FM-a. Learn Origami - The Art Of Folding Paper Learn a new skill and increase the fine motor coordination in your hands.

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Calvin Griffin
5 years ago
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1 FM-a. Learn Origami - The Art Of Folding Paper Learn a new skill and increase the fine motor coordination in your hands. 1 Preparation Begin with the Hand Exercises found on page V. Position Sit at a table. Supplies 3 x5 index cards Directions 1. Start with clean hands and gather all supplies. 2. A valley fold is created when the paper folds up, towards you. Try a valley fold. This is the symbol used for a valley fold A mountain fold is created when you fold the paper down, away from you. Try a mountain fold. This is the symbol used for a mountain fold The reverse fold uses the valley fold. This fold is often used to make animal legs, necks, and tails. Fold an index card in half to form a long narrow strip. 5. Use a valley fold to bring one of the short ends of the card up at an angle so that the short end meets the long edge of the card.

2 6. Unfold the valley fold and open the card slightly. 7. Push the middle fold into the center of the card to reverse the fold. 8. Crease the folds by running your finger over them. This is what a reverse fold should look like. Follow Up Practice these folds until you can do them without looking at the directions. Learn to make a jumping origami frog. See activity FM-b3 for directions. Accomplishments learn a new skill improve coordination of hands increase range of motion of hands increase endurance of hands improve body awareness improve attention increase visual spatial awareness

3 FM-a. Sign Your Name In American Sign Language Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 2 Preparation Begin with the Hand Exercises found on page V. CAUTION: Avoid overuse and fatigue of your fingers and hands. Supplies picture below mirror (optional) American Manual Alphabet Directions 1. Find the sign for the first letter of your name in the chart above. 2. Position your hand exactly as the picture demonstrates for the first letter of your name. 3. Check to make sure your hand looks the same as the picture. Some signs are similar in appearance. A mirror may help. 4. Practice forming the sign until you are comfortable with it. Continue the steps above for each letter of your name.

4 Follow Up Learn to sign another person s name. Learn to sign a phrase. Learn the entire alphabet. Accomplishments improve coordination of hands increase range of motion of hands increase endurance of hands improve body awareness improve memory

5 FM-a. Make Colorful Clay Beads Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 3 Preparation Begin with the Hand Exercises found on page V. Position Sit at a table. CAUTION: This activity uses a hot oven. Supplies polymer clay * oven toothpicks cookie sheet string (optional) Directions 1. Start with clean hands and gather all supplies. 2. Preheat the oven to Select clay in the colors you would like to make the beads. 4. Your beads can be any size you want. You may want to start with a marble-sized amount. 5. Pinch off the amount you choose from the block of clay. To make a solid color bead use only one color and skip to step 7. To make a marbleized or multicolored bead, choose several colors. It is best to begin with only 2 or 3 colors because you can always add more color, but you can t remove a color. 6. Mix the colors of the clay by pulling and stretching them together. The more you knead the colors together the more they will blend. You can even make a new color if the clay is completely blended. Try several ways of mixing the colors such as folding the pieces after stretching them or twist the colors together. Each method will create an interesting new effect. * Sculpey III is a colorful, soft, oven-bake clay. For more resistance try Fimo which is slightly firmer. See the appendix for product information.

6 7. Look at the clay and decide if it is the size and shape you want. You may want to make a round or oval bead by rolling it between your palms. It is interesting to add texture to the bead by rolling it over a piece of material such as a towel or lace. You may also manipulate it with a tool such as a toothpick or pencil. There is no wrong way to create! 8. To form a hole in the bead, take the toothpick and gently push it halfway through the bead. You may need to turn the toothpick slightly as you push it so the bead will not be distorted. Now turn the bead over and push the toothpick through the other side until there is a hole through the bead. Remember to make the hole large enough for the string to pass through, if you choose to string your beads. 9. Gently lay the bead on the cookie sheet for baking. 10. Repeat this process to make as many beads as you want. 11. Place the cookie sheet in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes on the middle oven rack. 12. Carefully remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let it cool completely before removing your creation. The clay can break if it is moved before it is cool. Use the beads to create necklaces, bracelets, tie tacks, etc. Follow Up You can use this clay to make jewelry, ornaments, figurines, models, and so much more. There is no limit to what you can create! Accomplishments learn a new skill improve coordination of hands increase range of motion of hands increase endurance of hands improve body awareness increase sensory awareness

7 FM-a. Make A Magnet Sculpture Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 4 Preparation Begin with the Hand Exercises found on page V. Position Sit or stand at a table. Supplies strong bar magnet metal paper clips Directions 1. Gather all supplies. Magnetize the metal paper clips by rubbing them on the magnet bar in only one direction. 2. Create interesting sculptures with your magnetized paper clips. Make letters, animals, abstract designs, towers, and much more. 3. Store the paper clips on the magnet to keep them magnetized. Follow Up Include other metal objects in your sculpture. Open or bend the paper clips to add interest to the sculpture. Accomplishments improve coordination of hands increase range of motion of hands increase endurance of hands improve body awareness increase visual spatial awareness

Learn To Crochet Increase the fine motor coordination and endurance in your hands. FM-a. 5 Preparation Begin with the Hand Exercises found on page V.

9 Learn To Crochet Increase the fine motor coordination and endurance in your hands. FM-a. 5 Preparation Begin with the Hand Exercises found on page V. To crochet, make a slip knot in the end of the yarn. To make a slip knot, hold the yarn between your thumb and index finger about 6 inches from the tail end of the yarn. With the other hand, wrap the loose end of the yarn around your thumb and index finger to form a loop. Then pull the yarn up through the loop. Do not pull the tail end of the yarn all the way through the loop. Position Sit in a comfortable position. Supplies crochet hook yarn scissors CAUTION: Take rest breaks often in any repetitive activity, such as crocheting, to prevent stiff, sore hands. This activity may not be recommended for people with arthritis. Directions 1. Begin with clean hands and gather all supplies. 2. Make a slip knot in the end of the yarn as described above. 3. Hold the crochet hook in your dominant hand and put the hook through the loop of the slip knot. Tighten the yarn loop until it fits loosely around the hook.

10 4. Hold the yarn in your non-dominant hand with the tail end of the yarn between your thumb and ring finger. Hold the rest of the yarn between your index finger and middle finger to control the tension on the yarn. 5. Holding the hook in your dominant hand, bring the hook under the yarn until the yarn is caught in the hook. Bring the hook towards you, pulling the yarn through the loop on the hook. Repeat this to make a chain of yarn. This is why it is called the chain stitch. 6. Continue practicing the chain stitch until you can make even stitches. The chain stitch is the basic stitch used in crocheting. Follow Up Learn the single crochet stitch in activity FM-b8 and crochet a bookmark or a scarf. Accomplishments learn a new skill improve coordination of hands increase endurance of hands improve body awareness improve attention increase visual spatial awareness

11 Make Your Own Dominoes Increase the fine motor coordination and endurance in your hands. FM-a. 6 Preparation You may want to cut the index cards in half to make them smaller, requiring less space to play. Position Sit or stand at a table. CAUTION: This activity may use scissors. Supplies marker 28 3 x5 index cards ruler pencil scissors Directions 1. Using the ruler, draw a horizontal line across the middle of each index card. 2. Draw the dots to make one of each of the cards above. 3. Alternate the pattern by combining each dot pattern with another. For example, have one end of the card blank and on the other end draw one dot, two dots, three dots, to six dots. On another card, draw one dot on one side and two dots on the other side then three dots, etc. Continue alternating the dot patterns until you are finished. 4. Use the marker to color the dots. 5. Enjoy playing your homemade game!

12 Follow Up Turn to activity COG-a6 for directions to play dominoes. For a challenge, make a set of dominoes with nine dots. You will need 55 index cards. Accomplishments improve coordination of hands increase endurance of hands improve attention increase visual spatial awareness

13 FM-a. Prepare A Balloon For Balloon Sculpture Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 7 Preparation Practice correct breathing. This exercise will increase your lung capacity and will strengthen the Supplies muscles used to breathe and blow up balloons. pencil balloons* 1. Breathe in through your nose filling your lungs powder or talc from the bottom up. Feel your abdomen rising as you breathe in. 2. Hold the air in as long as you can, then release the air slowly through your mouth. 3. Practice this exercise until you can do it easily and you will be ready to attempt to blow up a balloon. Position Sit up straight in a chair. It is important to have good posture while blowing up this type of balloon. Your lungs will have more room to expand if you are sitting up tall. CAUTION: Stop if you feel light-headed or dizzy. This is a common feeling when first learning to blow up this type of balloon, but it can also indicate more serious conditions. Do not share balloons after your mouth has touched them. Directions 1. Lightly powder your hands to keep the balloon from squeaking. 2. Stretch the balloon gently by putting one end of the balloon in each hand and pulling until the balloon is twice its normal length. Repeat three times. * See the appendix for product information.

14 3. Put the open end of the balloon in your mouth and close your lips around it. Hold the balloon at your lips loosely with one hand. Place the other hand about 6 inches away from your mouth and pull gently on the balloon while blowing. Remember to blow from your stomach, not your cheeks or head. 4. Form a small bubble of air in the balloon. This usually takes practice, so don t become discouraged. Once you have a small bubble of air you may want to pinch the balloon closed to save the bubble and take a break. 5. Continue to blow up the balloon by gently stretching the balloon farther away from you as it fills with air. Continue until you have about 8 inches full in order to make a balloon mouse. Other sculptures may take more or less air. 6. Tie a knot in the balloon by wrapping the open end all the way around two fingers. Next slip the end of the balloon up through the crack between your two fingers. Then pull the end and allow your fingers to slip out of the knot and pull the knot tight. Congratulations! Follow Up Refer to activity FM-b9 for instructions on how to make a balloon mouse. Learn more about balloon sculpting by checking out a book at your local library. Accomplishments learn a new skill improve coordination of hands increase range of motion of hands increase endurance of hands improve body awareness increase visual spatial awareness increase lung capacity

15 Write A Braille Message Increase the fine motor coordination and endurance in your hands. FM-a. 8 Preparation Prepare your work area by spreading newspaper over the tabletop to ease cleanup. Position Sit or stand at a table. CAUTION: This activity requires glue. Supplies white glue heavy paper pen or marker newspaper A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Directions 1. Practice drawing Braille letters with a pen or marker to form the letters of the alphabet. 2. Use Braille letters to form the letters of your name from left to right. 3. Unscrew the top of the glue 2 way. 4. Squeeze just enough glue to cover the dots you drew. 5. Allow the glue to dry completely. 6. Run your fingers over the glue to distinguish the letters without looking.

16 Follow Up Write a Braille letter to someone who has visual deficits. Help teach this skill to someone who has visual deficits. Accomplishments learn a new skill improve coordination of hands increase endurance of hands improve body awareness improve attention increase visual spatial awareness increase sensory awareness

FM-a. Make A Sock Beanbag Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 9 Preparation Measure out 2 cup of dry beans or rice for each beanbag.

17 FM-a. Make A Sock Beanbag Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 9 Preparation Measure out 2 cup of dry beans or rice for each beanbag. Position Sit or stand at a table or counter. CAUTION: This activity uses scissors. Supplies clean, old sock scissors dry rice or beans small plastic bag string or yarn tape measuring cup Directions 1. Gather all supplies and complete the preparation section. 2. Make sure there are no holes in the toe of the sock. Making beanbags is a great way to recycle lonely mismatched socks. 3. Fill a small plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, with 2 cup of dry beans or rice. Remove as much air as possible from the bag and then seal the bag shut with tape or tie it closed. 4. Drop the plastic bag of beans or rice into the sock. Make sure it goes all the way into the toe of the sock. 5. Tie a piece of string or yarn around the sock near the plastic bag. Make sure the knot is secure and the string is strong to avoid leaks. 6. Cut off the excess sock near the string. 7. You should now have the perfect beanbag for many useful and fun activities.

18 Follow Up Make several more beanbags. Use your beanbags in the following activities: Scoop Ball, GM-a5 Juggling, GM-a2 & GM-b4 Beanbag Baseball, GM-a1 Tic-Tac-Toss, GM-b3 Bocce Bag, GM-b7 Accomplishments improve coordination of hands increase range of motion of hands increase endurance of hands increase visual spatial awareness

FM-a. Hand Exercises Using Dough Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 10 Preparation You can make your own exercise dough by following the recipe in activity COG-a8.

19 FM-a. Hand Exercises Using Dough Increase the range of motion and fine motor coordination in your hands. 10 Preparation You can make your own exercise dough by following the recipe in activity COG-a8. Below are a few ideas of how to use the dough for exercising your hands and fingers. Consult your occupational therapist for additional exercises and for the appropriate number of repetitions. Supplies exercise dough or therapy putty Position Sit or stand at a table. CAUTION: Begin the exercises slowly to avoid overuse of muscles. You may gradually add repetitions with approval by your occupational therapist. These exercises may not be recommended or may need to be modified for people with arthritis or a hand injury. Directions 1. Roll the dough into a log by using one or both palms. 2. Pinch the dough log between your thumb and each fingertip.

3. Make large and small balls of dough by rolling the dough between the palms of your hands or against the table. 4. Knead the dough by squeezing it or pulling it. 5.

20 3. Make large and small balls of dough by rolling the dough between the palms of your hands or against the table. 4. Knead the dough by squeezing it or pulling it. 5. Put a small ball of dough between two fingers and squeeze your fingers together against the dough. You may make this exercise more challenging by using a larger ball of dough. Follow Up Ask your occupational therapist for additional exercises to add to your routine. Keep track of your progress each day. Set an exercise goal for yourself. See activity PSY-b6. Accomplishments improve coordination of hands increase range of motion of hands increase endurance of hands increase hand strength improve body awareness increase visual spatial awareness increase sensory awareness

Table of Contents. Pom-Pom Bookmark Yarn covered Pencil Holder Yarn Hangers... Yarn Hair Bows

Table of Contents. Pom-Pom Bookmark Yarn covered Pencil Holder Yarn Hangers... Yarn Hair Bows 1 Table of Contents Pom-Pom Bookmark... 3-5 Yarn covered Pencil Holder... 6-8 Yarn Hangers... 9-11 Yarn Hair Bows... 12-14 Tassel Necklace or Gift Wrapping... 15-17 No Knit Infinity Scarf... 18-20 Braided