Fun for any kid big or small. For just fun or a little hand therapy too.
Find motivational toys to encourage moving the fingers, hands or arms.
What ideas do you have for hand fun?
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Note: To purchase or to view more information on items,
click on the buy button or the picture.
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Light Fingers
Literally! Light Fingers™ has super bright LED lights, plus a black light. Just slip it over your fingers, fasten adjustable wrist strap and you can create your own light shows in seconds. On/off switch on wrist unit. 3 1/2"W x 1 1/2"D x 10 1/2"L. Uses 3 “AAA” batteries (not included). Age 6 and up.
Exercise Ideas
Fine Motor - the weight of the rings or bands are minimal but would still give each finger a workout. Ask for a specific color for the finger and move them separately.
Gross Motor - Draw an 8 "racetrack" or "butterfly" in the air big or small to practice crossing midline and using the full arm or part of the arm. Draw pictures and shapes on the wall. A dry erase board could have a picture, number, letter or shape already drawn and the exerciser could trace the objects with color.
Motor Planning and Cognitive Skills - Asking for a specific color and having the fingers move separately or in groups while creating a color show on the wall or in the sky. Corey had lots of trouble counting with his fingers because of the motor planning involved to move just one or two fingers - like showing number two with his fingers. This could be motivating to practice showing two with the colors and making a game of it. Remembering which finger has a certain color and making a target game for each color and getting points for getting it right.
My mom came up with the idea of buying enough for 2 people and play a chase game or tag game on the wall as another way to motivate lots of hand and arm movement.
Melanie suggested using the individual light finger for a reading light in bed at night. Place a light finger on one finger tracing the words to see in the dark.
Don't tell Corey but this is what daddy and him will get for Christmas.
Another White Light Finger Option:
We found these at the Walmart checkout last weekend (Dec. 2006) for under $2. The blue container actually was a blue light and the kids were so excited (5 & 8 yrs). They put them on and ran around the house turning off lights and making stars and shapes all over the walls and ceilings. I kept thinking "great upper body exercises" and it lasted along time too. This would make a great stocking stuffer.
Available in white, green, red, and blue CASES but all WHITE lights.
Hook and Loop fastener will fit around most fingers, pens, pencils, and tools, etc.
Great for work in the dark, therapy office or for fun at home.
Use to read books at night.
A single color LED provides bright light to a specific area.
Uses 3 Included AG10 Batteries
For different colored finger lights, click on the above finger light and scroll down to the sponsored link for Glowing Finger Lights — Brilliant, colorful, flashing LED fiber wands & finger lights. This company sells a set of 4 for under $4.
I am currently researching other options for the finger lights.
Glow in the Dark Dinosaur Puppets
Expose them to a bright light for 30 seconds and they will glow for up to an hour. "Recharge" them again and again. Ages five and over. Adult supervision recommended for younger children.
Interactive Light Reacts to Touch
It also reacts to voice and music. With this interactive light anyone gets instant visual feedback on sounds and movement they have created. It can become a game to make a movement and see what light show is created. What happens when you make an 8 to cross the midline or 2 fingers are used instead of 5 fingers?
Glow in the Dark Squeeze Planes
This is another great stocking stuffer. My mom bought the kids 2 packs and they are fun. Also the "jets" are soft and lightweight and should not damage anything indoors or hurt someone. The rocket works best with a quick squeeze of the hand instead of a slow squeeze. Just a couple tries and Corey figured it out. 4 Rockets for $5.95. Click on picture for more information or to buy.
String Games
Zoo Sticks
Use to strengthen hand while playing games of pickup.
Magnets
Have fun creating and pulling the magnets apart while working the hand muscles pulling the magnets apart or building designs.
Laser Mouse Toy for People Fun
Attach a stretchy cord to the key chain and attach to a pant loop or chair. The child has to click it on and hold to move it around. The more arm or hand movement the more the mouse will run or move. Added fun if you really have a cat or dog. $9.95
