fruits. Numbered pieces with embedded magnets and friction fitting pieces let kids fully understand math
concepts. $20.
Go beyond ordinary flash cards with Touch & Feel Flash Cards,
double-sided cards with double-sided cards with different textures to help children learn more about what they’re seeing. These cards provide an introduction to early reading and counting skills,
and offer activities for parents and children to do together to enhance learning. $15.
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