This activity has been revised and was originally created by Monica Allon and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
This is a great activity for working on fine motor skills. Students can practice the two-fingered “pincer grasp,” crossing the midline of the body, and releasing objects with fingers. Lessons include Orientation and Mobility and Early Cognitive Skills.
Empty egg carton, beads of varying sizes, tin can
- Have the student sit comfortably at a table.
- Place an empty egg carton at her left side.
- Fill each empty egg holder with a bead.
- Instruct the student (verbally or by guiding her hands) to remove each bead one at a time, with her right hand. The student should use her thumb and index finger to remove the beads.
- Tell the student to place the bead into a tin can which is on her right side. This will require her to move the bead from one side of her body to the other. The tin can is motivating because it provides a sound when the bead is dropped.
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After all the beads are removed, reverse the directions (e.g. egg carton on right-hand side, tin can on left, student removes beads with the left hand).
Use any small objects to fill up the egg cartons.
Hint: Make sure the student does not place small items in her mouth.
