When I have young patients who are starting to show interest in pretend play, I always send them home with a dump truck. I have a hard time leaving one unpurchased at the thrift store. So, dump trucks seemed the natural start for a discussion of adapted play. So many big play possibilities with just a little movement! Dump trucks can be pushed in a variety of positions, sitting, side lying, standing. A little push can send the truck to Grandma's house or Old MacDonald's farm. If a little hand can reach the truck bed, the dumping out is easy. Any type of dump truck will do but these plastic Fisher Price trucks don't have sharp edges and have music or sound effects when dumped out or when the driver is pushed down. I usually glue the little people into the truck so they become a button to push to play the sound. My favorites are the older ones where the driver is easy to reach. The thrift store is not just less expensive, it offers a chance at discontinued toys. No matter which truck you find, remember your imagination will help your child's imagination grow!
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I am an occupational therapist with over 30 years of pediatric experience. I currently work predominantly with children who have cerebral palsy and other neuromotor difficulties. I love to help children who have the most challenging bodies participate in their world, especially through play. I scour local thrift stores to find toys that provide a lot of fun without a lot of hand skills or can be easily (and cheaply) modified for that purpose. Archives
November 2023
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