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Children learn through play. As an occupational therapist who works with children and youth, I use games and toys almost every day to help develop important cognitive, visual perceptual, motor, sensory, social, play and leisure skills. While many different types of activities can be used in therapy, this blog focuses on off-the-shelf games and toys that are accessible to most. Whether you are a therapist, parent, teacher, or a game lover like me, I hope you discover something useful while you are here. Learn a different way to play a game you already own or discover a new game for your next family game night. Either way, just go play. It's good for you!

The OT Magazine named The Playful Otter one of the Top 5 Pediatric OT Blogs.


Jun 17, 2016

Lauri Tall Stacker Number Express

Tall Stacker Number Express

Clear the tracks for this 5-car, stacking peg train. The five cars are made of a bumpy, rubbery-type material, are numbered 1-5 and each number is removable. There are also holes for pegs that match the number on the car. For instance, the #5 car has five holes for pegs, the number four has four holes, and so on. Count the pegs out loud as you put them in the car to reinforce. Pegs can also be stacked on top of each other as you count out the number. If you leave the pegs out you can also hinge the cars together so the train can stand (see image above). Each car is about 4" wide. 

If you would like to read more about peg board activities, check out my post What's in Your Therapy Box? Peg Board Edition.

Try this:
  • Take all the numbers out of the train cars. Place them on the table in front of the individual. Give them one car at a time and ask him to find the matching number. Placing the number in the car will reduce the options for each car after it.
  • Give the individual one car at a time and call each peg color that you would like the individual to use as he fills the car.
  • Stack two or more pegs. Show them to the individual and ask him to remember the colors and order. Verbally say the colors several times. Hide the pegs and ask him to make the same stack in the same sequence. Bring the stack back out and check his against yours. See how high of a stack he can remember.
  • Put a peg upside-down in the individual's hand for placement in a train car. Ask him to turn the peg in-hand without setting it down to get it right-side-up.
  • Place the train cars out of order on the table top and ask him to make a train with the number in order.
  • Take the numbers out of the cars. Place them upside down on the table and ask him to match each number to its car. Can he recognize them while they are upside down?
  • Take the number our of each car and trace the hole with your finger as you work on each number. 
  • Stand the pegs upside-down on the table top. Ask the individual to pick up each peg and turn it in-hand before using it.
  • Make a stack of several pegs. Ask the individual to make a stack of colors just like yours.
  • Work on visual discrimination, eye-hand coordination, visual memory, manual dexterity, in-hand manipulation, coordinated use of both hands, sequencing, counting to 5, color recognition, number recognition, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation
In the box: 18 plastic pegs, 5 2-piece rubber train car puzzles

If you are interested in purchasing this game or just want more information, click on the image below. 

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