OT/PT Corner: Big Boot Scoot ‘N Shuffle – Gross Motor Activity for Fall
[Source: the Inspired Treehouse]
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: Â Â Find some boots that are bigger than what your child would actually wear. Â Set them loose in the yard and encourage them to shuffle their feet to make designs in the fallen leaves. Â Can they make a pumpkin? Â How about a lightening bolt? Â Keep in mind that this is a difficult activity for little legs in big boots. Â Be supportive and wait for the big smiles when they see the design they created!
HOW TO CHANGE IT UP:
-Create piles of leaves and ask them to shuffle through them for more resistance. Â OR, even trickier, step over them like hurdles!
-Change from the big boots to the appropriate sized shoe for your child. Â Ask them how it feels different. Â Is it easier? Â Harder?
-No leaves? Â 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. Â OR, even trickier, step over them like hurdles!
-Change from the big boots to the appropriate sized shoe for your child. Â Ask them how it feels different. Â Is it easier? Â Harder?
-No leaves? Â Use pine needles, sand, grass clippings, hay, etc.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:  Boots and your camera to capture the fun!
SKILL AREAS ADDRESSED: Â balance, strength, sensory integration, proprioception, motor control
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