Are you looking for Halloween-themed activities that are perfect for either teletherapy on in-person sessions with parents, therapists, or teachers? Try these directed draws!
Directed drawing is a scaffolded activity that is ideal for addressing fine motor coordination, visual motor skill, and executive function (in particular working memory). If a child struggles with drawing, then mastering even a simple picture can feel like a success. Among children with autism, directed drawing offers an opportunity to practice social reciprocity, a back and forth social interaction. Research suggests that turn-taking activities promote social interaction with this population.
In this FREE resource, there are 4 Halloween themed directed draws:
1- Draw a Spider
2- Draw Candy
3- Draw a Cauldron
4- Draw a Jack-o'-Lantern
Each of these drawings start with a single large circle. I recommend that while doing these drawings, you incorporate working on bilateral integration . . . Here's how:
Look around for a circle shape. At school you can use any circular shape such as a pencil holder/canister. If you are doing teletherapy, have the child look around their kitchen and use a small or large can or other circular items, such as the cap of a water bottle. Now, the child places the circular shape on paper and traces it to make the circle shape. This is tricky for kids, but it's a wonderful activity that kids usually enjoy - plus it requires body awareness and motor planning.
You can also make these fun Halloween directed draws in whipped cream, hot chocolate, sand, or shaving cream. This presents a tactile sensory element to the activity which can also be very motivating for kids!
Click this link to download your FREE Halloween Directed Drawing PDF!
As always, feel welcome to touch base with me, Dr. Lisa Marnell, OT, by e-mail at KidsMasterSkills@gmail.com I would love to hear about your successes, your struggles, and any questions or comments you have!
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