Barrier Games develop organization, direction following & giving

Imaginetics: played as a barrier game. Lay the game flat and place a file folder or other stiff material upright in the middle creating 2 sides. Before beginning place stickers on the edges of the playing board or draw designs on paper placed by each edge. They must be the same on each side of the divide, but 4 different designs. These will be used as navigational tools. (ie- place a large purple circle in the corner between the daisy-side and the happy face side). Player 1 makes a simple design, then verbally directs player 2 to re-create it on the other side of the barrier without watching what is done. All done- remove the barrier to see how they did. 

Directions: Giving & Following in a Cooperative Game

Robot-Programmer Game:

There are 3 levels of play, but set-up is the same for each. Create, at least 6 locations and place matching treasures at each so you can tell that teams have been at each location. (Maybe #1 has all bean bags/#2 all plastic eggs/#3 wood blocks/#4 paper balls/#5 pencils/ #6 plastic cups etc). You need 1 more location than there are teams. Players work in teams of 2 or 3. Player 1 is the robot, who can only follow orders given and the others are programmers in charge of the code/directions. Have each team sit on a rug square or other floor marker as their "home". Place chairs and other obstacles throughout the play area. Programmers must navigate their Robots to a location, collect a treasure and return it home, before navigating to another treasure.

Rules:

•  Robots can only walk in a straight line.
• Turns can only be right or left. So to turn completely around 2 commands are needed.
• Turns commands do not include any steps forward.
• "Pick up a treasure" or "Put down treasure" needs to be a command.
• The number of steps to be taken can be given in 1 command (Forward 3 steps) 
• Robots STOP when they are about to bump into an object or another robot.

Basic Version: Programmers follow their robot and give commands verbally as they go.

Standard Version: Programmers draw arrows & numbers on small pieces of paper that the robot follows. Several papers may be given at once, but they must be followed in the order presented.

Advanced Version: Programmers draw arrows & numbers on a single paper. The robot follows the directions; must start again if changes are needed to the program, which can be made on the same paper as needed.

Another Therapist Designed Product

In-hand Manipulation Kit:

Therapist designed box of finger fun! Includes tasks to work on small muscle control of the fingers. Materials include a custom-made adjustable butterfly device, a pencil-like magnetic device, small container, chips, wooden balls, shoelace & instructions for completing unusual and motivating challenges for the hand and fingers from the finger muscles needed for writing.

More info here

Designed by you...

We currently carry over 35 products developed by working therapists, teachers and parents, and over the years there have been many, many more.  Typically, makers of products are looking for the next big thing, the next yo-yo or fidget spinner.  Although that would be great, here at PFOT, we are OT's ourselves. We know how the smallest item may have a huge impact and value to the right client. So big or small - all ideas are taken very seriously. 

Here is a best seller:

Rona's Design Copy: 

Rona is a therapist at a school for very high functioning students with learning disabilities. As a result, this is not your usual design copying book. It is divided into sections from the very basic to expert or black diamond level. There are 75 designs. Some copied right next to the original design, some on a separate sheet of paper, some with the full grid. some without. There's a level for each of your clients to work on.

Pizza Delivery A Group Activity

"Pizza Delivery!"

This is a modified version of the competitive "Save the Pizza" game. Now team members work together to complete an obstacle course without dropping their pizza box. Obstacles can include stepping over & around "boulders"  (objects);  Crawling under or through "tunnels" (tables/desks); Carefully crossing a "highway with speeding traffic" (large balls rolled toward them); "Jumping over a river of snakes" (a wiggling jump rope). How many pizza's can your team deliver before time is up?

Parent Permission for Weighted/Compression use

Here is a Parent Permission Form that you may download and use prior to initiating the use of or trial of any weighted-compression item. Please edit, add letterhead & complete prior to sending home with a client. Share with others!

Find permission slip here!

Group Juggling

Group Toss/Juggle:

(In this game let's practice: throwing -catch -memory -attending) Make groups of about 5 players. Review everyone's name if needed. Give each group the same 4 objects (maybe a bean bag, playground ball, a soft hat or cap, shoe/pillow/stuffed brown bag) and decide who will go first in each group. This player chooses an object, says a players name and tosses the object to them. They catch it, say a third players name and tosses it to them. Play continues this way until the object is back at the first one. Remind groups to remember the order of players. Begin again with the same object, following the same order of players!  When it has been tossed to the 3rd player, begin tossing the next object. How many objects can the group keep going at once? 

Activity Idea for Group or pairs

Quicksand Partners:  In a large space, mark off a play boundary. Then fill the space with various size hoops, shapes or ropes laid in circles of varying diameters. Play in teams of 2 - a hiker and a rescuer. The hikers must start on any side of the play area and jump over the hoops, shapes and ropes to get to the other side. If they land in one of the shapes/hoops, they are stuck in quicksand and can not move until they catch a bean bag tossed to them by their rescuer, who is anywhere outside of the play area. You decide how many tries - bean bags can be used each time to get "unstuck". (A variation for older students, may be that they only get 5 tries for the whole course. For some, place a black paper /"rock" in the middle of a wide diameter that may be too large to clearly jump over.) 

Mountain Breathing:  A great strategy to encourage a breathing break when upset, stressed or escalating. Demonstrate then ask the child to do this by themselves. Spread out the fingers on 1 hand. Use the other index finger to trace the outside of the thumb as you:  "Let's Climb the mountain-Inhale slowly (1,2), slide up the mountain to the top  - STOP (hold breathe) to see the view 3,4;   then (exhale slowly) slide down  5, 6";  Repeat on all fingers.

by PFOT.com

Indoor recess activity ideas

Brrr- Baby it's cold out there!  Only a snowman is happy in the cold weather that is overtaking much of the US right now. So what to do when kids can't go outside after lunch? Here's some ideas to spark your creativity.

PickUp Sticks   (Ask parents to save and collect unused chopsticks- put colored tape on tips or decorate with markers)

Rug Square or Construction Paper Hopscotch Game
Gets students up & moving - which is a very good thing! 

Pipe Cleaner Fun:  Make letters, shapes, animals, etc.
 then straighten out and use again!
Here is a link to our pipe cleaner special:  PIPE CLEANER SPECIAL

Block Design Copy: There are many games that provide both the blocks & design cards to copy. But if you're looking to DIY- start with any block you have on hand. Be sure each player has the same blocks. 1 designs then others copy. 

Marble & Boink - The Quiet Fidget

• Boinks have been around in some form for over 30 years.
• The newest creations are with marbles sewn in for quiet fidgeting. 
• Use steady, calming, repetitive movements to slide the marble back and forth, back and forth... 
• Comes with or without a clip. 
• Clips easily & quickly to attach to book-bags, belt loops, purse handles, etc
• Even clips to wheelchairs so seniors can keep idle fingers busy.

Available individually or in sets.

Here's where you can learn more: Click please

Quick Scissor Fixes

Scissors a bit dull or hard to open? 

Try these quick and easy steps before buying new ones.

Cut through several layers of aluminum foil folded tightly to sharpen the blades.*

Cut through sandpaper to sharpen (This will also diminish ruts and dings in the blades)*

Use a screwdriver to just slightly loosen the screw that holds the blades together.*

No screw or screwdriver? Try this old tailors trick: Open the scissor wide and carefully run the blades and intersection flat against your hair. The oils from your hair may help slightly lubricate the scissor just enough to get through your project.*

*Remember to wipe the scissor blades and handles before using again.

Have another tip? Please share it!

Thumbs Up- our favorite ways to play:

 Basic Play:

•  Everyone randomly places a different colored ring on each finger of 1 hand EXCEPT the thumb.
•  A design card is turned over revealing the order of colors.
• Then the fun begins on the count of 3!   1, 2, 3. Go!
• Players race to transfer the rings to their thumb using in-hand manipulation only.
• No help from the other hand - elbow on tabletop as needed to force isolated in-hand skills be used.

Easy Play:

1. Begin with no rings on. Players look at the card and race to put rings on their thumb.
2. Each player gets their own design card to complete. No racing involved.

Advanced Play:

1. Everyone randomly places a different colored ring on each finger of 1 hand INCLUDING the thumb. So when start is called, players must transfer the ring off the thumb if it is not the correct starting color.
2. Everyone randomly places 2 different colored rings on each finger of 1 hand EXCEPT the thumb. (Colors will be repeated.) This will require more planning because rings will need to be moved around in addition to transferring them to the thumb.

Buy now Link:

Let's get organized, organized...

Store as much as possible in as little space as possible. means less to carry from place to place - and that's a VERY good thing! No Images? Click here   Organization. Learned the name & function of every bump & crevice of the brain - but not how to organize my desk! Never had a course in college on it - but wish there had been. Some people are just natural at it - then there are the rest of us... Maybe you were given a small space or a whole empty classroom as your own. In either case, you want to make the most of it. Here are some creative ideas to store as much as possible in as little space as possible. Because we know: The more stored means less to carry from place to place - and that's a VERY good thing!     Storage: Wire grates and milk crates now are available in many colors. Hand-me Downs: Post a note by school mailboxes that you would like to 'borrow stuff". You'll be surprised at what offers you get - Be open to new ideas & label who's it is.   Closet Space: Most classrooms have space for coats. A hanging shoe & sweater rack can hold many games & supplies.   Door Space: Frequently overlooked. Perfect for bottles of paint, cans with markers, pencils, crayons, scissors, decks of cards     Usual the 1st thing we do is place the file cabinets in the corner - BUT RE-THINK THAT PLAN &  DON'T DO IT!  Use them as a magnetic or vertical work surface & room divide instead. (1-4 students can be working on it at once!) Laundry Baskets on wheels: make great bean bag-ball targets & storage   Sheet & blanket bags Magazine holders Plastic shoe holders Cutting Board racks can hold different size paper. Magnets: Added to the bottom of anything & everything keeps things handy & tidy! Door Wreath holders: are perfect for holding hula hoops, targets or even your coat! Add 2-3 to the inside of any door!   Did you know: Most old fashion chalkboards are magnetic too! Rubber bands, ribbons or shoelaces can secure box games. Standing  instead of stacking makes selection easier (& sneaks in tying practice!) Simple dividers: empty milk cartons, toilet paper rolls, etc allow items to be separated and stand rather than just mixed together & hard to find. Magnetic Sticky Dots: Creating your own magnetic pieces is as simple as peel and stick! 100 ready to go dots. Be creative - but safe ! Imaginetics: Brightly colored magnetic blocks and 50 full-color design challenge cards. A design copy activity for all skills.   NEW ITEMS: you may have missed.... MLP- Mechanical Square lead pencil: The design of this flat elliptical shaped pencil prevents rolling &  the 0.9mm square lead is stronger than typical lead. It discourages breaking, allows for darker marking and slightly heavier pressure. Includes a lead 6 pk refill Slow Rise Memory Fruit or Cookies: Super squishy memory foam makes these 3 1/2" cuties irresistible! A real handful for both children or adults. They cheerfully take all you can give then slowly bounce back to shape. Sold separately. Bead Fruit: Squeeze away with these squishy bead balls! Fun to feel,  play with, toss & squeeze. 6 pc set (limited qty's)   This Week's Specials are...  HERE   Preferences  |  Unsubscribe

Storage ideas: The more you store - the less you carry!

- Use rubberbands, ribbon or shoestrings to secure box games. Then store them upright instead of stacked for easier and faster access. (Also sneaks in shoetying practice during cleanup time)

- File cabinets and old fashioned chalkboards make great vertical work surfaces and most are magnetic also. If not, suspend a cookie sheet from the top hooks.

- Add magnets to the bottom of anything and everything, then place on any metal surface. Great for those things you reach for everyday.

Magnetic Dots:

Peel and stick dots easily makes anything magnetic

Click here for more info.