Starfish Therapies

A pediatric therapy company operating in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We provide physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy services in the most beneficial and convenient setting for you and your child, including our clinic, currently located in Burlingame, your home, school or daycare.

  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • FAQ
  • Our Services
    • Motor Smart Kids
    • Continuing Education
    • FREE Resources
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Corona Virus (Covid-19) Response / Move to Telehealth

Velcro Blocks

February 23, 2012 by Stacy Menz

Recently one of our OT’s added velcro strips to oversize blocks for one of the kiddos she was working with.  I thought it was such a great idea that I asked her about it and here is the information I got from her!

The velcro blocks are great for working with kids on:

Visual Motor/Eye-Hand Concerns – When kids are unable to line up blocks correctly due to visual concerns the velcro can assist the child with being more successful in the session.  The blocks will stick together and remain stacked even if they are not centered perfectly.

Modulation and Proprioceptive Difficulties:  The kids that are unable to modulate or regulate the amount of force they use often times end up pushing the blocks right off of the others.  With the velcro they have a chance for success because it will prevent them from pushing them off.

In addition, its a good progression to get the kids interested in stacking and feeling successful before moving back to stacking regular blocks.  They begin to grasp the concept so they can build on their success!

For kids that have challenges stacking, larger/heavier blocks are harder to stack in a tower because they are more likely to tumble if not lined up properly.  By adding the velcro you provide reinforcement to the skill of stacking.  Kids can usually only get 4-5 before it falls over without the velcro as they are learning this skill.  Smaller blocks are lighter and will most likely stack higher although there is less surface area for the tower to stack with.  If kids are having a really big challenge, another option is covering the full surface of the block instead of just a strip may assist in better stacking.

One final option is that the velcro blocks can work as a train.  If you have surfaces that are not covered in velcro, they will slide along the floor easily, so have the velcro pieces stick together and create an imaginary train along a path for improved imaginary play!

What else have you used block and/or velcro for?

Related

Filed Under: Developmental Milestones Tagged With: education, fine motor development, games, imagination, kids, moms, motor planning, Motor Smart Kids, occupational therapy, playing, Starfish Therapies, toys

Search

Subscribe To Our Emails

Subscribe and receive access to our FREE products, incredible list of pdfs, websites, readings, and many other useful recommendations!

Primary Programs

  • Motor Smart Kids
    • Free Play
    • Kids Action Hour
    • Yoga for Kids of All Abilities
    • Functional Movement Screen
    • Video Running Analysis
    • Youth Sports Injury Prevention
    • Concussion Screening and Management
  • Continuing Education
    • PNF 1: Introduction to PNF
    • PNF 2: Accessing the Trunk
    • Strength Training in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • Resources
    • Telehealth
    • Informational Handouts
    • Useful Websites
    • Recommended Readings
    • Helpful Products
    • Blogs to Follow
    • Favorite Therapy Products at amazon.com

What Clients Are Saying

We have been working with Starfish Therapies over the last year, and my four year-old has made incredible progress in her gross motor development. Stacy has an amazing ability to work with children. She uses her energy, humor and creativity to make children laugh and play, and at the same time work very hard.”

Recent Blog Posts

  • Occupational Therapy Round-Up
  • Should I Be Concerned?
  • Dr. Seuss Books and Activities
  • More Ideas for Catching
  • Book Inspired Activities

Disclaimers

  • Full Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • HIPAA Patient Notice
  • Accessibility Statement

Search

Patient Resources

  • New Patient Intake Forms
  • Starfish Resources
  • Our Services

Clinical Resources

  • Career Opportunties
  • Continuing Education

Contact

  (650) 638-9142
  (650) 638-9141
  admin@starfishtherapies.com

Join Our Online Community

Location

BURLINGAME
  1541 Old Bayshore Highway
  Burlingame, CA 94010

© Copyright 2023 Starfish Therapies · All Rights Reserved · Powered by babaLucas

 

Loading Comments...