Making brownies could be a complete OT session while at home. The steps below describe what the child is working on while helping to bake. 1) Reading the directions. This is likely done by the adult, but then the child can get together all of the ingredients which requires sequencing of the steps and working memory. 2) Completing the first step. In our case it was to cut open the bag and pour it into the bowl. This was a difficult task for my five year old. Many five year olds are still understanding how to open the scissors all the way and putting what is being cut at the back of the blade. They also have to hold the bag with their other hand and grip the bag correctly to hold it tight while they cut. This involves bilateral integration skills (using both hands together in a coordinated manner). It also involves grip and developing the arches of the hand (the inner part of your hand between the thumb and first finger) when holding the bag at the top. 3) Cracking the eggs....OMG. Good luck. Just kidding, I do have more to say. The child has to use the correct force to crack the egg just enough to get it in the bowl without the shell or at least without the egg exploding everywhere. This takes practice again, and again, and again. Adults that have been cracking eggs for many years have the motor planning to do it without thinking. Our children need alot of practice to become good at it. Which means more clean up for us parents. 4) Pouring the oil. Again, using both hands in a coordinated manner come in as we have to hold the measuring cup and use shoulder and hand muscles to hold the container and then sensory processing to pour at the correct rate as to not overflow the measuring cup. 5) Stirring. I usually have to direct students and my two younger kids so they hold the bowl with one hand and stir with the other. This takes more shoulder and core strength then you might think for a young child. If your child just can't seem to do it, provide a little hand over hand assistance. With the hand over hand guidance, they can feel successful, and their body learns the motor planning of what it should feel like. 6) With pouring into the baking dish, I typically do that to avoid a potential mess when my child or a student put so much work into the activity. 7) An adult putting the brownies into and out of the oven is for safety purposes. Please don't let your child practice this part until they are older and you know that they are able to practice safety precautions. 8) Dishes! Don't forget to have your child help with the dishes. It involves bilateral coordination, general fine motor skills, and water as a sensory component. Plus, it's starting good habits for your child to take responsibility for his/her own plate after mealtimes. The reward for the hard work is a great dessert that your child knows they helped to make. They are not even aware of all the skills that were involved while doing it! Brownies and a functional activity for a child - sounds like a win win to me :) LeAnn
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AuthorLeAnn Wald Archives
May 2020
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