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OT/PT Corner: Big Boot Scoot ‘N Shuffle – Gross Motor Activity for Fall

[Source: the Inspired Treehouse]

bootscoot

LITTLE FEET + BIG BOOTS + FALLEN LEAVES = SO MUCH FUN!
(not to mention the benefits of strengthening, heavy work, proprioception, motor planning and balance! WOOOOO HOOOO! 🙂

WHAT TO DO:   Find some boots that are bigger than what your child would actually wear.  Set them loose in the yard and encourage them to shuffle their feet to make designs in the fallen leaves.  Can they make a pumpkin?  How about a lightening bolt?  Keep in mind that this is a difficult activity for little legs in big boots.  Be supportive and wait for the big smiles when they see the design they created!

bootscoot2

HOW TO CHANGE IT UP:
-Create piles of leaves and ask them to shuffle through them for more resistance.  OR, even trickier, step over them like hurdles!
-Change from the big boots to the appropriate sized shoe for your child.  Ask them how it feels different.  Is it easier?  Harder?
-No leaves?  Use pine needles, sand, grass clippings, hay, etc.

HOW TO CHANGE IT UP:
-Create piles of leaves and ask them to shuffle through them for more resistance.  OR, even trickier, step over them like hurdles!
-Change from the big boots to the appropriate sized shoe for your child.  Ask them how it feels different.  Is it easier?  Harder?
-No leaves?  Use pine needles, sand, grass clippings, hay, etc.

bootscoot3

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:  Boots and your camera to capture the fun!

SKILL AREAS ADDRESSED:  balance, strength, sensory integration, proprioception, motor control

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