What Can You Do With Ribbon, Marbles, Golf Tees and Pom Poms? We Have Some Ideas for YOU!
Going into homes to serve children can be tricky when it comes to engaging them. Therapists can be tempted to take in their own toys because the child will quickly join in the fun when a new toy is presented. But we certainly don’t want parents to feel pressure to purchase the toys we bring into the homes. Contrary to popular belief there is no magic in our toys! So it is often best practice to play with what is available in the home and sometimes that is very little. It can be heartbreaking to be in homes with not even a single book or stuffed animal. Until I worked as an EI therapist I thought EVERY child owned at least one of each of those. So in order to help these children have access to developmentally appropriate toys we often help families create toys out of everyday items that can be found in their homes. At the request of another early intervention therapist we are posting this blog with photos of a few homemade treasures you can share with the families your serve or your own family at home! I think creating homemade toys is a great way to engage children and their imagination and drives home to parents that it is not the toy that matters but the “PLAYING” with it that does! We hope you find an idea here you like but if not be sure to visit our Pinterest DIY PLAY board for more ideas. And certainly refer to 1-2-3 Just Play With Me for more fun PLAY at home ideas paired with developmental milestones for kids ages birth to three. PLAY BUILDS BRAINS people! Spread the news!
Create crazy creatures with plastic golf balls and pipe cleaners
Putting pom poms into a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off or a paper towel roll tube. Then pull up the bottle/tube for an explosion of pom poms! The mirror adds an element of interest as the little one can watch what they are doing.
Use a lidded plastic container and a few ribbons. Have the child pull the ribbons through the lid.
Color matching with play-doh and colored Q-tips.
Fine motor work with golf tees and marbles. To add more difficulty have the child use tweezers to place the marbles.
Make a Munchy ball by cutting a slit in a tennis ball. This could be used as a reinforcer as well as work on fine motor strength.