Keywords: visual stimulation, tactile stimulation, active reach and grasp, scoop and pour, pincer grasp
Materials: ziplock bags, goldfish snacks, mini marshmallows, clothespins or long hair clips, markers, pipecleaner and googly eyes optional
Directions: Decorate the clothespins or hair clips with markers, glue on or draw googly eyes. Have clients help fill the ziplock bag half full with goldfish (keep the snacks separate for different textures). Push out all the air and zip it up. Push the snacks to two sides in the bag (leave room in the middle to clip the clothespin) and clip the clothespin or hair clip down. If using a pipecleaner, curl it up in a U shape for the antenna and clip it on. Have clients feel the difference in textures, grasping onto the wings.
This activity brings some color and texture for our clients. It is a cute spring activity and though many of our clients are unable to eat, they can enjoy listening to the crunching sounds of the goldfish being crushed, and feel the fluffiness of the marshmallows. It gives them opportunities for actively reaching and releasing items by placing them into a plastic bag, and encouraging pincer grasp to open and close the clothespin.
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