Valentine Fine Motor Marshmallows
At POTS we are always looking for fun ways to practice handwriting within the context of a game or daily activity. What better opportunity than Valentine’s Day! This valentine marshmallow snack, from The Decorated Cookie is adorable and can easily be adapted to various skill levels.
Materials:
marshmallows
baker’s twine
tapestry
needle
shortening
scissors
red cardstock
stapler
Instructions for marshmallows-on-a-string (to dunk in hot cocoa or tea) can be found here.
Controlling a marker to write on a little marshmallow is a non-threatening way to practice sizing and spacing of letters and words, a skill necessary for legible handwriting. If you make a mistake, just eat it and it disappears! Two hands are required for writing tasks. If the marshmallow is not stabilized by the non-dominant hand, it will run away!
Modifications:
Threading twine through a marshmallow is great for challenging fine motor control and visual-motor integration. If it is too difficult for your child, try sticking the marshmallows on lollipop sticks or toothpicks.
If your child is not quite ready to write tiny words on a marshmallow, start by writing one letter on each marshmallow. Then line them up to spell a word. For example “L” on one marshmallow, “O” on another, until you spell “LOVE.” Have each letter fill the entire space, to elicit consistent sizing of capital letters.
Edible markers can be also be used for lettering on larger surfaces, such as a cookies.
Written by Ariela Warburg, OTR/L
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